The ever-changing dynamics between the “eastern” and “western” sides caught  Qin Xiaoyue off guard. It was like she had savored a delicious piece of “hairtail” (a type of fish), relishing its taste, but suddenly encountered two fish bones that got  stuck in her throat - neither hard nor soft, impossible to remove or swallow, causing  discomfort.

    To speak of it, the best time to savor “hairtail” is usually just before the Qingming Festival each year. Referred to as one of the “Three Delicacies of the Yangtze River,” the “hairtail” fish, also known as “knifefish,” derives its colloquial name due to its resemblance to a narrow, flat, and thin knife. It is more formally known as the “knifejaw.” Its body is silver-white and translucent. Each spring, before migrating into the Yangtze River for spawning, the hairtail fish accumulates a significant amount of fat for energy along the way. As a result, during this time, the Yangtze River hairtail is especially flavorful, tender, and boasts high nutritional value compared to other times. In the Qing Dynasty, the scholar Li Yu referred to it as a “delightful spring delicacy.” In the Moon City area, the most common preparation method is “steamed hairtail.”

    The hairtail fish has many soft bones, which often make people hesitant to eat it. However, when eating, as long as one person uses chopsticks to hold onto the fish head and lift it up, while another person uses chopsticks to press from below the fish head, gently separating the flesh from the bones, one can easily enjoy the meal. When eating the fish meat, as long as one is not too hasty, there shouldn’t be any trouble. Nevertheless, every year before the Qingming Festival, visitors from out of town who come to Moon City are often pricked by the hairtail fishbones while trying to eat them. Although these bones are soft, they are still bones, and having a bone stuck in your throat is naturally uncomfortable.

    At this moment, Qin Xiaoyue felt as if there was a thorn in her throat, feeling very uncomfortable. Originally, the well-thought-out plan for the “Celebrating the 17th  National Congress, Accompanied by Moon City Evening News grand concert seemed to be mature enough. She thought that by working together with Liu Yong’s “New Power Entertainment,” they could easily increase the circulation of the Evening News by 30,000 copies and allow her to achieve her dream of becoming the head of the Moon City Urban Daily. What a wonderful prospect! However, the sudden turn of events caught her off guard and left her feeling surprised and troubled, much like the discomfort caused by a fishbone stuck in one’s throat.

    Now, the event has been elevated in status, and the leadership group that was formed has become paralyzed after only a few days of operation. Both the “east side” and the “west side” have stopped caring and let go. The leaders of the City Committee Propaganda Department feel embarrassed - how could the newly appointed head of the group declare that the event is canceled just like that? This loss of “face” is quite significant.

    Indeed, Chinese people place a significant emphasis on “face.” As you can see,  in any organization or company, without exception, there is a grand and imposing  “main entrance gate,” with a prominent and attractive sign. This is where “face” resides. In contrast to countries like the United States and other Western nations,  which often display a modest and inconspicuous street address, this reflects a  completely different cultural concept. For most Chinese people, if you give them  “face,” everything can be discussed and negotiated; if you don’t give them “face,” don’t be surprised if they become offended. In such cases, it’s better not to even  bring up the matter; it’s a dead end.

    As a member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee  and the head of the Propaganda Department, the principal leader naturally wouldn’t  easily let go of their “face.” Since the attitudes of both the “eastern side” and the  “western side” had changed, they could only work within their own “territory” and  come up with solutions. Thus, the grand highlight of the “Moon City Celebrates  the 17th  National Congress of the Communist Party of China with Mass Cultural  Activities” the “Joyful Journey Across China Comes to Moon City” grand concert   was launched in a grand manner. It’s clear to discerning individuals that this was  undoubtedly a version of the “Joyful Journey Across China Comes to Moon City” “Celebrate the 17th National Congress” grand concert. However, now it was the  Propaganda Department taking the lead, rather than the Municipal Party Committee  and the Municipal Government. Previously, the event aimed to report to the “high-ranking leaders” working in Beijing and the whole nation, showcasing Moon City’s achievements in the Three-Advancements, whereas now it was described as a mass cultural activity by the people of Moon City, celebrating the 17th  National Congress. More importantly, the original organizing entities were the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, involving numerous government departments. Now, with a single decision from the Propaganda Department’s leadership, the responsibility shifted to the Moon City Evening News, and the organizing entity became the Advertising Center of the Moon City Evening News.

