This time, Liu Yuan didn’t take the college entrance exam again.

Instead, she quietly went to work.

But whenever Mr. Liu and Mrs. Liu mentioned finding a partner for her, she refused.

Mr. Liu and Mrs. Liu knew that her emotional knot wouldn’t easily unravel.

Unexpectedly, until now, seeing Yuanyuan cry because Gu Yunzhou was going abroad to study.

Only then did Mrs. Liu realize that Yuanyuan had never let go of Gu Yunzhou.

But now...

"Yuanyuan, you should let go of Gu Yunzhou now."

"You and Gu Yunzhou, it’s destined not to be."

"He’s going abroad to study for four to five years, Yuanyuan, you should understand, a girl’s prime is short, you should seize your present."

"Do you really want to wait for Gu Yunzhou for another four to five years?"

"Mom knows you’re in pain, heartbroken, but you should let go."

"After waiting four or five years, you’ll almost be thirty. If by then Gu Yunzhou changes his mind, that’s good, but if not... what will you do? By that time it’ll be hard for you to find someone."

"Of course, your dad and I don’t mind supporting you for a lifetime, but is that what you want?"

"Besides, do you think that after waiting four or five years, Gu Yunzhou will really change his mind?"

Liu Yuan remained silent.

Because she already knew the answer in her heart.

No, even if she waits four to five years, even ten years, Gu Yunzhou won’t change his mind.

Although Gu Yunzhou didn’t like her, during the time they worked as colleagues at the supply and marketing cooperative, Liu Yuan got to know a bit about Gu Yunzhou’s character.

In her view, although Gu Yunzhou seemed gentle and easygoing, in reality, he was very stubborn.

Once he decided on something, he wouldn’t easily change it.

Moreover, although he seemed soft, his heart was hard and cold.

He only softens and accommodates those within his recognized circle, like his family.

But to Gu Yunzhou, Liu Yuan was nothing.

So should she spend four or five years to gamble on an impossible possibility?

Liu Yuan knew, it’s impossible!

And letting her parents support her for a lifetime?

Although she loved her parents and hoped to live with them after marriage if possible, she never thought of letting them support her forever.

So...

Liu Yuan closed her eyes.

When she opened them again, she had made a decision in her heart.

"Mom, you said Gu Yunzhou will come back from Beijing in a while, right?"

"Let me see Gu Yunzhou one more time, I’ll try one more time."

"If this time, Gu Yunzhou still rejects me, then I’ll completely let go."

Seeing him one last time would be a conclusion to this affection.

Mrs. Liu sighed and hugged her daughter, "Okay, that’s the decision."

After all, there had to be a moment when her daughter gave up.

-

A week later, Gu Yunzhou returned to Huaihua Village by train from Beijing.

"Oh, the college student is back."

"Yunzhou is back, amazing, you’re going to study abroad on a scholarship and come back as a national official."

"Yunzhou, why did you come back now, are you here to get married? Well, you’re going for several years, you should get married and have a child first. Otherwise, you’ll bring back a wife from Country A?"

...

Gu Yunzhou dragged his suitcase and was greeted by the overly enthusiastic villagers.

Each of them came forward to chat with him.

Gu Yunzhou: ... Too enthusiastic, I can’t handle it.

Also, why are they concernied with whether I get married or have kids?

Finally, after breaking through the crowd of villagers, Gu Yunzhou returned home.

Of course, this home wasn’t the old house but the current little villa.

He had returned once during the New Year this year to stay.

Actually, this return wasn’t long after the New Year visit.

Gu Yunzhou, being familiar, entered.

As soon as he entered, he saw his niece Xinxin playing.

The child lifted her head as soon as she heard the noise and immediately recognized Gu Yunzhou.

"Third Uncle, you’re back."

She had a good relationship with Gu Yunzhou because every time he returned from Beijing, he’d bring her little gifts.

So she was always looking forward to his return.

Upon seeing him back, she dropped her toy and ran towards him.

Gu Yunzhou put down the suitcase and picked her up.

At this point, the noise made Yao Chunhua emerge from the kitchen.

"Grandma, Third Uncle is back~"

Yao Chunhua looked and saw it was indeed her third son.

"Third son, you’re back. She just thinks of you, clinging to you as soon as you return."

Then Old Gu, joining in on the joke, said, "I think she’s longing for her third uncle’s gifts."

"Third Uncle, do you have a gift?" Xinxin’s bright eyes looked at Gu Yunzhou.

Gu Yunzhou smiled, "Yes, I’ll get it for you later."

"Wow, that’s great, I’ll go call big brother back."

"Big brother will be so happy too."

Soon, she called back her brother Zhuangzhuang who was playing outside.

The siblings were delighted with the gifts from Gu Yunzhou.

Before long, Gu Yunan, carrying his youngest daughter who was just over a year old, returned too.

Seeing Gu Yunzhou back, they were very happy.

During dinner, Gu Yunzhou talked once again about his studies abroad.

"Third son, you’re so capable."

"When you go to Country A, study hard, you’ll become a scientist when you return."

"Who would’ve thought Gu Yunan’s brother would be a scientist, how remarkable."

Saying this, Gu Yunan laughed.

Gu Yunzhou, finding it both funny and tearful, said, "Second Brother, you have such high hopes for me?"

Becoming a scientist was his goal, but he only kept it in his heart, not daring to say it.

After all, becoming a scientist isn’t easy.

Gu Yunan patted his shoulder, saying, "You’re the smartest in our family, the best in school, who would become a scientist if not you?"

Gu Yunzhou: ... All right.

"Then I’ll take your good words, Brother."

Soon, Gu Yunzhou saw the pickles, snacks, and other things his parents prepared for him.

His heart was filled with gratitude.

"Dad, Mom, I’ll definitely come back if I have time."

"I’ll write to you too."

"Good, good, we know, when you go to Country A, take care of yourself, don’t neglect yourself for the sake of study."

"Go safely, come back safely, understand?"

"We don’t wish for your big wealth or honor, just your safety."

"Yes, Dad, Mom, I know."

So, during this period, Gu Yunzhou stayed at home, spending time with his family before going abroad.

The next day, Gu Yunzhou left and planned to visit his second brother’s orchard; there he saw an unexpected person at the door.

"Liu Yuan?"

Liu Yuan, seeing Gu Yunzhou recognize her, was delighted, "Yes, Comrade Gu Yunzhou, you, you’re back."