Xia Zhijun said calmly, "I don't plan to join any state-owned enterprise. I want to start my own business."
"Start your own business?" Xia Guangyu's face darkened, and his tone changed. "What can you possibly achieve on your own?"
"Whether I can achieve anything or not, I have to try to find out," Xia Zhijun replied, still calm.
"Absurd! The country has spent so many years cultivating you, you go out to learn some things, and now you want to mess around?" Xia Guangyu scolded. "Starting a business is easier said than done. Do you know what the private sector business environment is like? People with vast fortunes struggle to succeed, and you, on the other hand, insist on running off to do this."
Peng Ling, fearing the conflict would escalate, hurriedly said, "Ajun, your father is doing this for your own good. How many companies out there have managed to stay afloat for ten years? For every successful unicorn you see, there are countless failures behind it. Success is built on a mountain of failures. It's a thankless path, full of uncertainty and risk."
Xia Guangyu added, "He simply doesn't appreciate what he has! There's a clear and easy path laid out before him, but he insists on defying us and taking the difficult route."
Xia Zhijun said, "I never intended to defy you, nor have I ever thought about dedicating my life to a particular career, much less considered a political career as my goal. Regardless of the path I choose, success or failure, it will be part of my life experience, and I will embrace it wholeheartedly."
Xia Guangyu said in a deep voice, "History is written by the victors. If you fail, you will bring shame upon our entire family."
Xia Zhijun chuckled coldly and said indifferently, "Then just pretend you don't have a son."
"You…"
Xia Zhijun's gaze became sharper and colder. "If I hadn't been rescued that year, I wouldn't be in this world. Just consider me dead back then."
"Ajun…" Hearing these words, Peng Ling recalled the past, and tears suddenly rolled down her cheeks.
For a moment, Xia Guangyu was also choked with emotion.
This was a buried wound in their family's hearts. He had been rescued covered in injuries, but the greater damage was the psychological trauma. It took him two or three years of therapy to seemingly recover. Perhaps… only his outward appearance recovered, the shadows in his heart never truly disappeared.
After a moment of silence, Xia Guangyu asked, "Is Gu Siyi influencing you? Her family is in business, do you want to learn from her?"
"This is my own idea, it has nothing to do with her." After a pause, Xia Zhijun added, "Actually, that's not entirely true. Being with her has given me even more motivation to pursue the life I want. What I value most is having enough time and freedom to be with her in the future."
Xia Guangyu said, "I won't object to you being with Gu Siyi, but you must obey my arrangements regarding your career."
Xia Zhijun laughed, a slightly absurd expression on his face. "Who I am with doesn't require your approval. It's not within your jurisdiction."
"Xia Zhijun, let's each take a step back. This is already the greatest tolerance I can offer you as a father!" Xia Guangyu stated emphatically.
"Whether it's marriage or career, I don't plan to follow your ideas. I have my own life. I'm not a copy of you, nor am I the inheritor of your dreams." After speaking, Xia Zhijun saw his father's increasingly displeased expression and fearlessly added, "Also, there's something I need to announce. Gu Siyi and I have already gotten our marriage certificate."
"What?!" Xia Guangyu shot up from the sofa, glaring at Xia Zhijun. "Such a major life event, and you treat it so casually?"
Peng Ling was also stunned, staring blankly at him.
They both knew he had been maintaining contact with Gu Siyi, but they never expected him to get a marriage certificate right after graduation.
Xia Zhijun said calmly, "This is not a casual decision. Marrying her is the most serious and correct decision of my life."
Xia Guangyu was beyond words to describe his anger. Reaching the peak of his fury, he calmed down, his cold eyes fixed on Xia Zhijun.
Peng Ling said, "You could have at least told us! Doing this without any regard for us, do you even consider us your parents?"
"Would you have agreed if I had told you?" Xia Zhijun chuckled. "Weren't you just trying to use marriage as a bargaining chip? Unfortunately, whether it's marriage or career, I have my own plans."
"Very well. You've grown up, you have wings, you won't listen to your parents, and you don't need any advice from them." Xia Guangyu spoke calmly but coldly. "You can leave this house. I'll consider you dead to me."
"Lao Xia, don't say such hurtful things to the child."
"He's not a child! He's grown up, grown into an unfilial and rebellious scoundrel!"
Xia Zhijun clenched his hands in his pockets, his expression as cold as ice. "Unfortunately, I can't be the filial son you envision."
Xia Zhijun turned to leave. Peng Ling quickly stepped forward and grabbed him. "Where are you going? There are always disagreements in a family. You know your father has a strong personality, he'll calm down eventually."
Xia Zhijun looked at his mother and whispered, "I have my own home now. I need to go back and be with my wife."
"…" Peng Ling stared at him blankly.
"I'm very happy. After being with her, I truly feel happiness." Speaking of the woman he cherished, a gentle warmth appeared in Xia Zhijun's eyes.
Peng Ling's eyes welled up with tears. "Are you blaming your parents? We didn't want that incident to happen either…"
"No." Xia Zhijun shook his head in denial. Although that person had targeted him out of resentment towards his father, he knew his parents weren't to blame. "Compared to career and reputation, I care more about people, about the connection between my heart and the world."
"…" Peng Ling was speechless for a moment.
Xia Zhijun said, "Mom, I'm leaving. If one day, you are willing to accept my marriage and my career, I will bring my wife back with me."