    Faced with such changes, Qin Xiaoyue truly found herself in a situation where she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She had indeed intended to organize a large-scale concert, but her goal was crystal clear: to increase the circulation of Moon City Evening News by an additional 30,000 copies. To be honest, she was willing to endure hardship and put in effort just to achieve that goal. Furthermore, she had the “New Power” and the assistance of Liu Yong to rely on. However, as the event escalated and its objectives shifted, along with a change in the responsible entity with the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government taking the lead she had no choice but to comply. Now, the goal of 30,000 newspapers was no longer on the agenda; it had transformed into a “major cultural activity to celebrate the 17th National Congress,” with the responsibility primarily resting on “the masses.” Curiously, the responsible entity was not the “masses” but rather the Moon City Evening News. With the Moon City Evening News as the responsible entity, it almost implied that Qin Xiaoyue herself was the responsible entity. What used to be a shared burden had now become a burden borne solely by her. Qin Xiaoyue’s discontent was hard to express; who could she confide in about this feeling?

    “County officials are not as good as current administrators.” The Propaganda Department is a direct management department of the Moon City Evening News, and the department’s leader is Qin Xiaoyue’s immediate superior with the power to make life and death decisions. If not following their decisions, unless Qin Xiaoyue, the Editor-in-Chief, doesn’t want to continue working. Just as Qin Xiaoyue was in a dilemma, Liu Yong stepped forward, undoubtedly providing Qin Xiaoyue with a lifeline.

    The joint undertaking of the Moon City Evening News Newspaper Advertising Co., Ltd. and the Moon City New Power Entertainment Company, the “Moon City Welcomes the Seventeenth National Congress Mass Cultural Event Highlight” -“Joyful Journey Across China in Moon City” Large-scale Concert Cooperation Project Signing Ceremony, took place on the 17th  floor, the top floor of the Moon City Evening News building.

    Dressed in a dark-colored suit, Liu Yong appeared even more handsome and stylish in Qin Xiaoyue’s eyes, instantly overshadowing Qian Tao who was sitting at the other signing desk. Qian Tao’s short and chubby stature can be forgiven, as that’s something he was born with and beyond his control. However, he could have compensated for it by dressing more elegantly and paying attention to his attire. When signing a contract with a cooperating partner, especially on such an important occasion, how could he just wear a casual jacket? That seems a bit too casual, doesn’t it?

    In any case, as the two individuals sat at the signing desk, Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t help but find Liu Yong charming, handsome, and charismatic, capturing her favor and admiration. On the other hand, she perceived Qian Tao as ordinary, lacking any distinctive qualities, and simply not pleasing to her eyes. It was truly perplexing. Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t help but wonder to herself. In reality, in their usual interactions, Qian Tao was quick-witted and socially adept, qualities that she genuinely appreciated. So, what was happening today? The disparity between the two individuals shouldn’t have been so pronounced, right?

    At this moment, with the “New Power” willing to join forces and weather the storm with the Moon City Evening News, Qin Xiaoyue felt touched, and her perception of Liu Yong naturally underwent a subtle change. While the burden on her mind couldn’t be completely lifted yet, at least there was a foothold, a support. Qin Xiaoyue had been quite satisfied with Liu Yong’s initial proposal, and his involvement provided her with some reassurance. Without his participation, embarking on a large-scale concert with no prior experience, especially for a woman like her and a team of newcomers from the newspaper, would have been a daunting and costly endeavor. The first attempt at such a grand event would have been risky, like trying to eat a costly and unfamiliar delicacy without knowing the outcome it could easily end up bitten and bruised.

