Uncle Shazhu, a simple-minded man in a courtyard house, persuades people with reason.

He Ping'an's agreement with He Daqing and Li Guifen's decision was more of a compromise with reality. Allowing He Daqing to remain single for life because of his past feelings for his sister-in-law was immoral and unrealistic.

What's more, he's a scumbag who wants to have it all!

He Ping'an's approval secretly relieved the deaf old woman. She had been worried that He Ping'an might cause a huge scene at any time, putting everyone in an awkward position. If that happened, He Daqing would definitely side with his own brother, leaving her with no choice but to sever all ties with Li Guifen…

"Hmph...then you'd better eat a lot later! Let's see if you can eat this old lady out of house and home!"

After a brief exchange of words, He Daqing and Li Guifen brought the food to the table. Except for Xiaoyushui, who was still drinking milk, the group clinked glasses together.

"Ugh..." Li Guifen vomited after downing a glass of wine.

The deaf old woman was an experienced person; He Daqing knew Li Guifen's drinking capacity; and He Ping'an was a highly skilled traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Only He Yuzhu was making a ruckus there.

"Auntie, there's nothing wrong with the wine, so why did you vomit?"

With a slap on the back of the head and a kick to the buttocks, He Daqing and He Pingan tacitly shooed the person aside.

Li Guifen was initially stunned, but it wasn't until the three of them looked at her simultaneously that she suddenly realized what was happening. Looking at the deaf old woman, her eyes immediately reddened, and she asked tearfully:

"Godmother...am I...?"

"It's almost certainly true. We'll have a doctor come over tomorrow!" The deaf old woman nodded with relief, then took Li Guifen's hand and instructed, "Don't get excited. You're pregnant now, and emotional excitement is the worst thing you can do. And don't cry, or you'll easily develop health problems!"

Since they were his nephew (or niece), He Ping'an couldn't just stand by and do nothing. "Let's find a more spacious place, I'll take your pulse!"

He Daqing and the deaf old woman spoke almost simultaneously. "Yes, my brother/this lad, his medical skills are superb/not bad!"

"Then thank you, Brother Ping An!" Li Guifen shyly grasped the hand He Daqing offered and let him help her into the inner room!

After a short while, He Ping'an looked at the anxious Li Guifen and nodded with a smile.

The already lively gathering was made even more joyous by the impending arrival of the new life. Afterwards, He Ping'an carried the sleeping He Yushui, followed by He Yuzhu, back to the Central Courtyard. He Daqing stayed overnight to take care of the emotionally distraught Li Guifen.

As for what the people in the courtyard think, that's Yi Zhonghai's concern! Even though a hat doesn't keep you warm, it's still a hat, isn't it? Contentment is happiness!

Back at the He family home, after settling He Yuzhu and his sister in, He Ping'an hurried to Jing'an Bookstore under the moonlight. He had promised the young lady during the day, and he couldn't go back on his word.

Inside the bookstore, Luo Chengjun glared at He Ping'an, who was enjoying Bai Ling's service and devouring his dumplings. "Hey He Ping'an," he said, "you came all this way during the New Year to steal my dumplings, have you no shame?"

"I bought the noodles, meat, and vegetables; Ling'er made the dumplings. You freeloader, how dare you criticize me? Who's shameless here?"

Ever since Luo Chengjun blew his whistle that night, He Ping'an has been constantly arguing with Luo Chengjun outside of work hours. Bai Ling, meanwhile, tries to smooth things over and mediate between them.

Today was somewhat unexpected; Bai Ling was serving him even more attentively than usual. Luo Chengjun remained silent, and even when He Ping'an deliberately provoked him by calling him "Luo the Cannon," he only grunted and then fell silent.

He Ping'an's smile suddenly faded, and he pressed down Bai Ling's hand, which was diligently serving the dishes. His sharp gaze fixed on Luo Chengjun:

"What happened?"

Before Luo Chengjun could speak, Bai Ling interjected, "It's nothing!"

He Pingan looked down at Bai Ling, his expression more serious than ever before: "So you've got something on your mind? What is it that you're hiding from me?"

"No... I..."

Bai Ling was so anxious that tears welled up in her eyes. Luo Chengjun, who was standing nearby, couldn't bear to see this and spoke up to explain:

"Alright, let me explain... In view of the current situation between the two parties, and the possibilities for the future, the Northwest has decided to select a group of young comrades from across the party who are cultured, capable, and ideologically sound to study in the north!"

The decisive battle: win and you'll be a returning talent; lose and you'll be the spark of revolution! He Ping'an nodded in understanding and gestured for Luo Chengjun to continue.

There are two people at our Beiping station who meet the requirements: Bai Ling and you! Bai Ling is fine, you…”

He Ping'an's rise and fall were both due to the same thing! He gained attention in the Northwest because of his pharmaceutical business, but he also lost his eligibility to study in the North because of his pharmaceutical business.

He Ping'an stared at Luo Chengjun expressionlessly, without saying a word. The medicine was important; he needed to leave it behind as a precaution. No problem!

Studying abroad? He didn't care! But Luo Chengjun made the decision without even consulting him. He really didn't take him seriously...

This reminded He Ping'an of his past life, where a similar powerful figure had decided his fate with a single, casual remark. The same person was like that back then, and the same is true for Luo Chengjun now.

Although their starting points were different, the results were the same: they were all presumptuous and taking control of things... This sense of crisis from being controlled by others drove him almost insane!

"Peace...peace!"

Bai Ling clearly sensed He Ping'an's anger. As usual, she grabbed her lover's arm and pleaded softly. This time, however, she received no response…

"Comrade He Ping'an, as a Communist Party member, you must have..."

He Ping'an coldly interrupted Luo Chengjun's incessant chatter.

"Luo Chengjun, my contributions to the organization are none of your business! I obey the organization's arrangements, and similarly... I will truthfully report your warlord-like style of acting arbitrarily without consulting my personal wishes to the Northwest!"

After explaining his reasoning, He Ping'an turned and gently wiped away Bai Ling's tears, his deep eyes filled with an unyielding longing.

"Study hard in the north, so you can better serve your country in the future! I don't like farewells, so I won't see you off..." With that, he left briskly.

The fireworks of reunion drowned out Bai Ling's cries!

Leaving Jing'an Bookstore, and not wanting to go home, He Ping'an wandered aimlessly through the streets.

He didn't object to He Daqing having other women, nor did he object to Luo Chengjun's orders; in fact, he supported their decisions. But he just felt uneasy!

There is no reason, no explanation, no way to break free from the constraints and limitations!

He Ping'an is ill, and it's gotten really bad!

I went out late last night and woke up this morning feeling groggy and dizzy. When I tried to speak, my throat felt like it was being scraped by a razor blade, burning with pain.

High fever, fainting symptoms, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness cannot be ruled out!

He left a note saying he was going out for an exchange and study trip, and hurriedly departed. He harbored too many secrets, whether it was his rebirth or his spatial ability, which he absolutely could not let anyone know!