Chapter 1980: Decided

Over the next few weeks, the relationship between Zhang Zhiqiang and Zhao Jiamin underwent subtle changes. Their phone calls and meetings grew more and more frequent, and every exchange was a pleasant one. Zhang Zhiqiang also paid greater attention to his own behavior and words, doing his best to avoid causing Zhao Jiamin's displeasure.

One evening, Zhang Zhiqiang and Zhao Jiamin went to see a movie together. After the film ended, the two walked to a park for a stroll.

"Lately I feel our relationship has been getting closer and closer," Zhao Jiamin said with a smile. "I'm very happy that you were able to change yourself and let me believe in you again."

Zhang Zhiqiang felt very happy inside as well, but he knew he could not let his efforts slacken because of it. "Thank you, Jiamin. I will keep working hard. But I also hope you can trust me more, and not question me over every little thing."

Hearing these words, Zhao Jiamin nodded seriously as well. "You're right. I should trust you more too, and not let little things damage our feelings."

The two continued strolling through the park, chatting about all kinds of topics. But Zhao Jiamin suddenly brought up a question that made Zhang Zhiqiang feel a bit awkward.

"I've been thinking about buying a house lately," Zhao Jiamin said, frowning. "But I don't know where would be better to buy."

Zhang Zhiqiang's heart skipped a beat. He knew Zhao Jiamin was a person with ideas and her own opinions, and if her decision didn't match his own thoughts, it could easily cause friction between them.

"Do you have any requirements for the house?" Zhang Zhiqiang asked carefully. "Maybe I can give you some suggestions."

"I think being closer to the city would be better, so commuting to work is more convenient," Zhao Jiamin said earnestly. "And I hope the house can have a big balcony where I can grow some flowers, plants, and fruit."

Hearing this, Zhang Zhiqiang felt some hesitation in his heart. He knew his current financial situation could not yet meet Zhao Jiamin's requirements, but he didn't want to make her feel he didn't care about her because of it.

"Alright, I understand your requirements," Zhang Zhiqiang said seriously. "I will do my best to find a house that fits what you want. But perhaps we'll need some time to slowly reach this goal."

Hearing this, Zhao Jiamin nodded in understanding as well. "No problem, we can work together to reach this goal. I believe you will definitely work hard for our future."

The two kept chatting about all kinds of topics, strolling on until deep into the night. Before parting, Zhang Zhiqiang gazed at Zhao Jiamin affectionately and said, "Jiamin, I hope we can keep walking forward together. I will keep working hard for our future."

Hearing this, Zhao Jiamin nodded, moved. "I will support you all the way too, Zhiqiang. I believe you will put in even more effort for our future."

The two held each other in a tight embrace, each harboring beautiful expectations and hopes in their hearts. They knew the road ahead was still long, but they were willing to face challenges and difficulties together and create a beautiful future. In the days that followed, Zhang Zhiqiang and Zhao Jiamin's relationship grew even closer. Not only did they call and meet frequently, they also took part in all kinds of activities together, sharing each other's joys and sorrows. Zhang Zhiqiang also did his utmost to meet Zhao Jiamin's requirements, and often gave her care and help.

One evening, Zhao Jiamin suddenly called Zhang Zhiqiang, her tone extremely urgent.

"Zhiqiang, hurry over to my place! The power suddenly went out at my house, it's pitch black right now!" Zhao Jiamin said in a panic.

Hearing this, Zhang Zhiqiang immediately got dressed and headed to Zhao Jiamin's house. When he arrived, Zhao Jiamin was standing at the door waiting for him.

"I don't know what's going on either, the power just suddenly went out. The house is pitch black right now, I'm so scared I can't fall asleep," Zhao Jiamin said nervously.

Zhang Zhiqiang was also very nervous inside, but he did his best to stay calm and comforted Zhao Jiamin, saying, "Don't be afraid, Jiamin. I'll help you sort it out."

He immediately took out his phone, turned on the flashlight, and began checking the power switches in the house. He found nothing wrong with the switches, so he went on to check the meter box and the wiring.

"I've found the problem," Zhang Zhiqiang said with a sigh of relief. "There's an issue with your house's wiring, it needs to be replaced."

Hearing this, Zhao Jiamin also breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Zhiqiang. If you hadn't come, I really wouldn't have known what to do on my own."

