Starting a new chapter in life

Chapter 203 He Ci'en may have to return to work in Haishi.

After Ronggang's excitement subsided, Jingyan asked him, "Ronggang, you're only twenty-five, not that old. How about your aunt enrolls you in night school and you get a college diploma?"

Rong Gang thought for a while and then shook his head: "Auntie, no need. I've been out of school for several years. I didn't study hard when I was in vocational high school. During class, I would either practice calligraphy or pull the braids of the girl in front of me. It would be hard to pick it up again now, and I probably won't be able to study anymore."

Jingyan's eyes widened: "You've pulled girls' braids before?" In her mind, Ronggang had always been a well-behaved, steady, and sensible child. How could he have done something so shameful? Appearances can be deceiving after all.

Rong Gang rubbed his nose sheepishly: "That was my classmate in front of me. She's quite pretty and has a gentle, sweet personality. I think she's very cute, so I like to tease her. But she always ignores me, and sometimes when she gets really angry, she'll glare at me like a little rabbit."

I only pulled her hair because I wanted her to look at me more, but it didn't have much effect. Then one time I brought a lighter to school, and I don't know what got into me, I held the lighter to the end of her hair.

I didn't mean to burn her hair, but she suddenly moved her head back and it caught fire. I reacted quickly and grabbed her hair to put out the flames, but a section of her ponytail was singed. I took her to the hair salon to get a haircut.

My palms were burned, and when I got home, my dad beat me with a belt. After that, he took me to the girl's house to apologize. I also wrote an apology letter and a guarantee at school. Later, I asked the teacher to change my seat, and I haven't contacted her since.

Jing Yan was exasperated: "Are all boys as awkward as you? You should just confess to her directly instead of teasing her like this. Look at you, you're good-looking, tall and have a good temperament, and you can take care of people. None of our boys are ugly, so there shouldn't be any girls who like you."

“Back in my hometown, many people have offered to introduce me to potential partners, but I don’t like any of them. My mom also thinks I’m not settled yet, so she’s not in a hurry to find me a wife, and it’s been delayed.” Rong Gang explained somewhat embarrassedly.

“Alright, tell your aunt what kind of girl your nephew likes. If you meet someone suitable, your aunt will help you make the match. Since you don’t want to continue studying, it’s time to start arranging your marriage.” Jingyan suddenly perked up.

Although Rong Gang was a little embarrassed, he didn't hesitate to make his request: "She has to be at least 165 cm tall, but not as tall as my aunt. If she wears high heels and is taller than me when we stand together, I feel like I'm being overshadowed."

"A slimmer figure is better, not as bulky as my aunt..." Jingyan looked down at her increasingly rounded waist, gritted her teeth, and decided to endure it!

The brat hadn't realized he'd gotten himself into trouble and continued, "I like gentle personalities, soft voices, the kind that make me want to protect them. Not like my aunt, who's loud, opinionated, and can handle everything on her own."

Jing Yan… “Child, do you know you’re hurting me?”

Seeing Jing Yan's darkened face, Rong Gang realized he had said too much, covered his mouth, and looked at her timidly.

"You think playing the victim will work? Aren't you overthinking it? I know what you're looking for: good-looking, the kind of manipulative but actually virtuous woman, someone who can fawn over you and completely uphold your male chauvinistic pride, right?" Jing Yan looked at him with a hint of disdain.

Rong Gang nodded blankly.

Jing Yan was speechless, but she did have someone in mind. A green tea and white lotus flower, she was pleasing to the eye, but in reality, Rong Gang might not be able to handle it. But he's just a kid, so it's okay if he stumbles a few times while he's still young. After all, he's tough and resilient.

With nothing else to do at home, Jingyan started busying herself finding a partner for Ronggang. Ronggang hadn't expected Jingyan to be so concerned about this matter, and to be so focused on the chicken farm.

Jing Yan specifically went to see Yuan Xiaoling. "Sister Yuan, just choose someone with above-average looks. Don't make her too beautiful. Men are visual creatures. I want to find a typical 'green tea' or 'white lotus' partner for my nephew not so that he can get married, but so that he can see if he can handle someone like that. If she's very beautiful, her personality flaws will be overlooked, and then my original intention of teaching her a lesson will be wasted."