    Now, things were different. Although Liu Yong was young, he was a standout in his field, and he had powerful connections backing him. Qin Xiaoyue’s confidence had grown. Of course, risks needed to be acknowledged they were ever-present in the market. Whenever you ventured into the market, risks were unavoidable. Since it was a joint effort between the two companies, they would “share the risks.” By working together, they could navigate the uncertainties and challenges that came with organizing a large-scale event like the “Happy China Tour - Coming to Moon City” concert. Liu Yong’s experience and connections could help mitigate potential pitfalls, and with their combined efforts, they could leverage each other’s strengths to ensure a successful outcome. This collaboration not only lightened the burden on Qin Xiaoyue’s shoulders but also provided her with a sense of assurance as they faced the unpredictable landscape of the market.

    Given the significant and solemn theme of “Moon City’s Grand Cultural Event to Welcome the 17th  National Congress,” it was imperative for both companies to exercise caution and discretion during their market-oriented operations. They couldn’t afford any slip-ups. As the head of the Moon City Evening News, Qin Xiaoyue took her role seriously. During the signing ceremony of the collaboration project for the “Happy China Tour - Coming to Moon City” concert, she earnestly put forth four key requirements: political awareness, discipline, dedication, and efficiency. These four principles were essential to ensure that the event aligned with the overarching theme of the 17th  National Congress and maintained a high standard of professionalism and integrity. By emphasizing these principles, Qin Xiaoyue aimed to guide the collaboration towards a successful execution while upholding the values and expectations of such an important cultural event.

    The phrases “political awareness” and “discipline” may not sound particularly profound, but in the context of welcoming the 17th  National Congress, they hold significant meaning. Even in the midst of market-oriented operations, it was crucial to maintain a strong political orientation and adhere strictly to rules and regulations. The focus on “political awareness” ensured that the event’s message and activities aligned with the political objectives of the occasion, while “discipline” emphasized the importance of conducting all operations within legal and ethical boundaries, without compromising on this principle for monetary gains. As for “dedication” and “efficiency,” although their meanings are clear, their application within the project needed explicit definition. The extent of “dedication” and the criteria for determining “efficiency” should be well-defined for the project’s success. Qin Xiaoyue, on behalf of the Evening News Editorial Committee, proposed a specific requirement: Moon City Evening News would dedicate ten million pages of coverage to the event, while the two companies would handle the operational aspects. In return, the newspaper would be exempt from any further financial responsibilities related to the event, with the exception of its role in publicizing and planning.

    Qin Xiaoyue’s proposal of “ten million pages” of coverage may appear to be a significant level of support. For the Moon City Evening News, which has an annual advertising revenue of only two to three million, this level of support is unprecedented. Qin Xiaoyue’s move is truly remarkable. However, as the people of Moon City would say, this “ten million” is more of a “theory than practice.” It’s not actual tangible money, but rather a commitment that may not easily translate into real financial gains. Newspaper pages need to be filled with advertisements to generate revenue, and without advertisements, they are essentially blank. Given the current influence and advertising appeal of the Moon City Evening News, turning “ten million pages” into ten million yuan is far from straightforward. It’s a challenging task to transform theoretical support into actual financial results. Both Liu Yong and Qian Tao are undoubtedly aware of this reality.

    Speaking of “effectiveness,” the focus is naturally on social benefits, with the newspaper not seeking any economic return but aiming to enhance its influence and reputation through this activity in order to expand its circulation. The two organizing companies must be prepared for potential losses and share the risks. In short, Qin Xiaoyue’s performance at this signing ceremony can be summarized in one word: “excellent.” Her awareness is high, her posture is elevated, and her level of competence is impressive.

