It was late at night, and all was quiet!
On the large heated bed in the main hall of the Li family residence, Li Yi and Jiang Xue, having just shared a passionate moment, lay side by side under the covers, cherishing each other’s warmth!
After a long while, their rapid breathing finally began to slow.
Then, Jiang Xue leaned against her husband’s shoulder and asked, “Was it really that dangerous this time? Did we absolutely have to leave?”
“After all, this is a society governed by the rule of law, and with State Security agents providing close protection, it wasn’t as dangerous as we’d imagined—but we had to leave!” Li Yi replied.
“Why?” Jiang Xue asked, puzzled.
“I can’t gamble with your safety or the children’s—not even if there’s just a one-in-ten-thousand chance!” Li Yi said firmly.
Hearing this, Jiang Xue was deeply moved; she could tell how much this man valued her and the children.
For a woman, marrying a man who keeps her in his thoughts at all times and treats her like a precious treasure is true happiness.
If that man not only cares for and cherishes her but also has the ability to provide a comfortable life for his wife and children, then it would be even more perfect.
Clearly, judging by these standards, her husband was absolutely the most perfect husband!
“You’re so kind!”
Li Yi ruffled his wife’s hair and said with a smile, “You’re my wife—if I don’t treat you well, who else would I treat well?”
Just then, Jiang Xue suddenly sighed, then said with a look of melancholy, “Sigh, final exams are in about ten days. If I don’t take the exam, I’ll have to retake it next year, and I won’t get the scholarship either!”
“So what if you have to retake them? As for the scholarship, our family isn’t exactly short on money…”
Before he could finish, Jiang Xue cut him off: “This isn’t about money—it’s about my personal honor.”
“Over the past few semesters, I’ve received the university’s top scholarship every year. Even though that amount is less than one-millionth of what you’ve given me, it’s proof of my hard work. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to get it next semester…”
Jiang Xue wasn’t really concerned about the money itself; after all, she already had over 200 million yuan in her savings account,
and with her substantial investments in the Zaiying Stock Market, her total assets easily amounted to three or four hundred million yuan. The scholarship money from the school wasn’t even enough to cover her daily bank interest.
But as she said, the scholarship was proof of her hard work.
If she hadn’t received it because she lacked the ability, that would have been one thing, but the problem now was that she hadn’t had the chance to take the school’s final exams, which left her feeling somewhat regretful.
“If you want, I can have Mom talk to the school and see if they’ll give you a chance…”
“No need. Scholarships are all about fairness and impartiality; whether I get one or not depends entirely on my own merit.”
Jiang Xue continued, “If I can’t take the final exam as scheduled, I can’t receive the scholarship. If I were to force my way into getting it through improper means, what would the other students think? I’d be ashamed of myself!”
“It’s no big deal to miss out once in a while. Haven’t you heard the saying: ‘A college experience isn’t complete without failing a class’? If you want your college years to be complete, you’ve got to fail a class and take a makeup exam at least once!” Li Yi said.
Hearing her husband’s unconventional consolation, Jiang Xue couldn’t help but punch his chest a few times with her little fists, giggling as she said, “That’s all nonsense! By your logic, failing a class is actually justified?”
“I don’t know if it makes sense, but as long as my wife is smiling, that’s all that matters!”
“You’re such a smooth talker. How come I never noticed this side of you before?”
Li Yi gently kissed Jiang Xue on the lips, then asked, “So, do you like it?”
“I… I do!”
“I’m glad you do. Let’s treat this trip down south as a vacation. Haven’t you always wanted to see West Lake? This is the perfect chance to take you there!” Li Yi said.
“Hmm, but Juanzi has her high school entrance exams next semester. Won’t it be a problem for her to miss half a month of classes all of a sudden?” Jiang Xue asked again.
“It shouldn’t be a big problem. Juanzi’s grades are excellent, and she’s very capable of studying on her own. It shouldn’t have much of an impact.”
