Chapter 767: Chapter 512: Heroic Spirit
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The first watch of the night has arrived.
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“They’ve passed by; let’s get up.” As Wang Nan and Wang Jun walked past, Zhou Mikang signaled Chuxia and Wang Jing, who were lying in the back seat, to get up.
“Let’s wait a bit longer. What if they turn back?” Chuxia pressed down on Wang Jing, who was about to get up, saying, “Cars are rare in this era, and it’s normal to be curious and look around. We must be careful.”
“You’re quite vigilant,” praised Zhou Mikang, then added, “Get up, they’re not in the mood to look around now.”
“That’s true…” Chuxia slowly sat up, “With their minds on doing harm, how can they be in the mood to look elsewhere? Sister, get up, what are you still lying there for?”
“I got a stitch in my side, don’t touch me.” Wang Jing said as she gasped for breath. After a moment, she took a long breath and climbed up, looking resentfully at Chuxia, “You elbowed me in the ribs.”
“So weak!” Chuxia mouthed the words, but her hand reached out to the other’s ribcage, “Does it still hurt? Sorry, I was a bit hasty.”
Wang Jing laughed it off and waved her hand: “It’s okay, it’s already better. I’ve had this problem since I was a child, so I never dared to go swimming. I was afraid I might accidentally get a stitch and drown myself.”
“Such a delicate little body,” Chuxia said with a hint of smugness, looking toward Zhou Mikang, “And you say my health is bad, Sister’s health isn’t even as good as mine.”
“Why don’t you compare yourself with Luo Xiaoqiong?”
“Um…” Chuxia rolled her eyes, then looked at Wang Jing, “Sister, he looks down on both of us.”
Wang Jing didn’t dare to join in, and could only respond with an awkward laugh.
“Sister, don’t go home; come back with us instead.” Wang Lei would be staying at the Zhou family’s home during this time, leaving Wang Jing alone at home. Being alone during the festive period wouldn’t be fun, so Chuxia had previously asked Old Madam Zhou for her opinion and was now sincerely inviting Wang Jing.
Without a second thought, Wang Jing shook her head: “No need, I will definitely join the festivity on New Year’s Eve.”
“But you’ll be alone at home these next few days, and your third aunt will surely be worried.” Chuxia continued to persuade, “If you’re not comfortable, you can stay with me.”
Wang Jing shot a quick glance at Zhou Mikang and hurriedly explained: “It’s not that I’m being polite or uncomfortable, but think about it: you all have parents who love you. I’ll just feel more left out there.” She wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but she felt that when Chuxia made the offer, Great Regimental Commander Zhou seemed to radiate a chill.
“Alright then, you can come over for the New Year’s celebration,” said Chuxia, unable to help adding, “Actually, your third aunt has always treated you like a daughter.”
“I know, but after all, I’m in my twenties, not a child anymore. I’m living with my small aunt and uncle now, so they don’t feel like I’m distancing myself from them after their marriage.
However, if she moves to her husband’s family and I were to follow, it’d feel different. I wouldn’t want others to say my small uncle got a wife and ended up with a big burden too.”
Chuxia understood that what Wang Jing said made sense. People from this era did care about this sort of thing. Even if the Zhou family didn’t mind, the talk outside might reach Wang Lei and Wang Jing, making both of them uncomfortable.
Frankly, Wang Lei had not been married into the Zhou family for long enough for everyone to truly become familiar with each other. Just a few words were not enough to really make them feel at home here.
Integrating into a family takes time. Chuxia was an exception, having already gone through this once before; this time, her adaptability was a bit stronger.
Furthermore, she came from a relatively open era, and her perspective on issues differed from those who truly belonged to this time. Fortunately, she had not encountered any overly conservative people; heaven had been kind to her.
After taking Wang Jing home, Zhou Mikang and Chuxia finally headed to the Zhou family’s old house. During this period up to the New Year, everyone would live in the old house. First, so Lin Baohe and Zhao Yulan could have some privacy, and second, because the old house was the foundation of the Zhou family—it simply felt better to celebrate the New Year there.
“You don’t think I’m meddling too much, do you?” On the way, Chuxia scrutinized Zhou Mikang’s expression and asked.
“What do you think?”
“Don’t answer with a question!” Chuxia glared at him, “Just tell me either yes or no.”
“It’s fine, I guess.”
“What do you mean, ‘it’s fine, I guess’?”
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“You’re a bit meddlesome at times, but, it shows you’re a kind-hearted person,” Zhou Mikang reached out to ruffle her hair. “Keep it up, I’m here for you, so don’t be afraid.”
“What do you mean?” Chuxia looked at him puzzled. “From what you’re saying, it seems like I did something terribly wrong. Which thing are you referring to? Was it having Li Dajun propose to the Wang family, or was it having Wang Jing come to your house for New Year’s?”
Zhou Mikang had a bead of cold sweat on his forehead. When she was upset, she’d actually consider herself not part of his family, even referred to “your house”…
“Having Wang Jing come to our house for New Year’s wasn’t wrong, but you forgot something: Wang Jing is Wang Lei’s niece. Some things should be left for Wang Lei to handle, not for you to arrange.”
