Rebirth after the college entrance examination

Chapter 176 Everyone Likes Good Things

November 23rd, Thursday, 8:00 AM.

Good wine doesn't cause headaches. After waking up, Xia An felt a little dazed, but her head didn't hurt.

When he felt nauseous and went to vomit in the middle of the night yesterday, he found himself sleeping in Le Ning's little house. It was lightly scented and elegant, with a girlish feel. The bookshelves were neatly arranged with Jin Yong, Gu Long, Liang Yusheng, and Wen Ruian, giving it a strong sense of chivalry.

Send the little girl a message: "I'm sleeping in your blanket."

After waiting a few minutes without receiving a reply, I finally got out of bed.

Fold the pants neatly and place them at the foot of the bed, with a glass of warm water on the bedside table.

There was no sound outside, and sure enough, no one was there when I went out.

On the table was a medley of white porridge, side dishes, milk, bread, a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine, and a note.

Your uncle went to work, I went out to run some errands, I ate breakfast and then took a nap, the new toothbrush is in the bathroom.

……

Early in the morning, Zhou Ting had nothing to do, so after quietly preparing breakfast, she drove Le Yuqun to work, something she did only once in a century.

The couple chatted briefly on the way.

"Can Ningning handle him?"

"Why should we hold on to him? He's not like a child, and we shouldn't treat him like one."

"Boys his age are wild and ambitious. It's no wonder he can't stay with Ningning forever. You men are all the same."

"That's a biased view. In all these years, when have I ever had any turbulent thoughts?"

"You don't? Heh, don't make me say the unpleasant things. Shut up and make yourself uncomfortable."

After a few words, Yue Yuqun shut him down.

I got back to the underground parking lot before the morning rush hour, and while sitting in the car some distance from the Range Rover, I called my daughter.

Le Ning has never had the habit of sleeping in late since she was a child. When she received Zhou Ting's call, she was strolling around the campus.

The flower shop next to the east gate opens early, and the proprietress is trimming flower branches by the door.

After thinking for a moment, Le Ning went over and bought two sunflowers, and casually teased the kittens that were playing around the house.

"Are you arranging flowers in your dorm room?" Zhou Ting asked over the phone.

"No, a friend of mine rents a place off-campus, and I'm going to help her change the flowers."

"Boyfriend or girlfriend? Tell Mom honestly, did you and Xia An rent a place outside?"

Hearing her mother's tone, which wasn't angry but rather tinged with a hint of mockery, Le Ning felt a mix of joy and sorrow.

It belongs to Xia An, but not to her.

Strangely enough, Le Ning didn't know what she was thinking, but she suddenly had the idea of ​​going to Tang Wan's house to help tidy up. She and Su Yi both had the key to the second-floor rental apartment, and Tang Wan had told her before returning to Dongshan that she could come and stay anytime she wanted.

But today is the first time.

"No, it's not true. School rules state that freshmen can't rent apartments off-campus. It belongs to a senior student."

“Xia An is different. He might not be able to be at school often in the future. Aren’t you going to spend time with him?”

After paying and leaving the flower shop, Le Ning frowned and said, "Oh my god, what are you trying to say?"

Zhou Ting chuckled on the phone, "He came to my house yesterday and had a very good chat with your dad and me."

"Hmm, I can imagine, his idea is very mature." Le Ning tucked the flower branch under her arm and breathed on her palm.

"It's precisely because she's too mature that Mom is a little worried. I'm asking you, Xia An said she's running several companies outside, are you really not involved in any of them?"

"I only know how to play musical instruments, what else do I know? How could I participate? Wouldn't I just be a hindrance? Besides, I'm only a freshman..."

“Freshman, freshman, it’s because you’re too young. Daughter, where has your confidence and arrogance gone? Listen to your mother, I’m not telling you to interfere in his work and cause trouble.”

Over 400 kilometers away, in the dimly lit, cold underground parking lot, the car, now off, grew increasingly chilly. Zhou Ting, like Le Ning, breathed on her hands to warm them, and said, "You're his legitimate girlfriend. You have the right to ask about his business. It's okay if you don't understand; go learn. I'm not asking you to tie yourself to his business or to get his money..."

"Mom~" Her daughter's voice on the phone sounded somewhat stern, as if she was angry.

Zhou Ting said, "Don't misunderstand what I mean. Would a mother harm her own daughter? I've been through this before, and I know you've liked him for many years. If you really want to be with him for a long time... Let me put it this way, the fact that he has achieved this much at this age means that he is not comparable to ordinary people."

If you want to have a successful relationship with him, you must be able to help him in his career, even if it's just in a specific area.

Xia An emerged from the emergency exit, boarded the Range Rover, and sped away.

"I'll hang up now, Mom's going upstairs. I'll call you when I get home."

When Zhou Ting entered the elevator, Le Ning had already changed her shoes and gone inside. There wasn't much dust, and she knew that Su had come back once before.

