RGL – Chapter 195

Three years later, Su Min’s “flying trapeze” life finally ended.

For most of those three years, she had stayed in Jiangcheng with her parents, helping run Rongfang Supermarket.

Now, the supermarket had expanded significantly, with branches across many central cities. Su Min, however, had no plans to keep expanding. She wasn’t greedy for wealth—as long as they had enough, that was fine. And her energy was limited; she couldn’t juggle both sides endlessly.

Su Changrong, too, didn’t want her to exhaust herself over the supermarket. He wanted her to live the life she desired.

“For me and your mother to have built something like this—it’s more than we ever dreamed of. We’re satisfied. From now on, let Jiang Ping handle the business. You should go back to City B and focus on your own career. These past years, you’ve already sacrificed enough for us.”

Sun Qiufang also chimed in, “Your father’s right. Don’t let this distract you from your real path. Xue Mian has been waiting for you all this time. Even your Grandpa Xue called the other day, asking when the wedding will be. I’ll say this now: I’ve already decided on Xue Mian as my son-in-law. You need to hurry up and get this done, or I won’t agree!”

This time, Su Changrong didn’t object. Over the years, he’d come to see that Xue Mian truly was a good man, worthy of his precious daughter.

Flustered, Su Min muttered, “He hasn’t even brought it up yet—why are you all rushing? We’ll talk about it when he does.”

She definitely wasn’t going to blurt out anything silly again.

By the time she returned to City B, it was already afternoon. She got a call from Xue Mian, saying he was heading out of town for work and couldn’t pick her up. Though a little disappointed, she understood—it was for his job.

She planned to rest at home for the day, but then Liao Zhaodi called, saying there was something urgent at the company.

Knowing Zhaodi wouldn’t call unless it was important, she didn’t dare delay. She dropped her bags and took a cab to the office.

Usually by that time, the company would be almost ready to close for the day. But when Su Min arrived at the entrance, she found the building completely dark, not a single light on.

She frowned. Could there be a power outage?

Once they entered the office lobby, something immediately felt off. Not only were the lights off, but even the curtains had been drawn. The room was pitch-black, making it hard to see clearly. Most importantly—there wasn’t a single person in sight. “Zhaodi?”

Suddenly, the door slammed shut behind her. Su Min jumped in fright. Before she could turn around, the overhead lights flicked on.

In an instant, the whole room lit up.

Su Min squinted against the brightness and saw that everyone from the company was there. The office was decorated with sparkling, colorful streamers and flowers. “What were you all doing just now? You really scared me.”

Zhaodi beamed. “You can’t blame us, we were entrusted with this.”

“That’s right, blame the one behind it, not us,” Tian Mi quickly added.

Su Min raised a brow. “Who?”

Everyone just smiled in silence and automatically parted to open a path. Only then did Su Min see the man standing behind them, slowly walking forward with a bouquet of flowers in his arms.

“Xue Mian? Weren’t you on a business trip?”

Watching him approach so solemnly, Su Min’s heart suddenly began to race for no reason. A certain guess was already forming clearly in her mind.

Xue Mian’s expression was earnest, though the faint sheen of sweat on his forehead betrayed his nerves.

He took a deep breath, then dropped to one knee.

Su Min was so startled she nearly stumbled back. The people around them burst into laughter and cheers.

She stared at him, lips trembling as though to speak, but no words came out. Her face burned hot like fire, her heart thumping louder and louder in her chest.

Xue Mian took out a ring and gently held her left hand.

“This lifetime, I only ask one thing of you—marry me, and be my wife. No matter what happens in the future, I’ll face it with you. I want to make you happy, joyful, and blessed…”

At this time, public proposals with flowers and kneeling weren’t yet popular. So just a few sincere words from Xue Mian had already moved the young women nearby to tears. They were practically wishing they could answer on Su Min’s behalf.

But this was the first time in both her lives that Su Min had experienced such a thing. She was completely dazed, staring at Xue Mian with her mouth half-open.

It wasn’t until the crowd stirred noisily that she finally snapped out of it. “Let’s… talk about it later, when we get back.”

There were just too many people here…

But Xue Mian wasn’t about to let go. He slipped the ring onto her finger in one swift motion. “You already agreed before. You can’t go back on it now.”

His shameless way of proposing left Su Min fuming. So the romantic speech just now was only for show—he’d already decided everything on his own!

Although helpless, she didn’t reject him. Instead, she pouted at him.

