Little Jian Dan, don’t belittle yourself. You’re outstanding, it’s just that you were born at the wrong time. The gap between you two is age and status, not anything else."
Jian Dan smiled without saying a word.
But Lin Ma’s words didn’t make her feel awkward. She affectionately clung to Lin Ma.
Lin Ma was genuinely worried for her. A young girl, alone with Mr. Bo in a new city, relying entirely on him. Now, if he decides to leave, he just leaves, without giving her any transition. In Lin Ma’s eyes, Jian Dan had been through a lot.
Once everything is endured, it will get better.
What young love comes fast, goes fast.
On the twenty-ninth, Lin Ma got up early to hustle, taking Jian Dan to the market to buy the freshest vegetables, saying it was a life experience, but ended up buying only a fish, lively and jumping.
Jian Dan felt much better, Lin Ma took her home, saying the rest of the groceries could be delivered by the supermarket. While dealing with the fish in the kitchen, Lin Ma asked Jian Dan, "Was the market noisy?"
Jian Dan nodded, "A little."
Lin Ma laughed, "That’s our truest life. Everyone has their hardships, but for life, we must persevere till the end. Before looking after you, I was just one of the crowded market goers myself, but now it’s all over."
Lin Ma’s face bore a smile and a sense of relief.
Jian Dan partially understood, not completely, as she sat by Lin Ma’s side, chatting about many things. Lin Ma wasn’t highly educated but spoke from the heart about the hardships of life, very real. Meanwhile, Lin Ma had prepared a big table of dishes. Checking the time, Lai Wei and her mother should also be arriving soon.
Lin Ma was untying her apron, "Jian Dan, have your classmates arrived? I’m getting ready to leave."
Just as Jian Dan was about to speak, the doorbell rang. She rushed to open the door, "Coming, coming."
Opening the door, she saw Lai Wei and her mom holding flowers. After greeting Lin Ma, Lai Wei smilingly handed the bouquet to Jian Dan.
"New Year, new beginnings, hoping that every day you remain happy and joyful."
Jian Dan’s eyes brimmed with warmth, "Thank you, Weiwei, Auntie, please come in."
Jian Dan stepped aside, letting them enter. Lin Ma said with a smile, "Tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve. I’ve cooked quite a lot. Some dishes are kept in the fridge for tomorrow, and today’s meal is freshly prepared, you guys can eat soon. Thank you for accompanying Little Jian Dan from our family."
Lai Wei’s mom felt embarrassed, "That’s so troublesome. I can cook too, actually."
Lin Ma waved her hand, "I’m quick with these things, it’s no trouble. On your first visit, you shouldn’t have to cook. Until the sixth, please take care of Jian Dan for us."
Blue Wei’s mother was full of embarrassment, "I will. Are you heading home now?"
Lin Ma nodded, "My son and daughter-in-law are waiting for me at home, so I’ll be heading back first. Jian Dan is in your care, okay?"
Meanwhile, at the Bo Family.
Bo Qin eventually returned to the Bo Family. Bo’s mom regarded him as a rare guest, looking him up and down. Bo Qin sighed, "Mom, can you let your son into the house?"
Bo’s mom squeezed his arm, "How long has it been since you’ve been home? Can’t I take a good look at you?"
Bo Qin couldn’t help but laugh, "Mom, I’m really tired, I just came straight from the airport, can I come in and have something to eat and drink? Have the others come back yet?"
"No, you’re the most eager this year. You’re back already."
Bo’s mom released her grip, allowing him to enter.
Bo Qin walked in, a bit surprised, "Isn’t Old Three usually the one who makes the biggest fuss?"
"Well, this year, Old Three is off somewhere diving, saying he’ll be back tomorrow. Today he went to Tana by private jet; you know him, he’s quite the playful young master. We don’t even bother calling him.
Speaking of which, although Old Three loves to play, he’s more diligent than you when it comes to coming home. You’re not as homebound as he is."
Why does that sound weird?
Bo Qin carried his luggage to his room, called Secretary Zhou, "Did you deliver the New Year goods to Qin Jiu?"
Secretary Zhou replied, "Lin Ma said it wasn’t necessary, she’d take the young Miss to shop and there’s no need for me to handle it."