Sun Chan turned her back to their direction, even though she didn’t want to listen, she occasionally caught some of their conversation.
The woman said to Gu Juntao, "This is the last time we meet, and afterwards we shouldn’t meet again."
"What are you talking about?" Gu Juntao set her chopsticks down with a cheerful smile, saying, "Don’t overthink it, I’ve said it. No matter what the problem is, the two of us will face it together."
The woman glanced at Gu Juntao, then pressed her lips together and said, "Stop joking around. We are completely unsuitable for each other, you should know this; you have a promising future, I’m older than you... and I’m a widow."
Her husband was also a soldier before, but later he died during a mission, leaving her widowed. They met through work, and their feelings quickly warmed, leading them to be together.
Gu Juntao remained silent, his expression very serious.
He knew what kind of people his parents were, especially his mother, who was keen for him to find someone who could benefit his career.
The woman saw the difficult expression on Gu Juntao’s face and said, "You’ve helped me a lot before. Even if you break up with me directly, I won’t blame you, rest assured. I won’t make a fuss, I know in my heart I’m unworthy of you..." Her voice was tinged with a sob as she finished speaking.
"Don’t say things like that, you’re such a wonderful person, I know better than anyone. Yang Hongying, listen to me, in this life, I will only marry you. If I can’t marry you, I’d rather remain single forever." His words were loud enough that everyone in the restaurant heard, and some couldn’t help but laugh.
Yang Hongying was very anxious, holding onto his arm: "Stop it!"
Gu Juntao ignored her and grabbed her hand: "Listen to me, from the very first day we were together, I knew who you were. I still chose to be with you, which means I don’t care. This is the new society! What my mom says doesn’t count. You’re coming home with me tomorrow."
Yang Hongying was anxious: "No way..."
"What do you mean no way?" Gu Juntao slapped the table: "I make the decisions! Don’t think I’m joking. You are my wife!"
In his haste, he said what his grandfather often said, causing those around them to laugh even harder.
Yang Hongying was overwhelmed with embarrassment and pushed Gu Juntao away before running out.
Gu Juntao hurriedly chased after her: "You haven’t even eaten, where are you going?"
Han Dong watched his figure and said, "I used to hear that the second son of the Gu Family was cowardly and incompetent, but who would have thought he’d be resolute in matters ."
"Because he wants to be with someone he likes," Sun Chan thought to herself. How interesting, his surname is Gu too.
"I think there’s a high chance this won’t succeed. Forget about Uncle Gu, Aunt Gu would never agree. But it’s not our business, so let’s not bother."
Sun Chan felt regret for that woman, as in the village, men with decent family conditions, if their wife died, their second wife could be someone good, even a young maiden. Nobody says anything about it. But if a woman loses her husband and remarries, she can only seek those lower. It seems the city isn’t much better.
She wondered if she could be together with Gu Junming?
Were his city parents, who had reportedly good conditions, going to accept her?
She started to let her thoughts wander.
Han Dong noticed the faint blush on Sun Chan’s face, feeling an ominous premonition: "Sun Chan, are you in a relationship?"
Sun Chan didn’t conceal anything, nodding: "Yes, I met someone recently, he’s in the military."
Han Dong’s heart sank, tightly gripping his chopsticks, forcing a smile: "Why? I’ve said I’ll change my ways, why won’t you give me this chance? Am I really that bad?"
Sun Chan hurriedly said: "You’re a good person, it’s simply that we’re not suitable, don’t overthink it. It really depends on fate."
Han Dong didn’t speak for a while, playing with the chopsticks in his hand, feeling a mess inside.
Back then, he promised not to pursue Sun Chan anymore, which was why she agreed to continue being friends with him. Blame it on his light-heartedness during their first meeting, which made Sun Chan wary of accepting him.
Sun Chan said, "We will be good friends, and you’ll find a suitable girl."
"I understand." Han Dong replied a bit dispiritedly, "Is he good to you?"
"Yeah." Sun Chan’s mind recalled Gu Junming’s image, feeling her heart lightly burn: "He’s an earnest person."
"Let me have a look someday and help advise you."
Sun Chan nodded. At this time, the dishes were served, and Sun Chan helped set the table.
Han Dong suppressed the bitterness in his heart, knowing that if he continued to pester Sun Chan given her temperament, she probably would sever all ties with him in the future. Fine, I’m just going to be your friend then. He smiled, "Let’s talk about something else, have you thought about what business you want to start?"
"Yes, I want to make food. Sell some cheap foods, like tea eggs or meat buns. Then once I’ve saved up a bit, I’ll open a small storefront." Sun Chan smiled and said, "Actually, I want to lean on a big sister I know, to see if she can help me figure out a way to rent a place."
Even though she had some money now, she was unfamiliar with the area and feared being deceived.
Han Dong thought for a moment and said, "How about you take over a fruit stand? Anyway, I supply fruit, so I could provide you with some stock, which would be cheaper than if you bought it wholesale yourself."
Sun Chan was somewhat tempted, but still had reservations, "Is this feasible? The upfront cost is substantial, right?"
"What’s the worry! Or you could work for me first, and once things are developing you can start your own business. Let me tell you, the profit margin in the fruit business is quite good. The two of us partner up, my fruit wholesale is sold to anyone, rest assured, I won’t cut any corners for you, everything is strictly business."
Sun Chan laughed, "After one trip to the south, you appear quite the big boss."
Han Dong helped Sun Chan with the food, "I’m not that capable; it’s the connections my dad made in the south. I’m just learning bit by bit from others. So it’s settled. For your first business venture, since the initial capital isn’t much, just find a small storefront."
Han Dong then asked where the location was, and Sun Chan replied, "Still in X City."
She wanted to be closer to Gu Junming, so he could come see her if he was on leave.
Seeing Sun Chan’s expression, Han Dong felt another pinch in his heart. Even though he had decided to support her, he couldn’t help but feel unsatisfied thinking about how it was his first time seriously liking someone.
"What’s his name? Is he really that good?"
Sun Chan felt a bit embarrassed, waved her hand, "You’ll meet him eventually, let’s not talk about it now."