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When Chen Sinan saw Zuo Dan, she paused for a moment. She felt like she had seen her somewhere before but couldn’t remember where. After thinking it over, she decided it was impossible that she had met Zuo Dan before—after all, she had grown up abroad, so how could she have encountered her?
She sized Zuo Dan up, thinking she just looked slightly prettier than average, but nothing particularly outstanding.
“You’re Zuo Dan?”
Zuo Dan gave a mocking laugh. “Classmate, aren’t you just asking the obvious? You just had our teacher call me down here. If I’m not Zuo Dan, what would I be doing here? Didn’t you come to apologize? Hurry up then, I’ve got class to get back to.”
Zuo Dan had no interest in being polite to someone so unpleasant.
Hearing this, Chen Sinan’s expression changed. “Is this how you people behave? Talking to others in that kind of tone?”
Zuo Dan sneered, “Of course I use that tone when dealing with people with no manners. You had the nerve to openly pursue my husband—clearly you have no moral standards or basic decency. So don’t expect others to be decent to you.”
Chen Sinan was furious. She had come to apologize, yet ended up being humiliated instead.
Seeing her grit her teeth in anger, Zuo Dan smirked. “Didn’t you come to apologize? I’m listening. If you don’t say it, I’m leaving.”
Chen Sinan really didn’t want to apologize. It felt humiliating to apologize to someone like this. But when she thought of Chen Zhisen, she didn’t dare not apologize—otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to explain herself at home.
Her eyes turned red, her face stubborn, looking like she had suffered a huge injustice.
Seeing her like that, Zuo Dan felt disgusted and turned to leave.
Wasting time on someone like this was just meaningless.
“Wait, I haven’t finished talking yet!” Chen Sinan hurriedly called out.
Zuo Dan turned around. “What is it? Are you going to apologize?”
“That’s right,” Chen Sinan gritted her teeth.
Zuo Dan pointed to the school bulletin board. “Since you made a public declaration to pursue my husband for the whole school to see, now that you’re apologizing to me, it should also be public. I don’t mind that your handwriting is ugly—just write it yourself and post it on the board. Make sure it’s in your own handwriting—I remember it very clearly.”
With that, she turned and headed upstairs.
“Zuo Dan, wait! Zuo Dan—” Chen Sinan shouted after her, but Zuo Dan didn’t even turn her head.
Back in the classroom upstairs, Chen Pingping came over to her and asked, “Was that Chen Sinan just now, coming to apologize? My fifth uncle made her come. Did you accept her apology?”
Zuo Dan said, “Have you ever seen someone apologize while looking at you like you’re their sworn enemy? Your cousin came to apologize, but her whole face was filled with contempt, like she was looking at someone she hated.”
Although she didn’t want to entangle with Chen Sinan personally, that didn’t mean she wouldn’t twist the knife. When it came to her enemies, she never missed a chance to strike.
Hearing this, Chen Pingping frowned. “She really doesn’t know how to repent. I’ll definitely tell my fifth uncle about this. And she’s not my cousin—just someone my fifth uncle adopted,” she said, clearly unwilling to acknowledge any family tie with Chen Sinan.
Zuo Dan thought for a moment and couldn’t help but comment, “Honestly, your uncle has pretty poor judgment. Why would he adopt someone like her?”
“…” Chen Pingping sighed. “It couldn’t be helped. I was young back then, just heard the adults talking. Chen Sinan’s parents saved my fifth uncle’s life, so he raised their children as repayment. After they came to our home, the younger ones in the family rejected the siblings, so my uncle went ahead and officially adopted them. They’re considered half-members of the Chen family now.”
“They saved your fifth uncle?”
“Yeah, back then he jumped off a train and almost died. Her parents happened to find him. I don’t know the exact details—the adults don’t like to talk about the past. I usually don’t share this with others, but I feel like I have a connection with you,” Chen Pingping said, then looked closely at Zuo Dan. “Zuo Dan, are you really not from Nánjiāng?”
Zuo Dan was still wondering why her fifth uncle would jump off a train. Hearing the question, she thought about how they were now classmates, and it wouldn’t be easy to hide something like that. Being too evasive would only make others suspicious. So she replied, “My hometown is in Nánjiāng.”