Yuan Xiaoling… “Are you sure you have no grudge against your nephew?”

Jingyan pouted: "Is his requirement for a partner based on me, or is it a negative example? He says she can't be taller than me, can't have a fiery personality like me, and can't have a figure like mine. He likes thin women. Tell me, could you tolerate that?"

Yuan Xiaoling burst out laughing, waving her hand as she laughed, "I really didn't mean it, it's just that your nephew's interaction with you is too funny, hahaha." She completely ignored Jing Yan's dark, gloomy face.

He laughed for a while before finally suppressing his laughter: "You want to teach your nephew a lesson?"

Jing Yan sighed, somewhat helplessly: "Of my children, Ci En is a cold and aloof person, but he is very perceptive. His cunning is at least as sharp as a lotus root, if not as sharp as a sieve. So rather than worrying about him being deceived by women, I'd rather pray that he doesn't encounter any women he wants to deceive."

Xiao Li appears cheerful and generous, but he is actually quite sensitive. If he encounters a woman with malicious intentions, he should worry about how she will punish him after she discovers his schemes.

Zhizhi and An'an are still young, but their father and I are there to keep an eye on them. They are our own children, so we can manage them without feeling restricted. Rongqiang is also very thoughtful and knows what he wants, so I don't need to worry about him.

Only Ronggang, who seems like a smart kid, is single-minded. He's kind to everyone and always has good intentions. This kind of personality is actually quite good; it's very comfortable to be around him.

But this is also the type of scammers love to prey on; it's easy for them to succeed. He'll be a key player in Third Sister's chicken farm in the future. If we don't train him to discern right from wrong, he'll be swindled out of everything—that would be a miracle if the scammers had a conscience.

Hearing this, Yuan Xiaoling understood her concerns: "But what if he really falls for that kind of woman and wants to marry her? Aren't you afraid it will backfire?"

Jing Yan waved her hand dismissively: "If he really can end up with that kind of person, as long as that woman is sincere about living with him, then I can rest assured. At least his wife is shrewd and will always help him keep an eye on things so he won't be deceived too badly. It's like adding another layer of protection."

Yuan Xiaoling was finally convinced: "You're preparing for both possibilities. It's best if the man is smart, but if not, you can rely on a smart wife. You're really something. But ultimately, this is your third sister's own family matter. As the younger sister, isn't it inappropriate for you to interfere so much?"

Jingyan sighed, "If my third sister had any connections, she wouldn't have come to me. Besides, Ronggang is at the age where he should be getting married and having children. My third sister would be happy if I helped arrange things for her. I'm the one who knows the most people around here, aren't I?"

Besides, I'm only responsible for introducing people, not for pressuring them to marry. People are two different people before and after marriage; who can accurately tell the difference? It all comes down to fate and luck.

"You're really open-minded. Okay, I'll keep an eye out for you." Yuan Xiaoling waved Rong Gang's photo in her hand and readily agreed. This boy is good-looking. Even if his education level is low and his family situation isn't good, he won't have trouble finding a good partner just because of his face and height.

Back home, Jingyan told He Zhijun about the favor she had asked Yuan Xiaoling to do that day. He Zhijun was amused by her and said, "You're the aunt, yet you still hold a grudge against your nephew. I'm your husband, and I think you're doing well, so why do you care what others say? You're becoming more and more like a child."

"It was only when Ronggang's marriage was mentioned today that I thought of Ci'en. He's already twenty-eight this year. Aren't your uncle's brother and sister-in-law worried about their son?" Jingyan couldn't help but ask. Of all the children, He Ci'en was her favorite.

But since the other person has parents and elders, she really can't stand out. At most, she'll say a few words, but she doesn't want to ask the child directly. Everyone has been through this stage and doesn't like being pressured to get married. She understands that!

He Zhijun shook his head: "We've looked into it. I'll ask Ci'en what she means later."

Not long after, He Ci'en called home as usual to let them know she was safe. He Zhijun brought up the topic, and He Ci'en was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone before carefully speaking: "Uncle, I want to transfer my job back to Haishi."

He Zhijun astutely grasped the meaning behind his words: "What happened?"

"There's a woman at our research institute who's always expressed interest in me, but I don't like her. She comes from a wealthy family and must have been spoiled growing up, so she's very arrogant, has a bad temper, and is self-centered. That's the kind of personality I really dislike."

