Gate of Opening

<Jiang Chen> was making coffee when he saw <Wang Manni> approaching. He smiled gently and gestured for her to wait.

<Wang Manni> returned his smile and found an empty seat.

A short while later, <Jiang Chen> walked over with a cup of coffee. "Try this."

<Wang Manni> picked up the cup and took a sip, savoring it. "Mmm, it's delicious. But it's different from the usual."

"Of course it's different. This is my..." <Jiang Chen> rambled on about the coffee's origin.

Seeing <Wang Manni>'s lack of interest halfway through, he asked, "If I remember correctly, you're supposed to be working today. What brings you here?"

Taking a sip of coffee, <Wang Manni> said, "I'm leaving."

"Leaving? Where to?" <Jiang Chen> didn't quite grasp it.

"Home."

"Home?"

"Home!"

<Jiang Chen> fell silent, then finally managed to blurt out, "Can't you stay?"

Seeing his reaction, <Wang Manni> cut to the chase. "You should be fine. Don't let me affect you."

"You could stay and work at the coffee shop. You don't earn much, but you'd be free."

"Okay, I need to go home now." <Wang Manni> didn't reply.

"I'll take you home."

"Alright, you can take me to the subway station."

"Whatever you say, the subway station."

They met at the subway station, so it was fitting that this belated farewell should also be there.

Did <Wang Manni> have feelings for <Jiang Chen>? Honestly, she probably did. It was mainly due to the youthful days they spent striving together, relying on each other. That was part of her past.

As for getting back together? <Wang Manni> spoke her mind. What's missed is missed. A good horse doesn't eat its way back to its old pasture.

In the afternoon, <Gu Jia> sent <Wang Yan> a message saying she wouldn't be back for dinner and that he and their son didn't need to worry about her.

<Wang Yan> knew what was going on. <Wang Manni> was leaving, and they were seeing her off.

This time, without <Zhao Jingyu> causing trouble, <Wang Manni> left much later than in the original plot, before her thirtieth birthday.

If her departure had been delayed further, she might have missed her chance with <Wei Zhijie>.

If only she had listened less, or not at all, to her neighbor, that old man <Uncle Yu> who cut hair, perhaps her fate would have taken a different turn.

But who could say for sure? People are who they are meant to be, and perhaps her path would eventually lead her back, even after a detour. It was no longer his concern; whatever happened, happened.

More than half a year passed in the blink of an eye.

<Wang Yan>, <Gu Jia>, and <Xu Ziyan>'s family of three continued to live happily every day, completely free of worries.

<Gu Jia> spent her days mingling with the wives of other influential families and handling company affairs. She even took on some of <Wang Yan>'s company matters, keeping her extremely busy.

As for the wives' circle, Mrs. Li's family, just like in the original story, lost their backing. They moved abroad, and with her departure, <Gu Jia> had effectively become the default leader, reaching the pinnacle.

Fortunately, <Gu Jia> remained true to herself and didn't pull the same stunts on newcomers as <Wang Yan> had initially feared.

During this time, they sold another season of tea. Since the previous batch had been a huge hit with excellent reviews, this season's sales went smoothly.

The profits were correspondingly higher, leading to more investment, and the changes in Henglu Village became even more pronounced.

<Wang Yan> never said anything about <Gu Jia>'s approach. He understood the logic and let her do as she pleased.

Villagers who had moved away to find work, except for those with truly promising futures, had all returned. After all, why toil away elsewhere when they could live well in their own village?

The old village chief was quite adept at handling matters. He had reported the initial investment to higher authorities. With this second round, the county reported to the city, and leaders at all levels highly praised this approach. They even issued an commendation and featured it in the news, bringing <Gu Jia> some recognition.

Despite her busy schedule, <Gu Jia> was very satisfied with her current life.

<Wang Yan> remained the same, with plenty of free time. He spent his days reading, drinking tea, practicing calligraphy, coding, and taking care of the child.

In the meantime, <Xu Huanshan> and <Lin Youyou> visited <Xu Ziyan> a few times. After all, he was their son; how could they not miss him?