Chen Pingping immediately looked surprised. “But you said you’re from Beijing City.”
“That’s right. My household registration is in Beijing City now,” Zuo Dan replied calmly. That wasn’t a lie.
Chen Pingping nodded—it made sense. But… “If you’re really from Nánjiāng, then are you from the provincial capital…”
“My family are genuine farmers—three generations of poor peasants. I’m not from the provincial capital. Our hometown is about six or seven hours away from there by car. Some people in our village have never even been to the provincial capital in their entire lives. I only moved there after marrying my husband,” Zuo Dan said with a smile.
“I see…” Chen Pingping felt a little conflicted. She wasn’t sure whether she hoped Zuo Dan was connected to that person or not.
Even though her feelings were mixed, she still went home and told Chen Zhisen that Chen Sinan hadn’t actually apologized.
Chen Sinan had been planning to complain about Zuo Dan, but when she heard Chen Pingping tell on her, she got anxious. “She was the one who was rude!”
Chen Pingping shot her a glare. “Nonsense. Everyone in our class praises Zuo Dan for being gracious and tolerant. She even shows goodwill to people who’ve wronged her before. If she were really rude, the day you posted that love letter, she would’ve gone straight into the classroom and beaten you up.”
“Dad, I really wanted to apologize, but that Zuo Dan went too far. She actually made me write an apology letter and post it on the school bulletin board,” Chen Sinan said aggrievedly. She had never been humiliated like this, not even in America.
Chen Zhisen sat quietly. After hearing her out, he looked up and said, “Since it’s an apology, of course, it should be done according to the other party’s request. Write the apology letter tomorrow.”
“Dad, why? I’ll have no face left after this!” Chen Sinan protested.
Chen Zhisen stood up, his expression serious. “When you make a mistake, you must be prepared to take responsibility for it. After this, take it as a lesson and don’t make the same mistake again. Sinan, you’re already an adult. There are some principles I shouldn’t have to keep teaching you.”
With that, he leaned on his cane and went upstairs to his study.
Chen Pingping hurried to follow him.
As soon as Chen Zhisen sat down in his study, he saw Chen Pingping sneak in after him. “Do you have something else you want to talk to me about?”
“Fifth Uncle, I just thought it’s been a while since I had a proper chat with you,” Chen Pingping said, sitting across from him at the desk.
Chen Zhisen rang a small bell, signaling the housekeeper to bring up a cup of hot tea and some snacks for Chen Pingping.
Once the tea and snacks were served, he pushed the plate of snacks toward her and started sipping tea while reading the newspaper.
Chen Pingping took a small bite of a pastry and said, “Fifth Uncle, do you think it’s possible for two people in this world to look exactly alike?”
Chen Zhisen took a sip of tea and answered seriously, “From a scientific perspective, even identical twins have differences, so it’s impossible to be completely the same.”
“I mean highly similar. Like someone who, at a glance, looks just like another person,” she exaggerated.
Chen Zhisen nodded. “Yes, the world is vast and full of wonders.” Then he asked curiously, “Why are you suddenly asking me this kind of question?”
Chen Pingping had wanted to talk about Zuo Dan, but suddenly didn’t know how to bring it up. Was she supposed to say she had found someone who looked just like his late wife? What good would it do to bring that up? That person wasn’t really her, and it would only stir up painful memories for her uncle.
She cautiously asked, “Fifth Uncle, have you really decided never to remarry?”
Chen Zhisen paused with the teacup in hand and smiled. “Pingping, at my age, it’s not really appropriate to be discussing such things.”
“But you’re still young, Fifth Uncle.”
He smiled faintly. “I still have many things to do—building the nation, supporting the Chen family… there’s a lot to keep me busy. You, on the other hand, should stop worrying about these things and focus on your studies. Become successful early, and make my life a little easier.”
Chen Pingping felt her eyes sting. She stood up and said, “Fifth Uncle, I’m going to read now,” then opened the door and left.
Only after she was gone did Chen Zhisen slowly put his teacup down, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes.
“Zhisen, when will you be back? I’m a little scared.”
