After those semiconductor experts visited the leading semiconductor enterprise's integrated circuit production line in Country H, they were greatly shocked.
Upon returning to China, they reported to the government and began applying for more policy support.
When Cen Huai'an received notification from Professor Liu, the new national secret project had already started. After receiving the project notice, Professor Liu began preparing to apply for participation in this project.
Not everyone qualified to join this project; projects supported by the government would undoubtedly receive a substantial amount of funds and preferential policies.
So, as long as one could secure a spot in this project, there would be no need to worry about insufficient funds for future research.
Research on semiconductor chips ultimately requires substantial financial investment. Without enough funds, one wouldn't even be able to afford the materials for experiments, let alone conduct meaningful research.
Professor Liu was among the top researchers in semiconductor studies in the capital, and the school supported most of his research. Various funds allocated from above were prioritized for him.
However, there were still moments when Professor Liu faced financial constraints. He actively sought outside investments and collaborated with semiconductor companies he established.
The new national project presented another opportunity.
Professor Liu assigned an important task to Cen Huai'an and his senior – to draft the project proposal. This proposal would be showcased to everyone at the application conference.
If one's abilities were not outstanding, or if their conditions were inadequate, and the proposal was poorly crafted, their application for the project would likely be rejected outright.
As the main responsible individuals, Professor Liu told them, "You can use the resources of the lab and I will provide you with templates and various advantages of our lab. Your main responsibility is to integrate and select the best elements to highlight."
Professor Liu handed over a lifetime of achievements, various awards he had received, and data from various projects he had participated in to Cen Huai'an and his senior.
Looking at the extensive room full of documents, Cen Huai'an already had a premonition that he would be even busier in the days to come.
The senior 's name was Zhao Xuebing. Holding the application template with various sections that needed to be organized, she pointed to the table of contents and asked Cen Huai'an directly, "We each take half. Which sections do you want to work on?"
Zhao Xuebing had already recognized Cen Huai'an's capabilities. She knew that Cen Huai'an could excel in any task given to him.
Cen Huai'an glanced at the different sections; the workload was about the same, and he didn't mind which part he took on. "I can do any part; you go ahead and choose."
"Alright, I'll handle the first half, and you can take care of the second half. If you have any objections, bring them up now. Once we start working, I won't entertain any changes," Zhao Xuebing stated bluntly.
Her straightforward manner made it clear that altering tasks later would be troublesome.
"I have no objections; let's proceed this way."
After dividing the tasks, the two got busy. Professor Liu had mentioned they could enlist the help of people in the lab, so Zhao Xuebing immediately sought assistance from junior colleagues.
Cen Huai'an understood the attitude of the lab members towards him. Due to his young age and rapid advancement under the professor's guidance, many in the lab harbored resentment towards him.
Wang Lifu, in particular, was a typical example. If Cen Huai'an asked for their help, most would refuse, and even if someone agreed, they might intentionally create obstacles during the work.
Therefore, for the project proposal assigned by the professor, Cen Huai'an decided to handle it himself.
He was willing to put in the extra effort, and the workload was still within his capacity.
However, it meant sacrificing more of Cen Huai'an's personal time.
After completing his daily classes, Cen Huai'an would head to the lab's archives room, reviewing various materials and organizing the sections he was responsible for.
Every day, he worked in the lab until the latest hours, returning to the dorm when the lights were already out.
The next day, Cen Huai'an was again the earliest to rise.
Professor Liu, busy with the project application, hurried in and out of the lab, paying little attention to the minor disputes among the students below.
Cen Huai'an was not someone who liked to complain.
Tonight, Cen Huai'an finally completed the planned work for the day. Glancing at his watch, it was almost 1 AM, and the dormitory doors were likely already locked.
Everyone else in the lab had left, and the professor, busy with classes and other commitments, hadn't come to the lab in the evening.
Earlier, Cen Huai'an had brought a set of bedding from home and placed it in the lab, preparing for the possibility of working too late to return to the dorms.
Not planning to leave yet, he opened his personal locker in the lab, cleared off a table, spread the bedding, and intended to make do for the night.
Just as Cen Huai'an finished arranging the bed, he heard a knock on the door. He furrowed his brow.
