Chapter 314: Chapter 314: Reunion with Yun Jiuzhou

Gu Qinghuan packed away all the inconspicuous things in her house into her space, putting away quilts and thick clothes in advance, planning to say she had mailed them ahead of time.

She only left out some summer clothes and her review books.

She kept enough food for the next two days, moving everything else to Lin Shengnan’s house.

Lin Shengnan gave her a handmade bag, beautifully embroidered—she must have stitched it herself.

Gu Qinghuan thought, “I’ll never be this crafty in this lifetime, but having a skillful friend is nice too.”

Dabao and Beibei exchanged gifts and farewells with their good friends in the village.

When Little Erdan heard that his best friend was leaving and they’d never see each other again, he burst into tears.

But when Gu Qinghuan handed him a big meat bun, he immediately broke into a smile.

Kids really do change moods in the blink of an eye.

With excitement, they waited two days.

Gu Qinghuan was having dinner with the two kids, guessing that Uncle Ji should arrive tomorrow.

Just then, someone knocked at the door.

Gu Qinghuan got up to open it, and was immediately pulled into a warm embrace. She instinctively struggled, but when she caught the familiar scent, she hugged back even tighter.

It had been almost half a year since they last saw each other.

“How come you’re back too? Didn’t you say you were really busy?” She thought only Uncle Ji would come.

Even though school was on summer break, Yun Jiuzhou had written earlier that he might not come home because of his tight schedule and heavy workload.

“No matter how busy I am, I have to make time to pick up you and the kids,” Yun Jiuzhou said, planting a gentle, reverent kiss on her forehead.

The two little ones, waiting for their father’s hug, quickly covered their eyes in embarrassment.

They already knew what a kiss meant, and felt shy about such displays of affection.

If you looked closely, though, you’d see their fingers were spread wide—they were peeking.

Luckily, Yun Jiuzhou’s kiss was just a quick peck.

He hugged the two children as well.

“By the way, did Uncle Ji come back with you? I don’t see him,” Gu Qinghuan asked, glancing outside.

“We each went to see the person most important to us first,” Yun Jiuzhou replied. Gu Qinghuan immediately understood—Uncle Ji must have gone straight to see Zhong Zijun.

Old love really is the sweetest.

She decided not to worry about them.

Gu Qinghuan had made a big pot of meat buns that day, planning to save some for the journey, but now she decided not to.

Yun Jiuzhou finished off half a bowl of porridge and five big meat buns, finally feeling comfortable after days of poor food and sleep on the road.

Gu Qinghuan felt sorry for all his traveling, so after dinner she hurried him off to catch up on sleep—she knew he couldn’t have slept well on the train.

He slept straight through to the next morning.

Yun Jiuzhou woke up naturally, thanks to his internal clock.

Seeing his wife sprawled out asleep in his arms, he couldn’t help but laugh.

He cuddled her for a while, but seeing she was still sound asleep, he didn’t have the heart to wake her. He got up to make breakfast and do some exercise.

When Gu Qinghuan woke up, Yun Jiuzhou was outside in the yard, working out with Dabao and Beibei, looking quite professional.

The porridge was ready in the pot, along with four boiled eggs. Yun Jiuzhou could only manage simple dishes, but he put his heart into it.

Gu Qinghuan took the last handful of pickled long beans from her jar, chopped them up, and served them with the porridge.

That was breakfast.

After the three of them finished exercising, the whole family sat down together for a rare breakfast.

Not long after breakfast, Ji Linhai arrived with Zhong Zijun.

The families discussed their plans for returning to the capital.

They had already bought train tickets for tomorrow’s return trip.

Which meant today was their last day to rest and prepare.

They’d have to set out early the next morning.

Gu Qinghuan had no objections—she was basically ready.

Zhong Zijun brought over the rest of her food supplies, cured fish, smoked meats, wild chicken, and other dried goods, telling Gu Qinghuan to do as she saw fit, since it wasn’t realistic to take everything with them.

Gu Qinghuan decided to use up the ingredients and host a farewell dinner for everyone that evening.

Since that was the plan, Zhong Zijun and Ji Linhai stayed to help prepare the food.

Gu Qinghuan and Yun Jiuzhou went to invite their close friends.

Gu Qinghuan was in charge of inviting Lin Shengnan and her husband, and Chen Fengqin’s family—these were the people they interacted with most.

No need to invite anyone else.

Yun Jiuzhou went to invite Lin Xiaomeng. It wasn’t the weekend, so he wasn’t sure if Xu Huaizhi would be home.

Seeing Yun Jiuzhou, Lin Xiaomeng felt as if she were in another world.

