Chapter 397: Longing for a Home

**Chapter 397: Yearning for Home**

When Zuo Zuying returned to Fuqing Street, dusk had just fallen.

Before coming back from Guangzhou, he had already phoned home, so Hou Li and Zuo Jinghuan knew he would likely arrive within the next couple of days.

Hearing the engine noise outside, Zuo Jinghuan stuck her head out from behind the thick door curtain to check.

"Mom~, it looks like Zuying is back."

Hou Li’s delighted voice came from behind, "What? He's back? That rascal—gone for over two months without a thought for home. If it weren’t for the New Year, he probably wouldn’t even come back."

Zuo Zuying and Gang Zi ducked through the doorway, each carrying a large duffel bag, letting in a blast of cold air that made Zuo Jinghuan shiver.

"Brother Gang Zi, you two finally decided to come back. Hurry, warm up by the stove."

Zuo Zuying tossed the duffel bag onto the floor and called out to Hou Li, "Da Meili, is there any food? I’m starving to death."

Hou Li couldn’t hide her joy, "Still playing the baby at your age? Warm up first. There are dumplings—sauerkraut and noodles, scallion and egg, and meat fillings. Which do you want?"

Zuo Zuying yelled, "Meat, meat, meat~"

Gang Zi chimed in without hesitation, "I want meat too, Auntie. Make plenty."

"Got it, eat as much as you want."

Hou Li took a small basket and headed to the backyard to fetch the frozen dumplings, calling out to Zuo Jinghuan to start boiling water.

After warming up by the stove, Zuo Zuying flopped onto the couch with a sigh.

"Ah~, home is so comfortable."

Gang Zi watched the busy figures of Zuo Jinghuan and Hou Li, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes. "It's nice to have a home."

Seeing his low spirits, Zuo Zuying reassured him, "What I told you in the car wasn’t a joke."

Gang Zi rubbed his face and glanced awkwardly at Zuo Zuying.

"Uh... about what you said before, teaching me how to date..."

Zuo Zuying perked up immediately, sitting straight. "Dating? I’m an expert. Listen, first you need to understand the girl’s situation, then attract her with what she lacks."

"For example, if she’s a well-behaved girl with strict parents, show her some rebellion.

If she’s a spoiled rich girl who’s had everything handed to her, the more you challenge her, the more she’ll love you.

For the naive and innocent type, give her a fairy tale romance. For those with family issues, be thoughtful in small ways. If she’s poor, give her money..."

Gang Zi listened intently.

Zuo Zuying began analyzing Chu Shuyu for him.

"Shuyu Sis is a woman who’s been through a lot. You need to be sincere with her. Your family situation and what happened with Xiaoyu Sis—I suggest you come clean about it. In daily life, prove you’re dependable."

"But Gang Zi, let’s be real—if you’re serious about this, go all in. What happened with Xiaoyu Sis is in the past. Shuyu Sis owes you nothing, nor does she owe Xiaoyu Sis. Otherwise, you might as well stay single and sell blood to support your nephews and die alone."

"After all, she’s helped us several times. Don’t even think about hurting her!"

Gang Zi didn’t say anything.

To be honest, he hadn’t interacted with many women in his life. Right now, he kinda liked Chu Shuyu, but just a little.

Usually, when he was out and about with Zuo Zuying, it wasn’t so bad. But during holidays like this, when Zuo Zuying went home, he felt lonely. He didn’t want to go back to that chilly, empty shop, and he definitely didn’t want to return to that house where he didn’t feel welcome.

Especially seeing Hou Li and Zuo Jinghuan so happy when Zuo Zuying came back—the mom and daughter hurrying around to cook dumplings—that kind of homey feeling was something he truly longed for.

He wanted a home—someone waiting for him when he got home, someone who would care if he’d eaten or if he was cold when he came home freezing.

Then, they could have kids of their own. He would definitely be a good father, giving the child the best, and he would strive to be a good husband to his wife.

Part of him still cared about Xiao Yu, but he and Xiao Yu could never be together again. He was getting older, and it was time to start a family.

Maybe… it was time to move on.

After finishing the dumplings, Gang Zi picked up his luggage bag, hopped on the Zuo family bike, and headed toward the shop where he currently lived.

Back at that temporary home, the empty room just made him feel lonelier compared to the liveliness of the Zuo household.

He needed to go out—to somewhere lively, somewhere with people.

Without thinking, he found himself walking toward the busy market.

Toward Chu Shuyu’s clothing store.

Earlier, Zuo Jinghuan had mentioned that during this period, Chu Shuyu would be at the store in the evenings.

Zhao Gang stood outside the shop, peering through the glass at the busy figure inside. Working up his nerve, he stepped in.

"Welcome! Feel free to look around—these are all the latest styles from Yangcheng!"

"Oh? Gang Zi?"

Chu Shuyu looked up, her face lighting up. "You and Little Zuo are back?"

"When did you get back? Come, come, have a seat~"

"The other day, Jinghuan was complaining about how long you two had been gone. Aunt Hou wouldn’t stop going on about it."

Zhao Gang’s nerves melted away under Chu Shuyu’s warm chatter.

She sounded so warm, like an old friend reuniting after a long time.

He managed a smile. "We just got back to City A today. Ate over at Aunt Hou’s place, and with New Year’s coming up, my place is so empty—I haven’t bought anything yet. I thought I’d take a walk while it’s still early. Just happened to pass by your store."

Chu Shuyu looked surprised. "You’re staying in City A for New Year’s? You’re not going home?"

When she had traveled to Yangcheng with Zuo Zuying and Gangzi before, she’d gotten to know everyone well. She knew Zhao Gang had several brothers, his parents were still alive, and he was from X County.

Gang Zi hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Chu Shuyu, being a businesswoman, quickly pieced things together.

"If you don’t want to go home for New Year’s, then don’t. I haven’t gone back for New Year’s in years either."

Zhao Gang looked at her, puzzled.

Chu Shuyu picked up a thermos and poured him a cup of tea, talking to him like a big sister giving advice.

"There are many things in this world that cannot be forced, and family is no different. Sometimes, a little space beats getting tangled up."

"I used to want to spend the New Year at home, to have the whole family together. But because of me, my sister-in-law was unhappy, then my brother was unhappy, and because of that, my parents were unhappy too—in the end, the whole house was in a funk."

"Later, I stopped going back for the New Year. Spending it alone might be a bit quiet, but I can cook whatever I want to eat and load up my plate however I like."

"I don’t have to watch anyone’s mood, listen to those hurtful sarcastic remarks, or worry about this and that."

"These past two years, I’ve built a life for myself out here. Now my family wants me back, but I no longer feel like returning."