The corridor lights outside were all off at this point. Besides the knocking, Cen Huai'an didn't hear any other sounds.
"Who is it?" Cen Huai'an asked cautiously, his tone a bit cold.
"It's me, junior. Is the door locked?"
The person outside was Li Shi. Cen Huai'an relaxed his tight expression. "The door isn't locked. Come in."
"Junior, you're really smart, thinking ahead to bring bedding to the lab."
The weather had turned colder by now, well into the new semester. Everyone was wearing jackets, as going outside without them would be unbearable in the cold.
Looking at Cen Huai'an's bedding and considering his current situation, Li Shi suddenly felt quite down.
"Junior, do you also think I'm useless, like the others do?"
Adjusting his pillow, Cen Huai'an rested his hand on the table and sat on the desk with the bedding spread out.
"I don't think so. Why do you have such thoughts about yourself?"
Li Shi sat in a chair, leaning back with a despondent expression. "Today, the tasks assigned by Senior Zhao were quickly completed by everyone except me. After finally finishing everything, I hurried to the dorm, but it was already locked. I thought about asking the dormitory supervisor to open it for me, but I was afraid it was too late and might disturb her."
He could only return to the lab with a defeated attitude, thinking of making do for the night there.
However, the lab at night was too cold. Sitting there, he couldn't stand the chill for long. He got up and wandered around the lab, hoping to find a warmer place. That's when he saw the light still on in the room where Cen Huai'an was.
Upon entering, Li Shi felt even more defeated. He had never considered things comprehensively. Despite the possibility of not being able to return to the dorm, he hadn't thought to bring a clean set of bedding like Cen Huai'an did.
Cen Huai'an hit the nail on the head. "Senior, the reason you worked so late is because you did tasks that weren't your responsibility."
An anxious expression flashed across Li Shi's face, and he gestured as if to explain something, but nothing coherent came out.
"Junior, how do you know everything?"
Cen Huai'an was both smart and capable. The professor valued him, and those in the lab didn't dare to bully him. Li Shi really wanted to be someone like Cen Huai'an—not just smart and valued by the professor but also brave enough to refuse others and unafraid of being hindered by them.
"Because I understand your personality and the personalities of others in the lab."
This wasn't just the case in this particular lab; it was the same everywhere. People tend to take advantage of those who are kind.
People tend to take advantage of those who are easygoing. Others won't think of you as accommodating or kind; instead, they'll see you as easy to exploit. They'll push you to help without expressing gratitude, making you feel obliged to assist them.
Cen Huai'an had shown from the beginning that he wasn't easy to manipulate, and the senior students recognized that he wasn't someone to mess with.
Especially after the incident with Wang Lifu. That made them hesitate to target Cen Huai'an.
Li Shi knew that what Cen Huai'an said was true, but his personality had been like this from childhood to adulthood, and it was difficult to change in the short term. That's why he felt even more despondent.
"Do you want to change the current situation?"
Cen Huai'an asked, looking at Li Shi. His gaze seemed to pierce through his heart, causing Li Shi to stiffen and quickly lower his head. He felt as if Cen Huai'an had seen through his inner thoughts, which made him panic.
"I... I..."
Cen Huai'an didn't say anything more and didn't try to persuade Li Shi.
Because if he himself didn't want to change, others couldn't help him.
Cen Huai'an yawned and said, "If Senior can't decide now, take a few more days to think about it. I'm going to sleep."
He had work the next day, and Cen Huai'an didn't have much time to comfort Li Shi.
Seeing that Cen Huai'an was about to sleep, Li Shi became even more anxious. "Junior!"
He grabbed Cen Huai'an's arm. "I want to change!"
Cen Huai'an stared into his eyes. "Are you sure?"
Li Shi gritted his teeth, as if making a significant decision, and nodded firmly. "I'm sure. Junior, do you have a way to help me get out of this situation?"
Cen Huai'an replied, "I can offer my help, but the condition is that you can hold your ground and refuse anyone who asks for your help."
Li Shi's body stiffened again. He couldn't guarantee that he could do that.
"Junior, I..."
"At the beginning, I'll help you, but in the end, you have to learn to say no yourself."
