“As for other matters, the adults will handle them,” Miao Jing replied. She placed more importance on Qiao Nan’s studies than Qiao Dongliang. She hoped that Qiao Nan could focus on her studies.
“Alright,” Qiao Nan replied. She carried her luggage onto the train with Shi Qing’s help. She waved at them as the train started to move. She watched as their figures looked smaller as the train moved further away till she could no longer see then.
It was summer now. It was not the Spring Festival travel season, but it was a time where many students returned to their schools. Hence, it was very crowded on the train.
Thanks to Shi Qing, she and Shi Qing were able to purchase two tickets to two sleeping berths. Therefore, they could lie down to rest.
Both of them bought the lower deck berth tickets and their berths faced each other. They did not need to go to the trouble of climbing onto the upper deck.
Shi Qing put her luggage aside and sat down comfortably. “Why do I feel that Uncle Qiao behaves strangely today? Is he in a bad mood because he could not bear for you to leave?”
Qiao Nan smiled bitterly. “It is a miracle if he is in a good mood.”
“Why?” Shi Qing did not understand. “Is your mom or Qiao Zijin back? It cannot be. I did not hear any news. Did you encounter any problems recently? Why is Uncle Qiao unhappy?”
“Because of the Zhai family.” Qiao Nan massaged her temples. “Ever since I am engaged to Brother Zhai, Auntie Miao wants to take care of everything for me. After knowing that I am going to a college in the capital, she has taken care of the clothes, luggage, and everything else for me. Look, if I did not insist, Auntie Miao would want me to stay at the Zhai family’s residence during the past half month. If it was up to Auntie Miao, she would ask someone to send me personally to the capital or buy air tickets for me to fly to the capital. She is simply a rich lady.”
Shi Qing widened her eyes. “Why would Uncle Qiao be unhappy that Auntie Miao treats you so well? Would he be happy if Auntie Miao treats you badly?”
Qiao Nan sighed once again. “To put it bluntly, it is because of his pride. My dad has divorced my mom. I am his only relative. My dad is unhappy that I am engaged to Brother Zhai at such a young age. You should know that given my dad’s abilities, it is not even easy for him to buy a regular seat ticket for me. It is thanks to your family that I have a sleeper seat. If the Zhai family is to take care of my expenses, they will send me to college in a private car or by plane.”
Her father was not able to afford all of these.
No one would be happy or be able to accept the fact that he could not provide for his own daughter and she was being provided for by someone else.
At the very least, a prideful Qiao Dongliang was not able to stomach it.
It finally dawned on Shi Qing what Qiao Dongliang was unhappy about. “No wonder you insist on taking the train. It turns out that it is for Uncle Qiao’s sake.”
“He is my dad. I have to consider his feelings.” Qiao Nan’s throat was hoarse. She drank some cool water to soothe it. “Forget it. Let’s bear with it for a while. Once I reach the capital, I will be a student at Peking University. I can endure all kinds of hardships!”
In the previous life, going to university was her dream. Qiao Nan was ecstatic that she was able to realize her dream in this life. She was full of excitement at the thought that she was going to Peking University in the capital.
“But come to think of it, Qiao Nan, this won’t do. No matter how much effort Uncle Qiao puts in, he will not be able to compare to the Zhai family. What if he is not able to overcome his psychological barrier? It won’t do to be so accommodating in the long run.” Shi Qing took out the boxes of fruits that Qiao Nan had prepared beforehand. It had been kept in the fridge before they brought it with them on the journey. She took out a cherry tomato and placed it into her mouth. It was very juicy and cooling.
Qiao Nan let out a breath before she smiled at Shi Qing. “Don’t be anxious. We have your dad to count on.”
“My dad? What does he have to do with this?”
“My dad’s initial plan was to go with me to the capital, and I agreed to it.” However, her father changed his mind recently. He took the initiative to tell her that he was not going to the capital anymore and would continue to work in Ping Cheng.
Shi Qing pointed at her nose. “Do you mean it was because of my dad that Uncle Qiao changed his mind?” When did this happen? Why did she know nothing about it?
Qiao Nan nodded. “It must be Director Shi who persuaded my dad.”
“Since Director Shi persuaded my dad to stay, he must have known about my dad’s feelings toward the Zhai family. With your dad around, I feel assured. My dad will be alright. My dad has one positive flaw-if he feels that what one says makes sense, he will be willing to listen to their advice.”
Back then, her father used to believe everything that her mother said. Right now, her father was beginning to listen to Director Shi’s advice.
He was used to being a soldier. He had the habit of listening to what the leader said.
Shi Qing arched her eyebrows. “Did you talk to my dad?”
“There is no need for me to say anything. I know Director Shi’s personality.” Qiao Nan was amused. “I am in charge of taking care of his daughter, while he will help give advice to my dad.” This was a tacit understanding between the two of them.
“…” Shi Qing pursed her lips. “We still can’t say for sure who is taking care of whom. Perhaps my dad and I will have to take care of your dad and you. Don’t forget that my maternal grandparents and my mom are in the capital. I am returning to my base camp.”
Qiao Nan was not angry. Instead, she said lightly, “Well, then, since you are the host, please take good care of me when we reach the capital.”
“…” Shi Qing was angry at her teasing. “You are very good at playing along.”
“There is no need for the two of us to be so calculative. I did not take issue with you and told Brother Zhai that you allowed Qiu Chenxi to enter my house that day.”
Shi Qing leaned back onto the bed. She refused to talk with Qiao Nan anymore.
It was too annoying to communicate with such smart people.
Shi Qing closed her eyes to rest while Qiao Nan stared at the book that she had with her.
There was something else that Qiao Dongliang was unhappy about. Qiao Nan did not tell Shi Qing but kept it to herself.
Her father was unhappy because Brother Zhai did not send her off today.
Her father used to be a soldier. He understood that Brother Zhai had to carry out his mission, and hence, he was unable to send her off. But as her father, he could not help but feel angry. It would be some time before her father would be able to sort out his thoughts.
Fortunately, there was Shi Peng around. Qiao Nan was able to leave with a peace of mind. Qiao Nan was certain that if Qiao Dongliang was upset or troubled, Shi Peng would be a positive influence on him.
As the party concerned, Qiao Nan was slightly disappointed that Zhai Sheng did not come to send her off. However, she hid her emotions well.
Qiao Nan knew right from the start what Zhai Sheng’s job was and the nature of his work. Since a young age, Qiao Dongliang had told her about the life of a soldier.
Therefore, Qiao Nan did not appear to be upset that Zhai Sheng did not turn up today. She was able to take care of Qiao Dongliang’s feelings and insist on taking the train to school so as to maintain Qiao Dongliang’s pride in front of the Zhai family.