Chapter 17: Father-Daughter Heart-to-Heart Conversation

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chen Lan took the envelope, opened it, and found 500 yuan inside.

Most of the Chen family’s money was kept in the bank, and they withdrew a fixed amount monthly for living expenses. It was clear that this money wasn’t withdrawn today but had been long prepared by Chen Jun, intended for her.

Chen Lan was touched, but she pushed the envelope back, saying, “Dad, I still have the money you gave me for the wedding. You should keep this for yourself.”

Chen Jun replied, “Just take it. This money is for you and Ahye. Don’t spend it on unnecessary things or give it to random people.” It was evident that Chen Jun knew that Chen Lan had given Liang Chen the motorcycle, but he didn’t explicitly mention it.

Chen Lan put the envelope in her purse and said, “Thank you, Dad. By the way, I plan to attend night school, and Wen Jing wants to go with me. You know about her family’s situation. Can you ask Uncle Lin to talk to her mother?”

Lin Bin was Wen Jing’s stepfather and used to be Chen Jun’s subordinate, so he usually listened to Chen Jun. If he spoke to Wen Jing’s mother, she probably wouldn’t oppose it.

Chen Jun looked at Chen Lan with a puzzled expression. He knew his daughter well, and ever since she was young, even reading books would make her drowsy. It was strange that she suddenly wanted to attend night school.

“Why do you suddenly want to go to night school?”

“I’m married now, and I can’t rely on you and Mom to support me like before. Besides, as you mentioned, it’s not easy for Ahye either. I need to have a diploma to find a job,” Chen Lan explained.

Chen Jun nodded upon hearing this. He was genuinely pleased with her determination. “Alright, I’ll talk to Uncle Lin. But since you’re planning to go with Wen Jing, you both need to take it seriously and make sure nobody can find fault with you.”

Chen Lan understood that her father was referring to Wen Jing’s mother. It could be complicated for an upright official to interfere in other people’s family matters, even if Lin Bin — who used to be Chen Jun’s subordinate — was willing to help.

Wen Jing took money from her family to attend night school, so she must obtain a diploma. Otherwise, given her mother’s personality, there would certainly be unpleasantness and complaints.

Chen Lan nodded, saying, “I understand, Dad. By the way, Wen Jing gave her job at the clothing factory to her younger sister. Since she’s free at home now, I bought some fabric for her to make clothes. We plan to go out during the day and see if we can sell them. This way, I won’t be idle at home. If we earn money, I’ll let Wen Jing use it for night school, so Aunt Lin won’t be upset.”

“Let Wen Jing use our sewing machine at home. No one is using it anyway. Plus, she can keep Grandpa company. As for the money you make, both of you should save it for yourselves, and don’t tell anyone. A mother supporting her daughter’s education is only right, isn’t it?”

Chen Lan did not expect that advice from Chen Jun but upon reflection, she realized that he made sense. Given Wen Jing’s mother’s personality, if she found out that Wen Jing had made money selling clothes, would she still allow her to continue her studies? That would likely result in Wen Jing being locked at home every day and working tirelessly on sewing clothes.

Chen Lan sighed inwardly, realizing that she was still too young and hadn’t considered all the consequences thoroughly.

“I understand, Dad!” Chen Lan happily agreed.

Chen Jun nodded. It had been a long time since he had such a peaceful and reasonable conversation with Chen Lan. He felt that in just one day, his daughter had matured significantly.

Chen Lan had lunch at the Chen family’s home before returning to her place.

Thinking about her conversation with Chen Jun, she bought a chicken in the county city, planning to make chicken soup for Tang Ye in the evening.

When she returned to the military compound, it was already past four o’clock. Women in the compound were washing and selecting vegetables in groups in the courtyard. When they saw Chen Lan entering, they greeted her with smiles.

“Oh, Battalion Commander Tang’s wife, you bought such a big chicken. Looks like Battalion Commander Tang is in for a treat tonight.”

“Sisters-in-law can just call me Chen Lan. I’m not good at cooking, so I’ll have to learn from all of you in the future.”

“Aiya, whether the food is good or not doesn’t matter; it’s the thought that counts. It’s obvious Battalion Commander Tang has married a good wife.”

Chen Lan smiled and bid farewell to the group of women, then returned home.

“Look, Battalion Commander Tang has married such a lovely wife.”

“Yes, she talks and laughs with everyone. You can tell she is a good girl.”

“Previously, some people were saying she was profligate, but I don’t believe it. Those folks who gossip are just rotten to the core.”

“That’s right. Exactly”

Humans are like this; they can easily judge a person based on rumors, but they can also quickly abandon the rumors they believed in if they find the person likable.