Duàn Lìpíng’s face was grim. Gritting her teeth, she asked, “Then how did you get back?”
“I just flipped the table. Who wants to talk to someone like her? It’s a waste of breath,” Sun Xiaowan pouted.
This time, even Duàn Lìpíng felt Sun Xiaowan had done the right thing.
Although her family wasn’t wealthy or powerful, she had been doted on by her parents since childhood.
How could she endure such indignity?
“What about Sòng Jǐngtáng? What did he say?” Chéng Yòu asked.
“He did scold his mother, but then he chased after me and blamed me for being too impulsive, saying I shouldn't have flipped the table.”
Sun Xiaowan was someone who cut ties decisively. Her affection for Sòng Jǐngtáng was real, but her disgust for his mother was even more so.
It was better to end it now than to be dragged into endless disputes after marriage.
Chéng Yòu didn’t know what else to say, other than to offer her unconditional support to Sun Xiaowan.
“If it’s over, it’s over. I’ll introduce you to someone better if I know anyone.”
After talking to them, Sun Xiaowan felt much better, linking arms with Chéng Yòu and smiling cheerfully.
“I knew you guys were the best to me.”
Duàn Lìpíng asked, “Hasn’t Sòng Jǐngtáng come looking for you again?”
“He did, he looked for me every day before, but he hasn’t shown up since yesterday.”
Sun Xiaowan didn't bother to inquire. Since it was over, she wanted it to be completely over.
Chéng Yòu squeezed her hand, “No matter how good Sòng Jǐngtáng is, he can’t stand his parents. If he had his own career and income, and could distance himself from his family, then maybe it would be understandable.”
As he was now, he was clearly unable to break free from his family, both emotionally and financially.
If Sun Xiaowan was already suffering so much, it would be even worse after marriage.
A short pain was better than a long one.
Sun Xiaowan fell silent, sadness replacing her anger.
She truly liked Sòng Jǐngtáng, her affection for him no less than Chéng Yòu’s for Qī Chéngyàn.
Breaking up was like tearing flesh from bone.
After finishing their meal, the three of them walked around the vicinity before returning in the evening.
When Chéng Yòu arrived home, Qī Chéngyàn was already back and had prepared a table full of dishes.
During their casual conversation, she mentioned the matter between Sun Xiaowan and Sòng Jǐngtáng.
Qī Chéngyàn wasn’t surprised.
This was expected.
The words spoken by Sòng Jǐngtáng’s mother must have been discussed with Uncle Sòng beforehand.
It was just that his mother was the one to deliver the harsh words.
The disdain for social status existed throughout the Sòng family.
Just as it did with Qī Shèngwén.
He didn't mention it, out of pride, not because he was satisfied with a daughter-in-law from the countryside.
Chéng Yòu sighed, “I don’t know if I should consider myself lucky or unlucky.”
“What do you mean?”
Chéng Yòu looked at him, “Your relationship with your family is strained, which is why you can disregard their opinions and stand firmly on my side. However, in my heart, I truly don’t want you to have a bad relationship with your family.”
Because that would mean Qī Chéngyàn hadn't received enough parental affection, and had an unhappy childhood.
Qī Chéngyàn gently embraced her and whispered, “Of course it’s luck, because you’ve filled the void in my life.”
Compared to the fortune of having Chéng Yòu, the misfortune of not being loved by his parents was insignificant, so small that he could ignore it.
Chéng Yòu pouted playfully, “What am I going to do, Qī Chéngyàn? I like you even more now.”
He flicked her nose, “You can like me even more. Let’s eat.”
After they finished talking, Duàn Lìpíng discreetly came in to join them for dinner.
Staying at Chéng Yòu’s place was indeed very comfortable. She had never slept in such a large bed by herself before.
But one drawback was that she always felt like a third wheel.
“Chéng Yòu, I start school tomorrow. I can get there myself. I’ll take my things to the dormitory. Let me know when your general store opens.”
The school provided a subsidy, but it was barely enough for her living expenses.
Earning some money in her spare time would be a good backup.
Chéng Yòu smiled and nodded, not insisting.
“Then be careful on your way. Once military training is over, I’ll find you to have dinner. Come find me if anything happens, don’t be a stranger.”
Duàn Lìpíng hummed, “Don’t worry.”
Given her personality, she rarely clashed with people. Chéng Yòu trusted her completely.
…
The next morning, as soon as Chéng Yòu got out of bed, Duàn Lìpíng had already packed her things and was ready to leave.
“Lìpíng, be careful on your way.”
Duàn Lìpíng turned and hugged her, “Chéng Yòu, thank you so much. If it weren't for you, I would have been homeless these past few days.”
Chéng Yòu smiled and patted her back, “It’s not that bad, it’s not that bad. We’re good friends, we’re supposed to help each other. Go on, go early so you can get a good spot in the dormitory.”
“Okay, I’m leaving then?”
Watching Duàn Lìpíng disappear through the doorway, Chéng Yòu felt a sudden sense of melancholy.
It still felt like a parting of ways.
“Oh right, I still haven’t asked what you did yesterday.”
She hadn’t asked during dinner yesterday, and then it slipped her mind as they were washing up and going to bed.
Qī Chéngyàn paused, then finished brushing his teeth, rinsed his mouth, and wiped his face with a towel.
“Yòuyòu, if I said… I want to go back to the military, what do you think?”
Chéng Yòu’s eyes sparkled, looking at him expectantly.
“Did someone from the military come to look for you?”
Qī Chéngyàn fell silent, “You could say that.”
On the contrary, he had gone to find people from the military.
He wanted to return and be a man who could shield Chéng Yòu from the storms of life.
Not be like a coward, always hiding behind her.
Of course, he enjoyed cooking for Chéng Yòu and taking care of her daily life.
But that felt too powerless. When faced with trouble, he couldn't be her sanctuary.
Chéng Yòu hugged his waist, hopping with joy.
“What position is it, is it the same as before?”
“No position.”
Starting from scratch.
Chéng Yòu’s smile gradually faded. That meant starting from the grassroots, struggling his way up, erasing all his past achievements.
She didn’t necessarily want Qī Chéngyàn to bring glory to her name, she just felt it was unfair and that he was being wronged.
“Silly girl, don’t you trust me? Those accomplishments, I earned them once, and I can earn them again.”
Someday, he would climb back up.
Chéng Yòu sniffled, feeling more wronged than him, her forehead resting against his chest.
“I believe you.”
But that place, there were plenty of people waiting to laugh at him.
“When do you report back?”
Qī Chéngyàn said gravely, “Tomorrow.”
“So soon?”
Chéng Yòu pouted, her face displeased.
“Can I go with you?”
“Probably not.”
Family members were not allowed during the reporting process.
Moreover, he would be starting from zero inside, without the eligibility for family to accompany him.
“Yòuyòu, do you want me to ask Duàn Lìpíng to come back and stay with you?”
He was actually worried about Chéng Yòu living alone.
Chéng Yòu shook her head, “I will be very busy during this period, so I don’t need company. If possible, just call home occasionally to let me know you’re doing alright.”