"Brother, where is Sister Mu Qing spending Mid-Autumn Festival? Should we invite her to come over to our place?" When it comes to her brother’s innocent romance, which is still at the stage where they might not have even held hands, Lin Wan doesn’t like to interfere much; it’s her brother’s privacy, his personal matter.
However, her brother’s shy and reserved love is not uncommon. Just the other day, holding hands and walking in the park was still seen as inappropriate behavior. But as much as that lingers, it’s now the 80s, and the air of free love is growing stronger. Yet, such open displays of affection during the day like now were indeed rare back then.
"She’s going to spend the holiday at her uncle’s place."
"Do her family know you two are dating?"
Lin Yinghui shook his head. "Little sister, I’ve heard Mu Qing vaguely mention it seems her family is from a military compound in S City. It makes me somewhat..."
"What’s wrong with a military compound? Nowadays, it’s all about equality and free love. Why should you feel inferior, thinking you’re not good enough for her?" Even without his clear words, Lin Wan understood what was bothering him. "When Han Yi and I established our relationship, I knew he was a city dweller. But I never backed down. I never felt that, as a rural person without a formal job, I wasn’t good enough for him. As long as the two like each other, these things don’t matter at all. We’re doing just fine now."
"We’re different. Her parents are quite strong-willed and always wanted her to find someone influential. That’s why we’re sneaking around, afraid to tell you all."
"So, her family is pretty status-focused."
"Qingqing isn’t like that."
Hearing the affectionate way her brother called her name, Lin Wan raised an eyebrow, feeling a bit jealous. Her brother never called her something so endearing. But then again, Han Yi sometimes called her ’Wanwan,’ too. She wondered where he was now; she missed him.
"She said she chose to study so far away to escape them."
Realizing she was lost in thought, Lin Wan quickly shook her head, dispelling the bittersweet nostalgia.
"This situation of yours isn’t ideal. If you truly end up together, you’ll have to meet the parents eventually."
"That’s why, Xiao Wan, I need to work hard, expand our shop, grow the factory, make more money. After I graduate next year, even if I have to pull strings, I want to get into a good unit. Maybe then her parents might agree to us."
"I support you, brother, keep it up!" Lin Wan really wanted to tell her brother that such families don’t just compromise with a good job. They’ve likely reached high positions and probably want even more, while her brother lacks any backing.
But she didn’t want to discourage or upset him.
In a past life, she only knew her brother went to S City, but wasn’t sure if he ever married or who he married.
She regretted not checking up on him, even if only to know how he’s doing now.
But she didn’t. She only knows her brother later became very successful and wealthy.
Lin Wan had class tonight, so after an early dinner at home, she grabbed two boxes of fruit wine and headed to school.
"These two boxes are for the two of you. Aren’t I generous?"
"I’m so glad to have befriended you, thank you! Next time, I’ll have my spouse help promote your store." Su Ling accepted generously.
Yin Peibai was in a better mood today. "Xiao Wan, I have nothing to give you, I’m almost a pauper now."
"What’s going on? Weddings usually bring money; how come you ended up poor? Still upset about your home situation?"