Chapter 90

Chapter 90

He Yan looked at the property deed in his hand with shock, then glanced at Jin Xiuzhu. "Mom, do you have so much money that you can't spend it all? Does Dad know about this?"

Jin Xiuzhu felt a bit guilty upon hearing this and quickly changed the subject. "How's your dorm? Which floor is it on?"

He Yan looked at her expressionlessly. "Mom, I'm not as easy to fool as when I was a kid."

Jin Xiuzhu rubbed her nose. "How's the cafeteria? Let's go see what good food they have."

He Yan softened a bit upon hearing this and frowned. "Haven't you eaten yet?"

Then he added, "Forget it, let's talk while we walk."

Jin Xiuzhu knew she couldn't escape, so she explained the situation on the way. However, there were some things she couldn't clearly explain to He Yan. Her experiences from her past life had left a profound impact on her, and she was accustomed to planning for the future. She didn't want to neglect any of her three children and wanted to leave something for each of them.

In the past, the environment was too strict, leaving no opportunity, but now things were different. Jin Xiuzhu believed this was the perfect time.

The small amount of money at home would be wasted if not used properly. Spending it was inevitable, and buying things for fun was part of it. Investing in Wang Ling's factory was also part of her plan. These were just the beginning; in the future, she would invest in more factories or shops. She preferred waiting for returns rather than being busy running a business herself.

However, she couldn't explain these things to Jiang Mingchuan or her children, as their upbringing in this era made their thoughts and beliefs different from hers.

After explaining, Jin Xiuzhu added, "Although your dad and I earn a decent salary, we spend a lot, so we don't save much. You're growing up, and in a few years, you'll get married and have kids. You'll need a house, right? Otherwise, which girl would want to marry you?"

"Raising kids also costs money, right? You're used to spending freely, using lots of oil and salt when cooking, and loving meat. Could you handle eating plain boiled vegetables every day?"

He Yan puffed out his cheeks after hearing this. "Fine, I won't tell Dad, but if he finds out later, don't blame me."

Then he couldn't help adding, "What about Yan Yan and Liu Liu? Don't just buy one for me; otherwise, I don't want it."

"They all have one."

He Yan sighed with relief. "That's good."

Then he realized, "What do you mean, you bought three?"

Jin Xiuzhu: "…"

He Yan said helplessly, "You're really bold. Dad will definitely be angry if he finds out."

Not because Mom bought these properties, but because she didn't tell Dad anything.

But then again, if these matters were brought up, Dad might not support them immediately.

Thinking about this, He Yan added, "Forget it, don't tell Dad. Let's keep it hidden for as long as possible."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled and agreed.

He Yan grumbled, "I really can't deal with you."

But deep down, he understood that Mom did everything for their benefit. He wasn't sure how Mom treated others, but she was undoubtedly good to them three siblings without reservation.

After walking for a while, He Yan started talking about the registration earlier that morning. They went around the cafeteria, and since Jin Xiuzhu had already eaten, He Yan bought two buns. The mother and son munched on them while buying some daily necessities at the supply store nearby, then headed to the dormitory.

"One of my roommates mentioned that new students go for military training the next day. Our training period is quite long—six months—and we'll only start academic classes in the second semester. So you probably won't be able to contact me for the next six months."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded. "What about Wei Ningqing?"

"I haven't seen him yet. We planned to meet at the cafeteria for dinner tonight."

"That's good; you might have company."

"Hopefully."

They went to the third-floor dormitory, where He Yan's room was 307. He had arrived early and secured a lower bunk by the window. His bedding was neatly arranged with a standard olive-green cover, folded into a square, and an olive-green hot water bottle was placed at the bedside. The shoes under the bed were also neatly arranged.

This was the result of his father's summer training; he was now familiar with keeping his belongings organized.

There was a cabinet against the wall near the door, and He Yan's cabinet was already locked, containing his daily necessities and washbasins.

Other students had already arrived in the dormitory. Some were reading books on their beds, some were chatting, and one new student was wiping his bed with a cloth, with a woven bag nearby.

His parent was also present, speaking in dialect, taking out old clothes and shoes from the woven bag. It was clear that their family conditions weren't good.

Seeing He Yan return, the boy above him greeted him. "Is this your sister? She's really pretty; you look so alike."

Jin Xiuzhu couldn't help covering her mouth and laughing.

The roommate, not understanding why Jin Xiuzhu was laughing, joined in with a smile.

He Yan proudly explained, "She's not my sister; she's my mom."

"Ah?"

The roommate was surprised, and the others turned to look. The parent cleaning up couldn't help saying, "Goodness, she looks so young."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled. "This is my eldest son; I have two daughters too."

