CHAPTER 168: CHAPTER 168 SHAME

After receiving Jiang Zhixun’s instructions, it didn’t take long for Madam Jiang to visit Shen Qingqing at school.

She came bearing large bags full of things.

There was milk powder, snacks, candies, and other treats.

There were also ink and notebooks. "These are things you often use. I saw them and just bought them."

Fifty yuan was considered a "fortune," and since her son had spoken, Madam Jiang thought it best to spend it on the young couple.

Otherwise, keeping the money felt like holding a hot potato.

Whatever wasn’t spent, she planned to save it and return it to Qingqing at a later opportunity.

Shen Qingqing was bemused, "The school will distribute these items uniformly, you don’t need to buy them for me."

Madam Jiang knew about the school subsidies but hadn’t considered this point at the time.

"I thought they only provided living stipends."

Shen Qingqing replied, "They also issue office supplies. I’ll accept them this time, but there’s no need for you to bring them again in the future."

Madam Jiang nodded repeatedly, expressing sincere admiration, "You have such good benefits. If only they could allocate housing too, then there’d be nothing left to worry about."

Shen Qingqing also longed for a house.

After all, she needed to establish roots in Beijing and couldn’t live without a stable residence.

"I’ll work hard and strive to secure housing as soon as possible."

Having a house—this was a big deal.

Madam Jiang hoped Shen Qingqing would reconcile with her son so they could live back in the compound.

But if Shen Qingqing could secure a house through her own efforts, Madam Jiang would be genuinely happy for her.

As a woman herself, she understood how empowering it was to have a home of one’s own.

With a teasing smile, she said, "Then we’ll wait for your good news. If you do get a house, we’ll need to host a couple of tables at a restaurant to celebrate your housewarming!"

Shen Qingqing was amused.

She didn’t have many friends or relatives, so if she truly got a house, just inviting people over for a meal at home would suffice.

"Thank you for your kind words; I hope it comes true soon."

"It definitely will. You’re so capable."

In Madam Jiang’s eyes, any woman who could teach and nurture others was impressive.

And one who could speak several foreign languages was exceptional.

Thinking back, she recalled how she once wanted Shen Qingqing to give up her career, move to the Northwest to follow the troops, and have a few children. The thought made Madam Jiang feel ashamed.

During that period, she even had a cold war with others to pressure Qingqing into submission.

Her attitude was all wrong—nose in the air, eyes glaring...

The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed Madam Jiang felt.

She didn’t know if Shen Qingqing had any memories of those unpleasant times.

Nor did she dare to ask.

She could only feign ignorance, act as if nothing had happened, and move beyond it.

Had she succeeded back then, Qingqing’s career wouldn’t have flourished, and there wouldn’t be the happy days she had now.

Madam Jiang dared not meet Shen Qingqing’s eyes anymore.

She asked, "I’m an outsider here—can I eat at your cafeteria? I also want to see what a university cafeteria looks like."

Shen Qingqing nodded, "Of course, you can. I haven’t eaten yet either; let’s go together."

Initially, she had planned to take Madam Jiang out to a restaurant.

But since Madam Jiang herself made the suggestion, Shen Qingqing naturally wanted to meet the elder’s expectations.

The cafeteria offered a wide variety of dishes, so it wouldn’t disappoint Madam Jiang.

After putting away their belongings, the two of them headed to the cafeteria together.

Along the way, they encountered energetic young students, and Madam Jiang felt her mood brighten considerably.

She said wistfully, "This job is truly wonderful. If I were young again, I’d want to experience what it’s like to be a teacher."

Shen Qingqing teased, "If you went into teaching, Brother Zhixun and I might not have been as well taken care of."

Madam Jiang instantly regained her confidence and sense of fulfillment.

Taking care of her family—that was her career, wasn’t it?

Laughing and chatting, the two made their way to the cafeteria, which turned out to be just as Shen Qingqing described: the dishes were diverse, and the portions were generous.

Madam Jiang tried the food and was satisfied.

She thought to herself that Zhixun needn’t worry anymore—so long as Qingqing ate on time, she certainly wouldn’t starve or lose weight.

After the meal, Shen Qingqing gave Madam Jiang a tour of the school.

Worried about disrupting her work or rest, Madam Jiang didn’t stay too long. "I brought the bicycle for you; it’s downstairs. As soon as Zhixun got home the other day, he repaired it and specifically asked me to deliver it to you."

Shen Qingqing said, "I’m at school, so I rarely use it. You can ride it when you go out—it’s better left in the compound."

That day, the mention of riding a bicycle had been merely an excuse to get rid of Jiang Zhixun.

Madam Jiang waved her hand, "I’m getting old, I don’t go out often, and I don’t have the stamina for cycling anymore. It’s better left with you—things are only worthwhile when they’re put to use."

This was a bicycle purchased during Shen Qingqing and Jiang Zhixun’s marriage. It essentially belonged to her.

Even the sewing machine remained back at home in storage.

If not for Shen Qingqing’s tiny dorm room being overcrowded, Madam Jiang would have brought those items over too.

Qingqing had deft hands and an excellent aesthetic sense.

She used to love crafting small items, and having a sewing machine would make things much more convenient.

"You must stay attentive about applying for housing—occasionally sound out your superiors. Once housing is allocated, you can add more furniture. With a kitchen, it’ll be easy to cook when you’re hungry."

Shen Qingqing responded earnestly to each point, "Got it."

Once everything was said, Madam Jiang finally left the school.

They were both in Beijing, and Madam Jiang knew Qingqing’s office phone number, so she could contact her if anything came up later.

After seeing Madam Jiang off, Shen Qingqing followed the tip and found her bicycle downstairs.

The tires were pumped, and the chain was in good condition.

With a mocking hum, she thought: that man caused the damage himself, and then fixed it himself. He’s grown older but still full of antics.

Childish!

The military base.

Jiang Zhixun suddenly sneezed.

A fellow soldier asked with concern, "Captain Jiang, are you feeling unwell?"

Jiang Zhixun shook his head, "I’m fine."

He had a trial flight coming up, which required not only expertise but also excellent physical fitness. He needed to maintain peak professionalism.

Jiang Zhixun touched his nose and, out of nowhere, thought of Shen Qingqing.

At this time, what could she be doing?

Every time he thought of Shen Qingqing, Jiang Zhixun’s expression softened, almost becoming tender to the point of melting.

His comrades teased him, "Captain Jiang, are you seeing someone? Where’s your girlfriend from, and when will you introduce us to her?"

Jiang Zhixun’s expression showed a brief flash of awkwardness. "She hasn’t agreed yet."

"Seriously? Captain Jiang can’t win over a woman?"

At the base, Jiang Zhixun was quite a catch.

His family background was exceptional, and he himself had achieved so much—completing numerous high-difficulty missions.

And he was undeniably handsome—the kind of man many women admired.

Even though he was over thirty, quite a few women were still pursuing him.

This time, Jiang Zhixun didn’t hide his feelings.

"Not only can’t I win her over, but back then, she also insisted on divorcing me." Jiang Zhixun’s tone carried a hint of grievance.

In the past, he couldn’t have imagined that one day Shen Qingqing would turn him down, turning him into a divorced man!

His divorce wasn’t a secret—many people knew about it.

"So you’re still chasing your ex-wife?!"

Jiang Zhixun lifted his eyelids slightly. "Who else do you think?"

Other than Shen Qingqing, there wasn’t any other woman in his life...

Someone teased him, "Captain Jiang, turns out you’re quite the lover boy!"