Sweet aromas wafted in the air, and the soft morning sunlight bathed the blankets. The two sunflowers in the vase were already half-withered.

Le Ning went to change the water and arrange the flowers, and boiled a kettle of water. While waiting for the water to boil, she sat blankly on the sofa and used the remote control to turn on the top-of-the-line stereo that Xia An had given to Tang Wan.

The classic music compilation CD inside was a small gift that Le Ning gave to Tang Wan.

The intro to Hotel California immediately calmed her down. The familiar melody seemed to pull her back to her old days, to the classroom window in junior high, and to the trees along the high school path, where she would listen to these classic songs with her headphones on, watching the boy's figure running on the playground.

Looking at the photo frame on the TV cabinet, Le Ning suddenly burst into tears.

She knew what her mother was saying, and even what she was going to say.

But she couldn't answer directly. Of course she had thought about these things... but what could she change?
The phone vibrated; I answered it.

Sure enough, her mother asked directly, "Are there any other girls at school pursuing Xia An, or does he have any other close female friends?"

Xiao Le Ning moved her phone away, took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, wiped away her tears, and tried her best to say in a calm tone, "Of course not, Mom, don't overthink it."

"You must have a lot of suitors, right?"

"Ah."

Le Ning answered frankly, but her tone was not at all proud.

Across from him, Zhou Ting remained silent for a long time before letting out a sigh.

"There are some things that shouldn't be told to you at your age, but since you've made the choice, you have to take responsibility for them."

His age, his wealth… Let me tell you, rich men are like beautiful women—there are many temptations and many potential partners. That's reality. And if his career continues to flourish, this becomes even more pronounced.

Even the largest campus is just a small circle; the outside world is vast, and there are many more women.

Daughter, Mom will say it again: if you want to be with him for the long term, you need to consider in advance whether you can handle this pressure and these grievances…

Le Ning understands.

Is it possible to possess love exclusively?

That's not the case anymore.

She would never forget what Tang Wan said to her one night: "I only got together with him a few days earlier than you, but I think if you had started dating him first, I would have fallen in love with him too."

Everyone likes good things; she can't control others, nor can she control herself.

Compared to Zuo You... there's no comparison. It's precisely because she understands her unwavering feelings for Xia An that she also understands Xia An's deep affection for Zuo You.

Compared to Tang Wan, the current Tang Wan... she doesn't even dare to compare. In terms of looks, family background... she surpasses her in every aspect, a true all-around beauty.

On the day of the press conference, he came straight to her after coming down from the stage. Le Ning's heart, which had been pounding with anxiety, was filled with joy that almost jumped out of her throat. She understood deeply that this was Xia An's explanation to her, a public statement.

He once said that all I need to do is enjoy my youth.

Upon hearing her daughter's words, Zhou Ting fell silent again, and after a long while, she sighed deeply once more.

"Your parents just want you to be happy. Like we always say, if one day you get tired and can't take it anymore, it's okay to let go."

After hanging up the phone, Zhou Ting, like her daughter, sat quietly for a long time.
-

Xia An returned to Xingfu Community, greeted Youzi's parents at the supermarket and restaurant, then went upstairs to go home. She tossed and turned in bed until noon, still feeling drowsy.

I called Chi Ao and learned that he was in the hospital. After thinking about it, I suggested we go for drinks that afternoon.

Chi Ao: "Perfect timing, today is Thanksgiving."

I've been back for a few days and have spent all my time drinking.

After changing her clothes, Xia An asked Wu Sufeng for two fruit baskets, one for Zhou Zhou and one for Chi Ao's parents.

Upon learning that he was visiting a friend in the hospital, Wu Sufeng personally selected the best imported fruits for him, saving him over two hundred yuan.

In the hospital room, Su Yi was painting Zhou Zhou's nails.

Upon seeing Xia An, Zhou Zhou tried her best to restrain herself, but her oval face slowly turned pink.

The man, however, exchanged a few pleasantries with the martial arts master without batting an eye, before moving on to the neighboring inpatient ward.

Chi Ao's mother is not seriously injured, but she is exhausted and will be discharged from the hospital in a few more days.

Chi Ao's father's surgery was successful, but he was left with sequelae, including hemiplegia. His left leg and left hand were out of control, and he needed a long period of rehabilitation. He was only in his forties, but his hair was already half-white. Xia An sighed with emotion when she saw this.

On his first visit, he didn't mention the construction company; he only visited his elders as a classmate of Chi Ao.

Chi Ao's father seemed to have forgotten about the summer college entrance banquet. Seeing his son's old classmate behaving so well, he instructed Chi Ao to treat Xia An to a good meal.

After leaving the inpatient department, Xia An didn't plan to drive and show off. He was thinking of taking a small golf car in Chi'ao, but unexpectedly, he and Niu Fangfang led Xia An straight to the door to take a taxi.

"Where's your car? I saw you driving it the day before yesterday."

