Chapter 228: Chapter 228: A Mother’s Heart, The Last Supper

Xu Huaian helped Gu Qinghuan in the kitchen, and the young couple quickly whipped up a table full of delicious, fragrant dishes.

With the time for departure drawing ever closer, he wanted nothing more than to stick to his wife’s side every moment, never getting enough of her no matter how long he looked.

Naturally, he couldn’t resist sneaking a kiss or holding her hand whenever he could.

Young love was at its sweetest; even a single glance exchanged between them was enough to set their hearts racing.

Zhong Zijun, of course, noticed the subtle changes between the two and was genuinely happy for them.

In the past, Gu Qinghuan had clearly not cared much for Xu Huaian—it was just that big fool pining after her alone. But now, the two of them had developed real feelings and got along so well. Nothing could be better.

After all, who could predict the future? Her own life had already been ruined; she didn’t want her daughter to end up with the same regrets.

She’d already had a long talk with her daughter about Xu Huaian going away for work.

After learning what Gu Qinghuan thought, she was finally at ease.

Two people living together can’t be too idealistic, nor can they expect to only reap rewards without giving anything in return.

Gu Qinghuan’s willingness to support Xu Huaian and let him go out and make his way was absolutely the right decision.

Of course, it meant she herself would have to shoulder more—whether it was housework or pressure from the outside world.

Zhong Zijun felt both heartache for her daughter and hope that the young couple could break free from the shackles of their backgrounds and carve out a future for themselves.

Deep down, she really didn’t want her daughter to spend her whole life cooped up in this little mountain village.

She could accept that fate for herself, but not for Gu Qinghuan.

In fact, even setting aside her daughter’s situation, she supported Xu Huaian going out to work. After all, a man is supposed to be the pillar of the family, determining the quality of life and the future for everyone.

She herself had no respect for those men who only knew how to meddle in petty affairs at home, acting like the boss indoors but amounting to nothing outside.

If a man can’t protect his wife and children or provide for the family, what’s the point of having him?

A real man should be able to write to bring peace to the world, and wield arms to secure the land.

Of course, that’s not to say women are inferior to men—it’s just that society is too harsh on women.

Things that come easily to men, the treatment they receive, are often insurmountable obstacles for women.

Zhong Zijun never favored sons over daughters. On the contrary, she’d been doted on by her parents since childhood and enjoyed a fairness most women never had.

She’d been able to study, have her own career, raise her children as she pleased, and her husband listened to her in everything.

Back when the Zhong family was still prosperous, Gu Yunchuan always pretended to respect her opinion in everything.

So she understood well that some kinds of fairness are built on a certain economic foundation.

If Gu Qinghuan spent her whole life in the countryside, she’d be trapped in this small world, gradually becoming like every other rural woman—working at sunrise, resting at sunset, day after day, year after year.

If Xu Huaian could make something of himself, Gu Qinghuan’s status would rise with him.

The present sacrifices and hardships would be worth it.

This was a mother’s secret hope: that her daughter could have a better life.

She didn’t know how society would develop in the future, nor did she know that her daughter could carve out her own path on her own.

But her intentions were good, and this was the best choice Gu Qinghuan could make for now.

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t tell her that the college entrance exam would soon be reinstated, and that she could return to the city on her own merits.

She couldn’t tell her about her secret space and spiritual spring, that even without Xu Huaian, she could live a stable life on her own.

She could only give her mother a gentle hug.

Parents’ love for their children always plans far ahead.

In this life and the last, it was the first time she’d truly felt this complicated and passionate love.

Everyone enjoyed a lively lunch together.

That afternoon, Ji Linhai and Old Master Ji came by as well, bringing a basket full of things.

Again, it was mostly dried meats and preserved goods.

Gu Qinghuan felt embarrassed to accept their gifts, especially since they already had plenty prepared at home.

Old Master Ji scowled and said, “Girl, if you don’t take our things, then our families might as well stop visiting each other!

Every time you call us for a meal, your Uncle Ji and I come running, never standing on ceremony. So you can’t be so polite with us either.

Besides, I’m old, your Uncle Ji isn’t much of a cook, and our family’s circumstances are what they are. We should’ve invited you over for New Year’s or festivals, but we never did, and we already feel bad about it.

These things—you must take them. It’s just a little token from us.”

Ji Linhai wasn’t good with words. He helplessly looked at Zhong Zijun, hoping she’d say something to persuade Gu Qinghuan to accept the gifts.

Ever since he’d given Zhong Zijun something that day, he’d been anxious, afraid she’d refuse and return it.

But days had gone by without a word, and Ji Linhai’s hope was rekindled.

Knowing Zhong Zijun’s temperament, if she hadn’t sent it back, it meant there was still hope.

When they met again, Zhong Zijun was a little embarrassed, unable to maintain her usual composure, and didn’t dare meet his eyes.

Ji Linhai was disappointed to see her avoid his gaze.

In the end, Gu Qinghuan accepted the things Ji Linhai and his father brought.

Xu Huaian and the others’ luggage kept growing.

Besides their own clothes and shoes, there was the beef jerky and spicy rabbit Gu Qinghuan had prepared, the dried wild chicken and rabbit from Zhong Zijun and the Ji family, and all sorts of preserved goods.

The last dinner before the Lantern Festival was a group effort.

Roast lamb ribs, braised pork with potatoes, shredded pork in Beijing sauce, steamed sea bass, shrimp and tofu steamed egg, dry pot chicken, sticky rice balls, eight-treasure red bean rice, braised pig’s trotters, crispy fried pork, and “flying dragon” soup.

The main course was a big pot of steamed white buns.

“These days, being able to eat a spread like this is no less than an imperial feast from the old days,” Old Master Ji sighed. “Thank you, Little Gu, for letting us old folks have the chance to eat such good food in our lifetime.”

Zhong Weiqian nodded as well. “That’s right! I haven’t seen such a feast in years.

There’s something from the sky, the land, the river, and the earth—just about everything.”

“It’s not quite an imperial feast, but as long as everyone enjoys it, that’s what matters.”

Everyone knew Gu Qinghuan had her ways of getting good things, so no one asked too many questions.

Gu Qinghuan didn’t explain either—let them think she got it from the black market.

“Mmm, everything looks and smells amazing! This shredded pork in Beijing sauce tastes exactly like what I had at a famous old restaurant in the capital. Did you make this, Zijun?” Old Master Ji, a true meat lover, went straight for the meat with his first chopsticks.

Zhong Zijun nodded shyly. Her other dishes were just average, but she’d specially learned how to make this one, so it was very authentic. Today, she’d made it to show off a little.

Ji Linhai quickly took a bite too. Honestly, he wasn’t picky and ate everything, so he couldn’t really tell the difference between this and anyone else’s shredded pork, but it was all delicious to him.

That didn’t stop him from appreciating and praising it.

“Yes, it’s delicious,” was all he could think to say.

Zhong Zijun turned her face away in embarrassment.

Seeing this, Gu Qinghuan deliberately teased Ji Linhai to lighten the mood.

“Uncle Ji, is my cooking not good?”"

"Chapter 229: Parting Ways, Defining the Relationship