Starting a new chapter in life

"Is Chu Han in a relationship?" Jing Yan asked again.

Zhizhi shook her head: "I really don't know, but his family is indeed in a hurry. They even went to his company once before."

Xiao Xiao chimed in, "Zhizhi's attitude towards Chu Han is very ordinary. I asked Zhizhi, and she said she only sees him as a friend. I also feel that there is always something missing between the two of them."

"Equality, respect," Zhizhi said calmly.

Jing Yan frowned: "He doesn't respect you?"

"He didn't make it too obvious, but his family did. Once, his mother came to my company out of the blue and asked me to go to a coffee shop. I didn't refuse her because she was an elder."

However, during the conversation, she kept emphasizing how outstanding and excellent her son was, and that anyone who could be a match for him should come from a similar family background and be exceptionally good-looking.

Heh, I don't care about his family, why would she need to put me down like that? I'm not the type to take things lying down, I told her directly that I'm not interested in Chu Han and have no intention of marrying him, so she doesn't need to waste her time on me, it's unnecessary.

She's a strange person. Before we talked, she was afraid I'd cling to her son. But knowing I didn't like him, she thought I was short-sighted and couldn't appreciate the value of a gem. So, whatever I choose is wrong? Zhizhi was still quite indignant as she spoke.

"And then, you two started arguing? Did you actually come to blows?" Jingyan was actually quite worried that Zhizhi would resort to violence to resolve the issue.

Zhizhi shook her head: "I'm not a child anymore, I wouldn't start a fight so easily. I left afterwards, and when I got back to my office I called Chu Han and gave him a good scolding."

Don't tell me I'm not interested in him. Just look at his mother's attitude. Even if I liked him, I wouldn't continue the relationship. Humph, I don't have a masochistic streak when it comes to sacrificing myself for a man.

Jing Yan nodded in agreement: "Exactly, three-legged toads are hard to find, but two-legged men are plentiful. However, there aren't many who are as good as him and so young."

"But my daughter will only marry someone who is completely devoted to you, someone who won't let you suffer at the hands of his family. This Chu Han is no good."

Zhizhi nodded in agreement, while Lu Xiaoxiao watched from the sidelines...

"Auntie, aren't you worried that Zhizhi's self-centered personality will make it difficult for her to get married?" Lu Xiaoxiao was genuinely curious. She was only twenty-seven years old, yet her mother was already pressuring her to get married.

What does she do? She's an actress. At this age, she should be focusing on her career. Getting married? Wouldn't that ruin her career? Unfortunately, her mother doesn't understand. Because of this, she's been giving her mother the cold shoulder for a month.

Jing Yan smiled and said, "If you can't get married, then don't get married. It's not like you can't support yourself. Do you know why the older generation got married relatively early?"

Lu Xiaoxiao shook her head.

“In the countryside, it’s all about working in the fields. It’s too hard for a woman to support a family, even just to make a living. It’s exhausting. Once you get married, the man becomes the main source of labor, which is a good thing.”

In the city, you need money and coupons to buy anything. Even if a woman has a job and can support herself, she's still afraid of being targeted by malicious people. Having a man by her side at least provides safety.

As for now, I see you both have good jobs, more than enough to support yourselves, and you don't have to worry about your safety. Under these circumstances, if you find a good man, that's fine too; after all, it's good to have a partner for your spouse.

But if you find someone unsuitable, and you end up exhausted and frustrated, why bother making yourself suffer? I don't believe anyone doesn't want to live a happy and fulfilling life." Jingyan had come to terms with it; an unhappy marriage is an abyss for a woman, why jump into it?

Lu Xiaoxiao was surprised: "I thought you really wanted Zhizhi to get married soon because I saw that Aunt and Uncle had a good relationship."

Jing Yan laughed: "I'm lucky. I never expected your uncle to respect me so much when I married him. Most men believe that men are responsible for external affairs and women for internal affairs, so they act like lords at home, not even bothering to help someone up."

Your uncle is an exception. When he first got married, I didn't have a job. Back then, regulations were strict, and there wasn't much business to do. We lived off the money from the wedding and his salary.

This could be considered him supporting me, but every time he comes home on vacation, he never thinks that my love of buying meat is just a craving, nor does he think that my job as a cook and housekeeper is easy.