Chi Ao gave a sad smile, "That day we drove it out to sell, we were out of money at home."

Xia An had nothing to say.

Instead, Niu Fangfang affectionately hugged Chi Ao's arm upon hearing this and smiled at Xia An, saying, "You're a college student, why are you driving a car? How many college students drive a car? If you don't have money, you don't have money. There are always more poor people in the world. Xia An, what would you like to eat? It's my treat today. It's rare that you still remember your old classmate."

Xia An then realized that all of Chi Ao High School's close friends were studying locally, but none of them came to visit. Kids don't usually have that much snobbery; they probably made new friends at university and forgot about their old acquaintances.

Looking at Niu Fangfang, who was poised and elegant, with her hair dyed black and straightened, no longer resembling an alternative style, Xia An smiled at Chi Ao and said, "With a wife like this, your family will surely rise up sooner or later."

Chi Ao chuckled foolishly, while Niu Fangfang laughed heartily: "Xia An, you really know how to talk. I'll treat you and Le Ning to dinner again during winter break."

"Okay," Xia An said. "Don't take a taxi. Let's just grab a bite to eat nearby and have a drink."

There are plenty of restaurants near the hospital, so the three of them found one that was relatively clean and had a private room, and sat down to order.

While waiting for the food to be served, Xia An went to get a few bottles of wine.

"Let me clear my head first, I drank too much last night."

Niu Fangfang and Chi Ao are both drinkers, and they clinked glasses with him.

"Where did you go for drinks? With classmates?"

"Half right, Le Ning's parents."

Chi Ao was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "Goodness, you went to drink with someone before she even came back. You two are definitely going to get together."

Xia An let out a burp and nodded, saying, "It will definitely work."

He added, "You two will definitely make it."

Niu Fangfang laughed heartily, turned her head and asked Chi Ao, "Will you come to my house to meet my parents during the Chinese New Year?"

Chi Ao scratched his head nervously, while Niu Fangfang glared at him: "Who's worried about your family going bankrupt!"

Chi Ao immediately nodded: "Yes, my parents also said I should go."

Xia An looked at the two of them with a faint smile.

For a girl to mature early and meet a partner like Chi Ao during puberty who doesn't have a chauvinistic personality is truly a blessing.

Halfway there, Liu Xiao called, asking where Xia An was. He didn't get to the point, only saying that he wanted to get together in Binhai.

At the dinner table, Chi Ao said that he planned to study and work part-time in Beijing during the Spring Festival.

“There are many children studying music in the capital, and the tutoring fees are high. Some of my classmates and seniors work part-time to earn enough for two years’ tuition in one semester.”

He added with emotion, "It feels like a lifetime has passed in just one autumn. I thought I was still a student back then, but I never imagined that I would have to support a family all of a sudden."

When he said this, Chi Ao's eyes showed no regret or sorrow, but rather a sense of freedom and ease, as he held Niu Fangfang's hand in one hand.

Xia An asked, "Uncle Chi, in this situation, should the company file for bankruptcy or what?"

Chi Ao said, "I don't really understand those businesses. But I still owe several construction teams final payments. Can I file for bankruptcy?"

Xia An nodded and said, "Okay."

Chi Ao pinched the bridge of his nose and said with a wry smile, "Even if it were possible, those people would still come after us for the debt."

Xia An asked, "Uncle, aren't you thinking of reselling it? Construction payments are usually a matter of inter-family debt; no real estate company owes your family money."

Chi Ao sighed dejectedly, "I do know that, but there's no way to get it back. My dad said the person who owed him money seems to have died."

Xia An: "Which one?"

Chi Ao thought for a moment, "Jintang Real Estate, that's the Tangshi Group that's been all the rage lately. But Jintang Real Estate has already been deregistered."

Xia An nodded and said nothing more.

After drinking the "resurrection wine," Xia An felt much better, and none of the three drank excessively.

Chi Ao and Niu Fangfang packed some leftovers to take to the hospital, while Xia An strolled around the hospital before getting her car and going home.

After getting off work, Wei Xiaofang and Xia Kangning invited Xia An to have dinner at Youzi Restaurant.

Xia An couldn't eat anymore and resolutely refused to drink alcohol, so she went upstairs early to catch up on sleep.

I woke up around 9 a.m. by my phone vibrating; it was an unknown number.

After the call connected, the other end was filled with loud, booming shouts and low-pitched screams.

Liu Fei shouted, "Junior Brother Xia, do you know who I am?"

Xia An rubbed his eyes, yawned, and said, "Brother Liu?"

"Hey, good memory. I heard from your brother Liu that you're in the provincial capital, and I'm here too. How about it? Want to go out and enjoy the nightlife? Lots of girls."

After thinking for a moment, Xia An said, "No problem, where is it?"

Liu Fei gave him the address of the largest disco in Dongshan. Xia An rummaged through his drawers and found the clothes that made him look the most handsome. He even put some lotion on his face and went out with a flamboyant air.

(End of this chapter)