Chapter 134 Ning Ning's Crying

It was difficult for Chen Yuan to explain it clearly to Ke Bing.

Talked for a long time.

The meeting ended in a bad mood.

He could only drive back quickly. The traffic was smooth along the way and he arrived at the hotel soon.

……

On the highway near the seaside, an auntie pushing a metal cart walked and shouted. Her loud and melodious voice attracted the attention of passers-by.

Although the dialect sounds a bit obscure and difficult to understand, it is much more pleasant to the ear than an electronic speaker.

The two people strolled under the towering trees. Every five meters, the big trees stretched out their branches to the wind, and behind them were low bushes of flowers.

When arriving in Sanya, the most intuitive feeling Chen Yuan had was that there was green everywhere, and there was almost no barren land as far as the eye could see.

"Do you want to eat pineapple? I'll go buy some."

The sky in the distance was at dusk, supported by the low mountains, and clusters of fiery red clouds were rising, looking like a blazing fire.

Before Jiang Ning could say anything, Chen Yuan had already gone over and had a few words with the aunt selling pineapples.

Then he came over with two pieces, one large and one small.

"Here." He held out his hand.

"Why are you eating such a small amount? Don't you like it?"

"Yes, I don't like sour things since I was a child. I just like to have a light taste. I don't even like apples, but my mom loves them." Chen Yuan took a bite of pineapple and said with a smile, "Adults always use the excuse of 'children love to eat' to buy things, so I always eat a lot of apples, even lollipops have to be green apple flavored, so that my mom can buy a lot of apples with peace of mind."

"Is that so..." Jiang Ning didn't quite understand, but she could understand the meaning of Chen Yuan's words.

She had done social surveys before and found that many family relationships in China are actually quite abnormal.

Saying something like “children love to eat it” is a morbid reason.

Although it is true that we love our children, there is no need to use this as an excuse for everything.

"You've definitely never seen the kind of apples sold in our northern town. You know, right? They carry bags of apples, 10 or 20 kilograms."

"Ah? That's a lot. We bought them one by one."

The two of them strolled leisurely, chatting casually.

After returning from Ke Bing's house, Chen Yuan felt it was too boring to stay in the hotel, so he went out with Jiang Ning.

Traveling does not necessarily mean visiting beautiful places all the time. Walking on the streets of unfamiliar cities also has its own charm.

Jiang Ning was very tempted by this proposal.

She remembered a sentence in Camus's book: The easiest way to understand a city is to explore how its residents work, love, and die.

At this time, I listened to Chen Yuan talking about his hometown, that unknown little county town.

Jiang Ning also listened very carefully.

She paid close attention to every word, as if trying to get a glimpse of Chen Yuan's growth process through these few words.

It may seem a little late to start understanding at the age of eighteen, but it is not too late, there is still time.

"At that time, supermarkets were not everywhere. The most common ones were small shops at the school gates. Fruits from other places were transported in by large trucks, so people bought a lot." Chen Yuan finished the pineapple in a few bites.

Jiang Ning, who was beside him, immediately took out a tissue from her bag and handed it to him.

"Um... Actually, I've always been a little curious, Chenzi... Which one is your family?"

"Ah? What kind?"

"That's it..." Jiang Ning regretted the question she blurted out just now. She tried hard to find the right words in her mind, "It's about your family situation. Are you doing business in a small county town? Or are your parents in the real industry?"

"Business? How is that possible? I told you before that my mom is a teacher, but so is my dad. They both teach in the same school."

"Ah?" Jiang Ning was stunned. She found it hard to believe.

She had previously imagined that Chen Zai's father should be a wealthy man in a small county town, and he should have some property, but it was limited to the local area.

Otherwise, why is Chen Yuan so generous?

You know, he's just an eighteen-year-old college student.

But they can afford to live in high-end residential areas and top-notch suites, and they will set off on a trip without any hesitation.

If it is an ordinary family, can it achieve this level?

Totally impossible.

It’s not that Jiang Ning cares about Chen Yuan’s family situation, but she only considers the rationality.

