Chapter 550

Lin Shengli and Qin Jingru sat on the veranda, watching Tiantian chase a paper airplane in the courtyard, and both wore satisfied smiles on their faces.

The autumn wind brushed the locust tree leaves, and the rustling sound together with the children's crisp laughter made the warm atmosphere in the courtyard even richer.

Qin Jingru gently leaned against a veranda column, her gaze following the distant paper airplane, and said softly:

"You see, Eldest Son's daughter‑in‑law Su Qing is pregnant, and she is calm and steady every day, which puts everyone at ease. Pengpeng is not at home, but fortunately she is with us; if she can safely give birth to a big chubby boy, and Zheng Cheng can also start a family soon, our household will be even more lively and complete."

Her words carried expectations for the younger generation, and her tone was gentle.

Lin Shengli knew that although Qin Jingru said she was not Zheng Cheng's biological mother, she had treated Zheng Cheng and Pengpeng equally over the years; now that Su Qing, pregnant, was staying here, the family had a new hope, and she hoped even more that the younger boy could settle down soon, completing a sense of fulfillment.

"Will do," Lin Shengli said, reaching out to grasp her hand, his fingertips warm. "Su Qing is pregnant; we first hope she gives birth smoothly. There's no need to rush Zheng Cheng; he knows what he wants. The children have all grown up and have their own pace; we just wait."

Qin Jingru nodded, and the smile on her face softened further.

As soon as the words finished, the door of the east wing opened, and Lin Zhengpeng's wife Su Qing stepped out, wearing a loose light‑gray maternity outfit, one hand gently supporting her belly, her steps slowed, and her face bore the gentle hue typical of pregnancy.

"Dad, Aunt Qin, the wind outside isn't strong; I'm stepping out for some fresh air," Su Qing said, her voice gentle, with a hint of softness.

Qin Jingru hurried to stand and walked over, instinctively giving her a hand, and gently reminded:

"Walk slowly, watch your step. Is it stuffy inside?"

"It's fine," Su Qing smiled, shaking her head, "I just heard laughter outside and wanted to come see."

Lin Qinhua also set down her broom and came over, asking concernedly:

"Sister‑in‑law, do you feel any discomfort? Would you like to sit for a while?"

Chen Mo stood nearby, also smiling at Su Qing, and casually fetched a chair from the veranda and handed it to her.

Su Qing sat down slowly, and Qin Jingru handed her a cup of warm water.

"Be careful not to catch a chill; if the wind picks up, go back inside quickly. Carrying a child is hard work, so don't be careless."

After settling Su Qing, Qin Jingru finally turned her head toward the kitchen, recalling that Zheng Juan had gone to the market early that morning to buy fresh pork ribs, waiting for Zheng Cheng to return from the matchmaking so he could have his favorite braised ribs, and she grew increasingly hopeful that this match would succeed.

On the other side, the atmosphere in Jingxin Chaguan also gradually became lively.

Lin Zhengcheng arrived ten minutes early, deliberately choosing a seat by the window, where he could see the street scene outside without being too conspicuous.

He ordered a pot of jasmine tea, its light fragrance rising gently, dispelling some tension. On the table lay a tea gift box that Zheng Juan had specially prepared, its simple packaging showing a touch of care.

The tea house was very quiet, with only the lingering sound of a guzheng flowing slowly through the air, mingling with the faint tea aroma, making the heart feel especially calm.

Lin Zhengcheng's fingertips unconsciously traced the rim of his tea cup, and occasional project parameters flashed through his mind, but he was quickly pulled back to thoughts of the matchmaking—he wasn't opposed to it, he just spent years immersed in the workshop and laboratory, so he had few chances to interact with strangers, making him somewhat restrained.

Not long after, a young woman walked in through the tea house entrance.

She wore a light‑blue dress, the hem swaying gently with each step; her shoulder‑length short hair framed a delicate face, a pair of thin‑framed glasses perched on her nose, and a gentle smile lit her brows and eyes.

The girl's gaze swept around the tea house, quickly landing on Lin Zhengcheng, and she smiled as she walked over.

"May I ask if you are Comrade Lin Zhengcheng? I am Zhang Xiaoran," she said, her voice light and soft, like a spring breeze over water.

"Hello, I am Lin Zhengcheng," Lin Zhengcheng quickly stood, his movements a bit stiff as he pulled out a chair for her, then lifted the teapot to pour her a cup, "Please sit; the jasmine tea has just been brewed—taste it and see if you like it."

After sitting, Zhang Xiaoran politely lifted the cup and took a sip, her brows curving, "It's quite good, the aroma is very fresh."

Her eyes fell on the gift box on the table, and noticing Lin Zhengcheng's slightly restrained demeanor, she couldn't help but smile, breaking the awkwardness, "You don't need to be nervous; my uncle Zhang Jianguo told me you're involved in aviation research, which is impressive."

"It's just doing my regular job; not something to boast about," Lin Zhengcheng said, embarrassed by her smile, scratching his head, his tone loosening, "I heard you teach language at Shi San Zhong?"

"Yes, I teach first‑year high school language," Zhang Xiaoran nodded, speaking of her work, a sparkle appearing in her eyes, "Interacting with the kids is enjoyable; they're pure and full of curiosity about the world. I really admire you researchers, being able to settle down and contribute to the country. My uncle said you are working on a very important project now?"

When work was mentioned, the light in Lin Zhengcheng's eyes grew brighter, his previous restraint completely vanished, and his tone became resolute:

"We're developing a Stealth Bomber; it's still in the breakthrough phase. Though we leave early and return late each day, sometimes pulling all‑night shifts, thinking that this technology will give the country more confidence makes all the hardship worthwhile—it's very meaningful."

Zhang Xiaoran listened attentively, occasionally nodding lightly, her eyes full of agreement.

"It truly is especially meaningful. Many of my students dream of becoming scientists or engineers; I often tell them to learn from researchers like you who work silently behind the scenes, study hard, and someday contribute to the nation's development."

The two of them exchanged words back and forth, their conversation moving from their respective jobs to everyday life matters, then to hobbies and future plans.

Lin Zhengcheng realized that Zhang Xiaoran was not only gentle and quiet but also thoughtful, having her own unique insights on many matters, unlike some girls who only focus on trivial family gossip; likewise, Zhang Xiaoran felt that although Lin Zhengcheng was not eloquent, his sincerity, diligence, and sense of responsibility, along with the rigor and focus typical of a researcher, made him seem very reliable.

Unnoticed, two hours passed. Outside, the sun gradually set, its golden afterglow streaming through the glass windows into the tea house, coating the two silhouettes with a warm halo, and even the tea fragrance in the air became even softer.

"It's getting late; let me escort you back," Lin Zhengcheng stood and said proactively.

"Okay." Zhang Xiaoran nodded, picked up the small bag at her side, and followed him as they stood and walked out.

Stepping out of the tea house, the evening autumn breeze brushed their faces, bringing a hint of freshness that dispersed the lingering heaviness of long sitting.