In her memories from her previous life, Gu Qinghuan had died suddenly and never married him. This brother-in-law of hers didn’t last long after that, passing away bedridden.

But in this life, Gu Qinghuan survived, and Yun Jiuzhou’s life had changed dramatically as a result.

In a way, it was as if the two of them had both rewritten their fates through rebirth.

She, the real reincarnator, was the one living a stifled life, stuck in this small place, unable to go anywhere.

But soon, that would change.

The thought flashed by, and Lin Xiaomeng smiled. “Second brother… Actually, I don’t even know what to call you now.” His status was completely different now.

Yun Jiuzhou nodded. “Sister-in-law, nothing’s changed. I’m still the same as before, and my relationship with big brother won’t change.” Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come to invite her for dinner.

Although much had changed, his big brother had looked after him a lot when they were young, and he still remembered that kindness.

But that was all. After this meal, they’d probably go their separate ways and never be in touch again.

Lin Xiaomeng felt a little embarrassed.

She knew the Xu family hadn’t treated him well—in fact, they’d been downright cruel, especially when he was bedridden. Liu Guifang had practically wished him dead, and she and her husband hadn’t done much to help.

Now, he was letting bygones be bygones, and she felt awkward.

“Is big brother coming home today?” Yun Jiuzhou asked, glancing inside.

“He’ll be back tomorrow. Why, did you need something?”

Yun Jiuzhou shook his head regretfully. “We’re taking the early train to the capital tomorrow, so it’ll be hard to see each other again.

My wife wanted to invite everyone for dinner tonight, just as a gesture. I was hoping big brother would be home.

Since he’s not, sister-in-law, make sure to bring Dacheng over for dinner.”

Lin Xiaomeng nodded thoughtfully.

“No, I’ll ride my bike to the county and let your big brother know. I’ll tell him to come home early after work.

You two won’t get many chances to see each other again, and he’s mentioned wanting to apologize to you in person.”

With that, Lin Xiaomeng hopped on her bike and left, leaving Dacheng confused—why didn’t his mom take him along?

Yun Jiuzhou was a bit confused too, but could only bring Dacheng back to his place and lock up the house.

As they were locking up, a sycophantic voice called out.

“Well, if it isn’t second brother! Why didn’t you tell us you were back? I just bought some meat—come eat with us!”

Xu Huaiyu strolled over with a couple of ounces of meat, running into Yun Jiuzhou.

He already knew Yun Jiuzhou’s status had changed drastically, and his attitude had done a complete 180.

“No thanks, you eat it yourself,” Yun Jiuzhou said, turning to leave.

His shout startled Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang, who opened the door.

The four of them locked eyes—awkwardness all around.

Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang had had a rough time lately. People love to flatter the powerful and trample the weak. He used to be the respected village secretary, with successful children, and everyone sucked up to them.

Now, he’d lost his position, and it had come out that they’d adopted a trafficked child and abused him. The boy’s real parents had even come looking for him, and the couple had been detained for days.

Now everyone shunned and cursed them. They were ostracized, had lost their spirit, and looked much older.

“You’re back, second son?” Xu Mingshan was the first to speak.

He regretted it—regretted his short-sightedness and obsession with petty gains.

If he’d known the boy’s real parents were so influential, he’d have sent him back and made a tidy profit, or at least treated him better. Now he’d lost everything—no gratitude, no benefits.

He was filled with regret.

Yun Jiuzhou was about to speak when Liu Guifang suddenly hugged his leg, startling him.

“Second son, I didn’t mean it. Please forgive your mother just this once. Even fingers aren’t all the same length.

I raised you, fed you for a year. Even if I didn’t give birth to you, I still raised you. Now that you’re successful, you can’t just abandon us.”

She really could bend and stretch.

Yun Jiuzhou thought back on everything. He’d once longed for their love, hated and resented them, but now he just felt calm—at peace.

The only thing he was grateful for was that, by some twist of fate, they’d arranged his marriage to Gu Qinghuan.

For that, he was willing to let go of the past and not pursue it, but that didn’t mean he could accept or forgive them.

“I’ve already repaid whatever I owed you.

From the day I joined the army, I sent all my wages home. Over the years, that’s been at least several thousand yuan. Consider that my repayment for raising me—we’re even.

I’m generous, but I can’t forgive your years of neglect. You remember what you did when I was bedridden for a year—I don’t need to remind you.

From now on, we’ll go our separate ways. Let’s not interfere in each other’s lives.”

After saying this, Yun Jiuzhou felt a weight lift from his heart.