Xue Mian understood her well and knew she’d accepted in her heart. He stood up, swept her into his arms, and spun her around once. “Ohhh—!”

Su Min pounded on him in protest, and once he finally set her down, she muttered, “How could you do this in front of so many people?”

“I had no choice. I was afraid that if it were just the two of us, you’d refuse me. So we made a plan: if you didn’t agree, you wouldn’t be allowed to leave today.”

Two male colleagues chimed in, “The doors are already locked.”

Su Min shot him a glare, smiling despite herself. “Rogue!”

Xue Mian grinned smugly. “If I weren’t a little shameless, how else could I marry my wife?”

Zhaodi laughed. “Alright, you can unlock the door now. Everyone’s waiting for the meal. We all put in effort today—someone promised to treat us, remember?”

Only then did Su Min realize the reason these people had “betrayed” her—they’d all been bribed with a meal.

Xue Mian’s proposal wasn’t a surprise to Su Changrong and Sun Qiufang; they had known long in advance. So when Su Min called them to mention the marriage, Sun Qiufang wasn’t the least bit surprised. She even said, “I’ve already discussed it with the Xue family. First, you two will hold a ceremony over there. Then, when you return, we’ll hold another one here. Your father and I already picked out the invitations, and your uncle’s hotel has a huge banquet hall reserved.”

“Mom, when did you even find out? How are you moving so fast?”

“Oh, just the day before you left. Xue Mian personally called and said he wanted to propose to you himself, and asked for our permission. Tell me, isn’t this child thoughtful? Even a proposal, he wanted our blessing first. How could we possibly refuse?”

“…”

Grandpa Xue had known even earlier than Sun Qiufang and Su Changrong. The next day, when Su Min went with Xue Mian to the Xue household for dinner, all of the relatives—seven aunts, eight uncles, and more—were gathered.

Grandma Xue was overjoyed. Though her legs were weak, she held onto Su Min the entire time, introducing her proudly to everyone. “This is my granddaughter-in-law. She’s truly capable, a good girl. Not just anyone could compare.”

Seeing how highly Grandpa and Grandma Xue valued her, the other relatives naturally looked at Su Min with new respect. Her looks and temperament were admirable, and hearing that her family ran a chain of supermarkets while she herself owned a clothing company at such a young age impressed them further. Everyone was optimistic about this marriage, their words filled with praise.

In the middle of the meal, Xue Jun suddenly came home.

Seeing the house full of guests, he looked somewhat awkward. Spotting Grandpa Xue, he greeted, “Dad.”

“Since you’re back, sit down and eat with us,” Grandpa Xue said, without much else.

The relatives, familiar with the Xue family’s affairs, kept silent. In their hearts, they all blamed Xue Jun for being unfilial—forgetting his parents after marrying, always quarreling with the family. Now that his own son was about to get married, he hadn’t even returned with his wife. Coming home alone, at least, was better than nothing. But one day, when he grew old, he might regret it.

Seated, Xue Jun looked at Xue Mian, then at Su Min. Su Min knew he and Li Aiyun didn’t like her much, so she didn’t know how to address him either.

Still, the meal went by harmoniously. Afterward, the relatives either left or followed Grandma Xue to the garden, chatting about how they could help with the wedding.

Su Min accompanied them, chatting alongside Grandma Xue. Meanwhile, Grandpa Xue called Xue Mian and Xue Jun into the study.

“Xue Mian is going to marry Su Min. Whether you and Aiyun agree or not, it won’t change a thing. If you still want some dignity, come and preside over the wedding. If you don’t care anymore, then just pretend nothing’s happening.”

Hearing this, Xue Jun looked toward his son, only to see Xue Mian’s face remain impassive. His heart ached slightly—his own son was getting married, yet as a father, he was the last to know.

“Dad, don’t worry. I have no objections. As for Aiyun, I’ll speak to her.”

Grandpa Xue hadn’t expected him to agree so quickly. Somewhat satisfied, he nodded. “Good. As for the wedding banquet, don’t trouble yourselves. I’ll arrange everything.”

This made it abundantly clear that he no longer regarded Xue Jun and his wife as Xue Mian’s true family.

Although Xue Jun felt a little wronged, he didn’t dare say anything. These past few years, he had barely seen his parents or his son, and even when they met, they hardly spoke.

But Aiyun had only become more and more unreasonable over the years, leaving him at a loss.

After returning home, Xue Jun told Li Aiyun about what had happened.