When she first expressed interest in me, I made it clear to her that I didn't like her. I didn't like her looks, I didn't like her personality, and I didn't like that she had the same profession as me. In short, I didn't like anything about her. But she relied on her family background and completely disregarded my wishes, always trying to get close to me.

Uncle, I'm already twenty-eight years old, it's time to find someone and get married, but with her blocking my way, I can't hold other women back. Beijing is her territory, I can't afford to offend her, but I think I can avoid her.

"If I go back to Haishi, even if she doesn't give up, my grandfather can at least help me out. It's better than staying here." He Ci'en's frustration was palpable even through the phone. Such emotions, which are usually reserved for someone who is pushed to the limit, only surface when pushed to the brink.

The phone, which had been playing on speakerphone, rang in the living room. Jingyan frowned and said, "Ci'en, you can come back whenever you want. Is there a company that will accept you? Actually, it's not a big deal if you don't find a job. It's not like we can't support you. If you can't transfer to another job, then just quit and come back to your auntie to support you. We won't suffer like this outside."

Ci'en's voice choked with emotion: "I knew my aunt loved me the most."

He Zhijun ignored their interaction: "Have you told your parents about this? It's about being pestered by a woman."

“I mentioned it once, but my dad said it was embarrassing that I couldn’t even handle this kind of thing properly, so I never brought it up again. Uncle, it’s not that I can’t handle it, it’s just that it’s her business. If I’m too lenient, it won’t work, and if I’m too harsh, I can’t afford to offend her. I’m caught in a dilemma.”

“Okay, then let’s not make things difficult for you. Come back, is there anywhere you want to go? I’ll see if I can pull some strings.” He Zhijun made his decision quickly.

“There’s an aerospace technology research institute in Haishi, and some of our research is interconnected. I’ve already contacted them, and they’d love for me to come. I’ve submitted my transfer application, and I expect to hear back around the National Day holiday. I’ll contact you then.” He Ci’en’s tone was much more relaxed.

Before hanging up the phone, Jingyan couldn't help but add, "Ci'en, boys need to protect themselves when they're out. Go back to your dorm after get off work, and don't go out to meet up with colleagues and friends unless necessary, or you might get taken advantage of."

He Ci'en's "hmm" made Jing Yan's heart ache. After hanging up the phone, Jing Yan sighed, "Boys and girls are the same. Those who are good-looking and capable are just easy to be pestered. It's really speechless. Don't those girl's families know how to control them?"

“Maybe their family is happy about it. You don’t pay attention to Ci’en Research Institute? I’ve inquired about it. People who work there are industry leaders and are very popular with the children of military personnel. It’s prestigious and can influence the next generation. Isn’t that great?” He Zhijun said sarcastically in a normal tone.

Jingyan sighed, "This child has been delayed. When you go to your uncle's house in a few days, bring up this matter. Ci'en's parents aren't around, and her uncle will have to take care of her marriage. Don't let all the good girls be chosen in the end."

"If Ci'en gets any older, she'll really have to look for someone younger. Younger girls are less likely to have common ground, which isn't necessarily a good thing for marriage."

He Zhijun nodded in agreement.

As expected, the matter was ultimately passed on to the couple again. The uncle had a reasonable explanation: "We're old and don't know many people. You two have a wide network of connections, so please treat us like your own children. We'll have to trouble you to help us find someone for our life's most important event."

As for whether they will be happy after marriage, that's for Ci'en and her husband to live their lives. We can't and won't interfere. Children and grandchildren have their own destinies. We've already done more than enough by acting as matchmakers."

What else could the couple say? However, He Ci'en hadn't been transferred back yet, so there was no rush.

At the end of September, He Ci'en called back, saying that the transfer application had been approved. Actually, the Beijing Research Institute was unwilling to let him go, but they couldn't stop him from leaving. He was in a hurry to leave, and the receiving unit kept urging him to leave. In the end, the director saw that he really couldn't keep him, so he could only ask for the reason.

When the director learned that the man had been scared away by the woman's persistent pursuit of a romantic relationship, he was quite speechless. He had only ever heard of women being pursued by men before, and this was the first time he had heard of the opposite. However, looking at He Ci'en's slender figure and refined appearance, it didn't seem so hard to understand.