Chapter 142: Chapter 142

In the afternoon, once Meng Cheng’an had sobered up a bit, the two of them tidied up and prepared to return to Sanli Lane.

Since Meng Cheng’an, the future son-in-law, was back, he definitely had to visit the Tian Family.

This time, coming back from Beijing, Meng Cheng’an brought gifts for the Tian Family—some specialties that can only be bought in Beijing, and a box of chocolates only available at foreign trade malls, especially for Tian Xiang.

Tian Xiang looked at the dark pieces and asked, "What is this thing?"

Meng Cheng’an: "Foreign candy."

Tian Xiang had heard of this thing but never tasted it.

Upon seeing it now, it looked somewhat like the brown sugar from her area.

Meng Cheng’an: "Try a piece."

Tian Xiang tried one.

Hmm, surprisingly good, with a hint of bitterness, and a very smooth texture, better than brown sugar.

Meng Cheng’an: "If you like it, I’ll send you some later when I return."

There were several boxes at home brought back by his aunt, but Meng Cheng’an thought they didn’t taste good, so they were left collecting dust at home.

She thought it was okay.

They organized the gifts and prepared to head out.

Meng Cheng’an rode the bike, while Tian Xiang sat at the back.

Her daughter was supposed to attend a colleague’s wedding today, and she left in the morning; Hu Honglian was aware.

When leaving, Tian Xiang said she’d return after lunch, but it was almost six o’clock, and she hadn’t been seen.

Hu Honglian thought her daughter might stay for the wedding games, so she didn’t buy much food, planning to cook a simple vegetable dish for dinner.

Who knew that after Hu Honglian had bought the vegetables, not only did Tian Xiang return, but she also brought Meng Cheng’an with her.

"Oh, Cheng’an is back! Xiangxiang, why didn’t you bring him home earlier to let us know? Now at this hour, there’s hardly anything left at the market!"

Hu Honglian reproached her daughter briefly and hurried out with the vegetable basket.

Tian Xiang glanced at Meng Cheng’an; she wanted to return earlier, but this man wanted to enjoy their private time.

At night, Hu Honglian cooked tofu and stir-fried meat.

The meat was brought by the market manager himself, who, upon hearing Meng Cheng’an was back, gave it to Hu Honglian.

With meat and tofu, at least it looked decent.

Since Meng Cheng’an rarely visited, Tian Weibing was happy and wanted to have a drink with his son-in-law, but Tian Xiang stopped them and took their glasses away.

Tian Weibing wasn’t too pleased but told Meng Cheng’an, "My daughter has always been opinionated since she was young. You’ll need to be more considerate when you two are together in the future."

Meng Cheng’an nodded with a smile.

That night, Meng Cheng’an didn’t leave until nearly nine o’clock.

Hu Honglian knew he would be staying for a week and told him to come back with Tian Xiang for meals later, rather than cooking himself, as it’s troublesome for one person.

Meng Cheng’an agreed.

The next day, the two went to see a movie and then went to the park. In the evening, Meng Cheng’an went with Tian Xiang to Tian Family for dinner.

In the following days, Tian Xiang went to work while Meng Cheng’an accompanied her back to the factory, returning to the publicity department to help write some announcements.

That day, after finishing work at the family compound, Tian Xiang returned and saw Meng Cheng’an standing outside the office building, pasting things on the bulletin board.

She suddenly recalled the first time she met him; he was standing there just like that, silently doing his work, except there was nothing on his forehead, which she found strange and nicknamed him "Background Board Comrade" for a while afterward.

Now, this background board is her fiancé.

Fate is a mysterious thing, isn’t it?

Tian Xiang was sighing sentimentally when Meng Cheng’an looked over and smiled at her.

Tian Xiang also curved her lips.

Of course, being with him partly was because he looked good; otherwise, she wouldn’t have noticed him.

Meng Cheng’an stayed here until the weekend, when he bought a ticket to head back.

On the day he left, Tian Xiang took half a day off to help him pack.

He only came back for a week; there wasn’t much to pack. It was just reluctance, wanting to be together for a while.

But it was all about hugging and a few touches at most.

This era was pretty conservative, and few would do anything against the norms before marriage.

After 5 p.m., Tian Xiang accompanied Meng Cheng’an to a restaurant to eat a bit, then took him to the train station.

Tian Xiang bought a platform ticket, carrying water and some snacks to see him onto the train.

As she prepared to leave, Meng Cheng’an followed behind her, standing at the door and said to her, "After the exams, I’ll come over."

Tian Xiang: "Got it."

He had said it dozens of times.

Tian Xiang got off the train, waved to Meng Cheng’an, "Go inside." The conductor was about to close the door.

Meng Cheng’an had no desire to go inside, and as the distance between them widened, he felt a sense of emptiness.

However reluctant, he still had to leave, but fortunately, the separation was only temporary, and he’d be back once he had his vacation.

Counting, it would be around two months before they could meet again.

In the following days, Tian Xiang devoted all her energy to work and study.

Because she wanted to apply to Drama College and needed to join a formal theater group, which would recommend her for the interview and professional exams.

Previously, Tian Xiang considered testing her abilities with the reintroduction of college entrance exams, only to find out from Meng Cheng’an this time that such schools have certain specialties and require special pathways to enter.

Had she known earlier, she would’ve agreed when the old man offered to help; now it’s tricky, feeling stuck in between, and she was embarrassed to ask again.

But it’s fine, being the future granddaughter-in-law of the Meng Family, joining the theater group isn’t a big deal.

Tian Xiang quickly joined the City First Theater Group through Director Lin, tagged along with the others for weekend learning.

She was talented in this field, diligent, and quickly caught up.

However, the interviews and exams over there had already ended for the year; even if there were recommended slots, she’d have to wait until next year.

Tian Xiang felt a bit speechless; she hadn’t stayed in a proper theater group before and truly didn’t know this.

Moreover, she couldn’t mention the college entrance exam to anyone, only being able to discuss it with Meng Cheng’an.

Back then, when Meng Cheng’an went to Beijing for school, she asked him to check out the schools. It was just a sham; she never said she planned to study drama.

Fortunately, this time when Meng Cheng’an returned and asked about her college plans, Tian Xiang told him. Meng Cheng’an explained that these universities are different from regular ones, and he’d have to seriously look into the exams and requirements.

Later, Meng Cheng’an quickly brought her the news; they typically recruit teenagers as preparatory students and start training them early or accept recommendations from theater troupes for professionals; ordinary channels currently aren’t open.

Plus, the exams for the year had already ended, Tian Xiang missed the chance.

Though somewhat speechless, she truly loved the feeling of standing on stage and hearing applause, so she decided to continue.

But when she informed Meng Cheng’an of this decision, he held the phone in silence for quite a while.

This meant their time together would be postponed further.

At the time, Tian Xiang spoke softly, "Just a few months’ delay, hang in there."

Meng Cheng’an remained silent.

Tian Xiang: "Why, are you afraid I’ll run away? Don’t you have confidence in yourself?"

It’s not a matter of running or not.

Meng Cheng’an took a deep breath, "I support you."