“Right!” Chuxia slapped her forehead abruptly. “How could I have overlooked that? Ah, I really have a pig’s brain. At the time, all I could think of was how pitiful Wang Jing was all by herself, and also I thought maybe Wang Lei was too embarrassed to speak up since she’d just gotten married. I even thought I was doing a good deed.”
“Wang Jing’s personality has changed from before, and she doesn’t misinterpret Wang Lei’s intentions…” Zhou Mikang looked at her with amusement. “Just be more cautious in the future, I’m only giving you a heads-up.”
“Got it,” Chuxia gave him a sideways glance, pouting. “I’ve realized that you’re very shrewd. No, I can’t trust you so much in the future. I have to be careful or you might sell me out and I’d still be helping you count the money.”
“Hahaha…” Zhou Mikang laughed freely. “Being shrewd is still better than having a pig’s brain.”
“How mean, you’re making fun of me!” Chuxia pushed him in annoyance, but couldn’t help sighing. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Second Sister and the Fourth Youngest, they should be coming home before New Year’s, right?”
“They should be back in the next few days” Zhou Mikang’s face was full of satisfaction, delighted to see the close relationship between his wife and his elder and younger sisters-in-law.
The pair chattered all the way home, and after greeting the elders, Chuxia specifically told Wang Lei that they had taken Wang Jing back home.
Wang Lei expressed her gratitude, “Chuxia, it would seem hollow to exchange pleasantries, but you must understand how grateful I truly am.”
“I understand. Don’t mind my meddling then,” Chuxia said, feeling a bit embarrassed as she relayed Zhou Mikang’s concerns to Wang Lei. “If, because of me, any rift develops between Third Aunt and Teacher Sister, I’d be really upset.”
“That won’t happen. Xiao Ching’s character is different now. Speaking of which, I should also thank you for that…” Wang Lei said with a shy smile, “But there I go being courteous again. Let’s stop right here. We are family, after all; we shouldn’t speak so formally with each other.”
“Yes, that’s the right way to think, Third Aunt.” Hesitating for a moment, Chuxia still decided to tell Wang Lei about the matchmaking plan for Wang Jun and Wang Nan. Wang Lei would find out sooner or later, and speaking up early could prevent any misunderstandings that could lead to tension.
“Ah!” Wang Lei sighed deeply and said nothing. Chuxia knew she must be feeling distressed, so she said no more. After all, what was done was done, and if Wang Lei was upset by it, there was nothing she could do.
At dinner, Zhou Mikang shared the news of Chuxia’s first time performing surgery and her successful outcome with everyone.
“Why didn’t you mention it earlier?” Old Madam Zhou glared at Zhou Mikang and then looked dissatisfiedly at Chuxia. “Is it because you still feel reserved around us? Such an important event, and you didn’t even say a word.”
Chuxia smiled ingratiatingly, “Grandma, I was afraid that if I told you all, you’d worry, and I’d be especially nervous. Elder Yuan places so much trust in me, he fought for this opportunity for me under great pressure. If I made a mistake because of nervousness, I’d feel terribly sorry to him.”
“Making excuses!” The old lady huffed. “Couldn’t you have called home after the surgery? At the very least, you could have let Second Uncle and Xiao Si come back to celebrate with us. They’ve been thinking of you.”
Zhou Mikang hurriedly joined the conversation, “Grandma, I can vouch for that. Chuxia was thinking of them too. She even asked me on our way here when they would be able to return.”
“So you think you’re off the hook? You made the worst mistake. It’s hard for her to make calls, but what about you? How easy is it for you to call from the military? You bear, you have us nowhere in your heart!”
“How about celebrating with me now, Grandma?” Chuxia said with a fawning grin. “Actually, I really wanted to tell everyone earlier, so you could praise me, but I feared appearing too cocky. So, I held back until now. It wasn’t easy for me!”
“Pfft!” Old Madam Zhou couldn’t hold back a laugh, then deliberately tapped on Chuxia’s head, chiding, “If this happens again, you might not care about the others, but at least your grandma won’t like you anymore.”
Chuxia nodded repeatedly, “It won’t happen again. I’ll inform my elders immediately about anything important from now on. Honestly, handling the pressure by myself is quite tough!”
Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe initially felt extremely proud of their daughter’s capability. Now, they were both bemused and amused by their daughter’s antics. How had they never realized that their daughter was such a treasure? But this comforted them even more.
“This event is a milestone for Chuxia,” Lin Baohe spoke, “Let’s toast with water in place of wine. When everyone’s together for the New Year, we’ll celebrate again.”
“Fine, let’s toast with water in place of wine and wish for our family’s Chuxia to become a distinguished doctor!” Old Master Wan stood up in agreement with Old Master Zhou’s suggestion, and the others also rose, offering their congratulations.
Chuxia felt a wave of embarrassment. It was just a minor surgery, and here they were, celebrating twice—wouldn’t others laugh their heads off if they found out? But with everyone so happy, she didn’t want to dampen the spirits, so she joyously raised her glass, “I will work hard to become a distinguished doctor and bring honor to the Zhou family, adding more luster to my parents!”
Parents Zhao Yulan and Lin Baohe were moved to tears by their daughter’s words–which were meant to bring good fortune–and nodded vigorously in agreement, which ignited a new sense of determination in Chuxia: for her parents’ sake, she would give her all! (To be continued. If you enjoy this book, you are welcome to vote for it at Qidian (). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit to continue reading.)