Xia Zhijun pulled free from his mother's hand and strode away.
Peng Ling stood by the door, staring blankly at his tall figure disappearing beyond the courtyard.
Did she truly not understand him, or had she chosen to ignore the fact that this seemingly calm and intelligent son was actually a deeply emotional person?
He kept his most passionate and sensitive side hidden deep within his heart, so much so that his parents and family only saw his outstanding exterior. From childhood, whether in studies or life, he never caused them to worry. Even during the most difficult times, he endured silently, without adding any extra psychological burden to his family.
He lived as everyone expected him to, and no one ever asked him what kind of life he wanted.
Until he made his own decision…
…
Xia Zhijun returned to S City, and Gu Siyi went to the high-speed rail station to pick him up.
This time, she calculated the time precisely and waited at the exit twenty minutes before his arrival.
There were other people waiting as well. Gu Siyi hid among the crowd, observing discreetly until she saw Xia Zhijun's figure appear.
Tall and handsome, he always stood out in a crowd.
It was already October, early autumn. Xia Zhijun wore a long trench coat, the crisp material making him appear even more elegant and refined. His youthful air had completely faded, and he was now a handsome and composed man, his indifferent eyes revealing a sense of detachment and the decisiveness of a seasoned leader.
Gu Siyi noticed that in just this short time, quite a few young women around him were glancing at him frequently.
Perhaps it was his strong aura, but although they looked, their eyes hesitant, none of them approached him.
Gu Siyi quietly followed behind Xia Zhijun. He walked a few steps and then suddenly stopped.
Before he could turn around, Gu Siyi embraced him from behind. "Handsome, you look so familiar, like my husband."
The people around them stared in dumbfounded silence: "…??"
Xia Zhijun reached out, pulled her in front of him, and asked seriously, "Is your husband as handsome as me?"
Gu Siyi smiled sweetly. "You and my husband are tied for the most handsome in the world! Interested in meeting him?" After saying that, she stood on tiptoe and unexpectedly kissed him.
Xia Zhijun smiled and took her hand. "Of course, I'm interested. He's amazing to have married such a beautiful wife."
Gu Siyi leaned on his shoulder, the sweet smile on her face never fading.
The two left the high-speed rail station and took a car back to Gu Siyi's home.
Gu Zhiyuan and Xu Jiahui knew he was coming and had prepared a sumptuous meal.
However, this time Xia Zhijun wouldn't be staying at the Gu family home. Gu Siyi was taking him to their high-rise apartment in the city center.
Married couples always desire more private space, and although the Gu couple were reluctant, they understood.
Zheng Peipei had moved out two days before Xia Zhijun's return and was staying in a hotel.
Gu Siyi carefully tidied up their little world, welcoming her husband's arrival.
With the weekend approaching, Xia Zhijun and Gu Siyi invited their close friends to S City. They would have a meal together, announce their marriage, and celebrate. Gu Siyi had booked hotel rooms for everyone in advance. Graduates didn't have as much free time as they did in school, but everyone arrived as scheduled.
Su Han also came. This time, not only was he not late, but he arrived earlier than everyone else, coming the night before.
Zheng Peipei knew he would come and had prepared herself mentally. What had to be faced eventually had to be faced.
Everyone stayed at the same hotel. Su Han learned Zheng Peipei's room number from Gu Siyi and went to find her.
The door opened, and the two stood there, one inside, one outside, the air momentarily stagnant.
Though only a step apart, they felt worlds away.
Su Han, as always, wore a hat and mask. The low brim of his hat revealed only his slightly upturned peach blossom eyes.
"Shall we go for a walk?" Su Han asked softly, his voice a little hoarse.
"Sure." Zheng Peipei readily agreed.
Now that he was here, it would be cowardly to back down.
Night enveloped the city, dotted with winding, twinkling lights that adorned the magnificent cityscape.
Zheng Peipei had been here for several months, going from being shut indoors to strolling the streets, and she was already very familiar with the city.
She led Su Han down a secluded path.
As they walked, Zheng Peipei said, "Doesn't this feel a lot like the road we walked on during that date?"
"Which time?" Su Han asked.
"That time, after we ate, the lights outside the restaurant were so romantic. I wanted to kiss you, but we were suddenly spotted, and we ran hand-in-hand…" Zheng Peipei said, laughing. "Then you dropped your jacket and ran off in another direction."
Su Han smiled. "I remember now. This alley is similar to our escape route."
"I put on your jacket, wore your hat, and ran off in a different direction," Zheng Peipei said. "But I didn't change my shoes, and I couldn't run steadily in high heels, so I fell…"
Su Han frowned slightly. "You didn't tell me about that?"
"No. You had a busy schedule and left the next day. I sprained my ankle and it hurt for a while. Knowing you were busy, I didn't want you to worry, so I didn't say anything."
"…" Su Han was silent for a moment, then said hoarsely, "I'm sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for. I enjoyed it." Zheng Peipei still smiled brightly. "I thought I was so cool, helping you escape from the throngs of fans and not causing you any trouble. I was such a super nice friend."
Su Han looked at Zheng Peipei's hand and suddenly reached out, taking it in his.
Zheng Peipei froze, looked at him, and after three seconds, pulled her hand away with an apologetic smile.
"I was just reminiscing about how I felt back then. I'm not here asking for reassurance."