Take Me Away, My Love - Chapter 47 - Goodbye Zhang Qing

Upon hearing the news that Zhang Qing planned to get married, Jian Yiqing couldn’t help but picture the lively and beautiful young girl in his mind.

This young girl had a much more lively temperament than Zhang Mi and her mischievous charm made her even more endearing. More importantly, just like her sister Zhang Mi, this girl had been fond of Jian Yiqing for a long time.

The once beautiful sisters had now grown into beautiful young women with different personalities. Even though Jian Yiqing had only ever had sibling-like feelings for them over the years, he was still a bit shocked upon hearing this unexpected news.

“Who is she getting married to?” Jian Yiqing asked.

However, as soon as he asked, he remembered Li Minchun beside him, turned to look at her, and found that there was no anger or impatience on her face. Only then did he turn his attention back to Zhang Mi.

Zhang Mi, who had keenly observed this subtle change in expression, felt her heart tighten slightly upon witnessing this scene.

It seemed that regardless of how important she and her sister might be in Jian Yiqing’s heart, in front of Li Minchun, they were always insignificant.

“She met an Italian man recently. I’ve heard it was love at first sight, so she’s getting married soon. I haven’t met him, but I’ve heard he’s very handsome and is the president of a multinational bank.”

Zhang Mi honestly shared what she knew with Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun.

“Do your parents agree?” Li Minchun asked, surprisingly.

It seemed that even though she had grown up without parents, traditional Chinese values were still deeply rooted in her heart.

Zhang Mi smiled and shook her head, helplessly saying, “You know Zhang Qing’s personality. Once she decides on something, it’s hard for anyone to change her mind. So, we can only let her be.”

Is this what they call American-style education?

Concerning their children, once they are adults, they’re left to their own devices. While this might seem like a good thing at the time, who can guarantee that their judgment is always correct? If something regrettable happens later, it could ruin their entire lives.

“When are you going back, or is there anything you need my help with? Just let me know.”

Jian Yiqing felt genuinely grateful to these two sisters. Without their help, he wouldn’t be where he was today.

“Sure, if I need anything, I’ll definitely ask for your help,” Zhang Mi replied with a slight smile.

Li Minchun suddenly thought of something, slapped her forehead, and said, “Aren’t we currently working on a business deal in the United States? We could send someone to the U.S. to negotiate, which would not only give Zhang Mi a companion but also allow us to send a gift to Zhang Qing. What do you think?”

As soon as Li Minchun spoke, the astute Jian Yiqing had already guessed her intentions and said with a bit of hesitation, “Now that Zhang Mi is leaving, Ru Long is at a crucial point in his work and can’t go…”

Just as he was speaking, Gu Xing happened to walk past them. With a cold and puzzled expression, he glanced at them, opened the refrigerator, and took out a bottle of beer.

Seeing Gu Xing appear at just the right moment, a sly expression flashed across the faces of Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun.

Then, Jian Yiqing feigned innocence and asked, “Gu Xing, do you have any important tasks at hand these days?”

Gu Xing, not quite understanding the situation, honestly replied, “No, I’ve been rather free lately, feeling a bit restless even.”

Suddenly seeming to think of something, his eyes lit up, and he asked, “What is it? Do you have a new assignment or something you need me to do?”

Jian Yiqing looked at him with a smile and said, “We have a new business venture that needs expanding in the United States. I wouldn’t feel comfortable sending anyone else; can you go?”

“America? Sure!”

Gu Xing readily agreed upon hearing those words.

But upon seeing Zhang Mi’s somewhat inscrutable expression and noticing the conspiratorial smiles on Li Minchun and Jian Yiqing’s faces, he seemed to finally realize something and asked, a bit puzzled, “Is there something else you’re not telling me?”

Jian Yiqing finally explained everything about Zhang Mi and Zhang Qing.

It was now clear that Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun’s intentions were to use official business as an excuse for personal matters.

The previous situation was simply for show.

Now, focusing on Zhang Mi’s matter was the real objective.

This left both Gu Xing and Zhang Mi feeling rather awkward.

However, since they had already agreed, they knew they had to move forward.

On this day, the sun was shining brightly.

Under the rare blue skies and white clouds of the city, Li Minchun and Jian Yiqing watched as Zhang Mi and Gu Xing boarded their flight to New York.

As the figures of the two finally disappeared into the airport terminal, a small smile appeared on the faces of Li Minchun and Jian Yiqing.

“We seem to be turning into matchmakers,” Jian Yiqing said with a blissful expression, wrapping an arm around Li Minchun.

“Too bad about Ru Long; I wonder how things are going between him and Chen Zhen.”

Every time Chen Zhen was mentioned, Jian Yiqing’s brow would furrow tightly, and his face would be filled with impatience and frustration.

“I don’t want her with Ru Long. Ru Long is too naive and easily deceived.”

As soon as Li Minchun heard this, she immediately jumped up, exclaiming angrily, “What do you mean by that? Are you saying Chen Zhen would hurt Ru Long?”

Regardless of what others say about her, Li Minchun has a bottom line when it comes to her friends.

Having grown up without family, she’s become particularly sensitive to such matters. In her heart, she considers Chen Zhen not only a close sister but almost as family.

“Alright, alright, let’s not talk about that,” Jian Yiqing quickly changed the subject upon seeing Li Minchun about to explode.