Because initially, Li Shi helped Cen Huai'an. Without Li Shi guiding Cen Huai'an to familiarize himself with the instruments and the lab, Cen Huai'an would have spent more time learning.
Cen Huai'an believed in repaying both grievances and kindness. Since Li Shi helped him, he was willing to extend a helping hand to Li Shi as well.
Provided that Li Shi could stand on his own.
After saying this, Cen Huai'an took off his coat, slipped into the bed, and prepared to sleep. He added, "There's another blanket in the cabinet; you can use it."
Worried that Cen Huai'an might feel cold considering the possibility of insufficient bedding in the lab for those who slept there, Chu Xia had prepared two very thick blankets, suitable for winter use.
Li Shi lay in the warm blanket, tears streaming down his face. He felt incredibly fortunate to know Cen Huai'an, who not only didn't despise him for being slow but also helped him.
The next day, Cen Huai'an brought Li Shi to Zhao Xuebing. Li Shi wore a puzzled expression and a hint of fear toward Zhao Xuebing.
In the entire lab, Zhao Xuebing was highly respected, second only to Professor Liu.
"Sister Zhao, I want to ask you for someone."
"Who?" Zhao Xuebing didn't even lift her head, asking in a cold voice.
"Li Shi."
Hearing the conversation between Cen Huai'an and Zhao Xuebing, Li Shi's heart nearly stopped.
Everyone knew that Zhao Xuebing had a bad temper and wouldn't give you any face if you didn't perform well.
Moreover, she was capable, and many people in the lab needed her assistance. Consequently, no one dared to offend her, and nobody had ever dared to ask her for favors directly.
"Li Shi? Average ability."
Zhao Xuebing raised her eyes to glance at Li Shi. Her face remained expressionless, but Li Shi could sense the disdain from Zhao Xuebing.
"He works diligently."
Zhao Xuebing nodded, "That's true. If you want him, take him."
She said it indifferently, then lowered her head to continue organizing her own materials.
Cen Huai'an thanked Zhao Xuebing and returned with Li Shi to his own nearby workspace.
"Now, you'll follow me to organize the tasks assigned by the professor. You don't need to worry about the work with Senior Sister."
"But..."
Cen Huai'an asserted, "No buts. Senior Sister has already agreed that you'll be with me now. You don't need to concern yourself with anything else."
Li Shi still seemed uneasy, and Cen Huai'an directly said, "If you want to go back, you can do it now. From now on, you don't have to report anything to me."
Upon hearing this, memories of the mistreatment Li Shi faced in the lab resurfaced in his mind. It wasn't just physical actions; it was also verbal degradation, giving him all the menial tasks and then mocking him as a fool, various forms of oppression.
These were the things that caused Li Shi's mental breakdown.
His gaze regained determination. "Junior, I'll follow your lead."
Cen Huai'an's eyes showed a hint of a smile as he assigned today's tasks to Li Shi.
Li Shi received the tasks assigned to him and couldn't believe it. "Junior, is this all I have to do today? Isn't it a bit too little?"
Usually, he did more than twice as much work as he was given now.
"It's not little. Just start with these."Cen Huai'an didn't explain much, only telling Li Shi that he was helping him with the professor's work, and he didn't need to worry about other people's tasks.
"If you can't refuse, let them come to me."
Upon hearing this, Li Shi was deeply moved. This was the first time he felt the care of classmates in the lab.
He quickly buried himself in his work, determined not to disappoint his junior's trust.
While Li Shi was researching and organizing materials, others indeed approached him for help.
He looked at the approaching person with difficulty, his voice weak as he said, "I... I have other tasks."
"This task is requested by Senior Zhao, and it's more important. I can't finish it alone. Please help me out. Otherwise, when Sister Zhao gets angry later, all of us will suffer."
"But I..."
"Junior, the old you wouldn't turn a blind eye to someone in need like this. What happened to you..."
"Didn't you hear him say he has his own tasks?" Cen Huai'an suddenly interrupted the girl's words.
"I was talking to Junior Li; it has nothing to do with you."
Cen Huai'an stood up, and his height and imposing manner made the girl involuntarily take a step back. "Are you... are you going to hit someone? If you dare to hit me, the professor will directly kick you out!"
