Chapter 66
“Then you should think carefully. If you don’t love him, stay away. Don’t let him grow more and more dependent on you.” Ren Boying spoke earnestly, a trace of melancholy between his brows. “More importantly, you need to figure out how to handle family relationships.”
“I understand.” Wei Jing nodded.
“Whatever you choose, brother will support you.” Ren Boying knew how tough it was. His own feelings had no clear path forward, and he didn’t want his brother to struggle the same way.
The two drank until slightly tipsy before a designated driver took them home. In Wei Jing’s heart, a small sprout broke through the soil and grew vigorously.
To treat Wei Feng’s leg, Yang Jiabo not only used his stored medicinal herbs but even cut a piece from the little fleeceflower, Yang Jiabo was worried the little fleeceflower would come crying to him at night, which made him a little scared. But he didn’t dream of anything, thinking that strange dream before had just been a coincidence. Aside from this, he also consulted Dr. Chen for medicinal recipes, adjusting the meals according to Wei Feng’s condition. The peaceful days passed quickly, and before they knew it, Wei Feng had already stayed at the farm for a month. His injuries were healing well, and he had even gained some weight.
Every day, Wei Feng either went fishing with Yang Jiabo or played chess with the two doctors, then called Wei Jing to brag about his heavenly life.
“Brother, Jiajia isn’t just good at growing herbs, his cooking is amazing too.” Wei Feng was in high spirits, so happy he felt like soaring to the sun. “Dr. Chen said my recovery is going much better than expected. The efficacy of Jiajia’s herbs is surprisingly good too, there’s a chance I’ll fully recover.”
“That’s great. You’ve said this many times already.” Wei Jing’s reaction was indifferent.
“You don’t get it. I mean recovering to how I was before the injury, that’s practically a miracle. It’s all thanks to Jiajia’s prescriptions and Dr. Chen’s skills.” Wei Feng’s tone suddenly turned troubled. “But after recovering, I’ll need to train harder. It’s only been a month, and my abs are almost gone. I’ll need at least half a year to recuperate. Good grief, will I end up with a beer belly by then?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll tell Jiajia not to feed you too well. Whole grains are healthy and filling, with some greens on the side, that’ll do.” Wei Jing genuinely meant it. Now that his foolish younger brother was no longer at risk of disability, there was no need for such a refined lifestyle.
Thinking about his own daily work meals, sometimes too busy to even eat, while his troublesome little brother was being pampered with delicious food by Jiajia, it felt like he’d just bitten into a pound of lemons.
“Brother, if you really do that, you’ll lose me.” The thought of eating nothing but greens made Wei Feng feel miserable.
“Wouldn’t be a loss.”
“Are you really my brother?”
“Yes, really.” Wei Jing admitted. “I’ve got things to do. I’ll visit you in a few days.”
“When are you coming? I’ll have Jiajia prepare a guest room for you.” Wei Feng had grown so comfortable at the farm that he unconsciously spoke like its owner.
Wei Jing felt displeased and replied bluntly, “I’ll contact Jiajia myself. Do you really treat that place as your own home now?”
“Mom said the same thing, she told me to move back once I’m better.” Wei Feng couldn’t help complaining. “Go back for what? Those two are so busy I barely see them. Go back to eat cafeteria food or guard an empty house? Whatever, I’m hanging up.”
Wei Feng didn’t notice anything odd about his words. He immediately called Song Yufang to share his good mood, and Song Yufang tearfully said she’d have to thank Yang Jiabo properly.
During Wei Feng’s stay at the farm, Wei Changdong and Song Yufang frequently sent over gifts - food, daily necessities, health supplements for Yang Jianjun, electronics popular with young people, and anything they could think of. Originally, they wanted to give money, but Yang Jiabo refused.
“Jiajia, the restaurant’s been booked today. Keep an eye on things, the guests will arrive in the morning.” Yang Jianjun had gone up the mountain early to pick vegetables and assigned Yang Jiabo the task.