"I'm tired from walking. Let me sit for a while."

Chen Yuan found a bench, wiped his mouth a few times with the tissue he had just used to wipe his mouth, and sat down casually.

The wind blows over.

Ruffling the lazy hair on his forehead.

Bicyclists were passing by on the road, and the rushing air swayed Jiang Ning's skirt.

The family topic that was halfway through the conversation came to an abrupt end.

Maybe Chen Yuan was hesitating whether to tell everything about himself.

Jiang Ning also sat down.

She took the initiative to change the subject, "By the way, I haven't asked you yet, how was your visit to your elders' home today?"

"It's good. I'm so full after eating it. He also stuffed me with a red envelope." Chen Yuan suddenly remembered that there was a red envelope! He took it out of his pocket, opened it and took a look. "Wow! Uncle Ke gave me a thousand yuan. He is really generous."

He grinned and handed the red envelope to Jiang Ning.

"It's easy to lose it if you put it in my pocket, put it in your bag."

"it is good."

Jiang Ning took it obediently.

This scene inexplicably gives off a harmonious vibe, as if a husband is handing over his salary to his beautiful wife.

"This time, it was still the same. When I was a kid, I often went to my aunt's house for meals. Sometimes it was 8 or 9 in the evening, and I didn't know how to go back. Then my mother shouted through the wall, 'Xiao Yuan, go home and sleep quickly.' I heard it and went back home happily. The food my aunt cooked still tasted the same as before, and she was still so warm and welcoming. When I went downstairs, Sister Rourou saw me off and asked me a lot of questions."

"Did she ask me?"

"Yes, you guessed it right."

"Of course. What did you ask specifically?"

"age."

"I expected that," Jiang Ning lifted her hair, "The age gap does exist. If we really go on, we will have to talk about it in the future. Maybe not only she will ask, but your parents will ask in the future, my family will ask, and maybe relatives and friends will ask too. I've considered this."

"So what do you think?" Chen Yuan asked seriously, his hands hanging beside his knees and turning his face away.

"I don't think much about it. I just face it and try to make up for the various problems caused by age. When they express their concerns or doubts, I will confidently answer 'I can do it'. I won't tell others that there is no problem with the age gap. This is deceiving myself. Trying to solve it is the best thing to do."

Jiang Ning said calmly.

She lowered her head to smooth out the folds of her skirt, crossed her legs, and gripped the edge of the wooden bench with her hands.

She looked up into the distance. In front of her were tall and short houses, and behind her was the sea and an old plank road.

"Ah."

"Chen Yuan." Jiang Ning suddenly called his name without adding any intimate terms.

"what happened?"

"I haven't told you about me..."

Jiang Ning seemed to have a lump of air in her chest. She opened her mouth and then closed her red lips.

"Go ahead, I'm listening. Let me get to know you better." Chen Yuan said sincerely. He could see that Ningning was hesitant to talk.

"Well... I told you... Actually, when I was in high school, I had a very clear plan for my life."

"Uh-huh."

"At that time, I wanted to study abroad, and... I had to make some preparations, so I tried to learn more about the target school, the city, and the language. Yale University is in Connecticut, adjacent to New York, but for some reason, there is a big gap in spoken English between the two places. I knew this when I was in high school, and then I searched for a long time in Mingzhu City before I found a qualified teacher."

"Is there such a saying?" Chen Yuan raised his eyebrows.

"Yes, I went abroad to study as I wished, and my life was very good, just as I imagined. I shuttled back and forth between the rented house, the university, and the library every day. I was particularly good at cooking Mingzhu dishes, so I didn't treat my stomach badly in a foreign country. The major I chose in university and the tutor I found became an effective help for me to stay in school and continue my studies... A few years passed in a flash. I came back as I wished, and with the right resume, I came to Lan University to teach. Every day of my life was particularly interesting. I met so many classmates and teachers, and they really brought me a lot... Even in Lanjing, I didn't give up my plan to work hard."

She said a lot in one breath, and Chen Yuan listened carefully.