He’d thought that if he ever saw Xu Mingshan and Liu Guifang again, he’d be consumed with hatred and want to tear them apart, demanding to know why they’d treated him so badly. But now, seeing them in person, it all seemed to matter much less."

"Chapter 315: Farewell Dinner, Gu Yunchuan

He’s doing well now. Everything that happened—he’ll just take it as a test from fate. If all the hardships and wandering of his early years were the price for today’s happiness and stability, then it was worth it.

After Yun Jiuzhou finished speaking, he gently pried Liu Guifang’s hands off his arm, and left with Dacheng without looking back.

Liu Guifang sobbed uncontrollably—probably mourning the loss of her long-term meal ticket.

Xu Mingshan couldn’t help himself and called out, “Huai’an! I… I’m sorry, son. Please don’t hold a grudge against your dad.”

Yun Jiuzhou didn’t look back. He just waved his hand in farewell.

In this life, they would never meet again.

After Yun Jiuzhou had gone, Xu Huaiyu whispered, “Dad, you’re just going to let him leave like that? We raised him all these years—aren’t we losing out?”

Xu Mingshan glared at his younger son, regret in his eyes. “I was short-sighted. If I’d treated him a little better back then, everything would be different now.

Forget it. At least he still remembers what your big brother did for him. We haven’t completely burned that bridge. Let’s just leave it at that.”

There was no choice in what to eat today—they’d just cook whatever ingredients were left.

Zhong Zijun used up all the remaining wheat and corn flour at home to make mixed-grain steamed buns. Whatever wasn’t finished today could be packed up for tomorrow.

At lunch, everyone ate simply.

Afterwards, they started preparing dinner.

The cured fish was fried and served as is. The air-dried wild chicken was boiled until tender, then shredded by hand—delicious on its own and perfect with a drink.

There was also garlic shoots stir-fried with cured pork, green beans with sausage, a platter of assorted cured meats, pork stewed with glass noodles, and tomato-egg soup.

Simple dishes, nothing too complicated.

That afternoon, Ji Linhai went to the cattle shed to bring Zhong Weiqian and his wife over.

Lin Xiaomeng rushed over as soon as she got back from the county. She’d bought a bright red dress at the department store as a farewell gift for Gu Qinghuan.

Gu Qinghuan had never worn such a vibrant color before, but she tried it on right away—and to everyone’s surprise, it looked amazing.

Everyone complimented her, saying the color suited her complexion, making her look passionate, radiant, and elegant.

Yun Jiuzhou’s eyes never left her.

Gu Qinghuan hadn’t dressed up in a long time.

As a teacher, she always wore simple shirts and pants at school, never daring to stand out.

Wearing a dress felt a bit strange, so after trying it on, she changed back.

Chen Fengqin and her husband arrived early to help, bringing a fish as a gift. Gu Qinghuan decided on the spot to cook it—pickled fish stew.

Zhu Chunlin and Lin Shengnan also came early with their child to help. Instantly, the little one became everyone’s darling—everyone wanted a turn holding the baby.

Some cooked, some chatted and laughed, some played with the kids.

Dabao, Dacheng, Erdan, and Beibei played children’s games in the yard, their laughter ringing out from time to time.

The whole courtyard was filled with a relaxed, joyful atmosphere.

At five-thirty, Xu Huaizhi made it back too. He’d rushed home straight after work.

When the two brothers met again, everything had changed.

Xu Huaizhi was filled with guilt he couldn’t put into words, so he just stood awkwardly at the door.

Yun Jiuzhou greeted him as usual, “Big brother, come in! Why are you standing there?”

“Ah! Coming!”

No more words were needed.

At six o’clock sharp, dinner was served. It was still early, so Gu Qinghuan moved the tables outside, and everyone ate in the courtyard.

Two tables packed with people, lively and bustling.

For this last meal together, Gu Qinghuan even brought out a bottle of Moutai for everyone to enjoy—just two glasses each, enough to liven things up without going overboard.

She still had three bottles left in her space, but hadn’t had time to sell them yet.

She had already said her goodbyes to Lu Jianye and the Lu family matriarch. The bottle of Moutai was a farewell gift from Lu Jianye.

They’d known each other for a while. Even if it had been a relationship of mutual benefit, there was still some genuine affection there.

As the sun set, the dinner drew to a close.

All good things must come to an end.

Life is a series of meetings and partings—coming together, saying goodbye, leaving the shore, and returning again.

Gu Qinghuan hugged Lin Xiaomeng, Lin Shengnan, and Chen Fengqin one by one, saying a heartfelt farewell.

She might seem aloof, but she was deeply sentimental inside.

