Chapter 350: Chapter 350
Wang Ping’s playful words resulted in Zhao Guodong giving him a beating, stopping only when Wang Ping begged for mercy. But Zhao Guodong’s face was still red when he looked at Ye Ling.
Ye Ling, however, was lost in thought over Wang Ping’s words. When she looked up again, her eyes held a decision. "You should take the money back. I know you see me as a good buddy, but that’s exactly why we shouldn’t be so formal. I also understand you’re worried about me because of what happened with Xiang Weilai. I’ve thought late into the night for a couple of days about this. In the end, I’m not suited for relationships. When my dad was sick, Weilai took care of me so well. Now, he’s the only close person I have. You all knew how I felt back then—I needed someone to rely on. So, when Weilai came along at the right time and gave me what I needed, it felt natural to be with him. I thought we could just wait for the future together, but then that happened. Turns out, we just weren’t meant to be, and while the matter has passed, it has affected some people’s feelings."
Ye Ling chuckled. "Maybe I’m just not meant to get involved in relationships. I think I’ll wait until my father can decide for me. Otherwise, I won’t try anymore."
The room fell into silence because of Ye Ling’s words. Ye Ling glanced worriedly at Zhao Guodong. "I shouldn’t have told you guys all of this, but you’re my good buddies, so I shared my thoughts to save you from worrying about me too much."
Ye Ling had a bit of a private agenda, too. If Zhao Guodong liked her, this would indirectly reject him, making him give up the thought. But she didn’t really know Zhao Guodong’s feelings and feared causing awkwardness if she spoke directly, so she expressed it in a roundabout way. If Zhao Guodong truly had any intentions towards her, he would presumably curb them hearing this.
Zhao Guodong indeed felt his heart sink. He didn’t know why but didn’t like hearing Ye Ling say such things. It was as if she was rejecting him, and yet he was too embarrassed to speak up, just forcing a grin. When he left Ye’s house, Zhao Guodong didn’t even remember much of what he said after listening to Ye Ling.
"Relax your face; it’s gotten stiff from smiling," Zhang Linong pointed out to him.
This is when Zhao Guodong finally lowered his head in disappointment.
Wang Ping was puzzled, "What’s up with him?"
"You’ll understand later," Zhang Linong said without elaborating, just gazing into the distance. "Actually, it’s better this way. Sometimes, just watching from the side is enough. Life always has to have regrets, doesn’t it?"
Zhao Guodong bitterly nodded, "You’re right."
In the end, it was a missed opportunity that could no longer be attained.
Ye Ling didn’t know if it was her illusion or due to moving out of the compound, but this New Year was very quiet. It was rare for the four-member family to celebrate at home. After the incident with Ye Qian that led to a quarrel between her father and mother, the mother had become quieter. Although she didn’t smile at Ye Ling, she also didn’t give her the cold shoulder. Ye Ling wouldn’t stir up trouble either. Her father hadn’t mentioned returning to the compound, and Ye Ling didn’t go back. However, before the New Year, Zhao Guodong and the others visited again, and Ye Ling sent cakes and eggs she bought with them for Grandma Zhao.
After the fifth day of the lunar New Year, Ye Ling saw her father hand her a train ticket. It was a berth ticket. She looked at him, and Ye He Ping smiled, "Shen Bin helped buy this. I don’t know when the kids from the compound are leaving, so I got you one for the twenty-third. When are they leaving?"
"I’m not going with them," Ye Ling admitted to her father, "because of what happened, being together feels a bit awkward. Being at school where it’s crowded might be better."
Ye He Ping thought the same. "It’s good you understand. We’ve still got over ten days. I’ll take leave from work, and we’ll go back to our hometown to burn paper for your grandmother."
Ye Ling was naturally happy but knew it wouldn’t be so easy. "Dad, can you take leave from your job?"
"Given my health, I don’t plan to climb any higher, so it’s a bit more relaxed. Don’t worry, I’ll hand things over at the office tomorrow, and we’ll leave the day after," Ye He Ping laughed heartily.
Only then was Ye Ling relieved.
Bai Xue was cooking in the kitchen when she heard the news and paused. During dinner, she brought up the trip to their hometown, "I’d like to go back with you and have a look. It’s been so many years, and I haven’t burned paper for Mother."
Ye He Ping raised his head in surprise and looked at her.
Bai Xue blushed, "Don’t worry, I have no agenda."
It wasn’t surprising that Ye He Ping was skeptical, even Ye Ling could hardly believe she had really changed, but they couldn’t find any reason to deduce otherwise. Besides, Ye Ling couldn’t stay at home for long, so she didn’t dwell on it. Over the years, Bai Xue had always been contentious, and Ye Ling wasn’t worried about her suddenly causing trouble again—it was something she had long gotten used to.
Seeing that his wife was sincere, Ye He Ping didn’t say anything more and ended up buying three train tickets. Bai Xue left a note for their daughter with the company, and that afternoon the family of three took the train back to their hometown.
They returned hastily, so everything at home had to be organized on the spot. Ye He Ping gathered firewood while Ye Ling and her mother tidied up the house. Their return brought neighbors around to help, and by the end of the morning, everything was set up properly at home.
The food was bought from neighbors since they wouldn’t stay long, so they didn’t buy much. After riding the train for a night and tidying up for a day, the three were early to bed after dinner.
Ye Ling was truly exhausted and fell into a deep sleep as soon as she lay down. Bai Xue, however, couldn’t sleep. She heard her husband turn over beside her and hesitated a moment before speaking softly.
"You mentioned the Liu Family; what do you think made them choose Ye Qian?" Bai Xue wasn’t a fool, especially when it concerned their youngest daughter, so she couldn’t help thinking more about it.
Ye He Ping felt his temper rise, knowing his wife hadn’t given up on the marriage with the Liu Family. "No wonder you’ve been so quiet lately, pondering this. I don’t know what their purpose is. If you really want to know, go ahead and finalize things with the Liu Family regarding Ye Qian. You’ll understand someday."
"Wouldn’t that be pushing the child into a fire pit?" Bai Xue’s voice rose anxiously. "This concerns her entire life. Of course, I need to think it over carefully. I’m fine with you being mad at me, but I have to arrange a good marriage for Ye Qian. I can’t let her down."
She regretted that if her husband were still in the company, things would be much simpler. Ye Qian’s marriage wouldn’t be so hard to settle. In the company, they could find someone with good conditions without having to worry about rejection, but now it’s different, it’s they who are being picked.(To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, feel free to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets on Qidian. Your support is my greatest motivation. For mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)