    After exchanging signed copies of the contract, both Liu Yong and Qiantao made resounding statements to General Manager Qin, promising to firmly uphold the “Four Emphases,” fulfill their duties without disgrace, and ensure the success and resonance of this “headline performance.”

    “Jay Chou is here—”

    “Wang Leehom is here—”

    “Stefanie Sun is here—”

    “S.H.E is here—”……

    The news of numerous celebrity stars coming to perform in Moon City created a sensation once it was announced through the Moon City Evening News.

    Banners, slogans, posters, and various types of promotions related to the concert flooded the streets, alleys, public parks, bustling commercial districts, and major shopping centers, creating a powerful and overwhelming presence.

    “The Grand Cultural Event to Celebrate the 17th  National Congress of the Month City” - “Joyful Journey Through China: Enter Month City” Mega Concert will beheld in Month City on a certain date.

    CCTV’s program “Joyful Journey Through China” enters Month City for the first time. Ticket hotline: ********

    Jay Chou is here

    Wang Leehom is here

    Stefanie Sun is here

    S•H•E is here ……

    Liu Yong and his “New Power,” along with Qian Tao and his advertising company, sprang into action. Ticket sales and marketing plans, as well as advertising sponsorship plans, were further refined. Targets and tasks were broken down step by step, and those salespeople who often had little to do suddenly found their chance to shine. With the opportunity at hand, it meant that gleaming silver money was beckoning to them, and the crimson bills with Chairman Mao’s portrait were smiling as they approached.

    The interactions between Liu Yong and Qin Xiaoyue increased significantly “beyond the eight hours.” For some key clients, the presence of the beautiful female executive was necessary. A glass of red wine, a song, a dance all these could bring in hundreds of thousands, even millions, in revenue. Qin Xiaoyue couldn’t afford to stay away. For the sake of the “bigger family” that is the Moon City Evening News, Qin Xiaoyue had to temporarily sacrifice her own “small family.” Her husband had to take on the role of a “homemaker” for a while, taking care of their elementary school-aged son who needed supervision.

    It seems that the word “handsome” (“  帥 ” in Chinese) is a weak point for Qin Xiaoyue. No wondershe named her son “ 帥帥 ” (“Shuai Shuai”). Liu Yong’s

    “handsome” quality has already captured the attention of this somewhat experienced woman.

    You are silently by my side,

    Quietly making wishes of love’s attachment,

    The cooking smoke of the pasture adorns the grassland,

    Love is like an eternal and unchanging youth.

    You hold my hand by my side,

    Guiding me with familiar and unchanging vows,

    High snow-capped mountains bless us,

    Love you in this moment,forever and always.

    How long should we love?

    Love until eternity,

    Two people in love, until old age,

    I’m holding your hand, oh,

    Holding you till our hair turns white,

    Holding on till the end of time,

    Feeling the tenderness in your palm.

    On a certain night after a gathering with clients, a slightly tipsy Qin Xiaoyue was invited to Liu Yong’s bachelor apartment. Liu Yong didn’t turn on the lights, but instead, he used the moonlight from outside to navigate and turned on the stereo in the living room. He mentioned that he wanted to play a song for Qin Xiaoyue first, followed by a surprise.

    So, Qin Xiaoyue leaned lightly against the sofa, her body slightly tilted. She wanted to see what tricks Yung Liang could come up within front of her and what kind of “surprise” he had in store. As a result, she heard Daolang’s song “ Tenderness in Palm.” Daolang’s unique and soulful voice, both poignant and powerful, pierced through a woman’s tender heart like a knife, revealing her innermost feelings.

    “Yong, you little rascal. Are you here to torment me? You’ve unsettled my mind, turned my years of self-discipline into nothing. Answer me, answer me, you little troublemaker.” Qin Xiaoyue stood up, swaying slightly, and went to grab the wine bottle that Yong was opening.

    Upon seeing this, Liu Yong quickly set down the wine bottle and the corkscrew, then pulled Qin Xiaoyue into his arms. Their passionate lips met like magnets, drawing them together instantly. At this moment, words from Yong were unnecessary; everything else seemed superfluous compared to the passionate release between them.