In this era, when letters were the only way to keep in touch, some goodbyes might last a lifetime.

This could be the last time they ever saw each other, so she wanted to say a proper goodbye, so there would be no regrets.

“May our paths cross mountains and rivers, and may we be thrice blessed in this life. I wish you all your heart’s desires.”

“Goodbye.”

Xu Huaizhi and Yun Jiuzhou hugged as well.

“Big brother, I wish you all the best. Let’s keep in touch!”

“Huai’an, I wish you a bright future.”

The adults could hide their sorrow, but the children could not.

The four kids hugged each other and cried their hearts out.

The adults saw themselves in the children’s tears and smiled gently.

Such is life—partings are inevitable, but as long as you’ve enjoyed yourself, it’s enough.

They tidied up the house, double-checked what they’d need to take the next day.

With hope for the future in their hearts, the couple drifted off to sleep.

—

The Great Northwest.

This summer, Zhong Ziyan and his wife Bai Jie were sent to the Nomuhong Farm to help with land reclamation. They had no choice but to grit their teeth and try to keep their strength up.

The farm was like a natural prison. The laborers were all convicts sent from different places. The area was desolate—there wasn’t even a single village nearby.

All around the farm were endless deserts and wastelands, with complex terrain and dangerous wild animals.

Within a three-hundred-mile radius, the farm was the only place suitable for human habitation.

Without transportation or a guide, escape was nearly impossible. In the vast emptiness, not only was it hard for escapees to find food, but they also risked becoming food themselves.

After just a week there, the couple was already battered and worn. Bai Jie cut her hair short and dressed in filthy, stinking clothes, disguising herself as a man to avoid unwanted attention.

Even with Zhong Ziyan’s strength, he couldn’t guarantee her safety in this hellish place.

Here, all they got to eat each day were boiled green beans and potatoes.

They rationed the beef jerky Gu Qinghuan had sent before, hiding it and eating just a little each day for protein and nutrition.

One day, they were sharing a bit of jerky in a corner.

Bai Jie, not paying attention, had the jerky snatched from her hand by a sudden intruder.

The man was filthy, hair matted like a madman, his exposed skin covered in whip marks—utterly wretched.

Zhong Ziyan tried to snatch it back, but the man stuffed the whole piece in his mouth and ran. He seemed to have a limp, so he wasn’t very fast.

Bai Jie sighed, “Ziyan, let it go.”

The fleeing man suddenly stopped and turned around, locking eyes with Zhong Ziyan. In that instant, they recognized each other.

This filthy wretch was none other than Gu Yunchuan—the man Zhong Ziyan hated so much he wished he could grind his bones to dust.

Gu Yunchuan recognized Zhong Ziyan too. Once, they’d been brothers-in-law—now, bitter enemies.

A thousand thoughts raced through Zhong Ziyan’s mind. He never expected to run into Gu Yunchuan here.

He’d always thought that if he ever saw Gu Yunchuan again, he’d want to kill him.

But now, Gu Yunchuan had clearly received his punishment. If not for his eyes, Zhong Ziyan would never have recognized the once-dashing, suave scholar.

Let it go. Just let it go.

Gu Yunchuan never imagined he’d run into his former brother-in-law at the lowest point of his life.

He thought he was in for a beating, so he closed his eyes and waited. But after a long while, no fists fell.

He opened his eyes to see Zhong Ziyan and Bai Jie already twenty meters away.

A strange, indescribable feeling welled up inside him—suppressed, painful…

“Zhong Ziyan, what’s that supposed to mean? Even now, you still look down on me? If you’ve got the guts, just kill me!” He really didn’t want to live anymore.

The only answer was the wind of the northwest.

Zhong Ziyan and Bai Jie had already let go of the past. They were looking forward—good news was on the horizon, and they could afford to wait.

Even Zhong Zijun had moved on. Why should they stay trapped in the past? Qinghuan wrote that her sister had a good suitor now—they were getting along well. If she could move on, as her brother, so could he.

All past grudges were settled. Time to start anew.

Three days later.

The farm leaders called the couple in and handed them a document.

It was their official exoneration.

At last, the clouds parted and the moon shone through.

They packed up happily, ready to return to Beijing.

The others looked on with envy.

Before leaving, Gu Yunchuan came to see them again.

“Big brother, I’m sorry.” At last, he repented for his past mistakes.

Zhong Ziyan didn’t say anything magnanimous about forgiveness. He’d decided to let go, but that didn’t mean he forgave the harm done.