“Got it.” After gaining some fame, Yang Jiabo had become quite familiar with handling private bookings.
After breakfast, Yang Jiabo headed to the restaurant, which was already bustling. A few guests were still eating. Seeing the restaurant manager finish assigning tasks, Yang Jiabo walked over and asked, “Brother Bai, who’s coming today? They’re here so early.”
“An alumni gathering. Heard it’s teachers and students from No. 1 High School.” Brother Bai checked the stock of cigarettes and alcohol at the front desk. “People these days have so many events. Elementary school reunions, middle school reunions, high school reunions, college reunions, and now alumni gatherings. The more you study, the more reunions you have.”
“Is some rich alum treating everyone?” These kinds of gatherings were hard to organize without a sponsor, and the host usually had an agenda.
Brother Bai grinned slyly and lowered his voice. “Rumor has it, it’s a girl from a wealthy family. Word is, her goal is to pursue a guy.”
Yang Jiabo felt a toothache. He didn’t understand the girl’s approach. “Does it have to be this complicated?”
“You don’t get it. The guy she’s after was in the same grade but a different class. Not only does his family have connections, but he’s also outstanding himself.”
“Brother Bai, I didn’t expect you to be so well-informed.” Yang Jiabo was surprised by his gossip skills.
“Hah, it’s not just me, everyone here knows.” Brother Bai smiled meaningfully. “Want to know who the guy is?”
“Who?” Yang Jiabo had zero interest, but he didn’t want to ruin Brother Bai’s excitement.
“You’d never guess, it’s Wei Feng.” Brother Bai was delighted. “Apparently, the school invited outstanding alumni to give speeches, and Wei Feng was one of them. His heroic injury made the news, so his classmates all know about it.”
Yang Jiabo was stunned, not knowing what to say. “Does Wei Feng know?”
“Of course not. They asked us to keep it a secret, wanted to surprise him.” Brother Bai sighed. “Ah, youth.”
Yang Jiabo gave him a strange look. Brother Bai was only in his late twenties, barely older than them.
“I’m young too, but I’d never go to such lengths.”
“Let’s hope it’s a pleasant surprise and not a shock.”
Since it was a holiday, the No. 1 High School teachers arrived early. Yang Jiabo recognized many faces, but the encounter felt like something from another lifetime, and not in a touching way.
Even after so many years, his memories of school hadn’t faded. Frowning, Yang Jiabo wondered if he should avoid them: No, I can’t run away. I need to face this head-on.
The girl hosting the event had booked the entire day. The morning crowd was small, but by afternoon, the farm was lively. Guests were everywhere - playing cards, fishing, experiencing farm life.
Seeing new arrivals, Yang Jiabo quickly went to greet them. “Private rooms 11 and 12 are still available. I’ll have someone take you there.”
“Are you… Yang Jiabo?” The person asked uncertainly.
“Yes.” Yang Jiabo nodded politely, already recognizing her.
“Back then, I kept telling you all to study hard, but you wouldn’t listen. By the time you realize how important education is, it’ll be too late.” Teacher Jin sighed.
Yang Jiabo’s expression darkened: What’s she trying to say?
“But as long as you work hard, academic qualifications are just decoration,” Teacher Zhou quickly mediated.
“Times have changed. Nowadays, even decent jobs require diplomas.”
True to form, Teacher Jin remained as unpleasant as ever. Yang Jiabo didn’t want to waste time with her. “Please head inside and rest. Dinner will be served at six.”
“Isn’t this the student who dropped out due to mental issues? Why is he here?”
The shrill voice grated on the ears. After so many years, Zhang Yi’s mother looked even more spiteful. Of all the people to run into… Yang Jiabo felt a surge of hostility.
“Auntie, you look more mentally ill than I ever was. How did your family let you out?”
“So rude! Have you forgotten how your teachers taught you?” Teacher Jin scolded.
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