Chapter 967 - 969: Double Blow
Gong Zhuang kept trying to convince Gong Jiaxin up until he left, hoping his daughter would reconsider.
On the other hand, Miao Cuihua, who was previously not very satisfied with Gong Jiaxin learning embroidery, didn’t react as strongly.
Taking advantage of the moment when Gong Zhuang pulled Gong Tao aside to chat, "Xiao Xin, do what you want to do."
"I think it’s good. No matter what, at least it’s something you love, and I asked Little Wan, she said if you learn it well, you might be able to go abroad."
"She said if a fashion designer does well, they can start their own brand and earn a lot of money."
Gong Ruini found it strange. Why didn’t the usually opposing Miao Cuihua object? She didn’t expect her to wait here with a different perspective.
The earlier sentences, Gong Ruini stated, were just to set up for the final one; earning money is the key.
But, Aunt, don’t you know going abroad costs a lot, and the tuition for design majors is even more expensive?
Gong Ruini stood smiling beside Ah Jing, unsure if Gong Jiaxin would seriously consider studying abroad in the future.
If she really goes abroad, then consider the budget; by then, maybe Gong Jiaxin’s earnings will be enough to support her overseas studies, and Gong Zhuang’s opposition won’t be an issue.
Gong Zhuang felt exhausted, "Second brother, talk to Ni Zi, have her do some work with Xiao Xin." In terms of future career choices, his daughter was willing to listen to her cousin’s advice, making Gong Zhuang feel a bit crushed.
Would he take charge? Gong Tao indicated he could do it, but there’s a crucial point, "Do you think Ni Zi would listen to me?"
"She’s had her own ideas since she was a child." Gong Tao thought Gong Zhuang was too nervous; there’s still time before Gong Jiaxin takes her college entrance exams, maybe she’ll figure out she doesn’t want to pursue this major.
Oh, poor second brother, all of them are like him, "We’re all destined to worry about the kids." Gong Zhuang looked like he had found his community.
"If you don’t worry, you’re not a parent." Gong Tao didn’t overthink it, "But the kids are quite sensible."
He curled his lips, not wanting to hear his second brother’s comments, as if boasting that his kids were all smart and sensible.
Just as Gong Tao was feeling down, the station broadcast announced their train was boarding.
Gong Tao took a deep breath, "Brother, I’m entrusting Xiao Xin and the others to you."
"Don’t worry." Gong Tao knew his brother wasn’t reassured; maybe if it were him, he wouldn’t be reassured either.
"Alright, I’ll make sure Xiao Xin and the others call you often to remind them a bit." Gong Tao thought Gong Zhuang spoke so sorrowfully, perhaps a bit too emotional.
Miao Cuihua was staying back home to do business, but Gong Zhuang often traveled, visiting Beijing more than a few times unnecessarily dramatizing the situation.
Gong Tao thought about this but dared not say it aloud, knowing it would anger his brother.
Just as Gong Zhuang was about to say a few more words, his son Gong Jiaming hugged him, "Dad, don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself."
"I’ll also take good care of my sister, and I’ll call often." Gong Jiaming had memorized his parents’ instructions, having heard them way too often lately.
His good son already started feeling annoyed, Gong Zhuang wanting to strike a fatherly pose but became overwhelmed as his son held him in a bear hug, realizing his boy had grown up.
In the past, he used to pull his son in for a hug, but now the roles had reversed, "Son, you need to lose some weight."
Watching from the side, Gong Ruini couldn’t help but laugh seeing the utterly desolate Gong Jiaming. If it weren’t his father saying this, Gong Jiaming might have taken action right there.
But despite claiming to have had success with losing weight, hugging Gong Zhuang still felt like a bear hug.
Getting struck once, Gong Jiaming could console himself; back home, his dad criticized him harshly, so he shouldn’t take it to heart.
Gong Jiaming already planned to put in all efforts from now, hoping to shock his dad and be praised for slimming down and looking much better.
Though he hadn’t figured exactly how his dad would compliment him, Miao Cuihua struck again.
Miao Cuihua used to think her son’s chubbiness was her achievement as a mom, but after seeing Zhao Xuran’s and Gong Ruwen’s siblings, she admitted to her mistakes.
Luckily, this mistake wasn’t irreparable, "Son, you should listen to Xuran, exercise more every day and not sleep in."
"And eat less, don’t gain more weight."
Gong Jiaming was about to go crazy, how come with his mom not only urged him to exercise but to eat less too.
"Isn’t life meant to enjoy eating, if you don’t let me eat, mom, I feel life has no meaning." Gong Jiaming knew his mom would be scared senseless.
In the past, Miao Cuihua would’ve been anxious, but now she was calm, "If you find no meaning in life, just pursue your ambitions; my requests are simple, lose weight and become successful."
This request wasn’t high, but what qualified as successful? If compared to Zhao Xuran, Gong Jiaming would probably go mad.
Gong Jiaming no longer wanted to talk to his parents; refraining from speaking left hope for their next meeting, now he just wished to leave quickly.
"Goodbye." No matter his disdain for his parents’ disdain for his weight, watching the train slowly depart brought tears to his eyes.
Gong Jiaming cried sorrowfully, "Sis, did dad and mom just leave like this?" Although he had left them in Beijing before, come September they’d definitely return.
If nothing went wrong, their next return would be for summer vacation.
Gong Jiaxin pulled her brother into a hug, gently wiping his tears, though her own tears weren’t few.
Zhao Xuran indicated Zhao Guangran should come forward to comfort his friend.
Though Zhao Guangran could cheer people up, despite being able to do so with Cao Na, he couldn’t do the same for Gong Jiaming.
Although he had a good relationship with Gong Jiaming like brothers, women were more important than brothers.
Don’t question why he lacked brotherly loyalty, just look at Big Bro for a clear inheritance.
No way, just look at Dad too, who always acknowledges Mom’s views fully.
But watching Gong Jiaming sniffle repeatedly, what could Zhao Guangran do?
"Alright, I’ll take you guys to eat something good." When people are sad, going out to eat something delicious can lift spirits.
Upon hearing of food, Gong Jiaming didn’t feel too tempted, remembering his parents repeatedly criticized him about his weight.
Hmph, it must be a trap, a scheme to urge him to work harder on losing weight.
Gong Jiaming didn’t want to endure emotional distress again, nor make his wallet suffer again.
When hits accumulate, it calls for figuring out how to recoup somewhere.