From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of life

"That's right, returning safely is more important than anything else," Leng Shanshan echoed softly.

After saying that, she pointed to the winter melon and pork rib soup on the table and said, "Drink more soup to nourish your body; it's light and good for your stomach."

"Thank you so much for going to all this trouble to prepare so many dishes for us." I sincerely thanked you.

"No trouble at all, don't be so polite with me." Leng Shanshan's eyes were gentle, and her tone was mild.

I picked up the bowl, ladled out a bowl of soup, and the warm soup slid down my throat, the warmth spreading down my esophagus into my stomach.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was relaxed and pleasant.

Su Qing was lively and talkative, chattering about interesting things throughout the entire conversation.

Leng Shanshan listened quietly the whole time, occasionally interjecting with a word or two.

After Su Qing finished speaking, Leng Shanshan slowly said, "To be honest, I was really shocked when I heard that you were going to the no-man's-land. Fortunately, everything turned out well and you all came back safely."

Su Qing sighed softly, saying with a hint of regret, "It's a pity. I originally planned to go with them, but in the end I couldn't make it."

Leng Shanshan glanced at me, then looked at Su Qing and said, "It's a good thing you didn't go. Look at how haggard Lin Ye looks now; you can tell how tough the journey was. You couldn't have endured it."

These words instantly ignited Su Qing's stubbornness, and she retorted defiantly:

"Why can't I handle it? My sister persevered, why can't I? I'm no worse than her!"

Leng Shanshan looked puzzled and pressed on, "I still don't understand. Your sister is always calm and cautious, so why did she insist on going to the no-man's-land this time? I was surprised for a long time when I heard the news."

"Who knows?"

Su Qing immediately turned to look at me and asked, "Lin Ye, you said you'd tell me all about it when you got back, so tell me quickly why my sister insists on going?"

I hesitated slightly.

This matter concerns Su Wan's private life. Even if she told me, I shouldn't disclose it to others without her permission, even if the other party is her own sister, Su Qing.

I paused for a moment, carefully choosing my words before speaking: "She does have a purpose, and she has no choice but to go."

"What's your purpose? Tell me!" Su Qing asked curiously.

I found it a little difficult to say, but Su Wan probably didn't think it was a secret, so she told me openly.

But it's still a bit inappropriate to say it without the other person's permission.

Just as I was wondering how to say it, Leng Shanshan suddenly spoke up to defuse the situation:

"Qingqing, I think we shouldn't pry into this matter. Lin Ye probably doesn't know what to say to her either. After all, this is your sister's privacy."

"If it's all private, can she tell Lin Ye?" Su Qing asked, puzzled.

I compromised and said, "I can only say that she went there because of someone, that's all I can say, please understand."

"For one person?"

Su Qing's eyes widened instantly. After a few seconds of stunned silence, she suddenly seemed to have discovered a shocking secret and excitedly asked:

"Who is it? Has my sister secretly started dating someone?!"

"You can ask her directly for details later."

I didn't want to talk about it anymore and subtly avoided the topic.

Seeing my firm attitude, Su Qing didn't press me any further and nodded, saying, "Alright, I won't ask anymore. I was just curious."

As soon as she finished speaking, she sighed softly again.

"Honestly, I feel really resentful. It's always been like this since I was little. No matter what I do, my parents think I'm being silly and never support me. But when my sister does the same thing, they think she's thoughtful and trust her unconditionally."

After a brief silence, Leng Shanshan gently advised, "Their generation has a rigid mindset, spending their entire lives judging their children's lives by their own fixed standards. In their eyes, Su Wan is mature, stable, and trustworthy. But your impulsive and restless nature makes them uneasy. However, they forget that your life is your own, and you should be in charge of it."

Su Qing pouted slightly, saying helplessly, "I understand the logic! But I just don't feel right. I have my own thoughts and pursuits, so why are all my choices rejected from the very beginning?"

I ate my meal quietly, listening to their conversation, while pondering what was going on in my mind.

Su Qing's stubbornness was largely nurtured in this environment of long-term lack of recognition.

The less she received approval from her family, the more she insisted on doing things her own way, refusing to compromise, and determined to live her own life.

After a brief silence, Leng Shanshan suddenly looked up at me and slowly interrupted the topic:

"Lin Ye, I know that you and Qingqing are officially together now."

I was slightly taken aback, not expecting her to bring this up at the dinner table.

Su Qing was remarkably open about it, nodding in agreement: "That's right, we're together. I don't plan to hide it anymore; we'll make it public sooner or later."

Leng Shanshan remained calm and slowly said, "Actually, I had already guessed this day would come. I could tell when you two lived together in the riverside courtyard, spending every day together."

"I don't object to you two being together. I can also see that Qingqing is truly relaxed and happy when she's with you."

She abruptly changed the subject, her tone becoming serious and solemn: "But I must tell you the truth, Qingqing, the resistance from your family will definitely not be small. Besides that, there's Fang Heng, a person you absolutely cannot ignore."

When Fang Heng was mentioned, my fingers tightened slightly as I gripped my chopsticks.

This name is like a thorn, always hanging there.

Leng Shanshan looked at me and continued in a serious tone, "Fang Heng's feelings for Qingqing have never died. He has repeatedly targeted you, tripped you up, and tried every means to break you two up. Now that he knows you have officially confirmed your relationship, he will definitely not let it go."

"Qingqing has a strong personality, but she hasn't experienced much of the worldly scheming. Many storms can't be weathered by passion and stubbornness alone."

Su Qing immediately frowned and said defiantly, "I'm not afraid! I won't give up on the person I've chosen just because of his difficult behavior and my family's opposition."

Leng Shanshan looked at Su Qing and said softly, "Of course I understand your personality. I'm just reminding you not to oversimplify things. Your parents' opposition will definitely not be just verbal; they will most likely intervene later."

The living room fell silent instantly, the atmosphere slightly heavy.

I know in my heart that every word Leng Shanshan said is the truth.

The dangers of the no-man's-land are visible and tangible, but after returning to Jiangzhou, the troubles from interpersonal relationships, family power, and the schemes of rivals are invisible, hidden arrows.

I slowly put down my chopsticks and looked at Su Qing, saying solemnly, "Shanshan is right. I'm not afraid of these troubles either, but I will never let you face the challenges alone. From now on, we'll face all obstacles together."

Su Qing turned her head and met my gaze without the slightest fear.

This is the girl I love—she's passionate and decisive, and once she's made up her mind about someone or something, she never gives up easily.