Chapter 249: Serendipity in the Restroom
"Roujing, thank you." Qin Sixian walked with her son, following Yi Roujing, her face full of gratitude and emotion, "Not afraid you’ll laugh at me, all these years my father-in-law has hardly paid me any attention. After the Xu Family sent us home last night, my position in the Zheng Family improved quite a bit. Not only that, the Qin Family’s attitude has also changed."
As for Qin Sixian, Yi Roujing only helped her casually. She wasn’t familiar with Qin Sixian, but since she taught her child well and was of good character, Yi Roujing was kind to them without knowing their relation to the Xu Family. Maybe it was because she was pregnant that her heart softened seeing the mother and child.
Qin Sixian mentioned her status in the Zheng Family, which surprised Yi Roujing a bit. She hadn’t expected they were already at the point of talking about such things; it could be heartfelt or just a tactic. Nonetheless, sincere people are often endearing.
"I feel like I have known Qin forever; our families have some connection with County Magistrate Lou’s family. The Magistrate’s wife shares the same surname as Qin, likely meaning they are relatives. Mrs. Qin is very sensible, and I like her a lot," Yi Roujing said with a smile.
Qin Suyun agreed to her son Lou Wenjian marrying Hu Ailing, offering guidance and advise. Hu Ailing had previously mentioned to Yi Roujing about conversations she had with Qin Suyun. Qin Suyun was a truly wise woman.
"Cousin is my role model," Qin Sixian expressed with deep admiration and joy in her eyes, "Years ago, it was Cousin who helped me bravely leave."
"Cousin, being the daughter of the clan leader, is very capable and graceful. When the clan wanted to arrange my marriage, Cousin came back from her maiden home and helped object. After a discussion with the clan leader behind closed doors, the leader agreed not to meddle in my marriage affairs."
"Cousin also gave me a spot at Worker, Peasant, Soldier University, sending me to Jing City to study. This is how I met my beloved. Over the years, we continued to exchange letters, and Cousin would offer excellent advice on various matters," Qin Sixian said with a gentle smile.
"After National Day, my husband will return, and we’ll attend Wenjian’s wedding as a family in Huaixi County," Qin Sixian said, "Then we’ll relocate my parents’ graves to Jing City."
Though younger than Lou Wenjian, Qin Sixian was still his elder.
The young people drank tea and sweet soup while chatting, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.
After returning home, the next day Zheng Mushao announced in front of the whole family that Qin Sixian would go to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute. Qin Sixian studied Chinese medicine at university and was quite intelligent, yet compared to the generations of Zheng Family, she fell a bit short. Zheng Mushao hadn’t planned for this earlier, but things have changed.
"Hongyang is our only serviceman, and servicemen always suffer injuries. You go study well at the Institute so you can provide better support for Hongyang in the future," Zheng Mushao said kindly to Qin Sixian.
Going to the Institute was Qin Sixian’s longstanding dream, finally coming true. However... "Dad, what about Sirui..."
"The Institute has its own kindergarten and elementary school nearby; once you report there, you can apply for enrollment," said Zheng Mushao generously.
"Thank you, Dad," Qin Sixian thanked him with a smile, "Dad, I want to wait until my parents’..."
Zheng Mushao waved his hand. "Report back after you’re home."
Qin Sixian nodded excitedly and thanked him again.
On the morning of the 4th, the Huang Family visited the Xu Family, chatting with Xu Zongyin, Ding Weihuo, and Li Hongying, while the younger generation went out to play together.
Xu Zongyin already had a good impression of the Huang Family and was even happier to learn about Huang Xiaobao and Ding Anmin’s engagement. He appreciated the Huang Family’s respect for their descendants and their love for their future daughter-in-law—an admirable trait.
Aside from viewing landmark buildings and taking group photos, the outing included a visit to the Department Store, the largest shop in Jing City, located in the East District. Its size was truly extraordinary; Yi Roujing estimated it was about thirty times bigger than the Huaixi County Department Store.
Despite its immense size, Yi Roujing ran into Song Yiluo just half an hour after entering, in the restroom.
The Jing City Department Store had a customer lounge, restrooms, and changing rooms—these modern features were rare in that era, which was likely why the store was so popular, Yi Roujing thought.
"Yi Roujing?" Song Yiluo said in surprise while washing his hands upon seeing her enter, "What are you doing in Jing City?"
"Out for National Day holiday sightseeing," Yi Roujing replied casually.
"You came quite a long way," Song Yiluo commented, "Did Ding come with you?"
Yi Roujing raised her eyebrows upon hearing this and laughed, nodding, "What do you mean, Song still wishes to see Ding Ancheng? Not scared off yet?"
"I’m no longer a sent-down youth," Song Yiluo frowned. "Call me Mr. Song."
"Oh," Yi Roujing replied indifferently and entered a stall. She found the privacy of Jing City Department Store’s stalls quite satisfactory—higher-walled than most public restrooms.
Unexpectedly, when she came out, Song Yiluo was still there, staring at her.
"Something wrong?" she asked while washing her hands.
"Do you truly like Ding Ancheng?" Song Yiluo asked.
"Hmm? What’s it to you?" Yi Roujing said with amusement.
"He shouldn’t be limited to Huaixi County, should explore larger horizons, yet you cannot offer any assistance," Song Yiluo stated.
Yi Roujing laughed aloud, "Song Yiluo, you truly are odd. If Ding Ancheng needs to rely on so-called assistance to marry, then you, Song Yiluo, aren’t much. What qualifies you to boast in front of me?"
"If we’re talking power, you’re hardly much; after all, you still rely on the Song Family’s help. And you’re not as good-looking as me."
"You’re neither powerful nor attractive, whereas I at least have one advantage. I met many people during this trip to Jing City, and my looks are quite presentable."
"Ding Ancheng would surely like me a lot, considering my appearance plays quite a role."
"You, you’re shameless," Song Yiluo fumed with embarrassment. "I..."
"Hey, why aren’t you done yet?" Song Yiluo’s next words were interrupted by a girl entering, wearing a khaki trench coat, her face expressing clear impatience. Although not as pretty as Song Yiluo, she seemed rather temperamental.
Having seen the unknown woman besides Song Yiluo in the restroom, Song Cenran frowned. Noticing Song Yiluo’s odd expression, she asked, "Do you know her?"
"She’s someone from the place when I was a sent-down youth," Song Yiluo responded quietly.
"Are we inviting her for a meal?" Song Cenran taunted, yet Song Yiluo shook his head.
"In that case, hurry up," Song Cenran said before leaving, without even looking directly at Yi Roujing.