"Come in!"
Chen Yang pushed open the door to his mother's room and saw Han Xuehua closing the wooden box, then casually placing it on the bedside table. He looked up and asked with a smile:
"Yangyang, why aren't you asleep yet?"
Chen Yang noticed that Han Xuehua's eyes were still a little red, but he pretended not to notice. He simply walked to Han Xuehua's side, massaging her shoulders as he said with a grin:
"Can't sleep! It's my first time bringing my girlfriend home, and I don't know what Mother's decision will be!"
Speaking of Su He, Han Xuehua also showed a satisfied expression, smiling as she said:
"Look at what you're saying…" "It's like I'm a wicked mother-in-law! Su He is a good girl, of course Mom can see that! I'm very satisfied!"
Chen Yang exaggeratedly showed a relieved expression, smiling as he said:
"Then the huge weight on my heart has finally been lifted! What do you think? Your son is quite capable, isn't he! The future daughter-in-law he found for you is a well-known campus beauty at Rongda University!"
Han Xuehua looked at Chen Yang with affection, feeling a surge of relief. Her son had changed significantly recently; his personality was no longer as withdrawn as before, he had made more friends, and he had even found an incredibly beautiful girlfriend. Han Xuehua was extremely satisfied. The mother and son chatted idly for a while about everyday matters. Suddenly, Han Xuehua asked,
"By the way, Yangyang, how did you become friends with Deputy Secretary Han of the County Party Committee?"
Chen Yang knew Han Xuehua would inevitably ask this, so he simply smiled and said casually,
"Secretary Han and a friend of mine are very good buddies. Last time, my friend accompanied me back, so he introduced us, and that's how we met..."
"A friend?"
"Yes, my friend's name is Fang Xu, he's the son of Secretary Fang of the Provincial Party Committee!" Chen Yang She casually remarked, "However, my relationship with him is a personal one, and has nothing to do with Secretary Fang."
Han Xuehua finally couldn't hide her surprise. Her mouth gaped open, and after a long pause, she said,
"You're acquainted with... Secretary Fang's child?"
She realized she knew less and less about her son. Chen Yang was only a junior in college, and would only be a senior when the semester started, yet the friends he made were all incredibly influential. Although Han Xuehua didn't recognize Chu Xiaobai from today, she could tell from his demeanor that Chu Xiaobai must be the child of some high-ranking official in Beijing.
If Chen Yang had grown up in the Han family, it wouldn't be surprising; scions of wealthy families in Beijing often socialized. But Chen Yang was born and raised in Nanpu, experiencing poverty from a young age, and had always been introverted. The change in him in just six months was simply unimaginable!
Han Xuehua couldn't help but glance at Chen Yang a few more times.
Chen Yang smiled calmly, saying meaningfully,
"The most important thing in making friends is compatibility. I know that whether it's Fang Xu, Han Wenhai, or Chu Xiaobai, they all come from prominent families, but I'm making friends, not their backgrounds. Therefore, I treat them all as equals, and I believe they do the same; otherwise, they wouldn't be my friends!"
Han Xuehua listened to Chen Yang's words, a thoughtful expression on her face. For the first time, she felt that her son had truly grown up. He had his own opinions and independent thoughts; he was no longer the little child who needed her protection.
While feeling gratified, a trace of loss also flashed through Han Xuehua's heart.
Perhaps every parent feels this way! Watching their children grow up, their wings gradually becoming strong, until finally they fly far away to live their own lives.
At this moment, Chen Yang said softly:
"Mom, a while ago when I visited my teacher in Beijing, Political Commissar Han Lingfei of the Garrison Command spoke with me..."
Chen Yang's voice was very soft, but to Han Xuehua, it was like a thunderbolt. Her body visibly trembled, and she froze.
After a long while, Han Xuehua finally turned her head with difficulty, staring into Chen Yang's eyes, and asked in a trembling voice:
"Yangyang, you...you know everything?"
Chen Yang nodded slightly and said:
"I knew a long time ago, but Political Commissar Han explained in more detail. After talking with him, I learned that so many things happened back then."
"What else did he say?" Han Xuehua asked with a hint of nervousness.
Chen Yang sighed and said softly,
"Mom, Political Commissar Han told me that Comrade Han Changzheng's health isn't good, he might... he might not have much time left..."
Hearing Chen Yang's words, Han Xuehua felt as if all her strength had been drained away. She sat slumped in her chair, speechless for a long time. Her worries of the past few days had finally been confirmed, and Han Xuehua felt a deep sadness fill her heart.
Chen Yang glanced at his mother with some concern, but continued,
"Political Commissar Han hopes I can try to persuade you..."
