The Tang family’s reaction was something Song Ye hadn’t expected.
He glanced at his young wife sitting to the side, then at the Tang family members who were kindly encouraging him to take the college entrance exam, and that sense of belonging in his heart deepened further.
“Dad, Mom, Brothers, I gave up the college exam indeed because Guo Guo is here, but that doesn’t mean I’m throwing away a bright future.”
“I haven’t told you much about my family background. It’s a complicated situation. Even if I went back and took the exam, it would take years to finish school. And I’ve been away for too long. Given how my brothers are, there’s likely no place left for me there. It’d be better to build something here in Tangjia Village.”
“Dad, trust me. I won’t let Guo Guo suffer.” Song Ye held the small hand that reached into his palm and gave it a gentle squeeze. He felt a wave of contentment inside. Rather than return to that household full of strife, he’d rather stay here in the warmth of Tangjia Village. “I told Guo Guo I’d give her a life better than any rich wives in the capital.”
Hearing that, Luo Chunli couldn’t help but laugh. It was the first time she realized this cold and quiet son-in-law could be so articulate. Truly, it was her daughter who was remarkable. She’d just gotten married and already made “Song Aloof” deliver a heartfelt speech.
“Song Aloof” was the nickname the villagers had given Song Ye. Ever since he arrived, he rarely spoke to anyone. No matter how many village girls approached him, his responses were always, “Mm,” “Oh,” or “Sorry…”
After answering all of Tang Shouguo’s many questions, the Tang family finally saw how determined Song Ye was to stay. To show he truly meant it, that very afternoon he mailed his review materials to his older sister. At the time, review books were incredibly precious.
Seeing his resolve, the Tang family stopped trying to talk him out of it and instead began treating Song Ye better and better.
After finishing his chores that afternoon, Song Ye returned and gathered some tools to head into the mountains to hunt. Just as he was about to leave, Tang Guo came out of the house and wrapped her arms around his.
“Ah Ye, I’ll go with you.”
Song Ye looked at her tender, delicate face and fair little hands. Thinking about the thick weeds in the mountains, he worried. What if she got scratched?
He was just about to shake his head when Tang Guo tugged him out with a bright smile. “I want to watch you hunt.”
Her smile was just too sweet. Song Ye couldn’t resist. Before he knew it, he nodded and even took her little hand into his. “Then I’ll hold onto Guo Guo.”
It wasn’t until they’d walked out of the Tang household that Song Ye realized what he’d just agreed to. He glanced at the excited girl beside him, and he simply couldn’t bring himself to tell her to go back. He sighed inwardly. A beautiful wife was trouble too. If he wasn’t careful, he might just do something that went against his principles.
“Ah Ye, what do you plan to do in Tangjia Village?”
“I want to open a factory.”
“Eh?” Tang Guo was surprised. “What gave you that idea?”
“What kind of factory?”
“A food factory. I also plan to lease some mountains, raise chickens… Once we have enough capital, and once the country gradually opens up, we’ll work on improving Tangjia Village’s environment, like building proper houses…”
It sounded easy to say, but doing it was another matter, especially at the end of such a sensitive period. Then again, because it was the tail end, some things might actually be easier to accomplish.
Tang Guo didn’t ask any further, but Song Ye couldn’t hold back from sharing his plans. “In a few more years, the standard of living across the country will rise. A food factory focusing on canned goods and holiday gift sets will definitely be in demand.”
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