Until the narrative suddenly changed direction and her voice suddenly became lively from being straightforward.

"I just kept walking along the path I had planned, never thinking of stopping... until I met you."

Jiang Ning pursed her lips and looked at him with tenderness in her eyes.

"Until I met you, I actually felt that I had been living like a clockwork doll. I actually felt that... every step I took had never been as light as it is now. Do you understand what I am saying?"

Chen Yuan looked at her blankly.

Is this a confession?

Why did he start to feel uneasy and nervous... Why did he subconsciously start to tighten the corners of his clothes?
"I……"

"After meeting you, I no longer wanted to plan every step deliberately. You brought me a lot of randomness. At first, I couldn't wait to cut it off. Now I think clearly about why I was so decisive at that time. Do you want to hear it?"

"Of course I do." Chen Yuan nodded vigorously. He finally had the chance to understand Ning Ning. "Because I'm afraid you'll change everything about me."

"How is that possible? I don't want to change anything about you!"

"But you've changed... You've made it impossible for me to leave you... and I can no longer control my life as I please. You've made me... only look forward to a future with you."

She lowered her eyes and her shoulders suddenly relaxed.

At that time, on the bank of Changhuan River, Jiang Ning was walking in front and Chen Yuan was following closely behind.

Two people, one in front and one behind.

The moonlight is bright, but the river water still smells fishy.

Jiang Ning never thought that she would fall so quickly. At that time, she felt that she would firmly grasp the initiative and plan this love like planning her life.

Then all kinds of things happened one after another.

After only a few days of traveling, she started to get scared.

When you like someone, you feel scared.

That's why she was willing to say so much and wanted to tell Chen Yuan.

"Speaking of this, it's a bit unexpected. I don't know how to answer. I won't leave you... I also like Teacher Jiang very much." Chen Yuan looked into her eyes.

"I like you too... By the way, does your sister Rourou have any other questions?"

"I asked, and she thought I might be kept by you."

"Sponge... Keep?!" Jiang Ning's beautiful eyes widened. After a moment, she covered her lips and laughed out loud, "If that's the case, I won't worry about gains and losses."

The corners of her eyes curved with laughter, and she spoke lightly.

After a few seconds.

Jiang Ning raised the corner of her mouth and sighed, "It would be great if that's the case."

"I told her very clearly that it's not like that. Maybe only people who take relationships seriously would have similar ideas. I always think it's best to be with a girl until the end," Chen Yuan stretched his long legs and looked up at the sky. "My idea is rather naive. I also know that most people will experience several relationships in their lifetime, so I carefully choose the girlfriend I want to find... and now I've found one!"

He grabbed Jiang Ning's hand and waved it together.

He repeated the last few words in a very happy tone.

Yes, he had indeed found it.

All those years of caution were not in vain, even though the drawer is full of love letters.

"I understand. I have the same idea as you, which is why I have been single for so many years."

While the two were talking, a group of seabirds circled low in the sky, landed on the edge of the reef, and pecked everywhere with their hard beaks.

The red sun is about to set, and its shy face is hidden behind the low hills.

Chen Yuan heard the sound of seagulls flapping their wings, looked back, and continued, "Then she still couldn't understand. She probably thought our love wouldn't last long."

"Anyone would feel this way, don't blame her." Jiang Ning said calmly.

"It's hard to hear Ningning blaming others. You're so gentle, I'm crying."

"Don't tease me!"

Jiang Ning pinched his face, but her own cheeks felt a little hot.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Jiang Ning hadn't smiled so brightly in a long time. Her white teeth sparkled in the sunset, her nose wrinkled slightly, and after a while tears flashed in the corners of her eyes.

She hurriedly wiped the tears with her hands, but the tears slipped out from the corners of her eyes again after being wiped away.

Wipe it again.

But tears are pouring down——

They seemed to be vying to touch her pretty cheek.

Chen Yuan was stunned as he watched, while Jiang Ning was crying uncontrollably.