Zhang Zhiqiang comforted her, saying, "Don't worry, I'll stay with you the whole time. Whatever difficulty it is, we'll face it together."

With Zhang Zhiqiang by her side, Zhao Jiamin gradually calmed down. The two sat in the living room chatting, discussing their future plans and dreams.

"I hope we can work together to make our dreams come true," Zhang Zhiqiang said, gazing at Zhao Jiamin affectionately. "Whether it's buying a house or anything else, we have to face it together."

Hearing this, Zhao Jiamin nodded, moved. "I will support you all the way too, Zhiqiang. Let's work together to make our dreams come true."

In the darkness, the two hearts drew even closer together. They knew each other was the other's most important reliance and support. On the road ahead, they would face all kinds of challenges and difficulties together and create a beautiful future. "Jiamin, where do your parents live?" Zhang Zhiqiang asked. "How is their health?"

Zhao Jiamin sighed and said, "My parents' health is still fairly robust, they can take care of themselves. It's just that, because my dad got sick and was hospitalized and it wiped out all the family's savings, we already owe three thousand yuan in medical bills and haven't paid it off yet…"

Zhang Zhiqiang hurriedly offered comfort, saying, "Jiamin, don't be sad. As long as it's something I can do, I absolutely won't hesitate."

"Then are you willing to give everything for me?" Zhao Jiamin asked expectantly.

After a moment's hesitation, Zhang Zhiqiang said, "I can hand over every penny I have to you."

"That's too much!" Zhao Jiamin hurriedly waved her hands and said, "You keep it to marry a wife, I don't need your money!"

"How do you know I won't be able to find a wife?" Zhang Zhiqiang laughed lightly and said, "I'm still young, I'll take my time looking for a girlfriend, I'll eventually meet the right one."

"You're still young now, but in a few more years you'll be old. Look at yourself, you're already a forty-year-old man. Wang Erzhu from our village is a bit older than you, and he already has kids. You should hurry up and find a wife and get married, don't delay your lifelong happiness!" Zhao Jiamin said earnestly. "Besides, the earlier a girl gets married the better, otherwise someone else will snatch her away."

Zhang Zhiqiang gave a wry smile and said, "Girls nowadays aren't easy to fool. I'm really afraid I won't be able to find a wife."

Zhao Jiamin blinked her bright eyes and said with a smile, "Actually, girls are all pretty simple. As long as you're sincere with them, they generally won't refuse you."

"Then that's great! From now on I'll come keep you company and chat every day. Remember this, you're not allowed to make me leave again. Otherwise even if you're chasing me away, I won't go!" Zhang Zhiqiang said firmly. "Anyway, I've set my heart on you for life!"

"Alright, that's what you said! Don't go back on your word and refuse to acknowledge it when the time comes," Zhao Jiamin said with a grin.

The two exchanged a smile, then left together.

The next day, Zhao Jiamin deliberately took the day off and went shopping with Zhang Zhiqiang. Zhang Zhiqiang was also a fun-loving young man, and the two were in high spirits the whole way, looking here and there, very happy.

Zhang Zhiqiang saw many beautiful items, and since Zhao Jiamin had taken the day off today, he suggested buying her some clothes. He pulled Zhao Jiamin into an international luxury brand store.

Seeing the dazzling array of clothes, Zhao Jiamin immediately forgot the unpleasantness from earlier. She excitedly said to the sales associate, "Help me pick out a dress!"

"Of course," the sales associate greeted her warmly. "Right this way, please."

Zhang Zhiqiang looked at this white lace dress and asked, "Isn't this dress a bit too revealing?"

The sales associate laughed and said, "This gentleman, you really are funny. This dress is not only novel in style and uniquely designed, but the fabric is soft, skin-friendly, and comfortable to move in. It has a light, airy texture, and also has extremely rich layers, letting a woman display her perfect curves in a dress like this; and then there's the color—the white-gold paired with light green both sets off fair, luminous skin and adds the delicate charm of a young girl and the lively beauty of youth. Besides that, there's also these…"

The sales associate recommended several dresses in different styles to Zhao Jiamin, and gave her a detailed introduction to the advantages of this dress. Zhao Jiamin praised it again and again after hearing it, and asked for Zhang Zhiqiang's opinion.