“Please, tell Zijun I’m sorry. Back then… I lost my mind. I’m sorry to her and the kids.” Gu Yunchuan gave a self-mocking smile. “I probably won’t make it out of here alive. I wish her and the children all the best.”

Without me as their father, they’re probably much happier.

“Alright, I understand. Don’t worry—Zijun is doing well. She has a new boyfriend, I hear he works on fighter jets, never been married, younger than her, and treats her and the kids very well.”

Gu Yunchuan was utterly devastated.

“Is… is that so? That’s… that’s wonderful.”"

"Chapter 316: Family Reunion

The train arrived in Beijing right on time.

Thanks to having sleeper tickets, their journey was comfortable and uneventful.

For Gu Qinghuan, this was already her second time returning to Beijing, so she didn’t feel much of anything.

But for Zhong Zijun and the other two, watching the bustling crowds at the station, their hearts were filled with emotion.

After seven years away, coming back here, everything was both familiar and changed. The people and things were no longer the same; just as they wanted to speak, tears welled up in their eyes.

Zhong Luoning had been waiting at the station for a while already.

Yun Runtong and his wife also came in person. They were both busy people but had made time to come and greet their in-laws and daughter-in-law’s family, showing their utmost sincerity.

Even He Qiang, who rarely had time, knew they were coming back today and put aside his work to join them at the station.

The group reunited at the train station, emotions running high. Since it wasn’t the place to talk, everyone got into their respective vehicles.

Zhong Luoning had borrowed Xiao Zhuo’s car, while the Yun couple drove their own.

He Qiang’s rickshaw was sandwiched in between, making him feel a bit awkward.

Gu Qinghuan simply took the two kids and got into his rickshaw.

“Sorry to trouble you, we’re a bit heavy,” she said.

“Jie, what are you saying? I couldn’t be happier to help!” He Qiang replied, grinning from ear to ear.

Ji Linhai and Yun Jiuzhou rode with the Yun couple.

Zhong Zijun and her husband, Zhong Weiqian, got into the car driven by Zhong Luoning.

After a few years apart, everyone had changed.

Zhong Luoning now had the air of a strong, capable woman, her face bright with a warm smile. She spoke and acted decisively—completely different from the timid, cautious woman she’d been two years ago.

She’d even found time to learn to drive—a challenge she’d never dared attempt before. It seemed that only after weathering great storms do people truly grow.

And that was a good thing.

Their destination was the most luxurious hotel in Beijing.

The Yun couple had reserved a table there to welcome their in-laws and give them a proper reception.

It was just about mealtime, so no one declined the invitation.

Although He Qiang’s rickshaw wasn’t as fast as a car, in the city, speed wasn’t everything. In the end, He Qiang and his passengers actually arrived first.

After dropping them off, He Qiang tried to slip away, but Gu Qinghuan caught him.

“Where are you going? Stay and have a meal with us,” she insisted. Gu Qinghuan never neglected her own people. He Qiang had waited so long at the station for them—she couldn’t just use him and send him away.

“Jie, maybe I shouldn’t. This is your family dinner, and I’m just an outsider,” He Qiang protested.

“What outsider? You call me ‘jie’—that makes you family,” Gu Qinghuan said firmly, leaving him no choice but to park his rickshaw and join them.

Gu Lanting and Ming Ruxue had already been notified and were waiting in the private dining room.

When they saw Gu Qinghuan, both were overjoyed.

“Jie, you’re finally back!”

“Qinghuan-jie, I missed you so much!”

“You’ve both grown so tall,” Gu Qinghuan said, looking at them with envy. They’d shot up, and she suddenly felt like the shortest in the family.

You Ran, Da Bao, and Bei Bei were also reunited after a long time apart, chattering away, unable to finish all they wanted to say.

The private room quickly filled with laughter and noise.

Because the meal was arranged in a hurry, it was just a simple welcome dinner. Both families focused on eating and only briefly discussed the topic of their official rehabilitation.

The Yun couple planned to wait until Zhong Ziyan returned, then invite the entire Zhong family for a proper gathering to discuss their son and daughter-in-law’s affairs.

Yes, they knew that when Gu Qinghuan married Yun Jiuzhou, it was originally just for a hundred yuan for medical treatment. The two hadn’t even held a proper ceremony—they’d just muddled through and ended up together.

It broke their hearts.

Those two kids had really had it tough.

Although Yun Runtong usually advocated for keeping a low profile, now that their only son had been found, he wanted to make a big deal out of it for once.

First, they’d notify friends and relatives that the Yun family’s biological son had been found.

Second, they’d properly arrange the children’s wedding.

The two matters didn’t conflict, so they might as well do both together—and do it grandly, so everyone would know.

