Chapter 004: Incompatible Doors and Windows

Is this just this life ...? ... Do I still have to start over with Cao Ying ...? And what will the outcome be ...?

Cao Ying quickly went downstairs and arrived at the bottom of the Peng family's building

Later, Peng Yuanzheng gradually realized a truth: throughout his life, his misfortunes stemmed from being an honest person. Being honest is not the main issue; the key is the lack of a background. Because of his honesty, he was also not adept at speculating or seeking support, and the outcome is predictable

Meng Lin opened the door and saw Cao Ying, and couldn't help but smile, "It's Xiao Ying! Come in, please!"

"Aunt Meng, is Peng Yuanzheng there?" Cao Ying asked softly, her face turning red.

Meng Lin is the cashier at the machinery factory, and since they live in the same residential area, they are naturally quite familiar with each other. Moreover, Cao Ying has always held Meng Lin in high regard, calling her "Aunt Meng" from a distance every time they meet

The selection of outstanding party members and model workers is almost never missed each year. However, when it comes to the critical moment of promotion, he always finds himself left out. Colleagues with similar qualifications have already become section chiefs, while he remains a senior staff member; by the time he finally attains the deputy section level, others have successfully crossed the threshold of deputy county positions, and the gap continues to widen.

She is a remarkably beautiful woman and also writes exceptionally well, so naturally, she has no shortage of admirers in university. However, every time Cao Ying and Tu Shu compare each other to Peng Yuanzheng, this comparison magnifies Peng Yuanzheng's many advantages in her heart

Peng Yuanzheng clearly remembers that his relationship with Cao Ying originated during these few days. After Meng Lin sought a short-sighted solution, it was Cao Ying who accompanied him through the most obscure and painful summer of his life

Fortunately, Peng Yuanzheng had no strong feelings for her; the marriage was primarily for the purpose of continuing the family line. If she left, so be it; he did not take it to heart.

As soon as Liu Fang spoke, Cao Ying's pretty face instantly flushed red

Cao Ying's pretty face turned even redder

Meng Lin smiled and said, "Where is it? The expedition, Xiao Ying has arrived."

Liu Fang snorted, "You little brat, don't think I don't know what you're up to—let me tell you, that Peng Yuanzheng is not suitable for you, and your mother firmly opposes you being with him"

"What use is a prestigious university degree! Without connections or support, in the end, aren't they just sent off to the countryside?" Liu Fang glared, "Mom is doing this for your own good. Besides, he only has one mother, and his family is in such poor condition. Our families are not a match..."

In his previous life, he adhered to his mother's teachings, being humble in his conduct and diligent in his work, never resorting to any underhanded methods. He was known as an honest person and a model of professionalism in the bureaucracy. However, in the realm of officialdom, honest individuals ultimately receive praise but lack substantial positions; despite having excellent interpersonal relationships, his career path was exceptionally unsteady

The past is but a memory. Fortunately, he has been given a chance to start anew, and he has decided to embark on a life path that is entirely different from his previous one

After graduating from university, Cao Ying inadvertently heard Meng Lin mention that Peng Yuanzheng still did not have a girlfriend, which immediately reignited her thoughts.

Cao Ying? Do you need something from me?

"You child... when did you learn to be so glib..." Meng Lin furrowed his brow in some suspicion

Peng Yuanzheng's marriage was also unhappy. He remained unmarried until the age of 30, when he married a Chinese language teacher from a junior high school under the district education bureau. Unfortunately, this marriage lasted even shorter. The woman initially thought he was a government official with power and influence, but after getting married, she discovered that Peng Yuanzheng was actually impoverished. She soon sought a new love and fell into the arms of a wealthy man.

Later, Peng Yuanzheng finally gained admission to a prestigious university in the country, while Cao Ying only attended a top provincial normal university, leading them to be worlds apart. However, even though they were not together at hetushu.com, the feelings that Cao Ying harbored in her heart had never faded away.