Cen Huai'an completely ignored him and pulled Li Shi over, saying, "Senior, focus on your work."
"Hey!"
Cen Huai'an stopped the girl, saying, "Right now, Senior Li Shi is helping me organize materials."
"Senior Zhao..."
"She's aware."
The girl had nothing more to say. She didn't dare to confront Cen Huai'an and was also afraid to challenge Zhao Xuebing. She glared at Li Shi with resentment and walked away.
Li Shi watched the girl walk away with a sudden sense of relief, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders.
"Junior, thank you."
Cen Huai'an replied, "Just do your work."
Li Shi nodded vigorously, working even more diligently.
Later, when others came to find Li Shi, Cen Huai'an blocked them.
Someone went to Zhao Xuebing to complain, saying that without Li Shi, they couldn't finish their work and asked Zhao Xuebing to bring Li Shi back.
Someone even slyly added fuel to the fire, "Sister, Junior Cen is openly challenging you. Clearly, he doesn't respect anyone! If you ask me, you should give him a lesson, so he won't be so arrogant."
Zhao Xuebing suddenly looked up at that person. "Who's arrogant?"
"Cen Huai'an. Look at how he behaves in the lab. He doesn't respect anyone..."
"Those without ability are the ones who think he's arrogant. If you feel unable to finish the work, I can request the professor to let you leave the lab."
Zhao Xuebing said. Disliking interpersonal relationships didn't mean she was naive.
The guy's face turned pale at these words, hastily looking at Zhao Xuebing's expression. He realized she was speaking seriously with an icy gaze.
He immediately shook his head, repeatedly admitting his mistake, "Senior, I didn't mean that. I can finish the work. Please disregard what I said earlier."
Zhao Xuebing remained silent, and the guy quickly left, not daring to stir up trouble again.
At lunchtime, Zhao Xuebing sat across from Cen Huai'an. "You've offended quite a few people in the lab."
Cen Huai'an glanced at her and nodded.
Zhao Xuebing said, "Geniuses attract jealousy."
Cen Huai'an replied, "Those people aren't worth worrying about."
He never took those people seriously; they were just a bunch of clowns.
Zhao Xuebing nodded, "You're good."
She was considering whether to offer help, after all, she was the only one in the lab she felt she could look for scientific research.
Now Cen Huai'an seemed to have his own ideas and didn't need assistance.
Within the stipulated time, both Cen Huai'an and Zhao Xuebing completed their work and compiled a project proposal.
Cen Huai'an finished earlier than Zhao Xuebing, as he had help from Li Shi, which saved him a lot of time and made the task less strenuous.
Professor Liu flipped through the application, becoming more satisfied as he read, "Very good."
Next, Cen Huai'an and Zhao Xuebing returned to their normal research work, waiting for the day of the project application.
The remaining parts of the application that needed to be done were handled by Professor Liu himself, and neither Cen Huai'an nor Zhao Xuebing had been involved in those sections.
On the day of the application, Professor Liu only took Cen Huai'an and Zhao Xuebing with him. The two collaborated with Professor Liu's explanations and successfully submitted a well-prepared proposal.
As for whether they would be granted the project, it depended on the leaders who made the decisions and their assessment of the competitiveness of the application.
The subsequent steps were beyond the influence of Cen Huai'an and his colleagues. Cen Huai'an focused on new research in the laboratory.
***
"Huai'an."
Cen Huai'an, having finished his meal, was riding his bicycle back to the laboratory when he heard a familiar voice.
"Tang Song."
Cen Huai'an propped up his bike with one foot and waited for Tang Song to approach.
Looking at Tang Song, he inquired with his eyes.
"Do you have any news on Zhang Lu?"
Cen Huai'an shook his head, "She's currently at the military academy, and communication is inconvenient during tasks or training."
As they were all friends, Tang Song had a good relationship with Cen Huai'an, and he explained a few more details.
Tang Song frowned, a worried expression on his face.
"I haven't received a reply from her for several months."
"Same here."
Cen Huai'an replied, watching him, waiting for him to continue.
Tang Song opened his mouth and shook his head, "I see."
It seemed that he wasn't the only one without news about Zhang Lu, and that reassured him.