As parents, they’d already prepared a wedding house and dowry for their son’s marriage. When the time came, they’d formally propose to the Zhong family.

For now, all they could do was wait.

After the meal and a bit more conversation, everyone prepared to head home.

The Zhong family’s old house had been returned to them, but it was in a complicated state and not fit to live in for now. Fortunately, the small Western-style house was spacious enough for the whole family.

Ji Linhai wanted Zhong Zijun to stay at his place, but for now, it was just a thought.

The Zhong family was a scholarly household and valued propriety. Until he and Zhong Zijun were officially engaged, he could only admire her from afar.

Speaking of which, he needed to speed things up. Everything was ready; all he needed was the final push to win his beloved.

He and Zhong Zijun were no longer young. After all this time, they knew each other well—surely her parents wouldn’t object?

Yun Jiuzhou wanted to spend time alone with his wife, but he had an early class the next morning and had to leave reluctantly.

Back at the long-lost Western-style house, everything felt so familiar.

Wang Xiaowei had been diligent, keeping both houses spotless. She was also tactful and never a bother—Gu Qinghuan was very satisfied.

Zhong Zijun shared a room with Gu Qinghuan, while the two children had their own rooms.

As for Zhong Weiqian and his wife, they temporarily stayed in the guest room.

Once everyone had settled in and washed up, they quickly went to catch up on sleep. The journey had been exhausting, and they’d had to keep up appearances at dinner—now everyone was both tired and sleepy.

They slept straight through until late morning.

Ji Linhai accompanied Zhong Zijun to collect the compensation money. Over the years, the three of them together had more than ten thousand yuan.

But holding the money, Zhong Zijun didn’t feel the usual happiness of earning—it weighed heavily on her heart.

No one could be happy exchanging seven years of suffering for this sum.

The things that had been looted from the Zhong family could never be recovered. Many precious items had vanished in that catastrophe.

All that could be returned were the old house and some property. The two old Zhong family homes had become communal residences, now housing many families who hadn’t yet moved out.

Zhong Ziyan had two properties under his name: a traditional courtyard and a new Western-style house.

Zhong Zijun’s dowry house and shops were also returned.

Next, she and Gu Qinghuan began discussing how to handle these assets.

As for the house they’d once lived in, Zhong Zijun didn’t plan to keep it. Though it held many beautiful memories with her children, it also contained too many memories of Gu Yunchuan. She decided to sell it and start anew.

For the other shops, Gu Qinghuan advised her to keep them for rental income.

If there was an opportunity and enough money, they could buy more shops or houses—there was no way to lose.

Now that the Zhong family had been rehabilitated, those relatives who’d once avoided them now rushed to cozy up again.

Zhong Weiqian personally drove them all away.

He understood that, given the situation back then, everyone had been looking out for themselves—human nature is selfish, after all.

He didn’t blame them, but that didn’t mean he could pretend nothing had happened and go back to how things were.

After all he’d been through, he’d become more open-minded and less concerned with social niceties.

In short: if you treat me well, I’ll treat you well.

Those who had helped them, openly or behind the scenes, would not be forgotten.

People like Zhang Zheng, who had offered help in their darkest hour, were now honored guests of the Zhong family.

Zhong Luoning received a telegram from the Northwest.

Her father would arrive in Beijing in two days.

The whole family was thrilled—they could finally be reunited.

Zhong Zijun took Wang Xiaowei, Gu Qinghuan, and Zhong Luoning to the Western-style house where Zhong Ziyan and his wife used to live, and together they gave it a thorough cleaning.

They bought new furniture and redecorated to match the old style. Though seven years had changed the house, after all their efforts, it still felt like home.

Looking at the familiar house and almost identical furnishings, Zhong Luoning couldn’t help but cry.

Zhong Zijun wanted her eldest brother and sister-in-law to feel the warmth of home as soon as they returned, as if nothing had changed—as if that could make her own heart feel a little better.

In the end, it was her own poor judgment in marrying Gu Yunchuan, a wolf in sheep’s clothing, that had brought disaster on the family and implicated her brother and sister-in-law.

Finally, Zhong Ziyan and Bai Jie came home.

Returning to the long-lost house, everything felt both the same and completely different.

After such a catastrophe, at least the whole family had survived, safe and sound.

The couple hugged their family, tears streaming down their faces.

They’d suffered even more in the remote Northwest than anyone else. They looked nothing like their former selves.

Zhong Ziyan’s back was bent, and Bai Jie was unrecognizable.

Seeing Bai Jie’s hair cropped short and ragged, her skin dark and her body thin as a rail, Zhong Zijun couldn’t hold back her tears.