Then she opened the fruit basket in her hand and handed out lychees to everyone. "Xiaoyan is kind-hearted and reliable, though he talks a lot. Everyone, please take care of each other."

"Thank you, Auntie."

"Thank you, Auntie."

...

Seeing Jin Xiuzhu doing this, the parent also quickly took out a bag of peanuts from the woven bag and offered them to the students in the dormitory.

The boy wiping the bed, worried that his roommates might reject them, hurriedly said, "These are from our own farm."

He Yan took the peanuts and peeled one to eat, praising enthusiastically, "Delicious."

Then he peeled another one for Jin Xiuzhu. "Mom, try some too."

Jin Xiuzhu ate it and then said to the other parents, "It really is good."

"Good to hear you like it."

The other parent then grabbed a handful for He Yan, who accepted them without hesitation and thanked them with a bright smile.

Seeing this, the boy felt relieved.

After looking around, Jin Xiuzhu left, and He Yan escorted her to the bus stop at the school gate.

When Jin Xiuzhu reached the guesthouse entrance, she saw Yang Yingxiong and his brother waiting there.

The brothers saw her and quickly stood up, walking over to greet her as "Auntie."

"Why are you waiting here? Didn't you go for registration today?"

Yang Yingxiong shook his head. "We're not in a rush. I plan to take my brother to school tomorrow and then register. When are you leaving, Auntie?"

"Tomorrow morning, everything here is done."

Yang Yingxiong nodded. "Have you eaten yet? I'd like to treat you to dinner."

"Not yet. I was worried about coming back too late since He Yan has a class meeting tonight. Let's go eat together."

"Alright."

On the way, Jin Xiuzhu asked him, "I heard from He Yan that you were supposed to meet Wei Ningqing tonight. Why didn't you go?"

"I was also worried about coming back too late."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded and did not say more. The three of them had a meal at a nearby state-owned hotel. Yang Yingxiong insisted on paying, and Jin Xiuzhu could not refuse. She ordered a bowl of dumplings, and Yang Yingxiong urged her to order more dishes. Looking at the young man's determined face, she added an order of braised pork and shredded potatoes.

Yang Yingxiong's expression softened, and he then ordered two more bowls of dumplings before paying.

The brothers must have been very hungry; they gobbled down the dumplings but saved the braised pork. Jin Xiuzhu knew they were grateful for the house purchase and kept serving them food while they ate.

As they were leaving, Jin Xiuzhu thought for a moment and then said to Yang Yingxiong, "Yingxiong, without parents to support you, your path ahead might be much harder than He Yan's. There are some things I can't say definitively, but I don't want you to take many detours in life."

"If you haven't found what you truly want to do or a goal in life, work hard to earn money—lots of it. Money will narrow the gap between you and others, give you confidence to face anyone, and solve most of your future problems."

Yang Yingxiong listened intently. "Earn money?"

"Yes, you still earn too little now. You need to keep working hard. The reason you worked so hard to get into college was to find a good job and support your family. So if possible, don't give up your ability to earn money. Earning money is a skill. Some people sell goods on the street their whole lives, while others start small and eventually own multiple shops. You need to think about these things yourself."

"But don't neglect your studies either. You need to find the right balance."

Yang Yingxiong listened obediently.

After finishing, Jin Xiuzhu waved and walked away.

Yang Yingxiong watched her leave and then led his brother in another direction once she was far enough away.

He pondered what his aunt had said. He never considered selling goods on the street as a serious career; he only did it to earn tuition for himself and his brother. Later, after hearing his aunt talk about buying a house, he set that as his goal.

But now, his aunt told him not to give up his ability to earn money, which conflicted with his original intention. Yet, he realized that he went to college to find a good job and support his family. He once had dreams of attending a military academy like He Yan and Wei Ningqing, but reality did not allow him to make such choices.

Yang Yingxiong did not fully understand how much money his aunt meant by "a lot," but he knew she always had his best interests at heart.

He also understood that his aunt saw his insecurities and noticed his reluctance to meet He Yan and Wei Ningqing. He knew they would not look down on him, but he felt the gap between them was growing wider.

The next morning, Jin Xiuzhu left early. When she arrived home, her two daughters had already returned from registration and were wrapping books in the living room.

Seeing her mother return, Liu Liu ran up happily, "Mom—"

After calling out, she looked behind Jin Xiuzhu, disappointed not to see anyone else.

Jin Xiuzhu patted her head. "I bought you something delicious."

Liu Liu did not seem overly excited. "Without Big Brother, the house feels less lively."

Fu Yanyan got up from the floor and couldn't help saying, "Once you go to college, it'll be even quieter."

Liu Liu wasn't stupid and quickly realized, "You'll go to college before me, so the house will be empty when that happens."

Jin Xiuzhu lightly tapped her head. "Am I not a person?"