Listening to Lu Cheng’an, Huo Dongzhou answered with sincerity.
"The project is progressing well, and my unit is considering for a promotion. In the long run, whether I pursue a technical or a managent path, I will strive to create a better life for our future."
He didn’t explicitly say it was for Huanhuan, but everyone present understood the implication, and it demonstrated his ambition.
He truly loved Chenghuan and was willing to do anything for her.
Lu Cheng’an continued asking about his ti in the military, indirectly probing his character and ability to adapt under pressure.
Huo Dongzhou handled each question with composure, neither obsequious nor arrogant. His answers showed respect for his comrades while also revealing his own calm deanor and sense of responsibility.
Su Tang listened from the side, occasionally interjecting to smooth things over.
She asked about small, personal matters—how his parents were doing, what his hobbies were—all while observing his manners and the details of his speech.
Huo Dongzhou’s answers were proper. His tone conveyed a deep respect for his parents, and his hobbies were wholeso ones like reading and exercise.
He even volunteered that he sotis helped his neighbors with small tasks, like fixing their radios, making him seem kind and helpful.
By the end of the al, Lu Cheng’an still found fault with just about everything about Huo Dongzhou.
But he had to admit, the young man’s outward performance was impeccable. His responses were proper, his attitude sincere, and for the mont, there were no obvious flaws to latch onto.
The tension in his heart eased, if only by a fraction.
Although Lu Xiao still wore a stern expression, his features softened slightly. ’At least this young man seems steady and reliable, not so slick, foppish pretty boy.’
’Sigh, a daughter is never her parents’ to keep. His little girl is getting married before she’s even graduated.’ A bitter feeling welled up inside him.
After dinner, Huo Dongzhou again rushed to help clear the dishes, but a smiling Su Tang stopped him.
After sitting for a little longer, Huo Dongzhou knew not to overstay his welco and chose the right mont to announce his departure.
Su Tang had Lu Cheng’an see him out.
When they reached the entrance of the residential compound, Lu Cheng’an stopped, stared at Huo Dongzhou, and lowered his voice.
"Huo Dongzhou, don’t think you’re in the clear just because you passed today’s test. I’m watching you! If you dare treat my sister even a little bit badly, or if I find out you’re playing any tricks, I absolutely won’t let you off the hook!"
Huo Dongzhou’s expression turned serious. He stood up straight and replied with the utmost gravity, "Cheng’an, I promise you, I am sincere. I will prove it with my actions, and I welco your supervision at any ti."
"Hmph. You’d better rember your words!"
Lu Cheng’an snapped, then turned and walked away.
Watching his retreating figure, Huo Dongzhou let out a long sigh of relief. He felt his back; beneath his tunic suit, his shirt was soaked through with sweat.
’This interrogation of a dinner... I’ve finally scraped through it, more or less intact.’
He knew this was just the first step in a long march. The "big brother-in-law" trials were far from over.
’But for Chenghuan, it’s all worth it!’
Ti flew by, and in the blink of an eye, Lu Chenghuan graduated from the teachers’ university.
Most of her classmates were busy with their new job assignnts and talks of marriage, and her family was subtly hoping that she and Huo Dongzhou would finally tie the knot.
Lu Chenghuan and Huo Dongzhou’s relationship had been stable for years, and she had t his parents a few years prior.
Since they had all co from the sa residential compound, the two families shared a bond forged in military service.
As a result, the Huo family treated Lu Chenghuan very well, always thinking of her whenever they had sothing nice.
However, Lu Chenghuan made a decision that surprised quite a few people.
At dinner, she solemnly announced to her family, "Dad, Mom... I don’t want to get married right now, and I don’t want to take an assigned job in the city."
"I want to sign up to volunteer as a teacher in the Northwest Mountains to help the children there. I’ll go for at least two years."
The dinner table instantly fell silent.
Su Tang was the first to react. Though worry flickered in her eyes, it was overshadowed by understanding and support.