    Outside the window, a crescent moon shone brightly and silently. Inside the room, a soft radiance enveloped the couple as they nestled together, wordlessly. No one knew what kind of tumultuous emotions had just unfolded here, nor could anyone fathom the depths of tender affection that had been expressed, like water flowing gently or glue holding fast.

    With Qin Xiaoyue’s delicate fragrance emanating from her earlobe, Liu Yong softly whispered to her, “In the past life, I already knew you, my dear sister. That’s why I want to love you for three lifetimes. In the last life, we met; in this life, we love; and in the next life, we’ll stay together.”

    Suhua noticed that although her son had been busy with the large-scale concert for the “Moon City Evening News” in recent days, he was coming home less frequently than before. However, his mental state seemed to be quite good. She had also heard from her husband about some twists and turns, but from Liu Yong’s perspective, the situation didn’t seem to be as serious as Liu Chengyin had described. Sometimes, when her son came home for a meal, aside from his usual lack of conversation with his father, Suhua would actively inquire about recent developments. Liu Yong would always have the same one-word response, “Busy.”

    In the past, when Liu Yong responded with a simple “busy,” there usually wasn’t much more to say. However, during this period, Liu Yong would patiently respond to his mother’s inquiries, almost always answering with detailed explanations. He seemed to have transformed into a different person. After the questioning was over, he would even tell his mother that he was indeed busy, but being “busy” was interesting. Seeing her son’s joyful demeanor, Suhua could sense that the progress of the concert must be going well. As a result, she would reprimand her husband for consistently lacking confidence in their son’s endeavors. Suhua knew that in Liu Chengyin’s heart, he still did not approve of their son’s choices and the path he had taken. Not having been able to attend a prestigious university and not having pursued something that would earn the approval and honor of their ancestors, Liu Chengyin truly felt a deep sense of guilt toward his grandfather who had passed away many years ago in distant Xianghe.

    Suhua, her husband, and both of their parents (Suhua’s in-laws) lived together as a family of four in the “Phoenix Court,” a three-story detached house located in the Moon City New District. A cleaning service came over every weekend to tidy up and ensure cleanliness. The daily three meals were all taken care of by Suhua’s parents-in-law. Despite being in their seventies, Suhua’s father-in-law, Liu chunyu, and mother-in-law, Yang Xuehua, were full of vitality. The elderly couple strictly adhered to the wellness principle of “early to bed and early to rise,” going to sleep before 8:30 PM and waking up before 5:00 AM. They started their mornings by preparing breakfast in the rice cooker, boiling eggs on the gas stove, steaming grains like yam and taro on the side. Afterward, the two of them would step outside for a slow-paced morning walk, focusing on leisurely strolls. After an hour of walking, they would visit the local market to pick up some staple ingredients for a balanced meal. Suhua displayed an uncommon level of tolerance when it came to dining decisions, likely because most of the time, it was her, her parents-in-law, and her husband eating together.

    Suhua’s husband, as the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee in charge of rural affairs in Moon City, had a multitude of responsibilities. His days were filled with meetings and inspections. He needed to attend meetings organized by superiors, lead meetings within the city, and provide guidance in meetings with subordinates. This cycle of meetings, one after the other, had become a routine. Apart from meetings, there were inspections. When superiors conducted inspections, he had to accompany them; when inspections happened within the city, he had to take the lead; and when subordinates were inspected, he needed to be present. This sequence of inspections had also become a customary practice. From this perspective, it seemed that “meetings” and “inspections” had become the two major essential tools for current leadership officials to carry out their work.