Li Yi continued, “If it really doesn’t work out, once we get to Lin’an, I’ll help her find a few tutors!”
“That won’t be necessary. I’m a college student, after all—I can’t possibly teach a middle schooler!” Jiang Xue said with a laugh.
“Then I’ll leave Juanzi’s studies to you, my dear!” Li Yi said with a smile.
“If you want me to teach Juanzi, that’s fine—but how do you plan to thank me?” Jiang Xue asked with a twinkle in her eyes.
“How about I offer myself to you?”
“No way—you’re already mine!” Jiang Xue said bossily.
“Then what do you want?”
“I’d still like to visit Lingyin Temple and have some West Lake vinegar fish!” Jiang Xue said.
“Sure. There are the Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake—I’ll take you to see them all this time. If we have time, I’ll even take you to Thousand Island Lake for a visit!” Li Yi said softly.
“Sounds good… but…”
“But what?”
“But I’ll need you to pledge yourself to me too!”
Hearing this, Li Yi couldn’t help but understand what his wife meant. He immediately swung himself onto his horse, his lance shooting out like a dragon…
……….
Lin’an Airport!
As the plane touched down gently, Zhang Yuehong’s heart finally settled, and her grip on Li Yi’s hand loosened slightly.
This was her first time flying in her life, and the sensation of weightlessness during takeoff and landing made her feel a bit queasy.
Li Yi could only hold his mother’s hand tightly to reassure her.
Once the plane came to a complete stop, Li Yi helped his mother walk toward the cabin door. After she had safely disembarked, he went back to assist Jiang Xue and the children.
Fortunately, aside from Li Yi’s family, there were only a few other passengers on the flight, so no one said anything.
After quite a bit of hustle and bustle, the whole family finally touched down safely.
After carefully checking that no one was left behind, Li Yi led everyone toward the airport terminal!
As soon as they stepped out of the airport, Li Yi spotted Xue Jianming looking around nervously at the exit and immediately waved to him.
Before leaving home that morning, Li Yi had called the Pioneer Furniture Factory and specifically requested that Xue Jianming, the factory director, come to the airport to pick him up personally.
As Li Yi waved at him, Xue Jianming spotted him too and immediately hurried over.
As soon as they met, Xue Jianming hurriedly said, “Hello, boss. The car is ready and waiting in the parking lot outside!”
“Old Xue, thanks for your help this time. Once we’re settled in, I’ll treat your whole family to a meal!” Li Yi said with a smile.
Xue Jianming replied, somewhat flattered, “Mr. Li, you’re too kind. This is all part of my job—I wouldn’t dare let you spend a dime on this!”
“Don’t be so modest. Our family will be staying in Lin’an for a while, so we’re bound to be a bother to you. I absolutely must treat you to a meal!” Li Yi said with a smile.
The dinner invitation was just an excuse; Li Yi’s real purpose was to use this opportunity to meet Xiao Jingshu.
He figured the little girl must be about three years old by now—old enough to talk and recognize people.
Seeing how firm Li Yi was, Xue Jianming didn’t feel comfortable saying anything more and immediately nodded in agreement.
Afterward, the group followed Xue Jianming to the parking lot outside and headed into the city…
Once they reached the city center, Li Yi instructed the driver to head straight to the City Hotel where they had stayed before.
The accommodations there were excellent, and it was close to West Lake. Most importantly, the Lin’an City Hotel offered private villas with their own courtyards—perfect for a large family like theirs to stay in temporarily.
Therefore, Li Yi had already decided before arriving that they would stay there during their time in Lin’an.
The motorcade soon arrived at the Lin’an City Hotel. After Li Yi presented his ID card as Deputy Director-General of the Reform Commission, they were smoothly accommodated in the cadres’ courtyard.
Since his family was large, Li Yi requested two courtyards: one for his eldest and third sisters and their families, and the other for his own family, along with Zhang Ziqiang, Zhang Feng, and the others.
Once they were settled in, Li Yi began making plans to host a banquet for Xue Jianming’s family…
………..