"I think this dress is nice," Zhang Zhiqiang said, pointing at the light blue dress beside it. "I remember you'd look very pretty in it."

Hearing this, Zhao Jiamin's face turned red. "No way, my parents would definitely not agree to let me wear such a revealing dress. You'll see, they will definitely stop me."

Zhang Zhiqiang chuckled and said, "Your parents definitely won't be too strict. As long as I insist, they will agree. Besides, you'd look especially enchanting in this dress, like a fairy descending to earth."

"Ugh!" Zhao Jiamin shot him a look, then said shyly in a low voice, "Then I'll buy this dress." Zhao Jiamin chose that light blue dress, and the sales associate began preparing to wrap it up for them.

Just then, Zhao Jiamin's phone suddenly rang. She glanced at the caller ID—it was her father. She picked up the phone somewhat nervously: "Dad, I'm out shopping. Is something the matter?"

On the other end of the line, Zhao Fu's voice sounded somewhat stern: "Jiamin, who are you with?"

"I'm with Zhang Zhiqiang, we're out shopping," Zhao Jiamin answered truthfully.

Zhao Fu was silent for a moment, his tone carrying a hint of displeasure: "Which mall are you at?"

"We're at an international luxury brand store," Zhao Jiamin answered.

"That light blue dress, I think you'd better not buy it," Zhao Fu said directly. "Hand the phone to Zhang Zhiqiang right now, I have something to say to him."

Zhao Jiamin handed the phone to Zhang Zhiqiang somewhat helplessly: "My dad wants to talk to you."

After Zhang Zhiqiang took the phone, Zhao Fu asked directly: "Are you Zhang Zhiqiang?"

"Yes, Uncle, hello. I am Zhang Zhiqiang." Zhang Zhiqiang replied politely.

"I heard you and Jiamin have been together for a long time. I heard you have been pursuing her recently. Is this true?" Zhao Fu's tone was somewhat serious.

Zhang Zhiqiang's heart tightened. He looked at Zhao Jiamin, then replied, "Yes, Uncle, I like Jiamin."

"You know our family's conditions are not good, so I want Jiamin to marry early; this can reduce the family's burden. But you are much older than Jiamin, and I do not want my daughter to regret it in the future. I hope you can understand my meaning." Zhao Fu's tone carried a hint of helplessness.

Zhang Zhiqiang's heart was filled with mixed feelings; he did not know how to answer. He also knew the Zhao family's conditions were not good, and that Zhao Jiamin's parents had always worked very hard to give her a good future. But he also clearly knew that his feelings for Zhao Jiamin were real, and he did not want to give her up.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Zhao Fu continued, "If you are willing to marry Jiamin as your wife, and can guarantee to give her a good future, then we will agree to you two being together. Otherwise, I hope you can leave Jiamin and not delay her future."

A bitterness surged in Zhang Zhiqiang's heart. He knew this was Zhao Fu's helpless move, but he also knew it was the best choice. He did not want Zhao Jiamin to be caught in the middle and find it difficult, so he took a deep breath and said, "Uncle, I understand your meaning."

A sigh from Zhao Fu came from the other end of the phone: "That is good."

After Zhang Zhiqiang hung up the phone, Zhao Jiamin immediately came forward: "What happened? What did my father say to you?"

Zhang Zhiqiang forced a smile: "Your father told me to leave you."

Zhao Jiamin's face turned pale: "What did you say?"

Zhang Zhiqiang held her hand: "He said if I can give you a good future, he will agree to us being together. Otherwise, he told me to leave you."

Zhao Jiamin sighed with many emotions: "So my father thinks this way..."

Zhang Zhiqiang nodded: "I know what he means."

"But I don't want to leave you!" Zhao Jiamin's eyes turned red. "I really like you..."

A sharp pain gripped Zhang Zhiqiang's heart: "I know, I am too... But do we really have no future?" Tears sparkled in Zhao Jiamin's eyes. She stubbornly raised her head, glared at Zhang Zhiqiang, and said loudly, "I have decided! I want to be with you! No matter whether my father agrees or not, I want to be with you!"

Zhang Zhiqiang was startled by her determination. A warm current surged in his heart. He pulled Zhao Jiamin close and kissed her deeply.