    No wonder Liu Chunyu and Yang Xuehua often chatted with their son using the term “young man” (referring to “son” in the local parlance of villages around Xianghe). Regardless of their son’s high-ranking position as Deputy Secretary of the City Committee, there was one thing that hadn’t changed from the past until now. The elderly couple didn’t care about their son’s official title; they simply referred to him as “young man” in their conversations. This sometimes bothered Suhua, and she would talk to her parents-in-law about it. She would remind them that they shouldn’t keep calling Chengyin “young man” as he had risen to the significant position of Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. It might sound somewhat amusing to others.

    Ah, I’ve been so forgetful, so forgetful. Since my daughter-in-law has expressed her opinion, it’s only right to yield a bit to the wishes of our elders (referring to oneself as a senior or ancestor in the local terminology of villages around Xianghe). It’s not an excessive adjustment.

    At times like this, Liu Chengyin would always smile and say to Suhua that it’s not that serious. He’d explain that older generations are accustomed to being addressed in certain ways, and it’s even more acceptable at home. He would then turn to his own parents and ask them, “Mom, Dad, what is it about our young man that hasn’t changed at all?”

    Not coming home. When he was young, he needed to strive for progress, so he was out all the time to show his performance. After becoming a leader in the county committee, he had to be responsible for the well-being of all the people in the county, which also meant being away from home constantly. Now, as Deputy Secretary of the City Committee and reaching middle age, he’s still not coming home, and there’s never a moment of leisure. They show it on TV too—look at the President of the United States, taking vacations on his own estate. Does that mean the U.S. President isn’t busy? How does he manage to find time to rest?

    The words of the elderly couple left Liu Chengyin somewhat amused and bemused. “You two have quite the sense of humor. How can I, a minor official, compare myself to the President of the United States?” he thought. “Besides, it’s not like I’m never coming home. It’s just that I spendless time at home due to my responsibilities.”

    It’s not just “less,” it’s extremely scarce, extremely scarce. Even on weekends, it’s rare to have an entire day to spend at home. On this matter, Suhua has chosen to stand with her parents-in-law. Suddenly, Liu Chengyin feels quite isolated and unsupported.

    Liu Chengyin didn’t suddenly go from the Provincial Committee’s Department of Agriculture and Labor to become the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee in Moon City. He was initially transferred from the position of County Committee Secretary in Chuxian County to become the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Labor in the Provincial Committee. It can be said that Vice Secretary Shen Dachuan, who was in charge of rural work in the Provincial Committee, played a significant role in this transfer. Some might wonder why a County Committee Secretary became a department director, where even though his rank wasn’t lowered, the disparity in position was quite significant. How could one attribute this to the care of a Vice Secretary in the Provincial Committee? Well, these are just old stories and trivial matters perhaps it’s best not to dwell on them.

    It was indeed with the recognition, encouragement, and mentorship of Secretary Shen that Liu Chengyin didn’t remain stagnant in his role as a department director. A few years later, he was reassigned to a less developed city in northern Jiangsu Province, where he took on the position of Deputy Mayor in charge of rural affairs.

    To others, taking up the role of a Deputy Mayor in a poverty-stricken and underdeveloped area, particularly in charge of rural affairs, might seem like a “lesser” position. There’s a saying that being from a poor family is hard, and being a poor official is even harder. Some might argue that Liu Chengyin’s role as Deputy Mayor wasn’t exactly a prestigious one. However, Liu Chengyin didn’t share this perspective. He thought that if it weren’t for northern Jiangsu Province and its challenges, or if the area wasn’t impoverished, he might not have had the opportunity to become the Deputy Mayor. He believed that being chosen for this role in an underdeveloped region of northern Jiangsu was a significant chance. The fact that the organization had selected him and that Secretary Shen held him in high regard meant that he had to make a meaningful impact. He was determined not to disappoint the organization’s trust and Secretary Shen’s confidence in him.

    Just as Liu Chengyin was full of confidence and settling into his new role, a short while later, the Provincial Committee and Provincial Government initiated a territorial reorganization. Moon City was elevated from a county-level city to a prefecture-level city. This transformation required a significant number of leadership cadres to participate in the establishment of the new “larger” city. As a result, Liu Chengyin was once again selected and transferred to Moon City to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee.

