In the afternoon, once ng Cheng’an had sobered up a bit, the two of them tidied up and prepared to return to Sanli Lane.
Since ng Cheng’an, the future son-in-law, was back, he definitely had to visit the Tian Family.
This ti, coming back from Beijing, ng Cheng’an brought gifts for the Tian Family—so specialties that can only be bought in Beijing, and a box of chocolates only available at foreign trade malls, especially for Tian Xiang.
Tian Xiang looked at the dark pieces and asked, "What is this thing?"
ng Cheng’an: "Foreign candy."
Foreign candy?
Tian Xiang had heard of this thing but never tasted it.
Upon seeing it now, it looked sowhat like the brown sugar from her area.
ng Cheng’an: "Try a piece."
Tian Xiang tried one.
Hmm, surprisingly good, with a hint of bitterness, and a very smooth texture, better than brown sugar.
ng Cheng’an: "If you like it, I’ll send you so later when I return."
There were several boxes at ho brought back by his aunt, but ng Cheng’an thought they didn’t taste good, so they were left collecting dust at ho.
Tian Xiang: "Sure."
She thought it was okay.
They organized the gifts and prepared to head out.
ng Cheng’an rode the bike, while Tian Xiang sat at the back.
Sanli Lane.
Her daughter was supposed to attend a colleague’s wedding today, and she left in the morning; Hu Honglian was aware.
When leaving, Tian Xiang said she’d return after lunch, but it was almost six o’clock, and she hadn’t been seen.
Hu Honglian thought her daughter might stay for the wedding gas, so she didn’t buy much food, planning to cook a simple vegetable dish for dinner.
Who knew that after Hu Honglian had bought the vegetables, not only did Tian Xiang return, but she also brought ng Cheng’an with her.
"Oh, Cheng’an is back! Xiangxiang, why didn’t you bring him ho earlier to let us know? Now at this hour, there’s hardly anything left at the market!"
Hu Honglian reproached her daughter briefly and hurried out with the vegetable basket.
Tian Xiang glanced at ng Cheng’an; she wanted to return earlier, but this man wanted to enjoy their private ti.
At night, Hu Honglian cooked tofu and stir-fried at.
The at was brought by the market manager himself, who, upon hearing ng Cheng’an was back, gave it to Hu Honglian.
With at and tofu, at least it looked decent.
Since ng Cheng’an rarely visited, Tian Weibing was happy and wanted to have a drink with his son-in-law, but Tian Xiang stopped them and took their glasses away.
Tian Weibing wasn’t too pleased but told ng Cheng’an, "My daughter has always been opinionated since she was young. You’ll need to be more considerate when you two are together in the future."
ng Cheng’an nodded with a smile.
That night, ng Cheng’an didn’t leave until nearly nine o’clock.
Hu Honglian knew he would be staying for a week and told him to co back with Tian Xiang for als later, rather than cooking himself, as it’s troubleso for one person.
ng Cheng’an agreed.
The next day, the two went to see a movie and then went to the park. In the evening, ng Cheng’an went with Tian Xiang to Tian Family for dinner.
In the following days, Tian Xiang went to work while ng Cheng’an accompanied her back to the factory, returning to the publicity departnt to help write so announcents.
That day, after finishing work at the family compound, Tian Xiang returned and saw ng Cheng’an standing outside the office building, pasting things on the bulletin board.
She suddenly recalled the first ti she t him; he was standing there just like that, silently doing his work, except there was nothing on his forehead, which she found strange and nicknad him "Background Board Comrade" for a while afterward.
Now, this background board is her fiancé.
Fate is a mysterious thing, isn’t it?
Tian Xiang was sighing sentintally when ng Cheng’an looked over and smiled at her.
Tian Xiang also curved her lips.
Of course, being with him partly was because he looked good; otherwise, she wouldn’t have noticed him.
ng Cheng’an stayed here until the weekend, when he bought a ticket to head back.
On the day he left, Tian Xiang took half a day off to help him pack.
He only ca back for a week; there wasn’t much to pack. It was just reluctance, wanting to be together for a while.
But it was all about hugging and a few touches at most.
This era was pretty conservative, and few would do anything against the norms before marriage.
After 5 p.m., Tian Xiang accompanied ng Cheng’an to a restaurant to eat a bit, then took him to the train station.
Tian Xiang bought a platform ticket, carrying water and so snacks to see him onto the train.
As she prepared to leave, ng Cheng’an followed behind her, standing at the door and said to her, "After the exams, I’ll co over."
Tian Xiang: "Got it."
He had said it dozens of tis.
Tian Xiang got off the train, waved to ng Cheng’an, "Go inside." The conductor was about to close the door.
ng Cheng’an had no desire to go inside, and as the distance between them widened, he felt a sense of emptiness.
However reluctant, he still had to leave, but fortunately, the separation was only temporary, and he’d be back once he had his vacation.
Counting, it would be around two months before they could et again.
In the following days, Tian Xiang devoted all her energy to work and study.
Because she wanted to apply to Drama College and needed to join a formal theater group, which would recomnd her for the interview and professional exams.
Previously, Tian Xiang considered testing her abilities with the reintroduction of college entrance exams, only to find out from ng Cheng’an this ti that such schools have certain specialties and require special pathways to enter.
Had she known earlier, she would’ve agreed when the old man offered to help; now it’s tricky, feeling stuck in between, and she was embarrassed to ask again.
But it’s fine, being the future granddaughter-in-law of the ng Family, joining the theater group isn’t a big deal.
Tian Xiang quickly joined the City First Theater Group through Director Lin, tagged along with the others for weekend learning.
She was talented in this field, diligent, and quickly caught up.
However, the interviews and exams over there had already ended for the year; even if there were recomnded slots, she’d have to wait until next year.
Tian Xiang felt a bit speechless; she hadn’t stayed in a proper theater group before and truly didn’t know this.
Moreover, she couldn’t ntion the college entrance exam to anyone, only being able to discuss it with ng Cheng’an.
Back then, when ng Cheng’an went to Beijing for school, she asked him to check out the schools. It was just a sham; she never said she planned to study drama.
Fortunately, this ti when ng Cheng’an returned and asked about her college plans, Tian Xiang told him. ng Cheng’an explained that these universities are different from regular ones, and he’d have to seriously look into the exams and requirents.
Later, ng Cheng’an quickly brought her the news; they typically recruit teenagers as preparatory students and start training them early or accept recomndations from theater troupes for professionals; ordinary channels currently aren’t open.
Plus, the exams for the year had already ended, Tian Xiang missed the chance.
Though sowhat speechless, she truly loved the feeling of standing on stage and hearing applause, so she decided to continue.
But when she inford ng Cheng’an of this decision, he held the phone in silence for quite a while.
This ant their ti together would be postponed further.
At the ti, Tian Xiang spoke softly, "Just a few months’ delay, hang in there."
ng Cheng’an remained silent.
Tian Xiang: "Why, are you afraid I’ll run away? Don’t you have confidence in yourself?"
It’s not a matter of running or not.
ng Cheng’an took a deep breath, "I support you."
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