Whenever he was home, he would take the initiative to do any chores he could see around the house, and he would also tell me not to get tired, not to go hungry, and not to go hungry. At the time, I was actually quite surprised, I never thought I had found a treasure.

So, our relationship got better and better. He got into university, and I followed him to Haishi. His parents treated me very well and didn't interfere in our lives.

Grandma was the kindest and most insightful old woman. She taught me so much and supported all my ideas. You don't know, after I moved to Haishi, no one in my family objected to any of my decisions. Your uncle even backed me up.

Looking back on this half of my life, it all feels like a dream, like falling into a paradise. I have experienced the happiness of being loved and respected by men, so how could I bear to see my daughter suffer in marriage?

Chu Han is indeed quite good-looking, capable, and seems to have a gentle personality, but so what? Back in school, he used my Zhizhi as a shield for him; now that we've graduated, if he really wanted to, he would have pursued her long ago.

Before the woman even makes a move, her family comes to intimidate her. They really think they're some kind of hot commodity. Marrying into a family like that wouldn't be pleasant.

Besides, I don't want my daughter to marry into a wealthy family. I just want her to live comfortably herself. What's the use of so much money if it's just a room, three meals a day, and a set of clothes?

Whether something is extravagant or simple depends on your mindset. There's really no need to compromise yourself by pursuing those flashy but impractical things. Xiaoxiao, I've watched you grow up, so always remember, nothing beats having it yourself.

A woman's ability to support herself is her foundation at home. Don't clip your own wings for anyone, or you'll regret it someday.

Lu Xiaoxiao's eyes sparkled: "Auntie, could you help me persuade my mom sometime? I'm so annoyed by her. I was even thinking the other day that maybe I should just find someone to marry so she can feel more at ease."

But I'm not willing to give up. I always want to try again. After all, I'm in the prime of my career right now, and getting married and having children would be like ruining my future. I don't want that.

Jingyan patted her shoulder: "I'll talk to her when I have time, but I can't guarantee whether I can change her mind."

Lu Xiaoxiao was already very happy. She should do her best and leave the rest to fate. Having hope is better than having no hope, isn't it?

After the break, the busy filming resumed. Jingyan looked at the young children and realized she wasn't old at all. He Zhijun finished clearing away the cups, bowls, and plates, walked over to Jingyan, and followed her gaze. "What are you looking at?"

Jingyan shook her head: "It's nothing, I just feel that things are great now, and the children are very cute."

He Zhijun patted her head. "Yes, they're all very cute, Ms. Zhang. Let's go home first and come back later."

The two left hand in hand. During a break in filming, Lu Xiaoxiao saw the elderly couple's backs and couldn't help but feel envious. It wasn't that she didn't want to get married, but in today's materialistic world, it's too difficult to find someone who can calm down and maintain a relationship, especially in their industry. She had seen the best partners and naturally didn't want to settle. At that moment, she seemed to understand Zhizhi's mentality.

Looking back at Zhizhi in front of the camera, she was focused on the lens, occasionally discussing something with the assistant director beside her. She smiled confidently. Indeed, regardless of gender, serious people are the most handsome.

Jingyan's daily routine consists of going between home, the market, and the film set, which is quite stable. As the weather gradually cools down, she has started preparing warming tea for Zhizhi, and of course, she can't forget Xiaoxiao, who works with her.

It was just another normal day, but she ran into Chu Han on set. Chu Han was momentarily stunned when he saw Jing Yan, but then he smiled and came over to greet her: "Hello, Auntie. Hello, Uncle."

Jingyan smiled at him and said, "Hello, what have you been busy with lately, Xiao Chu?"

"I just finished filming a movie and had some free time, so I came to visit Anzhi on set," Chu Han said, turning to look at Zhizhi.

Jing Yan's expression was somewhat displeased. She coughed lightly and said, "Xiao Chu, do you have time to talk?"

Chu Han was taken aback for a moment, then nodded in agreement. The three of them went to sit down on the side. He Zhijun poured two cups of tea, one for Chu Han and one for Jing Yan. Chu Han stood up, bent down to take the cups, thanked him, and then sat down again.

"Do you like my Zhizhi?" Jingyan didn't mince words and got straight to the point.

Chu Han hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Yes, I've liked her since college."

"Have you ever explicitly stated that you want to pursue her? Or have you made any efforts for her?"

