Chapter 136: Chapter 136

The year-end commendation meeting ended at noon, followed by a meal gathering for all factory employees.

Tian Xiang changed her clothes and went outside, where Meng Cheng’an was waiting for her.

The two of them chose not to participate in the factory’s lunch event today and went to the Meng Family near the Military and Political Institute to have a meal.

The grandfather and grandson had moved there nearly half a month ago, but Tian Xiang was always busy with work and hadn’t visited yet.

Mr. Meng was going back to Beijing tomorrow, so Tian Xiang went over for a meal and a chat.

Mr. Meng’s car was already waiting at the factory entrance, and before leaving, Tian Xiang informed her mentor and the others.

Today, she and Meng Cheng’an went on stage, and her mentor made a cameo appearance. Her senior brothers and sisters accompanied them with music and were also staying for lunch at the factory, planning to leave after they had eaten their fill.

Upon hearing his beloved disciple was going to dine with a big leader, Zhou Jian hurried her, saying not to keep them waiting too long.

Previously, news about Tian Xiang and Meng Cheng’an had spread to the troupe, and Zhou Jian was pretty concerned about the two of them.

Fortunately, his beloved disciple endured hardships and came out on top.

Tian Xiang and Meng Cheng’an quickly departed.

After getting in the car, Mr. Meng praised her, saying her performance was excellent, comparable to that of professional actors.

"Xiangxiang, have you ever considered developing in this area? Grandpa can get you into the Drama College in Beijing."

Initially, Tian Xiang thought Mr. Meng was joking, but after a couple of exchanges, she realized he was serious.

Tian Xiang looked somewhat bewildered at Meng Cheng’an next to her, noticing his expression was somewhat off, indicating there was more to it.

Tian Xiang had contemplated attending university, hoping to take next year’s college entrance exam as a test of her capabilities.

Tian Xiang: "Grandpa, let’s wait and see next year."

Mr. Meng seemed a bit disappointed.

The city had arranged a three-bedroom apartment with a garden for Mr. Meng.

From the resettlement area to here, Little Black had also moved over.

Upon entering, Tian Xiang first greeted Little Black before washing her hands in preparation for the meal.

To cater to Mr. Meng’s needs, a cook was specially arranged to prepare meals at home.

The skills were quite good, with soup, meat, and a balanced mix of vegetarian and meat dishes.

After the meal, Mr. Meng brought out an album for Tian Xiang to look at, pointing out people, and asked her to identify them.

In high spirits, he then proposed, "Xiangxiang, how about coming with me to Beijing for the New Year this year and meeting Cheng’an’s dad?"

Tian Xiang looked a bit puzzled at Meng Cheng’an sitting beside her.

Meng Cheng’an: "Ignore him."

Mr. Meng: "Ungrateful boy, wasting my affection!"

Meng Cheng’an: "Grandpa, are you tired? Want to lie down for a while?"

Mr. Meng gave a cold hum, then advised Tian Xiang, "Xiangxiang, talk to him for a while. Don’t rush off; there’s nothing in the afternoon, and I’ll have the driver take you home after dinner."

Tian Xiang asked Meng Cheng’an, "Is there something going on?"

Answered so quickly—there definitely is.

Tian Xiang: "Tomorrow your grandpa goes back to Beijing, aren’t you going with him? Spending the New Year here?"

Meng Cheng’an: "Yeah."

Tian Xiang found it strange; it’s rare for a family to be able to reunite, yet he’s staying behind alone.

Meng Cheng’an looked at her silently.

Tian Xiang’s mouth twitched, "You’re not staying for me, are you?"

Meng Cheng’an nodded.

Tian Xiang was speechless, "It’s just spending New Year; you could come back afterward."

Meng Cheng’an shook his head, "My dad and grandpa want me to study in Beijing."

No wonder Mr. Meng proposed she attend university there and spent the New Year in Beijing; he aimed to get Meng Cheng’an over through her.

Tian Xiang had actually contemplated the Meng Family’s resurgence.

Due to his background, Meng Cheng’an likely didn’t receive much education growing up, and people of their status weren’t even allowed to attend high school.

Tian Xiang: "What do you think?"

Meng Cheng’an: "I don’t want to go."

There’s no way there’s no reason.

Tian Xiang said brazenly, "You can’t stand being apart from me?"

Meng Cheng’an remained silent, but it was clear.

Tian Xiang took a deep breath, suddenly understanding why Meng Cheng’an appeared aimless since the hostile intentions on his forehead vanished.

He lacked goals; his current actions centered upon himself, akin to being an accessory.

Tian Xiang: "I feel you should go study, make up for past regrets, and carve out your own career. Look at your dad and your two aunts; they’re all remarkable individuals, and you should aspire to be like them."

If the Meng Family hadn’t faced previous challenges, Meng Cheng’an would have been someone with goals and ambitions, destined for a bright future—totally different from now.

Nonetheless, there’s still time; he’s young.

Thus, Tian Xiang supports him going to study.

Meng Cheng’an: "Those things don’t matter to me."

He simply wished to be with the person before him, and he was very clear she wouldn’t leave her family to head to Beijing; she had her direction and determination.

She had always been like that, with goals, ideas, and never lost.

Tian Xiang: "What’s most important to you?"

Without hesitation, he blurted out.

Tian Xiang leaned in and kissed him, "Good boy."

Who wouldn’t want to be put in the most important position? She was delighted.

Tian Xiang wanted to pull back, but Meng Cheng’an followed, and as they glanced at the study door and found it closed, they kissed directly.

Lately, his kissing skills have improved, making Tian Xiang feel ticklish inside, somewhat uncontrollably contemplating marriage.

But it’s just a thought, patience is needed; first, develop their careers for two more years.

After kissing, they sat holding each other on the sofa.

Tian Xiang said, "You better go."

Having kissed her, Meng Cheng’an even less wanted to go.

Tsk, acting like a child.

Tian Xiang: "You go first, and I’ll come later."

Tian Xiang: "Didn’t I tell you before, the college entrance exam will open up, I plan to go find you by exam then."

Meng Cheng’an: "Then, I’ll go with you."

Tian Xiang: "No, you go first. Study while you help me pick a school, strive to make a name for yourself. When I come, you’ll back me up so I can flaunt among classmates."

Tian Xiang: "Why, don’t recognize me?"

Meng Cheng’an: "You really think so?"

Tian Xiang: "Of course. Don’t think I’m that noble; in the past, it was different, but now that there’s a chance, I definitely want to show off."

Meng Cheng’an wanted to say, isn’t it already enough?

But on second thought, his current achievements were all thanks to family. If separated, apart from good looks, he really wasn’t outstanding.

"But I don’t want to be away from you."

Tian Xiang: "This isn’t separation; it’s progressing together, for a better future."

Meng Cheng’an met her starry eyes and nodded, "Okay then. But first, let’s agree that if you fail or if there are any mishaps with the college entrance exam, you’ll follow Grandpa’s arrangement and apply to the school in Beijing to find me."

Meng Cheng’an agreed.

As his words fell, Tian Xiang noticed new characterization tags appeared on his forehead—"Supporting Male Role 1" came into view.