Chapter 364 - 361: The Li Family Siblings

Chapter 364: Chapter 361: The Li Family Siblings

"Jin Chen, you have to understand that no one can change what’s already happened. We should focus on the present. You’ve already done more than enough. You don’t need to dwell on the past. I’m very happy right now, and I’ve never regretted marrying you—not even in my past life. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have married you again without a second thought, even knowing that our relationship fell apart last time. Jin Chen, think about now, and think about the future. You’ve done everything you should have for me, and even things you didn’t have to. It’s enough!"

"Jin Chen, we’re very happy now. You love me more than life itself, and I love you deeply. That’s enough. Please don’t think about those unhappy things anymore. When you’re like this, it makes me sad, and my heart aches for you!" Zhou Lian whispered lovingly, gently kissing Li Xiu’s forehead.

Hugging the woman in his arms tightly, Li Xiu said, his voice thick with emotion, "Okay, I’ll listen to my Bao’er. I’ll listen to everything you say. Don’t be sad!"

They poured out their love for one another as the moon watched quietly from the horizon. For this couple, who had finally joined hands after two lifetimes, their deep affection seemed all the more tender under the cover of night.

「The next day.」

Knowing that their big brother and sister-in-law were finished with their business, several family members started trickling into Li Xiu’s small courtyard. When Sister Fang saw that everyone from the first and third branches of the Li family had arrived, aside from a few of the married-out daughters, she tactfully had someone take Li Xianglin, Li Xiangrui, and Li Bao’s two children out to play.

Li Cui, Li Yuan, and Li Bo from the first branch; Li Bao and his wife, Li Guo, Li He, and Li Miao from the third branch; and finally Li Xiu and Zhou Lian all took their seats in the study. After Sister Fang served tea, fruit, and pastries, she closed the door so they could talk in private.

"Big Brother, Big Sister-in-law, when are you planning to return to the Capital City?" Li Bao asked softly after taking a sip of tea. His family of four was staying in their hometown for the New Year and would return to the Capital City afterward.

Li Xiu held his cup and said nonchalantly, "The day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, I’m taking the two kids on a trip to Zhou Family Village. Your sister-in-law hasn’t seen her siblings in a long time, so we have to at least see them once before we go back."

"That’s true. Big Sister-in-law hasn’t been back in a long time; you all should have a good get-together," Wang Xiaojuan said with a smile. ’But with her parents in the Capital City, at least her homesickness is somewhat eased.’

Smiling, Zhou Lian said gently, "But they’re all married now, with their own families to look after. It’s not like when we were kids. Anyway, what have you three been thinking? Do you have anything you want to share?"

"Big Sister-in-law, I’ve carefully read all the books, magazines, and newspapers you sent back. I think I’ll still go into diplomacy. They say a weak country has no diplomacy, and our nation is currently developing vigorously. The future is full of potential!" Li Yuan glanced at Li Bo and Li Miao, understood their silent signal, and spoke up first to share his thoughts.

Li Xiu listened intently to Li Yuan’s words and nodded. "Good, it’s good to have a goal. Your sister-in-law and I had originally planned to let you decide after you started university, but it’s not too early now. From now on, your sister-in-law and I will specifically send you materials related to this field. Although I’ve said before that you should broaden your horizons, every field has its specialization. Read more, think more, and consult more history books!"

"I understand, Big Brother."

Looking at Li Miao, Li Xiu asked gently, "What about Little Miao’er? Have you decided too?"

"Mm, I have a general idea. Big Brother, Xiao Bo and I have discussed it. Since I’m a girl, it’s not easy to go into public administration. Xiao Bo will take that path. I’ll aim for law and justice. It has a deterrent effect, and I’ll be able to stay true to my ideals!" Li Miao said seriously after a moment of thought. She knew her own personality; whenever she encountered injustice, she couldn’t stand it. ’So why not give it a try and see if I can cleanse the world of its filth!’

Frowning slightly, Zhou Lian said gently, "Little Miao’er, that’s a good idea, but you must remember that the world isn’t just black and white; there’s also gray. I’m not against you taking this path, but you have to remember this: as a person, never lose sight of your original ideals, but in your work, be perceptive and tactful. If you’re too rigid and inflexible, the consequences will be more than you can bear!"

"Little Miao’er, you must remember your sister-in-law’s words. To us, nothing is more important than your own well-being, understand? This is not an easy path. I hope you stay true to your ideals, but I hope even more that you have a successful life!" Sighing to himself, Li Xiu knew his youngest sister was the kindest and most upright person. Her choosing this path was both expected and unexpected. ’Oh well,’ he thought. ’I’ve lived a whole life longer than others. I can protect my wife and kids, so adding one more sister to the list won’t hurt.’

"I understand, Big Brother, Big Sister-in-law. I’ll be careful. I won’t bring shame to the Li family or to myself!" After hearing their words, Li Miao understood that this path wouldn’t be easy. ’But it’s what I love and what I want to do. As long as Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law are here, I’m not afraid!’

Seeing Li Miao’s determination, Zhou Lian smiled and said, "Good. Your brother and I will find specialized books and materials for you as soon as possible. But at the same time, you can’t neglect your regular studies. You need to read those other books too. After all, no matter what, it’s always better to rely on yourself than on others!"

"Thank you, Big Sister-in-law!" Li Miao said earnestly, looking at Zhou Lian with sincerity.

Glancing at Li Bo, Zhou Lian asked with a smile, "That just leaves you, Xiao Bo. Go on, tell us!"

"Big Sister-in-law, as Little Miao’er just said, I’ll go into public administration." With three older brothers, two sisters-in-law, and four older sisters all staring at him, Li Bo spoke as if he didn’t even notice, his expression perfectly calm.

Gently tapping the table, Li Xiu said, "Then tell me your specific thoughts."

"Big Brother, what do I know right now? What could I possibly say? Don’t make things difficult for me. I’ve always been the most obedient one. Your little brother will listen to your arrangements!" Li Bo wrinkled his nose and said with a helpless tone. ’Tell me my thoughts? And be specific? What is there to say? I’ve never been part of the system. No matter how smart I am, I’m just a teenager right now. What’s the use of armchair strategizing?’

Nodding in approval, Zhou Lian shot Li Xiu a look before turning to Li Bo and saying gently, "Don’t mind your big brother. You’re still young, so just focus on your studies for now. This path isn’t easy either. You don’t need to think so much about it right now. Once you go to university and arrive in the Capital City, let your big brother guide you for a few years, and you’ll know what to do. This isn’t something you can rush!"

"I understand, Big Sister-in-law. I’m still young, so anything is possible!" Li Bo said nonchalantly, smiling at Zhou Lian.

’Since I’ve chosen this path, how could I not know it’s difficult? Li Bo understood what his big brother and sister-in-law meant. If he didn’t want to work so hard, he could choose an easier route. But in this life, no path is truly easy.’

’Whether it was his married-out sisters or his two older brothers, which one of them didn’t have it tough? And that’s not even mentioning Big Brother and Big Sister-in-law. In the unfamiliar Capital City, they had spent ten years forging a path for themselves. Wasn’t that hard?’

’In comparison, he, Li Bo, was probably the luckiest of them all. He had his older brother, sister-in-law, and sisters paving the way for him, practically holding his hand as he walked. If he still complained that the road was too hard, he’d be pretty pathetic!’