Proofreader&Editor:Lotas
He Ju thought Tian Zhen had more to say, but she simply stood up and patted his shoulder: "With you being so considerate, your parents can rest easy. Your dad and I will head back now."
He Ju also stood up: "Mom, why don't you stay here for the night? We have rooms, and it wouldn't hurt to leave tomorrow."
He Yu finished washing the dishes and came over: "It's still early, but your mom and I should get back. The students have started school, and we need to prepare lessons. Plus, your sister is at home alone, and we're not at ease. We're going back."
He Ju hesitated but still asked: "Dad, how about after you finish teaching this batch of students, you and mom move back to City A? I'm making money now, I can support you."
He Yu shook his head: "At least wait until your sister graduates from college. Besides, your mom and I are quite content teaching in the small county. Just take good care of yourself and Hua Hua."
He Yu seemed easy-going, but once he made up his mind, it was hard for anyone to change it.
Seeing his father so resolute, He Ju didn't press further, silently planning to deposit some money into his parents' bank account tomorrow.
He Ju: "Are you sure you don't want to stay one more night? I can drive you back tomorrow."
He Yu was packing up and waved his hand: "I can drive, and it's only a three-hour journey. No need for you to make a special trip."
Tian Zhen: "Your dad's right. You've just come back, so spend some quality time with Hua Hua. We'll take care of ourselves."
While they talked, He Yu and Tian Zhen had finished packing.
Seeing this, He Ju could only help them carry their things: "Let me walk you downstairs."
Tian Zhen and He Yu nodded.
The family of three opened the door, only to see Si Hua approaching with many items.
Si Hua, all smiles and grace: "Uncle, Auntie, I know it's not easy for you to come all this way. I've prepared some food and toys for you and Yu Xin, so please accept them without any fuss."
He Ju looked at Si Hua with gratitude. She had thought of everything, things he hadn't even considered in such a short time.
Si Hua secretly shot him a proud little look, as if to say: "Isn't your wife amazing?"
That look made He Ju's heart itch again.
Tian Zhen, seeing the couple's affectionate exchanges, exchanged a knowing smile with He Yu.
Tian Zhen: "Hua Hua, you shouldn't have. Little Ju, help Hua Hua with the bags."
He Ju quickly took the items from Si Hua, and they went downstairs together to put everything in the trunk.
Si Hua was meticulously explaining how to use each item, including a massager, a beauty instrument, and various practical Chinese medicine patches.
During He Ju's absence this week, she had received her household registration book sent from abroad by her mother. Now that she had her book, all that was missing was He Ju's.
He Ju's household registration book would definitely be with the He family, so Si Hua had prepared everything and contacted He Ju's parents.
She was initially nervous and scared, but when Tian Zhen heard about it, she immediately agreed and brought the household registration book over the weekend without delay.
Now Si Hua had both of their household registration books.
Tomorrow was Monday, and she had already made an appointment. As soon as dawn broke, she would drag He Ju to the Civil Affairs Bureau.
If He Ju was unwilling, she would cry, make a scene, and even threaten to hang herself… That should… probably work, right?
After Si Hua finished explaining, Tian Zhen couldn't stop smiling. She was truly satisfied with her daughter-in-law and whispered: "I'll go back and prepare the wedding invitations and the dowry. When you have time, arrange a meeting between your parents and us."
Si Hua's smile brightened as she nodded eagerly.
He Ju walked over with a smile: "What are you two whispering about?"
Si Hua chuckled: "I won't tell you."
Tian Zhen shook her head with a smile and patted Si Hua's hand: "Take good care of yourself, I'm heading back now."
Si Hua: "Okay, Uncle, drive safely on the way back."
He Yu was in high spirits: "Alright, it's cold outside, you two should head back in."
Just as Tian Zhen was about to get into the passenger seat, she saw someone rushing over from a distance. She had just recognized who it was when her wrist was grabbed.
Tian Zhen was startled: "Su Ran?"
Si Hua and He Ju's expressions changed instantly.
He Ju immediately shielded Si Hua behind him and then turned to Su Ran, scolding sharply: "What are you doing? Let go of my mom!"
Su Ran immediately knelt before Tian Zhen: "Auntie, please save me, save the Su family…"
Tian Zhen quickly bent down to help Su Ran: "Ran Ran, what's happened to you? Get up, stand up and talk."
He Yu turned off the car, equally confused.
This was the entrance to the residential complex, with people and cars passing by. Su Ran's sudden kneeling drew everyone's attention, and many looked their way.
He Ju's forehead veins were bulging with frustration.
He suddenly regretted giving Su Zhen a few days' grace. He should have insisted the Su family leave City A immediately.
He Ju's voice was stern: "Su Ran, get up!"
Su Ran shook her head at him. Unable to bear it any longer, He Ju strode forward, lifted Su Ran up: "What exactly do you want?"
Tian Zhen was pale with worry: "Son, be gentle…"
Worried that Su Ran might be hurt by He Ju, Su Ran instead took the opportunity to grab He Ju's wrist: "Brother He Ju, please spare the Su family…"
He Ju violently shook her off, stepping back several paces as if Su Ran was something filthy.
Si Hua didn't know what to say for a moment.
Tian Zhen looked at Su Ran: "Ran Ran, what exactly happened?"
Tian Zhen's question made Su Ran's tears fall: "I don't want to leave City A, please help us, Auntie. My parents and I don't want to leave…"
Tian Zhen was confused by Su Ran's words: "What… what do you mean? If you don't want to leave City A, then don't. Who's forcing you?"
He Yu was also at a loss. The Su family was well-known in City A; who could force them to leave?
Si Hua sighed and gently poked He Ju's back, whispering in his ear: "You should handle this. Let's not worry Uncle and Auntie."
He Ju nodded solemnly.
Before Su Ran could speak, He Ju cut in: "Su Ran, if you have something to say, talk to me. Don't trouble my parents."
Tian Zhen and He Yu, being teachers and He Yu having some acquaintance with Su Zhen, might be swayed by Su Ran's words. The situation could take an unpredictable turn, so it was better to take the initiative.
Hearing He Ju's words, Tian Zhen was even more puzzled: "What's going on? Are you playing some kind of riddle game? Su Ran, what's wrong with your family?"