Although <Wang Yan> was flawed, he didn't try to brainwash <Xu Ziyan>. However, his presence did fill <Xu Ziyan>'s longing for a father, and over time, it was inevitable that their bond would weaken. As a result, <Xu Ziyan>'s feelings for <Xu Huanshan>, while not entirely gone, had faded, making it difficult to feel close to him.

<Xu Huanshan> knew the reason for this and had come to terms with it after so much time had passed.

One day, <Xu Huanshan>, taking advantage of his day off, brought his pregnant <Lin Youyou> to <Tianyue Mansion> again.

Their efforts had not been in vain; <Lin Youyou> was already over six months pregnant and due in two months.

The reason for coming to <Tianyue Mansion> was also this. It was inconvenient to take a child out and about, and anything could happen.

<Wang Yan> thanked the property management staff and then led <Xu Huanshan> and <Lin Youyou> into the house.

<Gu Jia> was not at home. She didn't want to see <Xu Huanshan> and <Lin Youyou>, especially with <Lin Youyou> being heavily pregnant, so she had gone out to meet friends.

This was mainly because <Xu Huanshan> had been too ruthless during the divorce, leaving no room for sentiment.

Of course, the main fault lay with <Wang Yan>. While he was supporting <Xu Huanshan>, he was also flirting with <Gu Jia>.

It was a pity that the home-grown flower was never as fragrant as the wild one; otherwise, <Wang Yan> wouldn't have had a chance.

Xu Ziyan, watching TV in the room, saw Xu Huanshan enter and ran over, saying, "Dad, Auntie, you're here?"

Xu Huanshan quickly went over and picked up Xu Ziyan, "Whoa, son, you've gotten fatter again. Dad can barely hold you."

"Really? Should I eat a little less then?" Xu Ziyan pondered seriously.

This amused Xu Huanshan, who burst into laughter, "Haha, silly boy, Dad was just teasing you."

Afterward, Xu Huanshan and Lin Youyou played with Xu Ziyan.

Lin Youyou wasn't exactly a pushover, but her presence was always weak around Wang Yan, mainly because she got intimidated by Wang Yan's meaningful glances.

Wang Yan watched them play for a while from the side, then shook his head and went upstairs, leaving them to their space.

"Hiss... puff..."

On the balcony, Wang Yan smoked, looking at the tall buildings outside.

Before he finished his cigarette, Xu Huanshan came up.

Wang Yan picked up a cigarette from the side and gestured, but Xu Huanshan shook his head, refusing. Lin Youyou was pregnant, and smoking wasn't good for her.

"Wang Yan, I want to know the truth."

Staring into Xu Huanshan's eyes for a moment, Wang Yan said, "Regretful?"

"We're already at this point, what's the point of talking about that?"

After some thought, Wang Yan said, "If you hadn't cheated, I wouldn't have been involved."

Xu Huanshan believed him. He knew Wang Yan wouldn't bother lying to him.

Not wanting to waste words with Wang Yan, Xu Huanshan turned to leave.

Wang Yan called out, "Old Xu."

Xu Huanshan turned back.

"Go back and check on the fireworks factory. Pay attention to production safety. That's all I have to say. You're on your own now."

Without looking at him again, he continued to watch the scenery outside, hands behind his back.

Xu Huanshan paused for a moment before leaving. He recalled the time he couldn't win a fight and remembered Wang Yan advising Shen Jie.

He decided then and there to go back and check on it, not daring to be careless.

Wang Yan had ultimately shown some leniency. He didn't bring up whether Xu Huanshan was right or wrong, nor did he touch upon whether Lin Youyou truly loved him.

He only mentioned the two lives tragically lost in the fireworks factory explosion, their families, and Lin Youyou's unborn child. All these people were innocent.

Although what happened was destined to occur, the crucial point was that he, Wang Yan, wasn't involved. They hadn't offended him or harmed him.

He was already a scoundrel, but he still had some conscience and a bottom line.

Meanwhile, after so long, aside from a slightly different routine and feeling a bit overwhelmed by his energy levels, Zhong Xiaoqin felt very happy.