When Tang Song couldn't receive any letters from Zhang Lu before, he was very worried that she might be intentionally avoiding him.
He hesitated for a long time, fearing that the answer he would get from Cen Huai'an would be something he couldn't accept. Thus, he delayed seeking out Cen Huai'an.
However, as time passed, Tang Song became increasingly restless, and his heart grew heavier.
After much contemplation and mental preparation, he finally decided that even if the news was unfavorable, he would accept it as long as he could get information about Zhang Lu.
Now that the result was positive, Tang Song didn't dare to ask for more.
Cen Huai'an watched Tang Song's departing figure, his eyes revealing a pensive expression.
However, he didn't dwell on it too much and quickly got on his bike to attend to his own affairs..
When winter break arrived, there was still no news about the project application.
Professor Liu sighed every day in the lab, creating a somber atmosphere. Everyone was very cautious in their work.
Until the results were announced, anything could happen.
Professor Liu, feeling uneasy, started questioning Cen Huai'an, "Did we make any mistakes when we presented the project report?"
Cen Huai'an handed over the latest experimental report to Professor Liu, speaking calmly, "No mistakes."
"Then why haven't we received any news? Have other labs already been notified?"
Cen Huai'an pointed to the report, "Professor, take a look at this."
The notification about the application was not something they could decide.
Professor Liu looked at him and suddenly burst into laughter, "Huai'an, your temperament is truly stable. You, a child, is even better than me, at this old age, in maintaining composure. Well, we've experienced failures before, and we've weathered all kinds of storms. Even if we fail this time, it's not a big deal."
Professor Liu's attitude suddenly improved, and he focused on reviewing the materials presented by Cen Huai'an.
As the lab was about to go on break, news about the project finally arrived, and Professor Liu's application was approved.
Upon receiving the notification, Professor Liu was overjoyed, his face lighting up like a flower. He stood up and loudly declared to everyone in the lab, "Today, the teacher is happy! I'll treat you all to a meal!"
"Oh~ Oh~ Oh~"
"Long live the teacher!"
"Teacher, you are the best teacher in the world!"
Cheers erupted in the lab, and everyone excitedly discussed where to eat.
Some suggested Peking duck, the most famous dish in the capital, while others felt tired of it and proposed trying a different renowned restaurant.
Opinions were varied, and the atmosphere was lively, with everyone eager to get to the chosen restaurant.
However, at lunchtime, the professor led them to the cafeteria.
"What do you want to eat? Choose whatever you like; my treat!"
"Teacher, what's good in the cafeteria?"
"Yeah, we're tired of the food here."
"We want to eat outside."
Professor Liu firmly stated, "Leaders have said that frugality is a traditional virtue. Our lab will need a lot of money for the upcoming work, so please save some for the teacher. Moreover, what's wrong with the cafeteria food? Our school has opened so many delicious windows. We can even order expensive dishes today that we couldn't afford before."
In fact, everyone just wanted to go out for a meal, and the atmosphere at Jinghua University cafeteria was good. As Professor Liu mentioned, there were many gourmet options beyond the typical cafeteria fare.
Cen Huai'an was the first to place an order, choosing sweet and sour pork. Li Shi and Zhao Xuebing followed suit, and others quickly made their selections.
The meal brought everyone a lot of joy.
With the project approval, everyone would soon be busy, but it was already the holiday season, and the professor couldn't keep Cen Huai'an and the others from taking a break.
Therefore, all members of the lab were allowed to go home for the Chinese New Year, and they would resume their research after the holiday.
Cen Huai'an could finally rest at home.
Chu Xia asked him, "Will it be as busy next semester?"
Cen Huai'an nodded, eating an apple, and replied, "The professor joined a new project, so next semester might be even busier."
Chu Xia changed the TV channel and peeled a sugar orange, saying, "Now I don't know who's busier, you or your dad. I'm the only one with free time here. How's Bangzi's business?"
Cen Huai'an said, "It's been consistently good. He's opened another shop now."
Although Cen Huai'an was always busy, he still found time to have lunch with Bangzi. They would discuss each other's recent situations during their meals.
Bangzi's business was thriving, especially popular among female students from nearby universities. When those girls went shopping, Bangzi's shop was a must-visit.
