Chapter 549

Morning, the wind carried a hint of cool freshness, making the locust leaves in the Lin Family Courtyard rustle.

The roses in the corner were in full bloom, pink-white petals dotted with thin dew; Qin Jingru held a spray bottle, carefully watering the flowers, droplets falling on leaves and scattering fine light.

"Shengli, how is this tea brewed?" Qin Jingru set down the spray bottle, picked up a purple clay teacup, walked into the main room, and handed it to Lin Shengli.

In the main room, Lin Shengli was wearing everyday clothes, sitting on a redwood sofa flipping through the latest aviation journal, the star insignia on his shoulder gleaming in the morning light; hearing Qin Jingru's voice, he put down the magazine, took the teacup and sipped, the rich tea aroma spreading on his tongue.

"Not bad, it's last year's pu'er, taste is right." Lin Shengli nodded, his gaze returning to the journal but not turning pages, instead looking at Qin Jingru: "You specially brewed tea today; you must have something to say?"

Qin Jingru smiled, sat on the sofa opposite him, picked up the fruit tray on the coffee table, and peeled an orange:

"It's still you who understands me. Do you remember my old comrade Zhang Jianguo? He called me yesterday, saying his niece Zhang Xiaoran, twenty-five, teaches Chinese at Shi San Zhong, looks gentle and has a good nature, and he wants to introduce her to Zheng Cheng."

Mentioning his son's lifelong matter, Lin Shengli set down his teacup, his brows twitching slightly.

These past two years, Lin Zhengcheng has devoted himself entirely to the Stealth Bomber project, leaving early and returning late, let alone dating, he hardly has time to eat a proper meal.

As a father, he is both pleased that his son can shoulder the responsibility and inevitably worries about his personal affairs.

"Zhang Jianguo's niece? I recall he once brought her to the base for a family visit; she was a very sensible girl." Lin Shengli mused, "But this should be asked of Zheng Cheng himself; he's busy with the project now, don't add pressure."

"I know the limits." Qin Jingru passed the peeled orange over, "I told Zhang Jianguo we'd meet this afternoon at the alley's Jingxin Chaguan, not to interfere with his work. I've already told Zheng Cheng; he had no objection."

As they spoke, footsteps came from outside the gate, accompanied by the soft sound of a key turning in the lock.

Lin Zhengcheng entered wearing a light blue jacket, carrying a toolbox, his face showing some fatigue—last night, to verify a set of engine parameters, he had worked late in the workshop.

"Dad, Aunt Qin, I'm back." Lin Zhengcheng set down the toolbox, walked to the water dispenser, got a cup of warm water, and drank it all.

"Why are you up so late again?" Qin Jingru rose and walked over, reaching to touch his forehead, "No fever, right? I've told you many times, even if work is busy you must look after your health."

"It's fine, just a bit tired." Lin Zhengcheng smiled, wiped the moisture from his mouth corner, "I remember this afternoon's matter; I'll rest after lunch and be on time."

Lin Shengli saw the red bloodshot in his son's eyes, his tone softened: "Don't go to the workshop this morning; stay home and get proper rest. The project can't be rushed; health is the foundation."

"Okay." Lin Zhengcheng nodded, turned, and walked into his own room.

He really was exhausted; lying on the bed, he soon fell into a deep sleep.

Qin Jingru tiptoed in, covered him with a thin blanket, and pulled the curtains halfway, leaving soft light.

At noon, Lin Qinhua and Chen Mo also returned.

The two had just come from the materials lab, still carrying a faint resin smell.

Qinhua's hair was tied into a neat ponytail, the pocket of her work clothes showing half of a test report;

Chen Mo held an insulated bucket, the lunch Qin Jingru had asked them to bring this morning; any leftovers were put back inside.

"Mom, we're back." Lin Qinhua entered the kitchen, helping Qin Jingru wash vegetables, "Second brother? Still sleeping?"

"Yeah, he pulled an all-nighter last night." Qin Jingru chopped vegetables while telling her about this morning's matchmaking, "This afternoon your brother is going to meet a girl, your father's old comrade's niece, a Chinese teacher."

Lin Qinhua's eyes lit up, she laughed, "Really? That's great! Second brother is almost thirty; it's time he found a partner."

Chen Mo beside her heard and nodded as well:

"Zheng Cheng brother is kind and responsible; he'll surely make it."

As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously fell on Qinhua, a tenderness in his eyes.

These past two years, they have worked together in the lab, overcoming difficulties, their tacit understanding growing deeper, their feelings already ripe, only they haven't formally told the family.

Qin Jingru saw it in her eyes, her mind clear as a mirror, and deliberately smiled and asked:

"How about you two? I think you're also quite suitable; when will you tell us?"

Lin Qinhua's cheeks instantly reddened, she lowered her head to wash vegetables, her voice barely a whisper:

"Mom, we… we haven't decided yet."

Chen Mo also felt a bit embarrassed, scratching his head:

"We want to wait until the project stabilizes, then tell you and General Lin."

"Silly child, no matter how busy the project, it won't delay lifelong matters." Qin Jingru laughed, patting Qinhua's shoulder, "If you're willing, I and your father can anytime discuss with Chen Mo's family."

When lunch was ready, Lin Zhengcheng woke up.

The family sat around the table, the dishes holding braised pork ribs, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, tomato egg soup—all homey flavors.

Qin Jingru kept serving Lin Zhengcheng dishes, urging him to eat more so he'd have energy this afternoon.

After the meal, Lin Zhengcheng changed into a clean shirt and tidied his hair in front of the mirror.

Zheng Juan handed him a gift box containing the tea she had specially prepared: "Take some tea, chat nicely with the young lady, don't be nervous."

"Got it, Mom." Lin Zhengcheng took the box, turned, and walked out of the courtyard.

Not long after he left, the neighbor's little girl Tiantian ran in.

Tiantian is five this year, looks like carved jade and pearl, loves coming to the Lin Family Courtyard to play, especially clinging to Lin Qinhua.

"Qinhua sister! Chen Mo brother!" Tiantian opened her arms and lunged at Lin Qinhua.

Lin Qinhua laughed, squatted, and picked her up: "Tiantian, you're here? Want something to eat? I have peach pastries."

"I don't want pastry; I want Chen Mo brother to fold me a paper airplane." Tiantian clung to Qinhua's neck, pointing at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo smiled, took a colored sheet from the table, and began folding skillfully.

His hands were dexterous; soon a delicate paper airplane was folded, with tiny stars drawn on its wings.

"Here." Chen Mo handed the paper airplane to Tiantian.

Tiantian took the paper airplane, happily jumped up, ran to the courtyard and launched it.

The paper airplane glided in the autumn wind, flying high and far.

Tiantian chased after the paper airplane, her laughter clear as a bell, adding much liveliness to the quiet courtyard.