Chapter 237: Farewell, Encouragement
Chapter 237: Chapter 237: Farewell, Encouragement
She was anxious, but there was nothing to be done.
"Yes, it’s too dark. It’s really not safe to travel. Then I’ll have to ask Uncle Miao to take me to the county town tomorrow. This works out perfectly. I can pack tonight and go say goodbye to my friends," Zhao Nuanyue said softly. "Senior Brother, please sit down and eat with us. I’ll get a place ready for you to rest after dinner."
Yang Guanghui overheard their conversation and quickly said, "No need to prepare anything. Tang can stay with me. I have a bed and bedding, and I just aired it all out the day before yesterday."
"Then I’ll have to trouble you, Yang," Zhao Nuanyue said gratefully.
Seeing that there was nothing else for him to do, Miao Dahai took his leave.
Li Qiong came out on her crutches. Hearing that Hua Yusen was in trouble and that Zhao Nuanyue was returning to Jincheng City, she grew worried. In a low voice, she asked, "Nuanyue, I know you’re worried about Hua Yusen, and I understand. But you have to watch out for his fiancée, Guo Dongmei!"
Tang Kai Xuan, who was standing nearby, heard this. Recalling what his master had told him, he quickly said, "Junior Sister, you don’t have to worry about that. The Guo Family has already called off the engagement!"
Hearing this, Zhao Nuanyue felt a wave of relief.
"Oh, that’s wonderful news," Li Qiong said happily. "At least now you can openly care for Hua Yusen. Nuanyue, I know you won’t be coming back after this. I’m so envious, but I’m also happy for you. Being separated from Hua Yusen for so long wasn’t good for your future together. Now that you’re finally reuniting, I don’t have to worry needlessly anymore."
Zhao Nuanyue was touched by Li Qiong’s words. That was just the kind of person Li Qiong was—she always spoke her mind.
"Li Qiong, you must remember what I said. Keep studying hard. I can promise you, since Li Jianjun is so studious as well, you two can test your way into Jincheng City together, and we can all be reunited," Zhao Nuanyue encouraged, whispering in Li Qiong’s ear.
Thinking Zhao Nuanyue had received some definite news, Li Qiong nodded. "Okay, I’ll remember. I’ll definitely do my best."
Afterward, although Li Qiong couldn’t help Zhao Nuanyue pack, she sat nearby, watching and making small talk as Zhao Nuanyue organized her things.
Zhao Nuanyue had previously woven several large trunks from willow branches and had even gotten the village carpenter to attach wooden wheels to them. On flat ground, they could be pushed or pulled instead of carried.
She hadn’t realized it before, but as she packed, Zhao Nuanyue discovered just how many things she had accumulated over time. Her clothes alone filled an entire large trunk, and that was after she’d gotten rid of the most worn-out pieces. Little Red Carp was growing up fast, so many of her clothes from this year wouldn’t fit her next year. Zhao Nuanyue packed these up and set them aside to give to Li Guihua later, so she could pass them on to other children in the village.
All of Zhao Nuan Yang’s easels and paintings were placed in the space. The willow trunks were filled only with clothes and daily necessities, just for show.
Zhao Nuanyue went to Li Guihua’s house, bringing two bolts of fabric and Little Red Carp’s outgrown clothes with her to say goodbye.
"Director Li, my brother, sister, and I are going back to Jincheng City. Thank you so much for always helping us. We are truly grateful," Zhao Nuanyue said. "Without you, I never would have made it through these past two years so peacefully."
"Don’t say that, Nuanyue. You’re making us feel ashamed. People like Wang Dadan and Li Siming are just rotten to the core. Thankfully, they’ve been brought to justice," Li Guihua said. "Our village is finally, truly at peace now. Though we’re sad to see you go, we know that an opportunity to return to the city is rare. Be careful when you get back. A big city isn’t like our little village; you can never be too cautious."
"Yes. Thank you again, Aunt Li," Zhao Nuanyue said, and then she went to Miao Dahai’s home.
Back at the Dragon King Temple, Zhao Nuanyue led her younger brother and sister into the main hall.
Old Sir Qian, Old Madam Qian, and He Qiang were inside, lost in sorrow. ’When will we ever get to go back?’
Just then, Tang Kai Xuan came in. He pulled out two letters, handing them to He Qiang and Old Sir Qian. "These are letters for you from my master, Sun Haoran. Please, have a look, sirs."
Old Sir Qian opened the letter and was overjoyed. While the letter didn’t specify a date for their return, it said that Elder Gu had already begun to set things in motion and was taking charge of educational affairs. Their return to Jincheng City was now in sight.
This single letter gave Old Sir Qian and Old Madam Qian hope.
He Qiang’s letter contained not only an analysis of the future political climate but also an update on the current situation of his wife and children. This allowed He Qiang to wait patiently in Nianqiao Village for the national policies to change, at which point he could return home.
"Nuanyue, take care of yourself when you get back to Jincheng City," Old Madam Qian said softly. "The situation should be more stable now, so as long as you’re careful, you should be fine. After all, Brother Gu is up there holding the fort!"
"Yes, I will. Grandma Qian, please take care of your health. I’m sure you’ll be able to resume your work soon," Zhao Nuanyue said comfortingly. "You need good health to have a good future. I’m leaving my grain ration for this year for you, Li Qiong, and Yang Guanghui, so you can all eat a little better. As for the money and ration tickets, I’m taking those with me. I’ll have to buy everything once I get there, so I can’t leave them for you."
Hearing this, He Qiang shook his head repeatedly. "You don’t have to leave it for us. Even for the grain, I’ll pay you for it. I can’t take advantage of you."
"That’s right. We’ll never forget everything you’ve done for us these past two years. You can’t refuse this time," Old Madam Qian said, starting to pull out some money, as they too had received a lot of money and ration tickets this year.
"Hey, what do you think you’re doing!" Zhao Nuanyue protested. "I’m being good to you, but you’ve all been so good to us, too! I absolutely will not take your money for this grain. If you really want to repay me, then just wait until you’re back in Jincheng City safe and sound, and you can dote on the three of us."
Seeing how determined Zhao Nuanyue was, He Qiang couldn’t very well keep insisting on paying. Besides, this kind of bond couldn’t be repaid with money. Instead, he said, "I’ll write a letter in a bit. When you get to Jincheng City, go find my master. Nuanyang is so talented, I’m sure my master will accept him as a disciple. This is why I was reluctant to take him as my own disciple, even though I knew he had talent. I can’t give him the level of guidance he deserves."
Zhao Nuan Yang was deeply moved by He Qiang’s words. In his heart, he had always been grateful to him.
"Thank you, He," Zhao Nuan Yang said gratefully. "I’ll be waiting for you in Jincheng City. My sister says she’s going to open a big art gallery for me, and when she does, I’d like to invite Uncle He to come and see it."