“Don’t be afraid, I’ll be back soon. When I return, we’ll hold our wedding ceremony and get married. After you graduate from university, we’ll live in the capital together.”
Chen Zhisen’s breathing gradually grew heavier. He opened his eyes, reached into the drawer for a bottle of pills, poured some out, and swallowed them with his tea.
Chen Sinan really didn’t want to write that apology letter. When Chen Nianjiang came back, she immediately began to complain, saying that Chen Zhisen was being increasingly harsh with her and didn’t consider her situation at all.
“Nan, if Dad told you to write it, then write it. Don’t talk back to him anymore,” Chen Nianjiang said seriously.
“Brother, I’m the one being bullied here! That person is obviously targeting me, and even Chen Pingping is siding with outsiders, saying bad things about me in front of Dad!” Chen Sinan was furious.
Chen Nianjiang said, “Dad has already asked Xiao Qiu to publish a notice in the newspaper to search for our biological parents.”
The next day, Zuo Dan saw the apology letter posted on the bulletin board. She looked it over with satisfaction, then wrote a comment underneath: “Good attitude in admitting fault. Hope you can correct your mistakes!”
After the crowd at school saw it, many felt that Zuo Dan was really magnanimous. Even at a time like this, she still remembered to carry out ideological education. She truly lived up to her role as a responsible student leader.
After class, a group of girls surrounded Zuo Dan, discussing the apology letter, when Professor Qin came over and called her into the office.
Seeing her walk off with Professor Qin, everyone looked on with envy. Everyone wanted to be favored by a teacher, but very few in the class received such treatment.
Inside the office, Professor Qin looked at Zuo Dan with a smile. Every teacher hopes to have a prized student, and as a female teacher, Professor Qin naturally hoped hers would be a girl. Zuo Dan was the most outstanding female student she had met in years—sharp, broad-minded, talented, determined, and diligent in her studies. She was even good-looking and likable.
No matter how she looked at her, she was satisfied.
Zuo Dan felt a little nervous under Professor Qin’s gaze, so she spoke up on her own, “Professor Qin, I’ve recently been reading some books on Western education and have developed a few new ideas. I’m planning to write another article analyzing our school system. I’m still in the process of organizing my thoughts.”
Professor Qin smiled approvingly. “Very good. Young people should have ideas. Oh, by the way, there’s a conference at the end of the year. While we won’t be able to enter the main venue, we can listen in from outside. Come with me then. There may be some senior educators present—listening to them will benefit your future greatly.”
The year-end conference? Zuo Dan didn’t react immediately. Her mind turned a few times, then her eyes suddenly lit up.
To be part of such a historic moment—no, even if it was just sitting in as an observer, that was still something worth remembering for a lifetime!
She immediately raised one hand and solemnly vowed, “Teacher Qin, Professor Qin, don’t worry. I will definitely prepare thoroughly and won’t embarrass you. When the time comes, I’ll listen attentively, learn diligently, and won’t let down your expectations and guidance.” After speaking, she hugged Professor Qin directly. “You’re too good to me!”
Professor Qin chuckled happily. This student usually appeared so composed, but in private, she was actually quite adorable.
After lunch at home, Zuo Dan started bragging to Shen Yiming.
“Comrade Yiming, starting today, I’m going to be super busy. No wait—I’ve always been busy, but from now on, I’ll be even busier.”
Shen Yiming was playing with Shen Youyou. The two were pushing a little basketball back and forth, having a great time. Hearing this, he looked up and asked, “What now? Another grand goal?”
“It’s not a goal—it’s our Professor Qin’s expectations for me. Hehe, that conference you’re attending? I’m going too. Even though I’ll only be listening from the outside, it’s still considered a close encounter.”
As she spoke, Zuo Dan gleefully hugged her son and gave him a kiss. “Isn’t Mama amazing? Super amazing!”
Shen Youyou loved it when Mama kissed him. It smelled nice. So he fawningly said, “Mama is super amazing!” Though he didn’t really know what it meant. Still, if Mama said it with a smile, it had to be something good.
Zuo Dan beamed. “See? Even my son says I’m amazing.”
