Chapter 36: I Support Xu Yuexin, You Handle It

Will the outbound travel policy be opened up later?

Qiao Qiao asked with a fresh curiosity.

At present, society only has a few ways to leave the country: overseas Chinese taking refuge with relatives or friends, official business trips abroad, and a very small number of government‑sponsored study‑abroad programs.

Going abroad is an extremely distant term for the vast majority of people.

"That's right; in a few more years, going abroad will become increasingly easy."

"Private trips abroad, opening up individual study abroad, and increasing slots for government‑sponsored study abroad are the major trends of the future."

Xu Yuexin said with certainty, "By then, some people facing the choice of whether to return might recall Xu Lingjun."

Qiao Qiao was very convinced by Xu Yuexin's prediction.

In her eyes, Xu Yuexin is a very foresighted person who excels at grasping societal trends.

"Indeed, I don't think there's anything good about staying there."

Qiao Qiao agreed, saying, "For example, I study Chinese; what could I actually do if I really went abroad?"

"In the country I can join a government agency or go into a corporation; would I really go abroad just to wash dishes for others?"

Xu Yuexin found Qiao Qiao's words rather interesting.

Believe it or not, in a few more years there will indeed be people who abandon the prospect of becoming university professors to go abroad fixing cars and washing dishes.

My own girlfriend truly has a keen eye; she instantly saw the essence of the problem.

"The country will enter a high‑speed development stage. Intellectuals and researchers who are willing to stay, even if only working step by step, will see very substantial returns."

"If one is willing to strive in the political arena, there is even a chance to attain a boundless life."

"Of course, the premise of a boundless life is a willingness to immerse oneself, staying closely connected to this land like Xu Lingjun."

Xu Yuexin, intentionally or not, offered his girlfriend a hint.

Since Qiao Qiao has said she wants to work in Communist Party and government agencies, he gave her a tip, revealing the upcoming trend of changes.

The Class 78 Chinese Department of Yanjing University already had internship experience in Hai Li while in school, and could further accumulate some grassroots work experience…

"Wang Zha plus four twos, tell me how to lose!" Qiao Qiao felt rather enlightened after hearing it.

"Just as writers need to gather wind, if one can have grassroots experience, then work in an agency will be like a fish in water, right?"

Qiao Qiao sought confirmation from Xu Yuexin.

"That's exactly what I mean."

Xu Yuexin was very pleased with his girlfriend's insight and lightly pressed his hand on her delicate, luminous face, saying, "It's not too early, let's eat."

After a clatter of pots, bowls and pans, four fragrant dishes came out of the kitchen.

Xu Yuexin tasted them and found Qiao Qiao's cooking had made noticeable progress since last time.

Strangely, she herself seemed a bit absent‑minded, barely moving her chopsticks, just picking at the rice in small bites.

"It's really delicious, why aren't you eating?"

Xu Yuexin lifted a piece of ribbon fish for Qiao Qiao and asked concernedly, "Not feeling well?"

"No, I'm not unwell."

Qiao Qiao shook her head, as if holding something on her mind.

"If the body has no problem, then it's a trouble in the mind."

Xu Yuexin teased, "As the saying goes, if one eats without enthusiasm, the mind has issues."

"Pfft, you're really humorous."

Qiao Qiao laughed at the teasing, playfully winking at Xu Yuexin, "Let me ask you a question: do you want to come to my house?"

"Of course I want to."

Xu Yuexin reflexively replied, "Your parents have to see you, so they know what kind of good son‑in‑law their daughter has chosen."

"And they even brag about themselves."

Qiao Qiao gave him a cold look and scolded, "If someone in my family has an objection to you, what will you do?"

"Who has an objection to me?" Xu Yuexin asked calmly.

Anyway, regardless of what the Chen Family thinks, he is determined to marry Qiao Qiao.

"My mother has never really agreed with me being with you."

She pretended to be melancholy and said, "What do you think we should do?"

"I said it long ago: take you to a ranch, live under a false name for a lifetime."

Xu Yuexin lifted his arm, wrapped his hand around Qiao Qiao's fragrant shoulder, and said, "Didn't you agree?"

"Just being cheeky."

Qiao Qiao stifled a laugh, shot a glance at Xu Yuexin, then leaned close to his ear, her voice soft and sweet like orchid perfume, "I'll take care of my mother's side."

"Are you happy or not?"

"Our Qiao Qiao is indeed formidable."

Xu Yuexin pinched her delicate nose and said, "I'll visit your home the day after tomorrow, okay?"

"Hmm, I have taken the morning off."

Qiao Qiao leaned against Xu Yuexin's shoulder, closed her eyes, and answered with a blissful smile.

That evening, at the Chen Family.

While her father and older sister were present, Qiao Qiao made three rules with Zhou Zhifeng in the living room.

"Mom, New Brother will come to our house the morning after tomorrow; you must be present then."

"If you're not happy about it, you can speak less, but you must not say harsh words or give a sour look."

"Also, don't forget to make a few good dishes; New Brother is an important guest of our family. Neglecting him and gossip spreading would embarrass you."

At the table, Qiao Qiao tried to imitate her sister and mother's assertive manner when dealing with others, earnestly negotiating with her mother.

When Zhou Zhifeng had just returned to the city last year, she repeatedly urged Chen Yixue to marry, and Chen Yixue used this kind of bargaining to give Zhou Zhifeng a few tastes of her fierceness.

Since then, Zhou Zhifeng learned to behave. As long as Chen Yixue says a faint sentence, or even just a glance, she will prudently shut her mouth.

Hearing her daughter's request, Zhou Zhifeng huffed in anger, said nothing, her eyes full of displeasure.

Chen Shi carefully nudged Zhou Zhifeng with his arm: "I think we can agree to the daughter's request."

"Xiao Xu, this child, is quite good. The daughter's request isn't unreasonable."

"What are you asking me for? You no longer care about my opinion, yet you keep making so many demands of me?"

Zhou Zhifeng rolled her eyes, her eyeballs staring at the ceiling.

Chen Qiaoqiao was at a loss.

Chen Qiaoqiao actually only had those three opening moves; when the situation became stalemated like this, she didn't know what to say.

In her memory, whenever her older sister showed this attitude before, their mother would always compromise.

Why does it stop working when it's her turn? Moreover, during the day she boasted in front of Xu Yuexin, claiming she could resolve mother's side.

If he comes that day and finds the facts aren't like that, what should be done then?

Chen Qiaoqiao felt very anxious, looking to Chen Yixue with a pleading gaze.

Chen Yixue sensed her sister's plea and slightly lifted the corner of her mouth.

"I'm not taking a partner, you nag all day. Qiao Qiao is taking a partner, you still disapprove."

Chen Yixue turned to Zhou Zhifeng, her face as cold as ice, saying, "Are you just going to trouble us?"

"Hey, Xue Xue, I don't mean that."

Zhou Zhifeng hurriedly, trembling, explained to her eldest daughter, even calling her by her nickname Xue Xue to try to be close, "Not marrying is not an option; marrying the wrong person is also not an option…"

"It's maddening."

Chen Yixue's statue‑like face showed impatience, "Anyway I support Qiao Qiao, you handle it as you see fit."

"The day after tomorrow I'll take leave and stay home, waiting for Xu Yuexin to come."

(End of chapter)