Besides various accessories, skincare products, and thoughtful items for girls, Bangzi also sourced popular tapes, discs, posters of celebrities, postcards, and magazines from Jiang Zhida.
In short, anything that girls liked, Bangzi would stock in his boutique.
During festivals such as Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Christmas, the shop would organize special activities and feature festive items.
Due to the reform and opening-up policy, Western holidays became popular among people in China. Youngsters and students especially loved celebrating these holidays.
Every time during these festivals, Bangzi's products sold more than ten times the usual quantity, and the prices were higher than usual.
But people just couldn't resist buying them.
Bangzi also helped order and deliver cakes. Whenever someone had a birthday and was afraid of missing the cake delivery due to classes, Bangzi's shop, which received cakes a day in advance, could lend a hand.
This business endeared Bangzi to the students, and he made a considerable profit.
As Bangzi and Moazi had classes and couldn't watch the shop all the time, they hired two people specifically for that purpose.
Cen Huai'an usually rushed home and didn't have time to tell Chu Xia much. After he finished, Chu Xia became interested in Bangzi's shop.
Bangzi's shop was located in the university town. Chu Xia was always busy visiting An An at school, and Cen Huai'an was too occupied, so she never had the chance to see Bangzi's shop.
"It's closed now," Cen Huai'an handed the peeled orange to Chu Xia. "I'll take you to see it when school starts."
On the first day of school, Bangzi's shop would definitely be open for business. He always opened early.
"Okay."
***
As the Chinese New Year approached, Chu Xia was still working. She had rearranged her shifts to work until just before the Spring Festival, so she could enjoy a good rest during the holiday.
Some people liked working during the Spring Festival as the salary doubled, while others didn't. Everyone exchanged shifts happily.
If no one wanted to switch with Chu Xia, she would work on her own, taking breaks but not continuously.
Sitting in the clinic, Chu Xia called the next patient. When she looked up, she was surprised to see Jiang Zhida and a girl she recognized.
Tao Tao was the girl Jiang Zhida had previously asked to pretend to be his girlfriend.
Chu Xia raised an eyebrow, expressing her surprise. However, she maintained a professional demeanor and asked, "Who is seeking medical attention?"
"Sister-in-law, can you help check on Tao Tao's health? She has been feeling uncomfortable lately, but she thinks she's not sick and doesn't want to go to the hospital. I had to drag her here today."
Tao Tao looked embarrassed and said, "Sister Chu Xia, I really don't think I'm sick. I just haven't had much appetite recently. Maybe I accidentally ate something that upset my stomach."
Chu Xia glanced at Jiang Zhida, then at Tao Tao, and with a gentle smile, she said, "No problem. Here, I'll just take your pulse. It's not as complicated as the examinations done by Western doctors."
Chu Xia asked Tao Tao to extend her hand, carefully taking her pulse. After feeling the pulse, Chu Xia furrowed her brows.
"Change hands."
Jiang Zhida's heart tightened. "Sister-in-law..."
"Don't speak."
Tao Tao glanced at Jiang Zhida, her face showing a hint of anxiety. She was afraid Chu Xia would discover a serious illness.
Chu Xia's eyebrows gradually relaxed. She looked up at Cen Huai'an and playfully said, "Dazi, I don't know if this news is good or bad for you?"
Jiang Zhida swallowed nervously, "Sister-in-law, don't tease me like this. Just say it directly."
Without saying a word, Chu Xia asked him, "First, tell me, are you and Tao Tao really in a relationship now?"
"Absolutely! It's as genuine as real gold!" Jiang Zhida quickly affirmed, reaching out to put his arm around Tao Tao's shoulder. His face was filled with anxious concern, "Sister-in-law, please tell us."
"Oh." Chu Xia lowered her head and wrote on the medical record, "Well, then it's okay. It's not a serious illness. Tao Tao is just pregnant, that's all."
Casually dropping this bombshell, Chu Xia watched as Jiang Zhida and Tao Tao's eyes widened, both frozen in place.
After a moment, Jiang Zhida finally regained his composure, licked his lips, and said cautiously, "Sister-in-law, could you repeat what you just said?"
Chu Xia smiled at him, her playful expression growing, "I said, Tao Tao is pregnant!"