Her parents also knew that Zhong Xiaoqin and Zhong Xiaoyang were together. The deed was done, and all they could do was sigh; they couldn't control it anymore.

However, Zhong Xiaoqin was very anxious at this moment because she had just gagged. With her previous experience, she immediately suspected something.

She hurried to the pharmacy downstairs to buy a pregnancy test. Upon returning and testing, as expected, there were two lines.

Zhong Xiaoqin didn't know what to do for a while and just sat on the sofa in a daze.

After a long time, with the sound of the gate slamming shut, Zhong Xiaoyang returned.

Recently, Zhong Xiaoyang had found a job modifying motorcycles using his skills. It was a bit tiring, and he never thought he'd reach this point.

And after working for a while, he felt like he couldn't continue. But he had to, otherwise, how would he eat and drink?

They say turning a hobby into a job is the happiest thing, but it depends on the person and the job. Moreover, once a hobby becomes a profession for earning a living, it's often no longer loved.

The sound of the door closing startled Zhong Xiaoqin out of her daze. She checked the time and said, "You're back. Wait for me, I'll cook."

Zhong Xiaoyang came over, hugged Zhong Xiaoqin, and kissed her, saying, "Hurry up, I'm starving."

Afterward, Zhong Xiaoqin busied herself for a while, stir-frying two dishes. They ate while chatting intermittently.

"Xiaoyang, I'm pregnant," Zhong Xiaoqin suddenly said after a period of silence.

Zhong Xiaoyang's hand, which was picking up food, paused. He withdrew it and asked, "When did this happen?"

"This afternoon. I gagged, so I bought a pregnancy test. Look, two lines." She showed him the test.

Glancing at it, Zhong Xiaoyang thought for a moment and asked, "What are your thoughts?"

"I want to know your thoughts."

Zhong Xiaoyang said a lot of things, essentially about the uncertainties of life and finances, all that usual rhetoric.

He concluded with, "Let's get rid of it."

"Okay."

Seeing Zhong Xiaoqin's low spirits, Zhong Xiaoyang quickly comforted her gently, using sweet talk that had always worked before.

But this time, it didn't work.

Zhong Xiaoqin had prepared herself for this outcome, but she was still very disappointed. This showed that Zhong Xiaoyang had no intention of developing their relationship long-term; otherwise, he wouldn't have disregarded her age. Furthermore, she had undergone a D&C procedure six months ago. Zhong Xiaoyang knew about it, and it was uncertain what the impact would be if she had another abortion now.

"I'm done eating, you can eat now." After Zhong Xiaoqin finished speaking, she returned to the bedroom and lay on the bed, pulling the covers over her head, motionless.

Zhong Xiaoyang didn't say anything. After all, this wasn't the first time. A little comfort, and she'd be fine in a couple of days; he had experience.

The next day, both Zhong Xiaoqin and Zhong Xiaoyang took time off to go to the hospital for an abortion.

Indeed, there were quite a few people getting abortions, and they had to wait for a considerable time before it was Zhong Xiaoqin's turn.

Soon, Zhong Xiaoqin came out, looking weak.

Afterward, the doctor prescribed medication and told Zhong Xiaoqin that she couldn't have another one. Having an abortion right after a D&C was very bad for her future. Things like infertility and increased risk of premature birth and infant mortality.

In any case, Zhong Xiaoqin was scared. She cried all the way to Zhong Xiaoyang's house.

After returning and resting for a long time, Zhong Xiaoqin forced herself to pack her luggage and prepared to leave without saying a word.

Zhong Xiaoyang thought a little coaxing would be enough, never expecting Zhong Xiaoqin to be so resolute.

He quickly pleaded, swore promises, apologized, and begged her to stay.

Zhong Xiaoqin didn't yell or argue with Zhong Xiaoyang. Firstly, she was in too much pain. Secondly, her heart was dead; what more could words accomplish?

She glanced at him, then, mustering her strength, dragged her suitcase and went downstairs to hail a taxi back to her parents' home.