    However, Moon City was quite different from northern Jiangsu Province. It had a rich history, abundant resources, a pleasant climate, and convenient access to waterways and the sea. It belonged to the region of central Jiangsu Province, which was known for its relatively robust economic development. This move was extremely crucial for Liu Chengyin. It was as if he had been swiftly elevated from a department director to the Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. If he had been directly promoted from a department director in the Provincial Committee’s Department of Agriculture and Labor to the Deputy  Secretary of the City Committee, how many people would have envied and been jealous of him? But now,transitioning from Deputy Mayor to Deputy Secretary, a lateral move with only a slightly higher position, who would still find reasons to gossip and speculate?

    Liu Chengyin not only felt grateful for Secretary Shen’s transformative support but also held a deep admiration for the strategic planning and arrangements made by his experienced leaders. Su Youliang, the old Taishan (a term often used to refer to a wise and influential person) in the local area, had a clear understanding of these moves. Initially, he had encouraged his son-in-law to take that first step, assuring him that with the first step, he needn’t worry about the lack of a second step. Otherwise, he might have been stuck as a department director indefinitely. Su Youliang advised Liu Chengyin that since Secretary Shen held him in high regard and had sent him to northern Jiangsu, he should approach the opportunity with enthusiasm and vigor. Once there, he should work with full dedication and handle the various aspects of his responsibilities, given his prior experience as a county secretary. Looking back, it becomes clear that Liu Chengyin’s resolute decision to accept the assignment in northern Jiangsu was not only to repay Secretary Shen’s trust but was also influenced by the guidance of his father-in-law, Su Youliang.

    After Liu Chengyin was transferred to the position of Deputy Secretary of the Moon City Committee, Suhua, as a “spouse of the transferred cadre,” was placed as a librarian at Moon City Teacher’s College. She had been a key teacher at Qingjiang High School. However, for the sake of her husband, she once again left her familiar position, her aging parents, and her hometown. Years before, she had followed her husband to work in Chuxian County with their young son. It was the first time she had left Qingjiang, where she had lived for over twenty years. She departed from her familiar Qingjiang High School, leaving behind her parents and her home. Unlike the first time, this departure was different because her son, Liu Yong, had already left Qingjiang to study in the provincial capital. This time, she didn’t have to take her son with her when she left.

    Despite the reluctance and emotional struggles, leaving was a decision Suhua made, for she had spent many years revolving her life around her husband. When her husband needed her, she chose to follow him, despite the countless moments of attachment and reluctance. She was well aware of the “pain” that her husband had carried within him over the years. Upon arriving in Moon City, she brought her parents-in-law from Xianghe, hundreds of miles away, to live with them, aiming to reunite her husband with his parents. However, in the process, she had to accept the separation from her own parents, becoming a part of a father-son and mother-son reunion, while she herself was left to navigate the life of a daughter and mother in separate places.

    Fortunately, life in Moon City had been relatively smooth for Suhua in the past few years. However, her biggest concern now lay with her son, Liu Yong. When Liu Yong chose to attend an art school in Nanjing for a vocational diploma, Liu Chengyin was deeply dissatisfied. It wasn’t just Liu Chengyin who was unhappy Suhua shared his sentiment. Even Liu Yong’s grandparents, who had watched him grow up and cherished him dearly, sighed and expressed disappointment upon seeing his acceptance letter. But what could they do? (Note: Everyone seemed to hold reservations about Liu Yong’s choice, and Suhua’s concern for her son’s future was growing.)