The moment Li Aiyun heard it, she immediately started making a fuss. “I don’t agree with this marriage. I don’t like that girl!”

“Aiyun, don’t be like this, they’re already set on getting married.”

“Married? If I don’t agree, how can they get married?” The moment Li Aiyun thought of Su Min, her mood soured. Her own son was willing to sever ties with her for the sake of that woman—this was something she could not tolerate.

Xue Jun rubbed his face while sitting on the sofa. “Why exactly are you against it? Even if that girl didn’t come from a good family, she’s not any worse than anyone else now.”

“I just don’t like her. If Xue Mian insists on being with her, then I won’t recognize him!”

Li Aiyun was very firm.

Looking at her like this, Xue Jun suddenly remembered the first time he had brought Li Aiyun home to meet his mother. Afterwards, the old lady had also opposed the match. But she had only said one thing: “That girl is proud and arrogant. I don’t want you to be wronged. I don’t really like her.”

Unexpectedly, Li Aiyun had overheard those words. In the end, just to be with her, he had drifted apart from his mother. Decades passed in separation.

Perhaps now he was finally in his parents’ position back then, which was why he could understand their feelings. If Xue Mian really distanced himself from them for decades because of Su Min, could he endure it? His only son might one day not even acknowledge him. Thinking of this possibility, Xue Jun’s chest tightened with unease. Only when people grew old did they truly realize the value of family ties.

He spoke calmly, “Aiyun, if Xue Mian were to treat us the way we treat our parents now, would you feel at ease?”

“What?” Li Aiyun turned to look at him.

“I mean, if Xue Mian really stopped recognizing us, how would you feel? Wouldn’t it hurt—just like it hurt my mother?”

Li Aiyun’s expression changed, but she said nothing.

“You know, these past years I’ve been feeling more and more exhausted. Looking back, I don’t even know what I did, how it all turned out like this. My parents resent me, Xue Mian doesn’t acknowledge me, even my own sister no longer wants to recognize me as her brother. Now with Xue Mian and Su Min’s wedding, it’s like seeing our past all over again. If you insist on opposing this marriage, then our ending will be the same as my parents’. No—worse. At least they still had grandchildren by their side. We’ll have nothing, no children, no grandchildren. Aiyun, do you really want to keep fighting? You’ve fought your whole life—first against my mother, and now against your future daughter-in-law?”

“No, that won’t happen. Xue Mian is my son, he won’t cut ties with me.” But as she spoke, Li Aiyun’s voice grew weaker and weaker.

Xue Jun let out a faint laugh. “Why not? We, as his parents, already set the example. How could he not follow it? And I can’t even blame him for it—it’s something I, as his father, taught him.”

After saying this, he stood up, grabbed his coat and briefcase from the sofa. “I’ll go stay at the base for a few days. I’ll be back when Xue Mian gets married. Whether you go or not, I will.”

After Xue Jun left, Li Aiyun stood alone in the living room for a very long time.

The wedding date for Xue Mian and Su Min was set for the Mid-Autumn Festival in August.

Although they had several months to prepare, since the two of them didn’t know much and the adults at home didn’t help, most of the decisions fell on Su Min and Xue Mian themselves, even though Grandpa Xue had asked relatives to lend a hand.

After several busy months, both had lost weight, but instead of feeling worn out, they were deeply satisfied.

On the wedding day, many guests came—not only Su Min and Xue Mian’s colleagues, but also the Xue family’s relatives, and even the Li family members from abroad returned.

What surprised Su Min the most was that Li Aiyun and Xue Jun actually came. Although Li Aiyun remained silent the entire time, she did not cause trouble, clearly showing her acceptance of the marriage.

After the banquet ended, Grandma Xue pulled Su Min aside to whisper.

“No matter what, since Xue Mian’s mother came today, it means she has accepted you both. You young ones mustn’t hold grudges. As long as she doesn’t make things hard for you, you still need to respect her as your elder—don’t walk down her path.”

Su Min was surprised. She had thought Grandma Xue would be the one who disliked Li Aiyun the most, but unexpectedly, she was the one to speak on her behalf.

Grandma Xue smiled. “Family shouldn’t be divided by grudges. Only then can life be lived smoothly. Mian is stubborn—you should persuade him when you can.”

Although Su Min lacked Grandma Xue’s broad-mindedness, she understood her meaning.

She nodded solemnly. “Grandma, don’t worry. I’ll do my best to get along with them—of course, as long as she doesn’t dislike me anymore.”