Finally understanding, Tao Tao suddenly covered her face and started crying.
Jiang Zhida was extremely shocked and hugged her, immediately asking, "What's wrong? Why are you crying? It's just pregnancy! I'm not going to deny it."
"No... it's not that." Tao Tao choked back tears, "I... I'm happy. Also, my dream has finally come true. You... you don't know, I always regarded you as my hero. In all those years when I liked you, I dreamt of marrying you, and then having a cute baby together."
Watching the two, Chu Xia became curious about Jiang Zhida and Tao Tao's love story. They had done a great job keeping their relationship a secret, and even their families didn't know they had started dating.
However, now they couldn't hide it any longer.
"Your mom can relax now; she's no longer worried about you not getting married."
Yang Mei had been pressuring Jiang Zhida to get married, but he kept postponing it. He had even come to Chu Xia and Cen Huai'an for help, asking them to find a way to deceive everyone about the fake relationship.
At that time, Chu Xia and Cen Huai'an had played along, but neither of them had taken it seriously. They advised Jiang Zhida to find a genuine and compatible partner within the remaining two years.
The answer that seemed most unlikely at first has now become the best answer.
Holding Tao Tao in his arms, Jiang Zhida laughed uncontrollably, looking nothing like the tough guy he used to be. He appeared more like a silly dad about to become a father.
"I'm taking Tao Tao home right now to tell my parents and start preparing for the wedding. I'm amazing, right? My mom will be overjoyed; she can become a grandmother all of a sudden!"
Chu Xia handed them the pregnancy care instructions she had just written, "Alright, go back and inform eldest uncle and eldest aunt. Take care."
Jiang Zhida left with Tao Tao.
Yang Mei and Eldest Uncle Jiang were discussing how much New Year goods to buy this year. They were planning what to bring to Jiang's grandfather's house for the New Year's Eve dinner, as well as the red envelopes they needed to prepare for this year. All of these were factors they needed to consider.
Hearing the doorbell, they looked up to see Jiang Zhida bringing Tao Tao. Both Yang Mei and Eldest Uncle Jiang were stunned for a moment
But they quickly recovered.
Over the years, Tao Tao had always helped Jiang Zhida keep his family at bay. However, aside from showing her face to Jiang's family in the past, she hadn't come home with Jiang Zhida again.
Only when Yang Mei urged him harshly did he bring her home.
So, nobody knew when they had truly started dating. Jiang Zhida had done an excellent job keeping it a secret from everyone, including Chu Xia.
Yang Mei quickly pulled Tao Tao to sit down, saying, "Tao Tao is here. Have some fruit; we just bought it today. Do you want water, or would you prefer a beverage?"
"Mom, she prefers plain water."
"Smack!" Jiang Zhida's hand was swatted away, and Yang Mei glared at him, saying, "I'm asking Tao Tao. I didn't ask you."
"Auntie, plain water is fine for me."
Yang Mei poured water for Tao Tao, who nervously stood up, saying, "Auntie, let me do it myself, let me do it myself."
"I'll do it." Jiang Zhida took the water jug.
The reason Tao Tao rarely showed up in front of Jiang's family was that she felt they were all formidable and respected them to the point of being a bit scared to interact with them. She was afraid of making mistakes that would displease Jiang's relatives.
Moreover, Tao Tao felt guilty because of the fake couple act with Jiang Zhida. She feared that if the truth came out, Jiang's family might have a negative impression of her, and they wouldn't approve of her relationship with Jiang Zhida.
After Jiang Zhida and Tao Tao truly started dating, he mentioned bringing her home. Tao Tao was afraid and hesitated to come.
Today, she came prepared with many gifts. If it weren't for Jiang Zhida forcefully bringing her to see the doctor at Chu Xia's, she would have prepared gifts for Chu Xia's family as well.
Yang Mei looked at Jiang Zhida with satisfaction and said to Tao Tao, "Yes, let Dazi handle it if there's anything."
After Jiang Zhida poured hot water for Tao Tao and Yang Mei, he informed them, "It's a bit hot, wait a moment before drinking."
Then, he looked at Yang Mei and said, "I brought Tao Tao here to discuss with you and Dad about us getting married."