Han Xuehua took a deep breath, staring into Chen Yang's eyes, and asked,
"Yangyang, what do you think about this?"
Han Xuehua knew the allure of a prestigious family like the Han family to a young man. If he could be recognized as a member of the Han family, he would be Old Master Han's direct nephew, which would be tantamount to rising to a high position overnight, transforming from a poor peasant boy into a close relative of one of the founders of the Republic and a leader of the Party and the state.
Han Xuehua worried that Chen Yang wouldn't be able to resist such temptation and that his mindset would become distorted. Deep down, Han Xuehua didn't want her son to become a scion of a so-called aristocratic family. She was weary of the infighting and power struggles within political elites and didn't want Chen Yang to become like those spoiled brats who spent their days walking birds, fighting dogs, and indulging in debauchery.
If Han Xuehua had a choice, she would rather Chen Yang live a simple and ordinary life.
Chen Yang met his mother's gaze, his eyes clear, and said calmly:
"Mom, of course I respect your opinion. Emotionally speaking, I'm very dissatisfied with the Han family. Regardless of whether your actions back then were right or wrong, they shouldn't have ignored you for decades. I've seen all the hardships you've endured! Based on that alone, I have no good feelings towards the Han family! And I believe that with my own efforts, I can completely provide you with a happy and prosperous life; I don't need to rely on the Han or Ma families..."
Han Xuehua could sense that Chen Yang's words were completely heartfelt, without a trace of pretense. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of relief.
No matter how difficult life was, at least I had a good son, and a son who was in no way inferior to those from wealthy families!
Chen Yang gently put his arm around his mother's shoulder and said softly,
"However, this time I still promised Political Commissar Han that I would try my best to persuade you to go back. There's only one reason: Old Master Han is your father. Facing an elderly man nearing the end of his life, all resentment should dissipate. No matter how time changes, family ties can never be severed. I don't want you to regret or feel guilty for not seeing Old Master Han one last time, nor do I want you to suppress your longing for your loved ones!"
Seeing Han Xuehua lost in thought, Chen Yang wisely fell silent.
He had said what he needed to say; the decision was now up to Han Xuehua.
However, whatever decision Han Xuehua made, Chen Yang would unconditionally support her.
Han Xuehua's expression shifted constantly. Her hands were tightly clasped together, and her eyes revealed a complex mix of emotions; clearly, she was engaged in a fierce internal struggle.
Undoubtedly, Han Xuehua wanted to return to see her father, mother, and elder brother, but she had many concerns.
First, there was the question of whether her family would accept her. The Han family was a large one, containing not only her close relatives like Han Lingfei and Han Junfei, but also many uncles and brothers, many of whom held high positions and wielded considerable influence within the family. If Han Xuehua returned, she would undoubtedly face much gossip and strange looks.
Furthermore, Han Xuehua worried about adapting to family life. Having lived in Nanpu for nearly thirty years, she had completely shed the aura of a wealthy heiress and become accustomed to a simple life of working from sunrise to sunset. Returning to the capital would certainly present many inconveniences for her.
Of course, there was another crucial reason: Han Xuehua was deeply troubled and unsure how to face her patriarch, mother, elder brother, and other relatives.
But ultimately, her concern for her father prevailed.
Filial piety is the foundation of all virtues.
The old man didn't have much time left. Her impulsive departure years ago had already broken his heart. In these final days, it would be absolutely unacceptable not to be by his side, attending to his needs.
Therefore, even if she was drowned in criticism upon returning, Han Xuehua was determined to try.
She took a deep breath and said with difficulty:
"Yangyang, tell your uncle, I'm willing to go home..."
After saying these words, Han Xuehua felt a sense of relief. After running away for so many years, she had to face it eventually. Now that her mind was made up, there were no more worries. Chen Yang nodded, speaking to Han Xuehua with great understanding:
"Mom, if you go back, it's mainly to be by Grandpa's side and fulfill your filial duty. If he passes away and you're unhappy in the Han family, you can leave anytime. I have my own business now, and I'll take care of you from now on! You've raised me for so many years; it's time for me to repay your kindness!"
Han Xuehua nodded heavily, her gaze towards her son filled with relief, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Alright, Mom, you should rest early! I'll contact Political Commissar Han right away. You should also pack your things and be ready to go to Beijing at any time!" Chen Yang said.
Leaving Han Xuehua's room, Chen Yang took out his phone, found Han Lingfei's number, and sent him a text message with only four words:
"Assigned without fail!"
Soon, Han Lingfei replied with a text message. Chen Yang picked up his phone and read:
"Chen Yang, thank you!" Give me a few more days, at the latest a week, and I will personally come to Southeast China to pick up my little sister and take her home!