Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying’s family returned to the Dingping Production Team for New Year’s this year. Before returning to the team, Yi Roujing sent out all the New Year’s gifts and letters that needed to be mailed, as they would be heading to Jing City after the holidays. She also needed to inform Hu Heping and Yuan Xiangyu.

Ding Weihuo’s family going to Jing City was also communicated to the Dingping Production Team’s team leader, Ding Xiaoding. His youngest son, Ding Xingye, took the college entrance exam this year, and notification arrived a couple of days ago — he was accepted into Jing City Power College.

Although Ding Xingye did not have much confidence, he still listed it as his first choice, never expecting to actually be admitted.

Ding Xiaoding was beyond thrilled; his youngest son entering university meant he’d surely have a secure government job in the future, a job with placement and a unit home assigned upon employment. What was there to worry about?

Due to the previous issue with Song Yiluo, Ding Xingye is still unmarried at this time. Ding Xiaoding and Huang Kaiying are deeply anxious, afraid their son might be stubborn, fixated on someone without marrying.

Unexpectedly, Xingye was actually focused on studying, and he personally expressed that he’s moved past it. Through Song Yiluo’s situation, he realized that only by becoming strong himself would he have the eligibility to make choices.

Song Yiluo is currently in Jing City, and Huang Kaiying is concerned her son might still harbor feelings. However, Xingye stated his sole intention is to study electrical knowledge; Jing City’s Power College is the best in the nation, and his other choices are the same major but in various places.

Ding Xiaoding had seen his son’s choices and trusted him. A young man need not fear lacking a wife; as long as he is distinguished, finding a suitable bride is no problem.

What made Ding Xiaoding even happier was Xu Ancheng’s warmth; not only did he invite the whole family for New Year’s Eve dinner, but he also proactively offered to help Ding Xingye within his capacity.

In Jing City, and being fellow townsmen, they should look out for each other. Their family had long enjoyed the care of the team leader at the production team.

Xu Ancheng’s words were eloquent, they provided comfort to Ding Xiaoding, who was genuinely grateful. Taking advantage of the time Ding Xingye went to the restroom, Huang Kaiying expressed her worries, fearing Xingye might fall into complications if he encountered Song Yiluo again, hoping Xu Ancheng could keep an eye on this aspect.

Song Yiluo was not liked by Xu Ancheng, anyway, information on such matters could be easily sought out. Xu Ancheng readily agreed, and Huang Kaiying rose joyfully to offer a toast.

Li Hongying had watched Ding Xingye grow up. She already liked him, he was truly a promising young man, and she actively invited him to stay at their home in Jing City.

Xia Xingchen has already registered their marriage with Guo Shizhao, so even if they stay at home, they’d be together as a couple. Currently, there are no unmarried individuals at home, so even if Xingye moves in, it’s perfectly fine.

Xu Ancheng and Yi Roujing also often stay at the Xu family’s home, there are naturally not many people there, and Xingye’s presence would only add to the liveliness.

Both Ding Xiaoding and Huang Kaiying were pleased to hear this, and they waited to hear Xingye’s thoughts when he arrived.

Ding Xingye understood his parents’ concerns, but he had his plans. Living at school has its benefits, like meeting classmates and strengthening relationships, presenting more avenues once integrated into society.

Though staying over during weekends for a day or two is also fine. Being alone outside, having fellow townsmen around is truly delightful.

After hearing Xingye’s opinion, Ding Xiaoding was very much in agreement, realizing his son is genuinely focused on his studies, with no distractions. He offered boundless thanks to Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying.

Xu Ancheng went further and left his phone number with Ding Xiaoding, inviting them to call anytime if needed, suggesting Xingye accompany them to Jing City for support along the way. An elated Ding Xiaoding drank excessively that evening.

Huang Kaiying mentioned that she would occasionally check on Ding Weihuo’s family house to maintain its condition, otherwise it might decay from lack of presence. Li Hongying naturally thanked her with a smile.

Knowing that Ding Weihuo’s children were all admitted to college, villagers found time amid the New Year’s celebrations to offer congratulations, and Li Hongying responded with appropriate gifts.

Yi Roujing wandered the production team with Baozi. The child was almost two years old, at a stage where he loved to move around and couldn’t stay still, speaking more words than before.

Such as: "Mom, what kind of grass is this? What kind of tree is that?" ...

Curious and eager to learn, often successfully stumping Yi Roujing, who could only provide partial responses.

"Comrade Yi Roujing."

While explaining things to Baozi, Yi Roujing heard a voice, turned around, and stood up.

Guo Qianwen held a little girl by the hand, with Wang Peng standing behind her, their family of three looking at Yi Roujing and her son.

"Brother." The little girl pointed at Baozi and called out.

Guo Qianwen laughed and corrected, "Guoguo, this is your little brother."

"He’s taller than Guoguo, he’s a brother," Guoguo insisted seriously.

Baozi glanced at Guoguo a couple of times, taking two candy pieces from his pocket and offered them before Guoguo.

All children love candy; Guoguo’s eyes lit up, looking at Guo Qianwen, "Mom."

"What do you say?"

"Thank you, brother," Guoguo stubbornly believed that since Baozi was taller, he was her brother.

Yi Roujing looked at her son, nodded but didn’t respond, certain he takes after Xu Ancheng, appearing mature beyond his years.

"Comrade Yi Roujing, we knew your family returned to the team, we specially came to thank you, we’ll also be leaving after New Year’s going to Jiang Province, we were accepted," Guo Qianwen said with a face full of smiles. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Though she was only admitted to a college, she was pleased with future city work prospects; moreover, Wang Peng had been accepted into a university, with an even brighter future.

"Congratulations," Yi Roujing said, smiling.

Guo Qianwen sincerely shook Yi Roujing’s hand, exchanging farewells.

Yi Roujing had heard, this time several educated youths from the Dingping Production Team took the college entrance exam, and many were accepted, with the best score coming from Ding Xingye from the team.

Ding Xiaoding was praised by both the commune and the county for caring about members’ education while managing production.

On the eighth day of the first month, Yi Roujing and her group boarded a train to Jing City, in a sleeper compartment, with Ding Xingye carrying his luggage. The train was filled with scholars heading north, each filled with hopes for the future.

On the tenth, the group reached Jing City Train Station, where Xu Zongyin had Uncle Cao drive to pick them up, leading them into Baiqian Village.

It was Ding Xingye’s first time being so far from home. Throughout the journey, he observed many things differing from Huaixi County, and entering Baiqian Village increased his awe at the city’s prosperity.

When he met Xu Zongyin and entered the Xu family’s residence, Xingye finally understood how narrow his worldview had been, realizing what a remarkable person Xu Ancheng’s biological father was.

Due to Xu Ancheng’s arrival and his party, the Xu family was bustling; initially, Xingye felt reserved, but witnessing Xu Zongyin’s kindness set him at ease.

The next day, Xu Ancheng took Ding Weihuo’s family to tour their Jing City residence. When Yi Roujing saw it was a courtyard house, her eyes filled with delight.

"You like this type of house?" Naturally, Xu Ancheng didn’t miss the joy and satisfaction in his wife’s eyes, "Perhaps we should acquire one of these?"

"Sure!" Joking aside, it cost a lot, Yi Roujing’s smile curled like a crescent moon.