“Da Sao, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault! I shouldn’t have married Gu Yunchuan. If I hadn’t, our family wouldn’t have suffered like this,” Zhong Zijun sobbed. She’d known things would be bad, but not this bad.

Her once radiant sister-in-law had been reduced to this.

Zhong Zijun slapped herself, hating her own poor judgment more than ever.

The bullet fired at eighteen had struck her future self—sooner or later, we all pay for our youthful mistakes.

Bai Jie took her sister-in-law’s hand and comforted her gently, just as she used to: “No one can make the right choice every time. Don’t look back, and don’t judge your past self. The world is imperfect—no matter what you choose, there will be regrets. So respect your past choices.”

Zhong Ziyan also comforted his sister: “Zijun, it’s not your fault. In a world of crows, swans are guilty by default. Even if it hadn’t been Gu Yunchuan, someone else would have done the same thing. Given our family’s situation at the time, this disaster was inevitable. Prosperity is always followed by decline—it’s fate. But now it’s over. Everything’s in the past.”

The three of them, whose combined ages exceeded a hundred, hugged each other tightly, tears streaming down their faces.

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t help but cry as well.

In her previous life, none of them had met a good end. In this life, at last, they had a happy ending. Though the journey had been rough, being able to reunite was the best outcome.

With a thud, Zhong Ziyan knelt before his parents: “Your unfilial son has not served you these past years, and even needed your help from afar. I truly don’t deserve your forgiveness.”

Cheng Shuying hurried to pull her son up.

“Child, you and Xiao Jie have had it so hard. At least in the Northeast, as long as we worked hard, we could eat. We know what it’s like in the Northwest. Now that you’re back safe and sound, that’s all that matters. From now on, our family will live well together.”

Zhong Weiqian wiped away his tears. “My son, you’ve suffered.”"

"Chapter 317: Welcome Banquet and Gratitude

Gu Qinghuan set up two tables at home to welcome everyone and celebrate their return.

At last, the whole family was reunited—a moment worth celebrating.

Zhong Ziyan noticed his son-in-law was missing and couldn’t help but ask about it.

Zhong Luoning calmly recounted what had happened to her over the past few years, her words simple and composed, as if she were talking about someone else’s experiences.

After hiding the truth for so long, Zhong Ziyan and his wife finally learned what their daughter and little granddaughter had been through.

Bai Jie, heart aching, pulled little Youran into her arms. When she left, what she worried about most was her daughter, who hadn’t even finished her postpartum confinement, and this tiny granddaughter.

In the blink of an eye, seven years had passed, and the child had grown so much.

Adults can endure hardship, but seeing such a small child suffer was unbearable for her. Thankfully, all of that was behind them now.

“Mom, don’t cry. Look at me—I’m doing great now. I got rid of that scumbag and feel so free.

Now I can support both myself and Youran. I don’t have to serve in-laws or live at the mercy of others. I can go wherever I want, do whatever I want. I never even dared to dream of a life like this before.”

Only those who have been through marriage know how precious it is to have the freedom to do what you want and to become the person you want to be.

Zhong Ziyan and Bai Jie realized that their daughter, who used to cry at the drop of a hat, had finally grown into a capable adult who could stand on her own.

They felt a mix of pride, relief, and a tinge of guilt.

Guilt that they hadn’t protected her well enough.

Her strength and independence now were built, bit by bit, on the pain she had silently endured.

Behind every suit of armor are bloody scars.

The little girl who used to cry at every setback had learned to protect her own child.

The couple nodded through their tears.

Bai Jie wiped her eyes, stood up in front of everyone, and bowed deeply to Gu Qinghuan, startling her into quickly bowing back.

“Auntie, what are you doing? You’re scaring me!”

“Huanhuan, I have to thank you. If it weren’t for the special medicine and food and warm clothes you sent that year, I might not have survived that winter, and I wouldn’t be here today.

And thank you for saving Youran and Luoning when they needed help the most.

You’ve done so much for our family—I can’t even list it all. If there’s ever anything I can help you with in the future, just say the word. I’ll never refuse.”

Bai Jie was a person who knew right from wrong, and she was truly grateful for Gu Qinghuan’s help.

“Your aunt is right. I owe you a thank you too,” Zhong Ziyan said, standing up and bowing to Gu Qinghuan as well.

He had always considered Gu Qinghuan as his own child, so he didn’t say much more. From now on, whatever Gu Qinghuan needed, he would always have her back.

Gu Qinghuan hurriedly returned the bow.

