Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

Chapter 207: Cutting Peach Blossom

"Sure, Brother Song Yi." Let's cut to the chase quickly, especially since we're from the same village and see each other all the time. There's no need to strain our relationship.

The Song family is reasonable. When Ting Nan learned to swim, Song Yi's father, the village chief, strongly supported it, and in the end, all the children in the village benefited.

Upon hearing the title "Brother Song Yi," Song Yi knew he probably had no chance, but... he still had to give it a shot!

"Tingnan! I..."

“Brother Song Yi, the wind is picking up. Look at those trees, the leaves are all being blown eastward,” Ting Nan interrupted.

Song Yi looked at the trees by the roadside; indeed, the wind was a bit strong.

"Brother Song Yi, the direction of a tree is determined by the wind, but the direction of a person can be determined by ourselves!"

“Ting Nan, I understand what you mean. We… you can continue your studies according to your own wishes.”

“Brother Song Yi, you’re thinking too simply. Maybe things will be okay for the first year or two, but then it’ll be endless arguments.” Although Ting Nan was young, she had seen a lot of family squabbles. She hated those trivial matters and thought they were a waste of life, so she wanted to avoid them from the start.

Song Yi didn't understand: "How could that be? My parents both like you very much, and they are reasonable people."

“I know that your whole family are good people. As village officials, Uncle Dazhuang and Aunt Dazhuang are both very good! But people can’t withstand waiting and testing.”

“Tingnan, believe me! My parents will support us too. I believe in you too. We grew up together, we understand each other, and we will definitely be happy in the future, just like Teacher Zuo and the others.” Song Yi tried to persuade Tingnan.

Ting Nan said very seriously, "Brother Song Yi, that's different. We're not children anymore, let's be realistic. You know, I'll be going to high school in the city, and I won't have time to come home during my studies. Who will pay for the tuition and other expenses for three years of high school in the city? And I'll continue my studies after graduating from high school. Go back and ask your uncle and aunt, I'm really not suitable for your family."

Song Yi was torn. He didn't want to give up, but he knew his parents, especially his mother, who was always calculating. She knew Song Tingnan was smart and good at business, and she often talked about how Uncle Wanli's family was made successful by Tingnan. She wanted him to pay more attention, saying that marrying Tingnan would be like bringing home a "golden baby," saving him years of hard work.

But it's impossible for them to invest in Tingnan's education for the first three years, or even several years afterward. They'll only try to "tie" Tingnan to Songjia Village, making her have children. How can that be? He genuinely loves this self-reliant girl; her future should be bright, not burdened by family troubles. How can he bear to clip her wings?

"Ting Nan, maybe you're right, we're not a good match. I wish you all the best in your future, and thank you for giving me the 'friend card'!" Song Yi forced a smile. At this moment, he was beginning to understand the kind of feeling in Hong Kong dramas where 'letting go is also a kind of love,' and he felt heartbroken and sad.

Watching Song Yi's departing figure, Ting Nan did not try to stop him. It was good that things had been clarified like this.

She could imagine the chaos that would ensue after marrying Song Yi. He was already not on the same wavelength as her, and on top of that, his shrewd in-laws... Her uncle would definitely get involved, and life would be a complete mess.

"Xiaojuan, how could you talk about Song Yi in front of Master Gao and the others?" Song Wanli was a little angry.

"Brother, can't we say it? Master Gao and Factory Director Mu and his wife are truly in love with Ting Nan, aren't they?"

"Of course I know they are sincere towards Tingnan, but they are just too sincere in their concern for Tingnan."

"Brother, what do you mean? You don't agree with their opinions? I don't understand."