Liu Jingru told her mother that things would get better.
It was a statement of certainty, but her parents didn't pick up on it.
Compared to before, Liu Jingru had undergone a tremendous transformation, a change she didn't know how to explain to her parents.
Her parents were ordinary people. If she told them about it, they wouldn't believe her. Even she felt like it was a dream, so they definitely wouldn't believe it.
"Jingru, your mother and I aren't as successful as your Aunt. We can't offer you much help. When you get married, we can only give you a dowry. We also believe you'll do better and better. How's work lately? Are you tired?" Cai Wenli asked with concern.
Liu Jingru worked at Ababa Group, and her parents knew how busy she was.
In reality, they hoped Liu Jingru would find a less demanding job and marry someone good to her, that would be enough. They didn't want her to work so tirelessly to earn money.
They only had one daughter, naturally cherishing her like a treasure.
"Mom, it's good. I was recently transferred to a new department, and it's much easier," Liu Jingru replied.
"That's good. Focus on your work and don't worry about us. Take care of yourself. Let me know in advance when you bring Lin'er back for dinner," Cai Wenli reminded her.
"Okay, you and Dad, please take care of yourselves too," Liu Jingru responded.
After ending the call, Liu Jingru walked towards the private room.
As soon as she entered, Xia Lin called out, "Jingru, you're here just in time! Come sing with me."
"Okay," Liu Jingru agreed, taking the microphone from Jiang Xin. The two sisters began to sing a sweet and easy song together.
"Xiao Wen, who are those two people? They've been with us all day and haven't said a word," Zheng Qingya whispered to Qin Wen, looking at Zhou Gangyi and Du Lapit who were sitting on the side of the room.
They looked like bodyguards, barely speaking a few words throughout the day. They hadn't sung anything upon arriving in the room, which made Zheng Qingya curious.
"That foreigner is Du Lapit's grandson. The other one has a much more significant background," Qin Wen said, feigning hesitation.
"What kind of background?" Zheng Qingya asked.
"His name is Zhou Gangyi. He's the grand-disciple of Young Master Xia. His grandfather is Old Zhou," Qin Wen said, pointing upwards.
Zheng Qingya's father was the Party Secretary of Shanghai, so she was familiar with people in high positions. Hearing that Zhou Gangyi was Old Zhou's grandson, she was still surprised.
That was Old Zhou, one of the four prominent figures.
If Qin Wen hadn't mentioned it, she would never have guessed Zhou Gangyi had such a connection.
This meant that apart from Xia Lin, Zhou Gangyi had the most special status here.
And such a person was working as a bodyguard.
"Lin'er is indeed awesome."
"Awesome," Zheng Qingya whispered, unsure if she was referring to Xia Lin or Zhou Gangyi.
"These are minor matters," Qin Wen chuckled.
She had met Old Huang and Old Li before. These were indeed minor matters to her.
When Old Huang and Old Li had visited, she was the one in charge of making tea. Old Huang and Old Li had even praised her, which was a lifelong honor; even her father didn't have that qualification.
"Wen Jie, please take me with you," Zheng Qingya said playfully, hooking Qin Wen's wrist and acting spoiled.
"That depends on whether I'm in a good mood," Qin Wen replied with a smile.
After they bantered for a while, Zheng Qingya received a WeChat message from her father, Zheng Ming, asking her to have dinner at Qu Mingwei's place when she had time.
Zheng Qingya replied with a "Okay."
Shortly after, Qu Mingwei himself called, likely informed by Zheng Ming.
"A number from Sichuan Province?" Zheng Qingya asked Qin Wen curiously, looking at the phone.
"Answer it," Qin Wen said after glancing at it.
Zheng Qingya then walked out of the room to take the call. After stepping out, she answered, "Hello, who is this?"
"Xiao Ya, it's your Uncle Qu. Your father just told me you'd be coming for dinner," Qu Mingwei said with a chuckle.
"Hello, Uncle Qu. I'll make time to visit in the next couple of days," Zheng Qingya quickly replied.
"How about tomorrow? National Day is approaching, and I might be busy," Qu Mingwei suggested.
"Tomorrow?" Zheng Qingya asked, drawing out the sound.
"Is it inconvenient?" Qu Mingwei asked, sensing a hint of difficulty in Zheng Qingya's tone.
"No, it's just that I have many friends. I'd like to visit Uncle Qu's place in a couple of days," Zheng Qingya said.
"It's fine, then make your arrangements," Qu Mingwei said with a smile.
As Zheng Qingya was about to agree, Qu Mingwei continued on the phone, "If it's convenient for you, you can bring your friends along tomorrow as well."
Qu Mingwei wouldn't have much free time during the National Day holiday. Sichuan Province was a major tourist destination, and while others had holidays, people in his position did not.
Therefore, Qu Mingwei felt that tomorrow was the best arrangement, as his schedule for each day was already planned.
"Uncle Qu, it's actually not inconvenient. Some of my friends are rather special. If it's possible, I'll discuss it with them. I can't give you a definitive answer right now," Zheng Qingya explained.
She could make decisions for herself, but not for others.
"Alright, then let me know later when you've confirmed," Qu Mingwei replied.
After hanging up, Zheng Qingya returned to the room and told Qin Wen about the situation. Qin Wen suggested, "Ask Lin'er. If Lin'er goes, everyone goes. If Lin'er doesn't, no one will."
"Okay," Zheng Qingya nodded and walked towards Xia Lin.
"Lin'er, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" Zheng Qingya asked, sitting next to Xia Lin.
"No, I'm just here for a visit. We can go wherever we want tomorrow. Xiao Ya, do you have any good suggestions?" Xia Lin replied, shaking her head.
"Oh, really? An uncle of mine wants to treat everyone to dinner tomorrow. What do you think?" Zheng Qingya said.
"Would it be too much for so many of us to go?" Xia Lin asked, surprised.
"Hehe... It's not too much. He just called and said he'd be happy if everyone came. I need to reply to him," Zheng Qingya said with a smile.
"Alright, but if it's too much trouble, then forget it," Xia Lin said.
"It's not trouble. I'll notify him then," Zheng Qingya said happily.
"Okay, sure," Xia Lin nodded.
With Xia Lin's agreement, Zheng Qingya quickly sent a message to Qu Mingwei.
Zheng Qingya: Uncle Qu, we'll all come for dinner tomorrow. There are 11 of us in total. One person has a special and very important identity. I'll tell you more tomorrow.
Qu Mingwei: Alright, I'll arrange a restaurant then.
Zheng Qingya: Okay, Uncle Qu, see you tomorrow.
Qu Mingwei looked at the message from Zheng Qingya and fell into thought. Someone with a special identity? Very important?
Could it be Long Aotian?
If so, their identity would truly be special.