“Qinghuan, come to think of it, I’ve never properly thanked you. If you hadn’t shown up that year and saved Youran, I might have left with her.

When I was at my lowest, even thinking of ending my life, you stayed up with me, comforted me, and even found a way to buy a piano to cheer me up. When Youran and I had nowhere to go, you gave us a place to stay.

And Youran’s illness got better under your care. I’m truly content with how things are now.

You’ve protected me so many times, like a big sister. I hope I can have the chance to protect you in the future.”

With that, Zhong Luoning and little Youran bowed to her as well.

Gu Qinghuan quickly bowed back.

Enough already! These people are so sentimental, they’re making her eyes water.

“Luoning, we grew up together as sisters. We’re family—no need to stand on ceremony.”

Zhong Weiqian and his wife watched the family’s warmth and harmony, exchanged a glance, and couldn’t help but smile.

Though they’d been through so much, at this moment, everyone’s hearts were together. It was all worth it.

After his rehabilitation, Zhong Ziyan received psychological counseling and was assigned as a political commissar at the Beijing Military District, working once again with Yun Run. The two old friends, after more than a decade apart, still made a great team.

Now the two families were in-laws, their bond even deeper, completely tied together.

Because of her health, Bai Jie declined all work and focused on recuperating at home, spending time with her family and looking after little Youran.

This experience made her realize just how precious family truly is.

After their rehabilitation, the couple also received a generous compensation, and Zhong Ziyan’s salary was decent. As long as they didn’t live extravagantly, they would be more than comfortable for the rest of their lives.

Bai Jie no longer had the ambitions of her youth. After discovering little Youran’s perfect pitch, she devoted herself to nurturing her granddaughter’s talent.

Zhong Luoning and her daughter moved back into their own home from the small Western-style house.

Gu Qinghuan simply packed up the piano she’d bought for Zhong Luoning and sent it over as well. When Zhong Luoning tried to pay her, she refused—after all, she didn’t play piano herself, and it was just gathering dust at her place.

Zhong Zijun’s job was also settled; she continued as a lecturer at Huaqing University. The workload wasn’t heavy—just one or two classes a day, sometimes none at all. It was a relaxed pace.

She was quite satisfied with her life now: time to spend with family, work to keep her occupied, simple and content.

For now, she lived with her son and daughter. After being separated from her children for so many years, she didn’t want to be apart for even a moment. Waking up every day and seeing both her children gave her immense peace of mind.

Zhong Weiqian and his wife had been rehired as professors by Huaqing University, but they no longer had the heart for teaching. They just wanted to rest and enjoy life.

Years of hard labor had taken a toll on their bodies, leaving them with many old ailments.

They wanted to recuperate properly and spend as many years as possible with their children.

Open-minded as they were, they knew that grown children have their own lives, and there’s a big gap between the thinking of the young and the old. So, they didn’t want to live with their children.

Originally, they planned to move back into their old courtyard house. After all, they’d lived there for half their lives and had deep feelings for the place.

But unexpectedly, they ran into stubborn tenants who refused to move out. The government couldn’t do much about it either, and things reached a stalemate.

As more and more people were rehabilitated and returned to the city, situations like this became increasingly common.

In short, the tenants just didn’t want to give up the house.

There were seven or eight families living in the smaller courtyard, and they were quite united in resisting eviction. They made a scene, claiming the government had assigned the house to them, and that they’d paid rent and so on.

Zhong Zijun, Zhong Ziyan, Bai Jie, and others tried several times to negotiate, but to no avail. Even when Zhong Weiqian and his wife went themselves, they were cursed out and came back fuming.

They tried the police, asked Xu Lei, but he didn’t have any good solutions either.

This was a leftover issue from the great upheaval, and there were no clear policies for handling it. The police had to act according to the law, and since there were no clear guidelines from above, they didn’t dare take drastic action.

After the original owners were sent away, these formerly private houses were taken over by the state for unified leasing, allocation, and maintenance.

They were collectively known as “public rental houses.”

This historical issue remains unresolved to this day.

In short, the property rights did belong to their family, but the government had indeed assigned the house to these people, and the tenants used that as an excuse not to move out—there was nothing anyone could do.

There were many cases like this. At most, the police could give a warning, but they couldn’t really evict people by force.

Gu Qinghuan understood that, at this point, it was all about who had the thicker skin.

After hearing about their attempts to reclaim the house, she couldn’t help but rub her forehead.

All she could say was, intellectuals just can’t bring themselves to be forceful, so they keep getting taken advantage of.

She took the matter into her own hands and told them to just wait and see."

"Chapter 318: A Stick First, Then a Sweet