Chapter 2: Mockery and Wager

When He Shinian’s expression shifted slightly, Qiao Yina immediately understood the situation. She pursed her lips and whispered, “He wasn’t invited by me. Somehow, he found out today was my mother’s birthday and showed up on his own.”

He Shinian changed his shoes and walked over, only to find that most of the dishes on the table had already been eaten. There were no extra bowls or chopsticks prepared—there wasn’t even a place set for him. At that moment, He Shinian lost any desire to stay.

He looked at Qiao Hailin, who had his back to him, smoking and chatting jovially with Feng Anping, completely ignoring his presence. Qiao Hailin’s behavior was clearly meant to please Feng Anping and, at the same time, put He Shinian in his place.

When He Shinian reached the table, Qiao Hailin finally turned around, his smile vanishing into a cold expression. “He Shinian, sit down. Tonight, since your aunt is celebrating her birthday, it’s a good time for us to talk.”

He Shinian felt uncomfortable and remained standing. Tonight, Qiao Hailin had twice addressed him by his full name, a clear sign that the Qiao family no longer liked him as their future son-in-law, perhaps even detested him.

“Uncle Qiao, shouldn’t we wait until the outsiders leave before having this conversation?” He Shinian referred, of course, to Feng Anping.

Qiao Hailin waved his hand, looking displeased. “How can Director Feng be an outsider? So young, already Deputy Director of the Transportation Bureau, a future with limitless possibilities—he’s at a level you’ll never reach in your entire life.”

His entire life? Was there really a need to be so blatant?

If it weren’t for his father being the Deputy County Head, what qualifications or ability would Feng Anping have to be Deputy Director? He spent his days indulging in pleasure, scheming for promotion, with a terrible reputation. What was there for He Shinian to learn from him?

At this moment, Feng Anping stood up, offered He Shinian a cigarette, and said, “Comrade Shinian, hello, I’m Feng Anping, Deputy Director of the Transportation Bureau. Please, have a smoke.”

He Shinian glanced at the cigarette—Premium Red Heavy Nine, one hundred yuan a pack. He Shinian waved it away. “No, thank you.”

He turned back and said, “Uncle Qiao, since it’s like this, just say what you want to say.”

Feng Anping’s face changed at He Shinian’s refusal, a little embarrassed as he withdrew his hand.

Qiao Hailin didn’t waste words. “I’ve thought it over carefully. I just don’t think you and Yina are suitable.”

“We only have one daughter, Yina, and we want her to be happy. But you can’t give her the happiness she deserves.”

He Shinian’s eyes showed his surprise. “Why?”

Qiao Hailin snorted. “Don’t you know the reason yourself?”

Of course he knew. He was powerless and insignificant, a mere second-level clerk. Five years in the army, one year since retirement. He Shinian and Qiao Yina had been together for six years. How many six years does one have in life?

He Shinian looked at Qiao Yina. He could disregard everyone’s opposition, except hers—her attitude was all that mattered to him.

“Dad, I’ve been with Shinian for six years. His difficulties are only temporary. I believe that one day he’ll give me happiness.”

Her words gave He Shinian a bit of comfort.

Qiao Hailin’s anger flared. “Give you happiness? On his three thousand two hundred yuan a month salary?”

“That kind of money, he can’t even buy a restroom in Ninghai County. What will he use to give you happiness?”

“Look at Anping, so young and already Deputy Director of the Transportation Bureau. Look at him—five years as a soldier, twenty-eight years old and still nothing.”

“After retiring, he was only placed in some useless second-level clerk position. What future could he possibly have?”

Feng Anping, eager to stir trouble, added, “He works at the Land Bureau, right? I just heard from a friend at the Land Bureau that he offended someone and is about to be sent to the farthest township in Ninghai County—Wangri Township.”

At these words, Qiao Yina paused, her expression turning ugly as she instinctively looked at He Shinian.

Wangri Township was the remotest in Ninghai County, over fifty kilometers from the county seat, with difficult roads—at least four hours round trip by car.

Wei Ziqin joined in, “Xiao He, I hope you’ll have some self-awareness. In officialdom, if you can’t even manage a promotion, how can us as parents entrust our daughter to you?”

Qiao Hailin and Wei Ziqin played their roles—one stern, one gentle. With Feng Anping fanning the flames, He Shinian’s face grew darker.

“Yina, everyone, including your parents, opposes us—but I don’t care. I just want to ask you one thing: do you believe in me?”

At that moment, Qiao Yina hesitated. Her eyes avoided his, unable to meet He Shinian’s gaze.

“Shinian, you’re being transferred to Wangri Township—when did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Instead of answering directly, she questioned him in an almost reproachful tone.

He Shinian looked at her, frowning. “I don’t know the details myself. If I really am transferred to the township, are you planning to give up on our relationship?”

Qiao Yina fell silent, her thoughts in turmoil.

As a woman, she was already twenty-seven. During He Shinian’s years in the army, they’d spent little time together; she’d had enough of waiting. If He Shinian moved to the township, it would be over a hundred kilometers—how many more years would they be apart?

Could her youth withstand more waiting, more wasted years?

Thinking of the years of separation and longing, her eyes reddened.

“Yina, after waiting all these years, what have you gotten? Now he’s being sent to a township—when will these days ever end?” Wei Ziqin’s voice grew agitated.

Feng Anping sneered, “He Shinian is being sent to Wangri Township because he offended someone. If no one helps him, he’ll probably never leave that place.”

He said this deliberately for Qiao Yina to hear.

Her face grew ever uglier, and tears finally broke free.

Seeing her cry, He Shinian was moved. After five years in the army, she had still waited for him; he was truly touched.

“Uncle, Aunt, since the conversation has reached this point, just tell me—what will it take for you not to oppose me being with Yina?”

He Shinian didn’t waste words, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Qiao Hailin took a drag of his cigarette and said, “We only have one requirement: before this year’s People’s Congress, you must secure a deputy section-level position. Otherwise, please disappear from Yina’s life forever.”

There were four months left before the People’s Congress. In theory, it was entirely possible.

He glanced at Qiao Yina. “Uncle Qiao, I accept your proposal. If I can’t secure a deputy section-level position before this year’s People’s Congress, I won’t look for Yina again.”

With that, He Shinian left the Qiao family without another word.

Qiao Yina was distraught and wanted to see him off, but Wei Ziqin stopped her.

“Yina, listen to your mother. Don’t go, and don’t contact him for now.”

“But, Shinian…”

“No buts. Listen to your mother—she won’t steer you wrong.”

Feng Anping watched He Shinian leave in defeat, barely containing his smug satisfaction. He looked at Qiao Yina’s fair skin, her proud figure, the slender waist that fit perfectly in his hand. The wicked light in his eyes gradually intensified.