"Have you ever thought that I will age faster than you...than you? One day I won't be as beautiful as I am now. I...I will have many more wrinkles on my face and my figure will be out of shape. When I am old...you will be young."

She covered her tear-stained face and choked.

"I'm not afraid of what others think of me, but I'm actually afraid that one day... you'll be disgusted by me for getting old so fast that I can't even keep up with your growth."

……

Chen Yuan was stunned. He didn't expect that Ningning would suddenly break down while she was talking just fine. He had never seen Ningning be vulnerable before. She had always been gentle and rational.

But today, I don’t know what happened.

The emotion came so violently that it instantly overwhelmed her rationality.

Chen Yuan was even more at a loss, not knowing why.

He kept wiping Jiang Ning's tears, comforting her, and speaking softly.

Jiang Ning looked at him with tears in her eyes, shook her head and said "It's okay", but she didn't look like nothing was wrong.

It’s been a long, long time.

Her emotions finally calmed down a little, but her delicate little face was already red from crying, her nose and eye sockets were also red, and her lips looked like they were stained with blood.

Jiang Ning touched her tear-soaked hair and whispered, "My problem."

Her voice was a little hoarse.

"No, you're fine, I..." Chen Yuan wanted to say that it was his own problem, but it didn't seem to be the case.

Ultimately, it's a question of age.

Although the two of them have never brought this matter to the table, everyone knows that it is an extremely sharp thorn.

In the past, Jiang Ning didn't care about this thorn because she felt that even if the day came as she imagined, when Chen Yuan chose to leave because of age issues, she would be able to continue living the life she had planned without hesitation.

Even if sad and upset.

You can still live a beautiful life.

But she wasn't sure now.

Especially after Jiang Ruxue called her one after another, she knew that she needed to give up a lot. She knew that if she devoted herself to this relationship that was either a blessing or a curse, she might die miserably in the future.

Only a foolish woman would put all her love on one person.

She never thought she was stupid, but reality forced her to make a firm choice.

Chen Yuan didn't know how much Jiang Ning and Jiang Yao talked during the day. They stayed in the hotel suite for the entire morning, feeling both yearning and sad.

Jiang Ning planned to return to Mingzhu City first, as this was her last night here.

Otherwise, I don’t know what that vicious woman at home will do.

If everything goes well, she will rush back to Lanjing as soon as possible.

During this period, Yaoyao can only accompany Chen Yuan.

After she came back, Jiang Yao suggested that she give up the lost time... to continue the heart-beating game.

It is a rare occasion that the sisters are so respectful to each other, no longer arguing or quarreling, and they choose to live in harmony for a short time.

After Jiang Ning finished crying, she kept staring at Chen Yuan, as if she wanted to imprint his face deeply in her heart so that she could recall it on the nights without him.

"Okay, seeing how nervous you are, I won't cry anymore..." She pursed her lips and burst into laughter.

"I was so scared, I thought something had happened."

"No," Jiang Ning shook her head. "What could have happened? It's just that women are more sensitive."

"I know women are emotionally sensitive, but I didn't expect you to be the same."

"Ah? What do you mean? I want to hit you!" Jiang Ning pretended to stretch out her hand, but she still couldn't bear to hit him.

She just glared at him coquettishly.

She knew what Chen Yuan meant. He probably thought that with her personality, she would not cry easily.

Ever since Chen Yuan appeared in her life, she has cried many times for no apparent reason.

The slap that was originally intended to happen turned into a gentle caress in the end, with Jiang Ning holding his cheek.

"Actually, you're really good... and you deserve to be firmly chosen."

She spoke so softly that if Chen Yuan didn't listen carefully, he couldn't even hear it.

just like.

This was not meant for him.

But Jiang Ning said it to herself.

After a while, dusk had gathered its last bit of afterglow and night had fallen, but the street lights had not yet been turned on.

The faces of the two people became blurred and the headlights of a passing car turned on.

The light made each other's cheeks flicker and it was difficult to see clearly.

Jiang Ning's hair was blown by the evening breeze. She tilted her head and squinted her eyes slightly.

……

(End of this chapter)