Chapter 152: Chapter 152

That evening, the Tian Family’s main branch made dumplings filled with pork, cooking a little extra. After they were done, He Cuifen prepared a plate for her youngest son to take next door, but Tian Chuying took the job instead.

The second branch of the Tian Family had egg noodles for dinner that night, already prepared and ready to eat.

Tian Chuying arrived and placed a large plate of dumplings on the table.

Hu Honglian looked at them, "So many, will you have enough to eat at your house?"

Tian Chuying: "We made them specially, there’s enough."

Hu Honglian laughed, "Chuying, tell your mom to keep any good things to yourself in the future. Stop sending them over to us. I’m starting to feel uneasy taking these small benefits, it’s really awkward for me. Just take them back, it gets messy and unpleasant otherwise.

In the future, let each of us live our lives separately, it will save trouble."

Some bridges are never meant to be crossed, so it’s best to let them be.

Tian Chuying nodded, "Second Aunt, I understand, I’ll talk to my parents."

Hu Honglian nodded, poured the dumplings out into a big bowl, and returned the plate to Tian Chuying.

Tian Chuying took it and was about to leave, but then turned to Tian Xiang, "Sis, thank you."

Tian Xiang was taken aback and, though unsure why she was being thanked, nodded in response.

That night, Tian Chuying left.

Two days later, students attending college in the city began heading off to school.

The courtyard became increasingly empty and quiet.

Soon, Tian Xiang also packed up her belongings to go to Beijing for a professional exam.

This year, only two people were selected from the city’s three theater groups for advancement, and she was one of them.

On the day of departure, Tian Weibing and Hu Honglian both saw her off, reminding their daughter to stay safe and speak up if anything happened. The old man and Meng Cheng’an were both there.

As the car drove away, Tian Weibing stood there somewhat reluctantly.

Hu Honglian: "Cheng’an is there, what are you worrying about?"

Tian Weibing: "I’m not worried, just realizing our daughter has grown up." She can leave home, and in a few years, she’ll be getting married, which leaves him feeling sentimental and reluctant.

Hu Honglian: "Enough, stop overthinking it, children inevitably reach that point..."

Tian Xiang arrived in the afternoon, and Meng Cheng’an had taken leave to pick her up.

The moment the train arrived, Tian Xiang saw him through the window and waved smilingly.

Nearby, a man named Li Chuan, also recommended for the exam, asked, "Is that your partner?"

Li Chuan: "The one from the Meng Family."

Although they weren’t in the same theater group, they had performed together, so Li Chuan knew a bit about Tian Xiang’s situation.

A woman with great acting talent and remarkable beauty, she certainly attracted many admirers. However, upon inquiry, people found out she was already spoken for, one of those relationships you can’t interfere with.

Tian Xiang: "Correct."

Li Chuan: "Not bad looking."

With such looks and identity, it’s natural they find each other appealing.

Tian Xiang: "Of course."

She was always confident in Meng Cheng’an’s appearance.

Tian Xiang got off the train, and Meng Cheng’an was already waiting at the gate, immediately extending his hand to help her with her luggage.

The three of them exited the station, and Tian Xiang asked Li Chuan if he wanted to join them for a meal before he left.

Li Chuan: "No, I should find a guesthouse to stay at over there, you two go ahead."

Li Chuan didn’t dare linger, sensing Meng Cheng’an was naturally wary of him; it’s best not to intrude on their relationship.

Tian Xiang wasn’t particularly close to Li Chuan, it was just a polite offer.

This time Tian Xiang came over, and the old man also sent a car.

Meng Cheng’an asked her, "Do you want to eat here or go into the city?"

Tian Xiang: "I want to go to that place with mutton and vermicelli soup."

Meng Cheng’an instructed the young guard to take them to the city center.

Meng Cheng’an hadn’t eaten lunch either because he wanted to accompany her.

By the time they had eaten their fill, it was past three o’clock, and they returned to the Military and Political Institute where the Meng Family lived.

During this visit for the exam, Tian Xiang wasn’t staying at a guesthouse but rather disrupting the Meng Family for a couple of days.

The house allocated to the old man here was nice, a two-story villa in the institute, with a total of four rooms, plus a study and a large living room, and a backyard, exuding an antique charm with a lot of character.

Because the old man was getting old and Meng Cheng’an lived at school most of the time, a small officer was sent to take care of the old man’s meals and daily life.

But now it was work time, the old man was busy, and no one was home.

Tian Xiang: "Do neither of your aunts live here?"

Meng Cheng’an: "My eldest aunt is busy, often traveling abroad. My younger aunt has her own home and stays here infrequently, only visiting occasionally for a few days."

Previously on Red Fifth Street, the grandfather and grandson lived in one house, and it’s still the same over here, not much has changed.

Meng Cheng’an took Tian Xiang to the guest room he had prepared.

The room was spacious, the bedding seemed to have been specially changed, all in light colors.

Meng Cheng’an: "There’s nothing in the wardrobe, feel free to put your things there. If you don’t like the decor, just let me know, and I’ll change it."

Tian Xiang: "I’m only staying for two days, no need to trouble yourself, it’s all great as it is."

Meng Cheng’an: "It’s no trouble."

Meng Cheng’an looked serious, and Tian Xiang chuckled, walked over, and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Alright, I get it. If there’s anything I don’t like, I’ll let you know."

Meng Cheng’an lowered his head to kiss her.

Tian Xiang responded.

Since they were already in the room, one thing led to another, and they fell onto the bed.

Of course, nothing substantial occurred, just some spontaneous affectionate touches.

By the time they parted, their breath was unsteady.

To eliminate the burning desire within them, Tian Xiang pulled Meng Cheng’an up and had him take her to visit the backyard.

They went outside to feel the chilly breeze, quickly clearing their heads.

Meng Cheng’an: "By the way, tonight, grandpa has reserved a room for dinner at the same restaurant as last time."

That restaurant from last time had amazing food, Tian Xiang loved it.

Meng Cheng’an nodded with a smile, "Also, my dad’s coming tonight, we’ll all have dinner together."

Last year when Tian Xiang came to perform here, it was already a bit impolite that Meng Xiuyuan didn’t show up, so this time he would definitely be there.

Tian Xiang: "What about that aunt?"

Meng Cheng’an: "She’s in confinement, not coming."

Tian Xiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Having a daughter was better than a son.

Though she hadn’t thought of other matters, once things reached that point, refusing to think about it wouldn’t prevent it from happening.

Having been around the family courtyard for over a year, Tian Xiang had seen many such things.

In the evening, about to meet her future father-in-law, Tian Xiang changed into another outfit, washed her face, and did her hair to tidy herself up.

As departure time approached, the old man returned and personally came to pick them up.

The old man was still full of vigor, laughing heartily when he saw Tian Xiang.

When the three of them arrived at the restaurant, Meng Xiuyuan was already there and had brought a gift for Tian Xiang.