Lu Xiao frowned and said nothing, not imdiately giving his opinion. His daughter’s choice had clearly caught him by surprise.
Lu Cheng’an had transferred out of the military and returned to Beijing a few years prior and was now working at a research institute in the city.
He put down his chopsticks, his brow furrowed. He seed much calr and more mature than he used to be.
"Volunteering in the Northwest? Huanhuan, do you have any idea how tough it is there? The conditions are terrible, and it’s so far from ho! And you and Dongzhou..."
He left his sentence unfinished, but the aning was clear: Aren’t you supposed to be settling down and getting married?
Lu Chenghuan’s gaze was resolute, yet tinged with a plea. "Brother, I know it’s tough. But those children need teachers more. This is the one thing I want to do most now that I’ve graduated. As for Dongzhou..."
She paused and looked toward the door.
At so point, Huo Dongzhou had arrived and had obviously heard the conversation.
He walked over to Lu Chenghuan’s side and addressed the Lu family seriously.
"Uncle, Auntie, I’ve already applied for a transfer. My unit has a relevant technical support project in the Northwest, and it happens to be not far from the county where Chenghuan is going."
"I support her decision. She can pursue her passion for education, and I’ll do my technical research. We’ll go together."
His words were like a stone tossed into a calm lake, sending ripples through the room.
Lu Cheng’an’s head snapped toward Huo Dongzhou, his gaze sharp. "You’re going? Huo Dongzhou, have you thought this through? This isn’t a vacation! What about your project? Your promotion?"
Huo Dongzhou t his gaze without flinching. "Projects can be done anywhere. In fact, technical research at the grassroots level can be more practical. As for promotion opportunities... there will be more in the future."
"But supporting Chenghuan in fulfilling her dream is the most important thing right now. She chose to help those children, and I choose to support her and be by her side. The living conditions might be worse for a while, but I’m ntally prepared for that and can overco it."
He didn’t make any flowery vows, just clearly stated his choice and his plan.
This tangible support, which even involved temporarily slowing his own career, carried more weight than any sweet nothings.
Lu Xiao looked at the young man before him, and his stern face softened slightly.
For the first ti, he felt with startling clarity that Huo Dongzhou’s feelings for his daughter ran far deeper than they had ever imagined.
This man didn’t want to keep his daughter in a cage by his side; he truly wanted to soar with her.
A gratified smile touched Su Tang’s eyes, and she gently nudged her husband’s arm.
Lu Cheng’an fell silent. He re-evaluated Huo Dongzhou.
The various tests at the dinner table had been about character, ability, and ambition.
But now, Huo Dongzhou had proven his determination and his willingness to sacrifice through his actions.
He was willing to unconditionally support Chenghuan’s dream, even adjusting his own life’s trajectory to be with her.
At that mont, Lu Cheng’an admitted to himself that he had no more objections.
Although he was still reluctant to see his sister endure such hardship, he now truly and completely accepted Huo Dongzhou.
He snorted. "I guess you’ve got so backbone after all! But let tell you, even over there, you’d better take good care of my sister! If a single hair on her head is hard, I’ll have your hide!"
Huo Dongzhou nodded solemnly. "Don’t worry, Cheng’an. As long as I’m there, I will never let Huanhuan be wronged."
Lu Chenghuan looked at her family, then at Huo Dongzhou, who stood steadfastly beside her. Her eyes grew moist, but a happy smile blood on her face.
Her choice had received the understanding and support of the people she loved most.
The road ahead might be arduous, but with this solid support system and a lover who would walk beside her, she was filled with courage.
"What are you all so worried about? The Northwest is our old stomping grounds. Huanhuan’s cousin, Xinxin, is right there. She won’t lack for soone to look after her."
Su Tang said this with a smile, and her words served as a reminder to Lu Xiao.
They had moved to Beijing from the Northwest; the Northwest was, in fact, their old ho.
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