Qin Wen sat up abruptly with glowing eyes, “Why did you change your mind?”
“What’s there to not understand? Isn’t it just about building greenhouses? As long as you work hard, once we have money, see who dares to look down on us.”
She was previously reluctant to return to her family to borrow money because she feared they wouldn’t succeed and would end up losing money.
But now, so many people in the village have made money, how could they not?
When the time comes, they can grow watermelons and strawberries and have her brother help them sell, achieving good prices.
Qin Wen also perked up, “You should have thought this way earlier, we wouldn’t have wasted a season in vain.”
…………………
The sunlight in early summer was strong but not too hot, with a gentle breeze bringing a hint of coolness under the trees.
Under the big banyan tree in the yard, a small table with several exquisite snacks and a pot of rich coffee made for a perfect afternoon tea time.
Two elegantly dressed women sat at the small table, gently stirring their coffee, intensifying the aroma in the air instantly.
One of the women wore a serene smile, taking a small sip of coffee, praising, “I never thought after all these years, cousin, your skills would be even better. Abroad, I rarely find such authentic coffee.”
The other woman also smiled, “It’s you who’s sweet-talking. After all these years, what haven’t you seen abroad? I’m satisfied that my coffee suits your taste.”
If Lin Chuxia saw this, she’d be surprised that these two seemingly unrelated people would know each other and be so intimate.
It was indeed their patient, the Walson chairman Zhuang Jingshu, who returned from abroad, and Qiao Lan, the wife of the director of the textile factory.
“Speaking of which, I haven’t forgiven you. Such big news of you returning to the country, yet you didn’t tell me at the first moment. Do you even consider me your family? You were so ill and didn’t tell me to see you.”
Mentioning this, Qiao Lan wore an unhappy expression, her eyes even reddening slightly.
“In this country, I’m your only family. You didn’t come to me; are you still resentful of the past?”
“Cousin,” Zhuang Jingshu spoke helplessly, “look at you, why would I? Back then, you had no contact; we didn’t even know we could find you. And you had your struggles, it wasn’t your fault. I never blamed the past on you, nor resent any of you. It’s all fate.”
“Then why didn’t you come to find me? You were already in Yan City, couldn’t you send a message when you were sick? I could have come to see you.”
Thinking her cousin almost didn’t make it, Qiao Lan couldn’t help but shed tears.
Zhuang Jingshu handed her a handkerchief with a calm expression, “I thought I could hold on until I saw you, but in the end… Despite the regret, I didn’t want to witness the pain of family separations. Rather than causing them heartbreak again, I’d instead leave quietly alone. One person’s regret is better than two.”
“What are you saying? We’re family. If so, you might as well never find me. Wouldn’t I be equally sad now?”
Zhuang Jingshu smiled helplessly, “Sorry, cousin. It was my fault. It won’t happen again.”
Hearing her admit her mistake, Qiao Lan’s expression eased slightly.
“We really owe thanks to Old Sir He this time. He truly brought you back from the brink. To think, someone this skilled in traditional medicine, I hadn’t even heard of during all my years in An City.”
“Understandable. I hear he stopped seeing patients long ago.”
The topic dredged up sad memories, too sensitive for either to continue.
Qiao Lan directly changed the subject, asking about Zhuang Jingshu’s future plans.
Hearing her plans to bring her daughter with her, carefully nurturing her to do what she loves, Qiao Lan couldn’t help frowning.
“I heard she has a good relationship with her adoptive mother and wasn’t initially inclined to leave. What changed her mind?”
Zhuang Jingshu shook her head, “The child’s thoughts are somewhat unique. I’m not sure, but as long as she’s happy.”
“Even though she’s your daughter whom you’ve just reunited with and you want to make up for her loss, I must remind you: everything should have limits. It was out of necessity back then. Give her what’s due, but don’t overdo it…”
“Cousin, I understand,” Zhuang Jingshu interrupted her.
Qiao Lan smiled awkwardly, “As long as you know. I’m not trying to interfere with your mother-daughter relationship. Just worried you might get hurt again. Letting go of your own son just like that requires a cold heart.”
“Cousin, no matter what she’s like, I owe her. If necessity hadn’t forced me to leave her then, she wouldn’t have grown into this temperament, nor ended up with someone like Li Guangyuan. Since she’s unhappy with Li Guangyuan, I’ll support her to choose her path,” Zhuang Jingshu expressed gently.
“Choosing her path is fine, but why does she need your help to buy the market’s land? Lin is diligent and contributed much to the county’s development. If your daughter wants to start a business, that’s fine, but why compete with Lin right off the bat? I truly don’t get it. She hasn’t done anything; what can she accomplish by buying the market?”
She met Lin Chuxia at Xinhua Bookstore that day and told Old Kang about it when she got home.
That’s how she heard about the market from Old Kang.
She knew her cousin felt guilty for her daughter, but could guilt justify ignoring right from wrong?
“I’ll explain to Miss Lin. If compensation is necessary, I’ll do my best. It’s just a piece of land; I don’t think Miss Lin is set on it.”
Zhuang Jingshu understood Lin Chuxia likely wanted that piece of land to build a garment factory.
While that land was good, there’s plenty of good land available. If needed, she could invest more funds.
“But cousin, I see you actually think highly of Miss Lin. I never expected anyone would catch your eye.”
Mentioning Lin Chuxia, Qiao Lan became talkative.
“I do admire that girl very much. She accomplished many things I wanted but couldn’t do…”
………………
After dealing with the donation of books to Xiyang Primary School, Lin Chuxia didn’t stay longer in her hometown.
Since the An City Vegetable Station land didn’t work out, she still needed to find the right place.
After returning to Yan City, she directly found Wang Tianxue and discussed the garment factory matter again.
After the An City Vegetable Station plan fell through, she had called Wang Tianxue to share her thoughts.