Shen Yiming raised his eyebrows and gave Shen Youyou a glance. He already understood the little guy’s tricks. “Say something else to him—say, ‘Shen Youyou is naughty,’ but say it while smiling.”
Zuo Dan puffed up her cheeks and smiled, “Youyou is naughty.”
Shen Youyou giggled, “Mama is naughty!”
Shen Yiming burst out laughing. “This little guy is smarter than I thought.”
“……”
Zuo Dan’s mouth twitched. This kid was getting less and less adorable. She needed to have another one!
Even though she knew she could only observe from outside, Zuo Dan still prepared with all her might. She was worried that something unexpected might happen, so she had to be mentally prepared. She especially loved quoting classics and making long, eloquent speeches that left people stunned.
So, every day after school, she borrowed books from the library to read at home.
Chen Pingping was impressed by her intense effort. “Zuo Dan, aren’t you tired working this hard every day?”
Zuo Dan replied with a look of contentment, “Not tired. In books, you find beauties as fine as jade; in books, you find houses full of gold. The joy of reading is boundless.”
But deep down she was screaming: Tired! I’m tired like a dog!
Chen Pingping sighed. “No wonder my fifth uncle wanted us to come back and study. Even though there’s still a gap in knowledge between domestic and overseas education, this kind of spirit—you rarely see it abroad. Zuo Dan, I’ve decided to learn from you! Though sadly, I won’t be in this class for much longer. Next year, I’ll transfer to Hua University to study physics. That’s my true major.”
Zuo Dan immediately felt like fate was playing games again—Zuo Cong was in the physics department! All this shifting around, and they still ended up around each other. She sighed deeply.
“I know you’ll miss me,” Chen Pingping comforted her. “Don’t worry. The two schools are so close. I’ll come visit often.” She genuinely liked this friend now. Although she first approached Zuo Dan because of her appearance, she now truly felt Zuo Dan was a worthy friend.
Zuo Dan: “…Focus on your studies.”
Starting in December, the weather began to turn cold. Zuo Dan was already bundled up in a thick military coat.
Knowing that the capital had entered winter, Zuo Dacheng even called the school specifically, saying he wanted to mail them some quilts.
Zuo Dan laughed and said, “Dad, don’t worry. We’ve got everything at home. Besides, we’re going back for the New Year break soon, so we’ll just bring stuff with us next time.”
“That’s good. Oh right, Dandan, your mom said you and Yiming are going to some kind of conference? Is that true? I heard there will be a lot of big leaders!”
Zuo Dacheng sounded so happy.
“It’s true, but we definitely won’t be meeting any leaders. We’ll just be outside, soaking up the atmosphere. Our teacher said it’s to broaden our horizons and make sure we won’t get stage fright in the future.”
Zuo Dacheng was thrilled and proud. “My girl, don’t let your teachers down. Take it seriously. Oh, and next year I’ll be going to the provincial capital for studies too. Your dad is going to gain some knowledge!”
“Huh? Dad, what’s going on?” Zuo Dan asked in surprise.
Zuo Dacheng laughed. “It’s a training class for cadres. Folks like me, with little education, need to get some training. I heard they’ll even give us some kind of Marxist material. Your dad’s going to make progress.”
“Dad, you’re amazing! When we go back for the New Year, I’ll make Yiming drink a few extra cups with you!” Zuo Dan flattered him immediately.
Shen Yiming, listening beside her, raised an eyebrow and smiled.
Not wanting to hog the shared phone resources for too long, they said a few more words before hanging up.
Zuo Dan and Shen Yiming walked out of the student office together. She tightened the scarf around her neck and said, “I think my dad’s call wasn’t really about the quilt—he just wanted to tell me that he’s leveling up.”
Shen Yiming chuckled, “It hasn’t been easy for your dad to get to this point.”
Then remembering something, he looked at Zuo Dan. “I heard from Teacher Zhang that Mr. Chen will be attending too. Be sure to steer clear.”
Zuo Dan tapped her own nose. “What’s my name?”
“Zuo Dan.”
“Exactly. I’m a Zuo!” She smiled, then hooked her arm through his and walked forward. It was too cold—being close to this walking heater was definitely more comfortable.
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