Chu Han… “I… no, I was thinking of confessing my feelings when she fell in love with me…”

"Hmph." Jing Yan scoffed lightly, "Actually, Xiao Chu, your liking for Zhizhi is probably just your own perception. As an outsider, do you want to know how I feel?"

Chu Han nodded. "Auntie, please tell me."

"You like Zhizhi because you found something in her that you wanted but couldn't have. Actually, what you like most is yourself."

You give me the impression of being calm to the point of being indifferent. You seem to be very humble to everyone, but you can't hide the pride in your bones. You probably like Zhizhi's cheerfulness and sunshine, or even that kind of blind confidence, right?

Because you didn't. You were taught from a young age to hide your true feelings. I don't know what your family does, but from what Zhizhi mentioned before about your mother's condescending attitude when she came to see her, I understand that your family is well-off, even outside the social class of ordinary people like us.

But what does that have to do with my Zhizhi? Zhizhi didn't want to rely on your family. She can raise herself well and be healthy on her own. Back when you used Zhizhi as a shield back in school, I knew you weren't right for her.

Zhizhi is loyal and will protect you as a friend, but as a boyfriend or even a husband, can you justifiably let your partner stand in front of you?

If you can do that, I wouldn't even dare to treat my daughter like that. And you, you can't protect her in public, and at home, I don't believe you can resist your mother.

Tell me, besides your looks, what else do you have that makes you attractive to girls? I'm actually quite glad that Zhizhi didn't fall for you; at least I don't have to be a bad mother and ruin her relationship.

But as a responsible mother, it's my duty to help her nip undesirable romantic advances in the bud. So, I'm saying this today: You're a smart child. If it's not right, why drag it out and force it? It's harmful to both of you.

Chu Han, Auntie hopes you'll think carefully about what I said today. It's not that I don't like you, it's just that I don't want you to be my son-in-law. You're not suitable for our family.

Although my family's financial situation is not as good as yours, the love we give our children is no less than yours. My children don't lack love or freedom.

Chu Han's face flushed, and he pursed his lips without saying a word. He didn't react at all after Jing Yan finished speaking. He Zhijun nudged Jing Yan's arm and glanced in her direction. Jing Yan shook her head, signaling him not to make a sound.

After a long while, Chu Han finally raised his head, forcing a somewhat stiff smile, his voice a little hoarse: "Auntie, I understand what you mean. After my mother came to see An last time, she called me and threw a tantrum, and I argued with my mother too."

I thought that as long as I got my mom to stop showing up, the matter would be over. I really didn't think about the future; I was inconsiderate. You're right, Anzhi is very loyal and values ​​friendship. We'll definitely be friends for life.

Actually, being friends isn't so bad. We can help each other out. I'll step back to being just a friend and won't cause her any trouble. Um, I have something to do, so I'll be going now.

Watching Chu Han's somewhat flustered retreating figure, Jing Yan sighed: "The child is good, but unfortunately, he doesn't know what responsibility is."

He Zhijun looked at her and asked, "When you married me, did you not intend to spend your whole life with me?"

Jingyan looked up at him: "Am I such a heartless person? You treat me well, how could I bear to let go? Of course, if you treat me so poorly or even badly, I don't have the problem of making things difficult for myself. There's nothing wrong with cutting my losses in time, right?"

He Zhijun pinched her face: "Yes, I should be glad that I can satisfy you and live this life with you in peace. I've made a profit."

Jing Yan raised her head and said proudly, "That's right."

When it was break time, Zhizhi came over and looked around: "Didn't Chu Han come? Is he gone now?"

Jingyan nodded: "Yes, I've nipped this peach blossom in the bud. He said that from now on, we'll only be friends, friends for life. Will you blame your mother?"

Zhizhi's expression remained unchanged as she shook her head: "Of course not. He always looks at me with that sticky, drooling gaze, which makes me very uncomfortable. But he hasn't said or done anything inappropriate, so I can't really say anything."

It would be best if we could just be ordinary friends. He's quite good as a director, and I don't want him to switch companies; that would be a loss for Ping An Media.

Jing Yan smiled and tapped her forehead: "You little rascal."

Filming at the film and television base was almost finished, and the crew was going to move to another city for filming. This time, Jingyan did not go with them and began to live a retirement life with He Zhijun.