Since there was no elevator and her family lived on a higher floor, she couldn't hold on any longer. She called her mother and asked them to come down and pick her up.

After hanging up, the elderly couple quickly ran downstairs. Seeing Zhong Xiaoqin with a pale, ashen face and covered in cold sweat, her mother was terrified.

She rushed over and demanded to know the reason, intending to stand up for her daughter: "Xiaoqin, what's wrong? What happened to you? Did that boy bully you?"

Her father grabbed the suitcase from her hand and asked, "Yes, Xiaoqin, what exactly happened?"

Zhong Xiaoqin's parents knew that Zhong Xiaoqin and Zhong Xiaoyang were together. However, their daughter was set on being with that boy, and all they could do was sigh and worry constantly. They couldn't control her at all.

Zhong Xiaoqin didn't have the energy to say much. She croaked, "Let's go upstairs, Mom and Dad. Let's not talk about it. Let's go upstairs."

Seeing Zhong Xiaoqin like this, her mother, heartbroken, helped her upstairs.

After settling her in and ensuring she was asleep, the elderly couple finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"What do you think happened to her?" Zhong Xiaoqin's mother sighed.

"I'm going to find that boy and ask him," she said, starting to get dressed to leave.

Zhong Xiaoqin's mother quickly stopped her. "Oh, why are you going to stir up trouble? Let's talk about it after Xiaoqin gets better."

Zhong Xiaoqin slept through until the next day.

With great effort, her mother helped her get out of bed. After drinking some porridge, she went back to bed.

Zhong Xiaoqin's mother watched her, distressed. "Xiaoqin, what's wrong? Just tell us! Are you trying to worry me and your father to death?"

"Dad, Mom, I'm sorry," Zhong Xiaoqin said, bursting into tears.

"Oh, you child, just tell us what happened!"

"I was pregnant, and Zhong Xiaoyang didn't want the baby, so I had it aborted yesterday." Zhong Xiaoqin sobbed.

She then recounted the events of the past two days in detail, making her parents extremely upset.

Finally, after comforting Zhong Xiaoqin, the elderly couple went directly to Zhong Xiaoyang's house.

Naturally, they returned unsuccessful. They only managed to scratch Zhong Xiaoyang a little; there was nothing else they could do.

Returning home, the elderly couple sat dejectedly on the sofa.

"It's good that Chen Yu is here," Zhong Xiaoqin's mother suddenly said.

Zhong Xiaoqin's father didn't speak. She chose her own path; who could she blame?

As for Chen Yu, he had already recovered and been discharged from the hospital.

He threw himself back into his work, not thinking about anything else.

However, fate always works in mysterious ways.

Two months ago, he met a woman who, through his interview, had been quietly helping elderly people and disabled children at a welfare home.

If it weren't for fate, who would have thought? Normally, Chen Yu wouldn't be out on the front lines for interviews. It was only after being discharged from the hospital and trying to get back into the swing of things that they met.

After the interview and subsequent in-depth communication, they got to know each other and were slowly trying to get closer.

Recently, the two of them have been inseparable, and it looks like something good is about to happen.

As for Wang Manni, right after she returned, Gu Jia, Zhong Xiaoqin, and she would chat often. Wang Yan overheard some of it.

Just like in the original show, she met Zhang Zhi through a blind date.

But that was all Wang Yan knew. Gradually, the conversations between the three became less and less frequent. After more than half a year, they all tacitly stopped speaking, and their brief friendship came to an end.

Only Gu Jia would occasionally go out for a gathering with Zhong Xiaoqin, and the two of them never mentioned Wang Manni again.

Wang Yan wasn't concerned about Wang Manni's situation and didn't deliberately investigate, so she let it be.

Thanks to (What's going on, Zhang Wei) brother for the 100 coin reward.

Thanks to (Lian Nan Xue Lang) brother for the monthly ticket support.

Thanks to (Ba Dou Po Mo Long) brother for the monthly ticket support.

Daily thanks to all the good brothers who voted for recommendations.

Thanks to the brothers who commented and those who only read.

Thanks, brothers.