Chapter 42: Chapter 42

After returning from the capital, An Ning soon officially graduated from university. However, contrary to everyone's expectations, she declined the generous offer from Anhua Factory and instead chose to continue delving deeper into her field under Professor Ye's guidance. She only occasionally went over to help when they encountered difficult problems.

Life passed leisurely .

By 1978, when the reform and opening-up policy was implemented, An Ning had already gained some fame in China's mathematics community and even internationally. As policies loosened, the name of Chinese scholar Lu An Ning gradually began appearing more frequently in renowned foreign academic journals.

Two years prior, while the female lead was still struggling in the countryside, cramming in a shabby room to prepare for the upcoming college entrance exams, An Ning had already received an invitation letter from the Mathematics Department of Capital University. The letter came from none other than a close friend of Professor Ye, the current dean of Capital University's School of Mathematics. Professor Ye was so angry he nearly cursed aloud—what kind of old friend would poach his prized student right from under his nose? No wonder this "friend" had been so enthusiastic about answering his disciple's questions recently, even providing rare materials difficult to obtain at this stage. Turns out he'd had ulterior motives from the start!

Though upset, Professor Ye ultimately wanted his student to have broader opportunities. At this time, not only was there a shortage of talented individuals, but also of excellent teachers to nurture them—especially in mathematics, a field that heavily relied on innate talent. The capital indeed offered better resources and students than their current location.

However, since Gu Chen had just taken office as mayor not long ago, it wasn't convenient for him to transfer, so the matter was delayed.

It was Madam Yang from the old residence who somehow heard about this situation. Not only did she personally write several pages scolding her "ungrateful son" for preventing his wife from reuniting with them, quoting classics extensively, but she also mobilized her connections and even pressured Commander Gu to bring her daughter-in-law and grandson back to the capital. Of course, the important ones weren't her cheap son, but rather her daughter-in-law and precious grandson.

Rumor had it that during that period, the entire Gu household was filled with invisible gunpowder. After enduring days of his wife's cold treatment, Commander Gu finally gave in to Madam Yang's pressure and used his connections to arrange the transfer.

As for An Ning, watching her Comrade Gu read through several pages of non-repetitive "admonishments" without changing his expression, she couldn't help but feel impressed.

The now-promoted-to-"Old Comrade" Gu Chen didn't even blink as he folded the faintly plum-scented letter. The black casual sweater he wore clearly outlined his well-trained physique:

"Whether your Comrade Gu has good composure or not—shouldn't Comrade Lu know best?"

An Ning shot him an exasperated look. This was the worst thing about this man—in earlier years she could still tease him, but as his position rose, he became more unflappable, just like a stereotypical old cadre. So boring.

Thinking this, An Ning unceremoniously took the letter from him.

Upon opening it, she nearly laughed aloud at her mother-in-law Madam Yang's humor. The entire letter was filled with classical allusions so obscure that even someone like An Ning, who had lived an entire lifetime in ancient times, could barely recognize their origins. Expecting Comrade Gu to understand them? Honestly, it wasn't that she looked down on him, but given the state of education in previous years—filled with new ideologies and cultures, where classical studies had stagnated at best—how could he possibly comprehend them?

No wonder he'd maintained that expressionless face earlier!

At this thought, An Ning couldn't help but chuckle.

Despite the urgency, by the time An Ning's family moved back to the capital, it was nearly the end of the year. Fortunately, they now had a car and didn't need to squeeze onto trains.

At the entrance of the compound, An Ning stepped out of the car in a princess-style wool coat paired with an ancient-inspired long dress—two seemingly disparate styles that harmonized perfectly. Her slightly curled shoulder-length hair, snow-white skin, and bright eyes drew all surrounding gazes the moment she emerged. Even Zhiheng, who usually stole the show with his looks, paled in comparison this time.

After receiving a light pat on the shoulder from his father "Old Comrade" Gu, Gu Zhiheng twitched his lips and promptly hugged An Ning's waist, calling out brightly, "Mom!"

Shooting Gu Chen an amused look before she could speak, Madam Yang hurried over from nearby. Without even glancing at her "cheap son," she carefully examined An Ning before nodding in satisfaction: "An Ning, this outfit is beautifully designed, and the fabric matches perfectly. Though adding some cloud-wave patterns at the hem might improve it further."

"Oh, I have some excellent fabrics at home—I'll have Housekeeper Zhou send them over later."

She then couldn't resist patting Zhiheng's head, taking in his increasingly handsome little face before finally withdrawing her gaze contentedly.

An Ning naturally linked arms with her, smiling at the obviously custom-made embroidered dress before her:

"Mom, your taste is impeccable. I originally intended to add something there, but I couldn't find a skilled enough artisan in Kun City—the embroidery never turned out quite right, so I left it blank."

An Ning greatly admired Madam Yang's aesthetic sense—their pursuit of beauty naturally aligned.

Sure enough, Madam Yang nodded decisively:

"True, nowadays it's hard to find artisans without that crude craftsmanship. In that case, leaving it blank might be better..."

"But don't worry, An Ning. Several veteran artisans have contacted me these past two years—some with passable skills. I'll have them visit in a few days so you can see..."

Sister-in-law Wei: "......"

As another daughter-in-law, do I just not exist here?

In the living room, the two chatted as if no one else was present, reducing the entire Gu family—father and sons included—to mere background props. Commander Gu's already unpleasant expression darkened further. Unfortunately, aside from his son, no one paid him any attention now.

After returning, with Madam Yang's well-established connections, An Ning's life became even more comfortable. Aside from daily lectures, she spent time practicing calligraphy and appreciating art with her mother-in-law. Top-notch tailors custom-made her clothes, and she didn't even need to find excuses to produce various maintenance recipes—some even made An Ning feel inferior in comparison.

This lifestyle nearly made An Ning feel like she'd returned to her days in the royal mansion. Until one day, during her class, she saw the female lead of this lifetime for the first time.