After this, Liu Yuan did not take the college entrance exam again.
She settled down and focused on her work.
However, whenever her parents brought up the topic of arranging a match for her, she refused.
Her parents understood that she had not yet moved on.
What they did not expect was that, even now, when she broke down in tears upon hearing that Gu Yunzhou was going abroad to study, her mother realized that Liu Yuan had never truly let go of him.
But now…
“Yuan Yuan, it’s time to let go of Gu Yunzhou.”
“You and Gu Yunzhou are simply not meant to be.”
“He’ll be studying abroad for four to five years. Yuan Yuan, you must understand—a woman’s prime years are short. You need to cherish the present.”
“Are you really going to wait for Gu Yunzhou for another four or five years?”
“Mother knows you’re in pain, that you’re heartbroken, but you need to move on.”
“If you wait another four or five years, you’ll be nearly thirty. If by then Gu Yunzhou still doesn’t change his mind, what will you do? Finding someone will become even harder.”
“Of course, your father and I don’t mind supporting you for the rest of your life, but is that truly what you want?”
“And do you honestly think waiting another four or five years will make Gu Yunzhou change his feelings?”
Liu Yuan fell silent.
Because she already knew the answer.
No. Whether it was four or five years, or even ten more, Gu Yunzhou would not change his feelings.
Though Gu Yunzhou did not return her affection, during the time they worked together at the supply and marketing cooperative, Liu Yuan had come to understand his character somewhat.
In her eyes, Gu Yunzhou appeared gentle and easygoing on the surface, but in reality, he was quite stubborn.
Once he decided on something, he would not easily change.
He seemed soft, yet his heart was rather unyielding.
He only showed leniency and warmth to those within his circle—like his family.
But to Gu Yunzhou, Liu Yuan meant nothing.
Should she spend another four or five years gambling on an impossible possibility?
Liu Yuan knew—it was impossible!
Besides, having her parents support her for life?
She loved her parents dearly and had hoped, if possible after marriage, to live with them. But she had never intended for them to support her indefinitely.
So…
Liu Yuan closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, she had made up her mind.
“Mother, you said Gu Yunzhou would be returning from Jing City soon, right?”
“Let me see him one more time. I, I want to try one last time.”
“If he still refuses me this time, then… I will truly let go.”
One last meeting, to bring closure to this chapter of her heart.
Mother Liu sighed and embraced her daughter. “Alright, let’s do that.”
Ultimately, her daughter needed a reason to finally let go.
—
A week later, Gu Yunzhou took the train from Jing City back to Huaihua Village.
“Oh my, the university student is back!”
“Yunzhou is back! How incredible—you’re going abroad on a government-funded program! When you return, you’ll surely become a state employee.”
“Yunzhou, why have you come back now? Is it to get married? That makes sense—you’ll be gone for years, so you should get married and have children first. Otherwise, you might end up bringing back a wife from Country A!”
…
Gu Yunzhou, dragging his suitcase, was immediately greeted by enthusiastic villagers upon his return.
One by one, they came up to chat with him.
Gu Yunzhou: …Their enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming.
And why were they all concerned about whether he was getting married or having children again?
Finally, after breaking through the crowd of villagers, Gu Yunzhou made it home.
Of course, this home wasn’t the old family residence, but the new Western-style house.
He had stayed here once before during the Chinese New Year.
In fact, this return wasn’t long after his last visit during the New Year.
Familiar with the place, Gu Yunzhou walked in.
As soon as he entered, he saw his niece Xinxin playing.
Hearing the noise, the little girl immediately looked up and recognized Gu Yunzhou.
“Third Uncle, you’re back!”
She had a good relationship with him because every time he returned from Jing City, he brought her small gifts.
So she had been looking forward to his return.
Seeing him back, she immediately dropped her toy and ran toward him.
Gu Yunzhou put down his suitcase and picked her up.
Just then, Yao Chunhua, who had heard the commotion, came out from the kitchen.
“Grandma, Third Uncle is back~”
Yao Chunhua saw that it was indeed her third son.
“Third son is back. You little one, you only have eyes for your third uncle. As soon as he returns, you’re clinging to him.”
Just then, Old Man Gu came out as well and teased, “I think she’s more interested in her third uncle’s gifts.”
“Third Uncle, Third Uncle, did you bring gifts?” Xinxin looked at Gu Yunzhou with bright, sparkling eyes.
Gu Yunzhou smiled. “Yes, I’ll get them for you in a moment.”
“Wow, that’s great! I’ll go call my brother back.”
“Brother will be really happy too.”
Soon, she ran off to fetch her older brother Zhuangzhuang, who had been playing outside.
Both siblings were thrilled with the gifts Gu Yunzhou had brought them.
Not long after, Gu Yunnan returned with his youngest daughter, who was just over a year old.
They were also delighted to see Gu Yunzhou back.
During dinner that evening, Gu Yunzhou brought up the topic of studying abroad again.
“Third son, you’ve really made something of yourself.”
“Once you’re in Country A, study hard. When you come back, maybe you’ll become a scientist!”
“Who would’ve thought Gu Yunnan’s younger brother would become a scientist? That’s truly remarkable!”
Gu Yunnan laughed heartily as he spoke.
Gu Yunzhou was caught between laughter and tears. “Second Brother, you have that much faith in me?”
Although becoming a scientist was indeed his goal, he had only ever kept it in his thoughts, never daring to voice it.
After all, becoming a scientist was no easy feat.
Gu Yunnan patted his shoulder and said, “You’re the smartest and best at studying in our family. If you don’t become a scientist, who will?”
Gu Yunzhou: …Alright then.
“I’ll take your words as a good omen.”
Soon, Gu Yunzhou also saw the pickled vegetables, snacks, and other items his parents had prepared for him.
His heart was filled with gratitude.
“Mom, Dad, whenever I have the time, I’ll definitely come back.”
“I’ll also write letters to you.”
“Good, good. Your parents know. When you’re in Country A, take good care of yourself. Don’t neglect your health for the sake of studying.”
“Go there safely and come back safely, you hear?”
“Your parents don’t wish for you to be wealthy or powerful. We only wish for your safety.”
“Mm, Mom, Dad, I understand.”
And so, Gu Yunzhou stayed at home during this period, spending time with his family before going abroad.
The next day, when Gu Yunzhou went out to visit his second brother’s orchard, he saw an unexpected person at the gate.
“Liu Yuan?”
Liu Yuan was delighted that Gu Yunzhou recognized her. “Yes, Comrade Gu Yunzhou, you’re back.”
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