Grandma Xue smiled and held her hand. “You’re a good child. No one will dislike you.”

That night, the long-awaited bridal chamber finally arrived.

With Xue Mian feigning drunkenness and acting shameless, Han Lei and the others who were making trouble at the bridal chamber eventually gave up and went off to make merry elsewhere, leaving the bride and groom staring at each other in the room.

Xue Mian quickly locked the door, then turned around carefully to look at Su Min.

Seeing the heat in his eyes, Su Min suddenly realized what was about to happen. Her face grew hot, and she became restless.

“I’ll take a bath first.” Su Min stood up, deciding to calm herself down before embarrassing herself.

When she came out after a thorough wash, Xue Mian was lying on the bed with his eyes closed.

She relaxed a little, tiptoed over, and climbed onto the bed, propping her chin on her hands as she stared at the man beside her.

His long eyelashes, handsome brows, and well-shaped lips softened her heart.

She was married now.

Married to a truly good man.

A man who was not only good-looking and intelligent, but also gave her his whole heart.

She thought maybe she had done some great deed in her past life to deserve this. But when she tried to recall, she couldn’t think of any.

Just as she was lost in thought, suddenly an arm tightened around her waist, and in an instant, her position was flipped—pinned beneath him.

Xue Mian bent his lips in a grin as he looked down at her. “Staring at me for so long—still not enough?”

Su Min’s face flushed red, glaring at him. “Why pretend to sleep if you’re awake?”

“If I hadn’t pretended, would you have come over on your own?” He lowered his head and kissed her.

His lips were soft and warm. When his tongue slipped in, Su Min shivered, feeling the heat between them rising.

After a long bout of kissing and touching, however, Xue Mian seemed at a loss about what to do next.

They broke apart, panting, staring at each other.

Su Min opened her mouth, unable to hold back. “Don’t tell me… you don’t know how?”

For a moment, Xue Mian froze, his face stiffening with embarrassment.

It was the first time Su Min had seen him clueless about anything. She suddenly burst into laughter. “Hahahaha…”

“I don’t need to know—I’ll still manage you just fine!” Xue Mian, flustered and angry, yanked the quilt over them, wrapping them both tightly inside.

Not long after, muffled sounds of pleasure and a man’s triumphant shouts came from under the covers.

Su Min had to admit—when it came to certain things, men were truly self-taught.

Married life turned out much easier than Su Min had imagined.

The couple agreed to stay at the Xue family’s old residence to keep the elders company. Although Li Aiyun and Xue Jun occasionally came for meals, they spoke little, and the family conflict she had feared never materialized.

Later, the two found time to return to the county town where they had attended middle school.

After strolling through the school, Xue Mian drove her to the old eastern district of town.

The houses there were very old due to their age, though still full of people. Seeing the familiar old neighborhood, Su Min felt a pang of emotion. In truth, during her years in the county, she had rarely come here. Because of the near-death experience from her past life, she had always felt uneasy about this place.

“Why did you bring me here?”

With one arm draped over her shoulders, Xue Mian looked at the old houses. “I’m planning to buy up this area for redevelopment. I’m already in talks with the county government.”

Su Min was stunned, staring at him. “You—you’re planning to buy this place?”

“I don’t know, I just want to buy a piece of land here and do something with it. After considering all the options, only this place seemed suitable. Besides, this area has great potential for development—whatever we do, it won’t be a loss. Zheng Kai suggested that we could build a high-rise residential complex.”

“When are you planning to start construction?” Su Min’s eyes lit up with warmth.

“If the deal can be finalized this year, we’ll start preparing next year. Construction should begin the year after.”

Hearing this, Su Min couldn’t hold back anymore—she threw herself tightly into his arms, wrapping both hands around his waist.

“What’s wrong?”

Xue Mian laughed softly as he patted her back. His wife had never once clung to him like this in public.

Su Min buried her face in his chest. “I’m happy.” She really was happy. Everything had truly changed. In her past life, this place had never been redeveloped, even long after, and eventually became a cluster of dangerous, crumbling buildings. But in this life, it was going to change—by Xue Mian’s hand, her husband’s own hand.

Perhaps everything was destined by fate.

When she was thirty, she had silently left this dilapidated place, only to return to the 1980s. And now, standing here once again, she had gained the happiness she had once never dared dream of.

“Husband, thank you.”

She whispered softly.

_{THE END}

_{Our journey with Su Min has come to an end and what a journey it was. I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did.}