Their application for marriage leave went exceptionally smoothly. As soon as they proposed the idea, Gu Tong’s father already raised his hand in agreement, taking full responsibility for everything from vehicles to gifts, eager to send them back to their hometown to conceive a child.
"The marriage leave is only three days. If you want more time off, you can apply for a three-month leave, that’s what my dad said."
Gu Tong relayed her father’s exact words and couldn’t help but laugh.
"Three days is enough."
Li Yan, who was rarely home, didn’t feel particularly enthusiastic about returning. If Gu Tong hadn’t suggested it, he probably wouldn’t have come back.
Gu Tong was well aware of the strained relationship between Li Yan and his family. She wouldn’t have suggested returning to the hometown if it weren’t for other motives.
The car drove towards the village in Z City, which was Li Yan’s hometown.
"Isn’t that the Li Family’s boy? He’s come home to visit..."
"Oh wow, that child is really successful. I wish my son was as capable."
"Dream on, he’s an officer with power and money, he’s remarkable."
Li Yan’s mother always boasted about her son’s achievements, which often made others envious.
At the moment, Li Yan’s mother was in the yard drying corn. Hearing the commotion outside, she quickly dusted her hands off and peeked out.
"Li Yan’s mom, your son has come to see you. Come out!" rang the voice of someone eager to spread the news.
The military-green Jeep came into view, and Li Yan’s mother’s heart leapt with joy. She glanced around proudly, nearly rushing out, "My son, my son is back..."
Li Yan’s mother could put on quite the performance; she wanted everyone in the nearby villages to see how promising her son had become.
The Jeep drove smoothly down the small village path and came to a steady halt at the entrance of the courtyard.
Li Yan pushed the car door open, his expression indifferent, not at all looking like someone who had come home to visit family.
"Son, I’ve missed you so much..." Li Yan’s mother seized the moment, throwing herself at him, embracing him tightly and exclaiming about how proud she was of him for coming home in a car.
Li Yan’s previously impassive face suddenly darkened; he didn’t agree with Li Yan’s mother’s intentional displays of flair.
Li Yan’s mother wiped her tears and said loudly, "Let’s go inside," ensuring the neighbors could hear.
"Okay." Li Yan agreed with a slight nod.
Li Yan’s mother grabbed his hand to lead him inside, but Li Yan didn’t move a muscle, his deep eyes looking back.
The door of the passenger side was pushed open by slender, fair hands, and white sneakers stepped onto the muddy road.
Gu Tong, carrying large and small bags, struggled a bit to get out of the car, a sweet and amiable smile on her rosy lips, saying, "Mom."
Two lifetimes, they met again!
Li Yan’s mother’s pupils contracted; she didn’t expect her to come along. She was decidedly unhappy with this daughter-in-law.
"I didn’t know what Mom liked, so I just bought some of everything."
Gu Tong was accustomed to Li Yan’s mother’s reaction; they always interacted this way in the past life.
Li Yan’s mother took a while to calm down and finally adjusted her mood.
You don’t hit a smiling face; Li Yan’s mother understood this principle. Despite her reservations, she refrained from saying anything further due to the gifts.