"Do you think I can't see through your little schemes?" Liu Fang walked out of the bedroom, her face covered with cucumber slices. "Ordinary classmate? You started inquiring about Peng Yuanzheng as soon as you graduated. Peng Yuanzheng came back yesterday, and you specifically waited downstairs, spoke to him for a couple of minutes, and then took a bus ride around... Do you think your mother is a fool?"

Meng Lin turned around and glared at her son fiercely, reproaching, "You child, how can you speak like that? You are old classmates; can't you just play together when there's nothing else going on?"

You ... ... "Liu Fang stomped her foot fiercely, and the cucumber slices on her face fell off with a plop.

She hesitated for a moment downstairs, but still went upstairs

At this moment, Cao Ying from the neighboring building took a shower at home, changed into a clean and refreshing T-shirt and denim shorts, and then headed outside

Peng Yuanzheng was taken aback for a moment, then immediately revealed his signature simple smile. However, due to a change in his state of mind, this smile carried a hint of weariness.

Cao Ying retorted unhappily, "What about Peng Yuanzheng? He has excelled in both academics and performance since childhood, and he is a student from a prestigious university! Moreover, Peng Yuanzheng and I are just ordinary classmates in the library; what you are saying is completely irrelevant!"

Cao Ying steadied herself at the entrance of the Peng family home and gently knocked on the door

Mom, I have already graduated from university. Why are you still nagging? There's no rush about finding a job; I still have two months. I'm going out to hang out with my classmates.

This is related to her father, Cao Dapeng. Cao Dapeng is the Party Secretary of the Xinan Machinery Factory. Although he is merely a leader of a state-owned enterprise, he possesses considerable connections and has played a crucial role in the allocation of his daughter's job. Otherwise, Cao Ying would have at least a 90% chance of being assigned to a district-level secondary school or even a rural secondary school.

Before Liu Fang could finish speaking, Cao Ying pushed the door open and slammed the security door shut with a loud bang

Her mother, Liu Fang, poked her head out from the bedroom and frowned, saying, "Xiao Ying, you just got back, where are you going again? You have already been assigned to teach at No. 2 Middle School, so why aren't you getting ready? When school starts, how will you teach your students?"

Upon this thought, Peng Yuanzheng could not help but let out a soft sigh

In her impression, her son Peng Yuanzheng is an honest and simple child. Although he lost his kind father at a young age, under his mother's strict guidance, he is knowledgeable, courteous, and eager to learn, belonging to that typical category of upright individuals. However, today, in the presence of the Meng family, Peng Yuanzheng appeared so agitated, his demeanor visibly changed, and his words were sharp and somewhat biting, which made Meng Lin feel unfamiliar.

Peng Yuanzheng shook his head; he had important matters to attend to. As for personal affairs, they could be discussed later.

Peng Yuanzheng was taken aback; how could he not know that Cao Ying had feelings for him? In his previous life, he and Cao Ying had once been together, but due to her parents' strong opposition, they had to part ways midway. Later, Cao Ying was forced to marry the son of a cadre, but less than a year after the marriage, they divorced.

Cao Ying is a high school classmate of Peng Yuanzheng, although her academic performance is slightly inferior to his. She attended a normal university in the province and was assigned to the key secondary school Xin'an No. 2 Middle School upon graduation, which is considered quite good.

She indeed has some feelings for Peng Yuanzheng. During high school, these feelings became quite pronounced. However, at that time, Peng Yuanzheng was entirely focused on his studies, being a top student in school, and he had a strict family upbringing, which made him very averse to early romantic relationships

Peng Yuanzheng walked out of his bedroom. He had just changed his clothes and was preparing to go out when he was quite surprised to see Cao Ying

However, it was already too late for him to understand this principle; age is unforgiving. Having passed the age of 35 and approaching the age of no longer being confused, he had already missed the golden age for promotion