    This child, he certainly has the looks. He’s tall and well-proportioned, a handsome young man. At seventeen or eighteen, he’s already over  1.8 meters tall, with attractive features. His teachers at Qingjiang High School used to say that we had given birth to a Korean male star. He’s not lacking in intelligence either, and he’s naturally gifted with a great singing voice. During his highschool years, he was always surrounded by a group of girls. People used to joke that he wouldn’t have trouble finding a good wife in the future. Who would’ve known that this mischievous kid would actually start dating girls from his class? And not just from his own class, but girls from other classes too.

    Liu Chengyin often blames me for not raising our son well. As an educator and his mother, I’m left speechless. But honestly, I don’t really know who this child takes after you or me? When I was in school, all I focused on was my studies. I never had those “twists and turns” in my mind like your son does. Looking at your relationship with Lu Xiaoying, I think Liu Yong takes after you in that aspect!

    These thoughts are things Suhua can only keep to herself. They might come to the surface when she’s feeling unhappy, just for her to vent a little. Because, all this time, Liu Chengyin has been holding it against her, blaming her for their son not getting into a regular university.

    As the saying goes, even teeth and the tongue can clash at times, so it’s only natural for a married couple to have disagreements and things not always going smoothly. Now, Suhua no longer worries about the likes of “Lu Xiaoying” or “Huang Xiaoying.” What truly concerns her is that her son, who spends his days with entertainers, doesn’t get himself into any trouble or scandals.

    Suhua finally noticed a hint of “Chanel” fragrance in Liu Yong’s bachelor apartment.

    Besides the irregular occasions when Liu Yong would drop by for a meal, Suhua’s communication and interaction with her son involved periodic visits to his bachelor apartment, where she would tidy up and clean for him.

    Originally, Liu Yong didn’t really need to live on his own. His grandparents also very much wished to live together with their grandson a three-generation household, a source of great joy. However, as the saying goes, “Like father, like son.” The father can’t stand the son’s ways, and the son doesn’t listen to the father. In simpler terms, they don’t see eye to eye. They’re both stubborn and unyielding.

    This is just one of the reasons why Liu Yong chose to live away from home. In fact, there are more practical reasons behind his decision to move out of the family home.

    During these years in the entertainment industry, Liu Yong has managed to make some progress to a certain extent. If he didn’t have an independent space of his own, it would be challenging to conduct many of his business activities. Bringing his friends from the industry into his family home isn’t quite suitable, especially considering his father’s position as Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. In the end, both he and his friends from the industry would feel uncomfortable. Over time, this could certainly impact his company’s operations. Therefore, his decision to purchase his own apartment and live independently is also a practical necessity for the development of his “new forces” within the industry.

    Of course, considering his grandparents’ advancing age, it’s only natural for Liu Yong to occasionally come back home for a meal and add a lively atmosphere to the household. It’s something he should rightfully do.

    At first, Suhua wasn’t particularly supportive of her son moving out to live on his own. However, upon reflection, she realized that if she wanted her son to run his own company, she should allow him the freedom to explore and work independently. Ideally, he should strive to become less reliant on financial support, which would contribute to his healthy growth. Given this perspective, it becomes clear that her son indeed needed his own independent space.

    Even though she provided him with his own space, as a mother, she couldn’t help but worry. This mischievous kid had been quite rebellious during his high school years, and as a result, he took a detour. While he didn’t make a catastrophic mistake, it certainly caused a lot of distress for the family. Especially for his father, who held the ideal of “glory and honor to the ancestors,” not getting into a regular university was a significant source of disappointment and resentment. Up to now, the relationship between father and son hasn’t been particularly harmonious, largely due to the fact that the “knot” in the father’s heart hasn’t been fully untied.

    Absolutely, one must be cautious about letting this young man get into any new trouble. Girls nowadays are not easily fooled. If you choose to engage in risky behavior, you might end up facing the consequences, with serious repercussions. Moreover, your father holds a prominent position as Deputy Secretary of the City Committee. If his son were to cause a scandal, it would reflect poorly on his reputation.

    Now that Suhua has noticed the “Chanel” fragrance in her son’s apartment, she can’t simply ignore it and not ask about it.