Chapter 229: Chapter 229: Parting Ways, Defining the Relationship

Ji Linhai’s face flushed bright red as he stammered, “E-everything tastes great.”

Under the table, Zhong Zijun quietly kicked Gu Qinghuan.

This child is getting more and more unruly, even joining in on the adults’ jokes.

Gu Qinghuan’s teasing lightened the sadness of the impending farewell, and she knew when to stop, not pushing it too far.

Everyone understood what Gu Qinghuan meant. Aside from a few elders who already knew, the others—like Xu Huaian and Zhong Luoning—quickly caught on.

When it came to Zhong Zijun and Ji Linhai, everyone was happy to see things develop.

Only Gu Lanting seemed clueless, but no one bothered to explain it to him.

After this meal, everyone would soon be heading their separate ways again. No one knew when they’d meet next, so they cherished the time together even more.

After dinner, everyone sat and chatted for a long while before finally heading home.

Zhong Weiqian and the other two said their goodbyes to Xu Huaian and the others in advance, deciding not to see them off again the next day.

Gu Lanting’s eyes turned red.

Zhong Luoning’s eyes were so swollen she looked like a rabbit.

Even Ming Ruxue, who was always cheerful, was teary-eyed for once.

She couldn’t bear to part with Gu Qinghuan.

During this time, thanks to Gu Qinghuan’s care, she had experienced so much joy in life and the warmth of family.

Gu Qinghuan had looked after her like a caring older sister, introducing her to delicious food and new customs and traditions.

Now, as they were about to part, who knew when they’d meet again? After all, there was quite a distance between the Northeast and the capital.

“Huanhuan-jie, I’m going to miss you,” Ming Ruxue said, hugging Gu Qinghuan tightly and sniffling.

Gu Qinghuan felt sad too, but pretended to be lighthearted as she hugged her back. “Will you miss me, or just my cooking?”

Ming Ruxue burst out laughing through her tears. “Both!”

“Ruxue, study hard when you get back. If you want to be like your parents, you’ve still got a long road ahead.

Don’t be sad. We sisters will see each other again soon,” Gu Qinghuan comforted her.

In just over a year, the college entrance exam would be reinstated. By then, they could see each other every day.

“Okay, Huanhuan-jie, I’ll be waiting for you in the capital,” Ming Ruxue said reluctantly.

After everyone said their goodbyes, Ji Linhai, as usual, was in charge of driving the Zhong family home.

Zhong Zijun wanted to refuse, but worried that Gu Lanting would insist on seeing them off instead, which would be even more worrying. So, she had no choice but to let Ji Linhai take them.

Unlike last time, when she felt calm, Zhong Zijun was a bundle of nerves this time, shrinking into the back seat and not daring to get close to Ji Linhai.

Ji Linhai noticed her awkwardness and couldn’t help but laugh.

He didn’t say anything until he’d dropped the three of them off and settled them in.

As Zhong Zijun walked him out, he finally chuckled and said, “Are you really that afraid of me?”

Zhong Zijun looked down, fiddling with the hem of her shirt, not daring to meet his eyes.

“It’s not that I’m afraid…”

She just felt embarrassed. After all, at her age, with two grown kids, suddenly finding herself in a new romance—and with everyone seemingly in the know—was just awkward to think about.

“Then if you’re not afraid, what is it?” Ji Linhai pressed, wanting to know what she was thinking.

To be honest, he was nervous too. Zhong Zijun hadn’t outright rejected him, but she hadn’t agreed to be with him either.

Zhong Zijun bit her lip, steeling herself.

“Brother Ji, thank you for your gift. I’m not sure if I misunderstood, but… are you hoping to be with me?”

A smile tugged at Ji Linhai’s lips. “I thought I’d made myself clear. Yes, I like you. You’re single, I’m single. Do I have a chance?”

Hearing his “I like you,” Zhong Zijun’s long-dormant heart began to race, fluttering like a young girl’s.

But she quickly calmed herself. Now wasn’t the time to let her imagination run wild.

“Brother Ji, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us.

I can’t lie and say I feel nothing for you—that wouldn’t be fair to you.

But given our circumstances, it’s really hard for us to be together openly right now.”

Zhong Zijun laid out the real issues, hoping Ji Linhai would understand and perhaps back off.

She wasn’t made of stone—she couldn’t ignore all that Ji Linhai had done for her.

But for them to be together openly was almost impossible.

When Ji Linhai heard her first sentence, he thought she was rejecting him and felt a wave of disappointment.

But her next words rekindled his hope, filling him with joy.

He knew Zhong Zijun had feelings for him, and that was enough.

As for the obstacles she mentioned, he’d find a way to overcome them. If not in a year, then in two; if not in two, then three. One day, he’d stand proudly by her side.

He had a feeling that day wasn’t far off.

“As long as you’re willing to give me a chance, none of those problems matter. I’ll handle them.

Trust me. Give me some time, and I’ll find a way to sort everything out, okay?” Ji Linhai looked at her earnestly.

Zhong Zijun could hear the sincerity and determination in his voice, and her heart was deeply moved.

She wanted to give them a chance, too.

So, she nodded gently. “Okay.”

Ji Linhai was so excited he almost swept her up in a hug, but managed to stop himself at the last second. He was strong and didn’t want to scare her with his enthusiasm.

In the end, he just said, restraining himself, “Zijun, thank you for giving me a chance.

We’re not young anymore. Love isn’t just about impulse or passion.

I’ll give you complete freedom. As long as you’re comfortable, we’ll keep going. If you ever want to stop, I won’t force you.

If one day you feel unhappy, just tell me in advance, and I’ll bow out gracefully, okay?”

Zhong Zijun couldn’t help but be touched. For all his rugged appearance, this man was so gentle and thoughtful inside.

He’d already thought out every path for her, even her way out.

She had no reason to keep holding back.

“Brother Ji, same goes for you. We’re both free—let’s just go with the flow and take things as they come.”

With that, the two of them had officially started a relationship. In essence, they’d agreed to support each other, to warm each other’s lives in these difficult times.

For the first time in his life, Ji Linhai was dating a woman. To be honest, it felt new and exciting—he was like a young man in love, wanting to see her all the time, his heart full of nervous anticipation.

Not wanting Zhong Zijun to catch cold outside, he walked away, looking back every few steps.

Zhong Zijun watched him go, only turning back inside once he was out of sight."

"Chapter 230: The First Time