“So, what should we have for lunch today?”

Jian Yiqing’s ability to jump topics so quickly left Li Minchun momentarily speechless.

She stared at Jian Yiqing with a helpless look on her face.

However, he continued enthusiastically, “It’s been ages since I had your roasted fish. How about we have a barbecue today?”

“Barbecue?” Li Minchun thought back carefully and realized they just had that a few days ago.

“We can’t just have barbecue. How about some tomato and egg noodles to go with it?”

Li Minchun’s eyes widened in surprise.

Since when had President Shangguan become so easy to please, content with just a bowl of tomato and egg noodles and a few skewers of barbecue?

More importantly, how did he even think of these two foods?

Wouldn’t wealthy people typically opt for Western cuisine?

“What, you don’t want to eat that?” Jian Yiqing asked, looking somewhat pleadingly at Li Minchun.

She, in turn, gave him a skeptical look and asked, a little puzzled, “Do you really want to eat that?”

Jian Yiqing nodded decisively.

Alright then, Li Minchun could only help prepare these simple snacks for him.

Initially, Li Minchun thought Jian Yiqing might have had a momentary lapse in judgment when he expressed his desire to eat those simple foods. However, when they arrived at the supermarket, it became clear that Jian Yiqing was well-prepared all along.

As soon as they entered the supermarket, Jian Yiqing took the shopping cart from Li Minchun with the demeanor of a model husband. This kind of behavior was unprecedented, and now Li Minchun looked at him like he was a strange creature.

He confidently guided Li Minchun to the produce section, where he began meticulously picking out vegetables while offering her thoughtful advice.

For example, he explained how to choose eggplants with smooth surfaces and baby eggplants with small belly buttons. He even detailed how to spot tiny spines, explaining everything with surprising clarity.

This scene made Li Minchun light up, and for a moment, she wondered if the man next to her had swapped souls with someone else.

When they bought cucumbers, Jian Yiqing carefully felt the surface before checking for fresh yellow flowers on the ends. He then cheekily commented, “When buying cucumbers, pick the ones with long spines. The firmer, the better. Those are the good ones.”

Although he didn’t say this loudly, it was overheard by an older woman nearby, who gave the young couple an astonished look.

Li Minchun’s cheeks turned red, and she quickly pulled Jian Yiqing away from the area.

After a session of picking and choosing, Li Minchun seemed to adapt to this new side of him.

As expected, when they reached the meat section, Jian Yiqing began instructing again. He advised that for barbecue, it’s best to buy pork belly that appears to have layers of fat and lean meat, preferably with some ribs.

He recommended against using the meat grinder for convenience, suggesting instead to slice the meat at home for a better taste and texture.

However, he advised that when it came to ribs, it was better to have the staff cut them to avoid the messy job in their beautiful kitchen.

As he imparted each piece of advice, not only was Li Minchun amazed, but the young man working at the meat counter was so shocked that he nearly forgot to chop the meat.

Nearby, another couple was listening with their thoughts written all over their faces. The woman nudged her husband, enviously saying, “Look at him, he knows everything. And look at you, you can’t even buy a bulb of garlic. What can you do…?”

Blah, blah, blah…

Listening to these comments, Jian Yiqing and Li Minchun exchanged smiles, with Jian Yiqing looking particularly smug.

He showed no sign of feeling out of place in this situation and instead continued to beam at Li Minchun with delight.

Finally, as they emerged from the supermarket, Li Minchun, who had been holding back her curiosity, couldn’t help but ask, “How did you suddenly become so skilled at this?”

“What?” Jian Yiqing was a bit puzzled.

Li Minchun expressed her astonishment, “I remember you used to avoid even setting foot in a supermarket, and now you’re so knowledgeable about all these domestic details. It’s truly impressive.”

Hearing Li Minchun’s compliment, Jian Yiqing’s smugness only grew. Despite the crowd of passersby, he leaned closer with a proud expression and closed his eyes in anticipation.

With a sigh, Li Minchun quickly planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

Only after that did he finally explain, “Actually, it’s all because of you.”

“Me?”

“Yes, ever since I returned, I’ve been reminiscing about the days we spent on Zhenmu Island. Back then, we did everything together, in perfect harmony. The joy was immeasurable. After you disappeared, I kept thinking that if you ever came back, I would make sure to take good care of you. No matter where we lived, we would relive those Zhenmu Island days. I want to ensure you’re always happy, and that our son grows up healthy.”

Though his words seemed simple, hearing them now from Jian Yiqing brought tears to Li Minchun’s eyes.

This man, who used to be so untouchable and lofty, for whom even a glance seemed a luxury, was now lowering himself to master these small everyday tasks for her.

The changes he had made for her were truly admirable and deeply moving.

Moreover, as they left the supermarket, Jian Yiqing volunteered to carry all the bags himself.

“You’re taking on too much; let me help you with some of those,” Li Minchun suggested, feeling uneasy seeing both of Jian Yiqing’s hands full.

But Jian Yiqing sidestepped her offer, insisting, “It’s only natural for a man to carry these things for a woman. You don’t need to feel guilty.”

Saying this, Jian Yiqing headed toward their car, laden with bags.

He loaded everything into the trunk, then carefully surveyed his surroundings before slowly driving out of the underground parking lot.