Night Rose

To prepare for the Schalke Rally in December, they set many small goals: to send Zhou Zheng and Wang Tianle for professional training to maximize their abilities and skills; and to have them gain experience and hone their reflexes in other smaller competitions.

They also needed to sign a contract, and Tu Ying and Su Jin personally visited Wang Tianle's parents to discuss the matter.

After all, this matter is risky and requires him to temporarily suspend his studies for a semester. Wang Tianle's opinion alone cannot make his own decision.

Wang Tianle's parents were very open-minded and agreed to let him participate. They only had one request: if the boy really had talent, then let him pursue this career!

As for the dangers of this line of work, Wang Tianle's parents are open-minded. What line of work is 100% safe? Even the commute to work isn't always safe, so who can guarantee that nothing will happen at work?

They then visited Zhou Zheng's maternal grandfather. At Zhou Zheng's behest, the grandfather naturally didn't reveal their relationship, but he showed Su Jin extra care, and Tu Ying frequently gave her strange looks.

Su Jin thought that she probably couldn't hide it from Tu Ying, who was quite shrewd.

However, Tu Ying didn't concern herself with other matters and simply explained the situation to her grandfather.

Zhou Zheng discussed the matter with his grandfather, who had no objections. His health had long since recovered, and he could take care of himself even without Zhou Zheng by his side. Besides, he had the help of the neighbors upstairs and downstairs, and Wang Tianle's parents often came to visit. There was no need for the younger generation to worry about him.

Grandpa waved his hand and told Zhou Zheng to go.

For most of the past two weeks, Su Jin has focused on work arrangements. She has been so busy that she and Zhou Zheng rarely see each other. She has been pressuring Zhou Zheng to accompany Wang Tianle to exercise, because she needs to see results.

Zhou Zheng dared not disobey her, and every day he would take Wang Tianle to train him again with the things they had thrown away. As the little fat boy slowly lost weight, he was able to ask for more kisses when he was at home.

Su Jin arranged professional training for Zhou Zheng and Wang Tianle, intending to send them to the capital for classes. Before sending them to the capital, Su Jin remembered what Zhou Zheng had told her amidst a pile of things: his mother's death anniversary seemed to be approaching.

Grandpa and Zhou Zheng prepared their things and went to see Mom first.

Grandpa spoke slowly to his daughter in front of the grave, telling her about the changes in Xiaozheng over the past year: he had grown another centimeter taller, could eat half a bowl more at a meal, and had even found a girlfriend.

My girlfriend is beautiful, gentle, and capable.

Grandpa looked proud and talked to his daughter for a while, emphasizing that his health was improving and that she didn't need to worry about him, and that she should live her own life.

After talking slowly for an hour, Grandpa finally got up with Zhou Zheng's help, wiped his eyes, and promised to come see her again next time.

Zhou Zheng returned and picked up Su Jin. Su Jin held his hand, and they walked slowly in silence together.

Su Jin stood in the cool September breeze, dressed in a plain white dress, like a pure white gardenia.

She placed the daisies she was holding in front of the tombstone, and Zhou Zheng knelt down and stroked his mother's tombstone.

"You look just like your mother," Su Jin whispered.

Zhou Zheng grabbed her hand. "Why are you speaking so softly? My mom will be happy to hear you say I look like her."

Su Jin smiled shyly, "Hello, Auntie. My name is Su Jin, and I'm a racing car engineer. Although I'm a few years older than your son, I'll definitely treat him well."

"Mom, this is my girlfriend. I like her a lot, and I believe you will like her too. She is an excellent engineer, and your son will become an excellent race car driver. They look like a perfect match standing together, don't you think?" Zhou Zheng put his arm around Su Jin.

Su Jin nestled in his arms, using her body heat to dispel his chill.

The two stood silently for a long time before Zhou Zheng finally said in a hoarse voice, "Let's go."

"Auntie, next time Zhou Zheng and I come to see you, we will definitely bring good news. Please wait for us," Su Jin said softly.

A warm feeling welled up in Zhou Zheng's heart, and his whole body felt warm. He couldn't bear to let go of Su Jin's hand again.

The two finally managed to spend an afternoon together, staying at home without going anywhere, letting out all the pent-up energy they had accumulated over the past few days.

Su Jin lay on the edge of the bed and let her wet hair fall down.

Zhou Zheng used a hairdryer to dry her hair and then applied hair oil to make it smell nice.

All of these were taught to him by Su Jin. After Zhou Zheng learned them, he took good care of Su Jin in every aspect of her life.

Su Jin looked at him with her beautiful eyes, "Zhou Zheng, I'm really going to miss you. What should I do? I'll feel very lost after you leave."

A dry kiss landed on her brow. Zhou Zheng didn't want to leave, but this was something they had to go through.

Racing requires talent, but it also requires systematic and intensive training. How could he possibly win a national championship with just his unorthodox methods?

He needs to gain more competition experience and skills, and a teacher needs to guide him on his path.

"I'll be back in a month."

Su Jin counted the days on her fingers, never realizing a month could be so long or so unbearable.

She quickly got up, sat on the edge of the bed, and placed her feet on Zhou Zheng's insteps, her fair toes pressing against his strong insteps, playfully taking turns stepping on them.

"But you can only spend your birthday in the capital, without your grandfather or me."

Su Jin was somewhat annoyed. "Did I not manage my time well? What if I postponed the training..."

"Alright, don't overthink it. If you postpone the training, the competition will get closer and closer. I want to be in the best condition for the competition. It's not a problem to celebrate my birthday in the capital. I've never been one to celebrate birthdays. Plus, I have Little Fatty with me, so I won't be bored," Zhou Zheng said.

Upon hearing this, Su Jin sighed, rested her head in his arms, and remained dejected for a while.

This was Zhou Zheng's first birthday since they got together. She longed to spend it with him, to prepare a thoughtful gift for him, and to take him out for a romantic French dinner so they could have a wonderful night together.

But time waits for no one. When Su Jin made the plan, she didn't know Zhou Zheng's exact birthday. Only after she finished planning did she realize there was a problem.

Zhou Zheng had actually noticed the problem long ago, but he didn't say anything.

He really didn't like celebrating his birthday, so he didn't mention it to Su Jin.

Seeing Su Jin so upset, he really wished his birthday could be postponed, or even moved forward, so that they could celebrate their birthdays together.

"Let's celebrate my birthday early, is that alright?" Zhou Zheng asked.

Su Jin firmly shook her head, "No, birthdays can't be celebrated early."

They ultimately failed to reach an agreement on the birthday, and the two immediately got busy until the day of training arrived.