Chapter 1: Good News

He lay there for a while, still feeling restless, tossing and turning, unable to calm down. At that moment, his phone rang. Chu Jiaqiang picked it up and muttered to himself, "What does this kid want?"

After hanging up the phone with Chu Jiaxiong, Chu Jiaqiang called a close colleague, asking him to help request a leave of four to five days. Initially, he intended to ask for a week off, but given the length of the leave, the company would likely not approve it

Although Chu Jiaxiong has not received much formal education, he is generally honest and sensible. Most of his earnings are submitted, and in recent years, working in construction seems to be quite lucrative, with decent wages. The reason is quite simple: the older generation of construction workers is gradually retiring, and many young people are unwilling to endure such hardships, leading to a gradual shortage of construction workers, which naturally drives up wages. It is precisely for this reason that Chu Jiaxiong has managed to save up a dowry.

Chu Jiaqiang couldn't help but smile wryly: I break up, and you get married! Isn't this fate playing tricks on us? However, regardless of the circumstances, I must return to celebrate my brother's important marriage event

Ah... oh! I see! The proprietress then noticed that Chu Jiaqiang's expression was somewhat unsightly, and immediately ceased to speak

This colleague is named Li Quan, and he started working before Chu Jiaqiang. When Chu Jiaqiang first joined, he received considerable support from this colleague. Upon meeting, they quickly felt familiar with each other, and through mutual introductions, they discovered that they were actually from the same city. However, Li Quan lives in the urban area, unlike Chu Jiazha, which is a relatively underdeveloped mountainous region

Lao Er Ye Jisheng, a native of Guanghai, is a second-generation official. According to his account, I am merely a minor official of little significance, hardly worthy of being taken seriously. As for the veracity of the situation, it remains uncertain.

"Alright then, let's leave it at that for now! I still need to take a leave of absence." Chu Jiaqiang did not press further. He had around 70,000 to 80,000 in his account, which was the entirety of his savings accumulated over the years. In the past, he was very concerned about the money he had, but now it seemed unnecessary; he even felt an impulse to spend all of it.

"Forget it, if one cannot share joys and sorrows with oneself, and if it is not one's own path, why should one feel heartbroken?" Chu Jiaqiang consoled himself.

Lao San Zhou Furong, a rather stout individual, boasts that his family has been engaged in education for several generations, with students spread far and wide, thus qualifying as a family of educators. Even in his generation, he still has a younger brother who is preparing to attend a normal school to inherit the family legacy and carry it forward.

A girl suddenly appeared in Chu Jiaqiang's mind, somewhat blurred. She seemed to often tie her long hair into a braid, had big eyes, and was wearing a pair of large shoes

During his university years, Chu Jiaqiang was not only talented and ambitious but also carefree and unconventional. He was in a relationship with a fairly attractive girlfriend. The two of them made a pact to work hard after graduation, live frugally, and strive to save enough for a down payment within two years to purchase a house, and then get married

Alright! In summary, if there’s anything, just give me a shout, don’t always hold on by yourself. By the way, I recently met a few lovely ladies over at the university town, they seem quite nice. How about I introduce a couple to you? I heard that...

In the past, due to being busy with work and with Cai Zhixuan monopolizing the computer upon returning home, Chu Jiaqiang rarely went online. As soon as he logged in, the QQ notification sound rang incessantly. Many were messages from classmates and friends, merely asking trivial questions such as "Where are you making money now?" "How have you been lately?" "When are you getting married?" and so on.

Plans often fail to keep up with changes, and reality can be quite frustrating. It has been over a year since graduation, and Chu Jiaqiang has been working at a well-known company alongside his girlfriend and book friend Cai Zhixuan, living together and flying together, which makes others envious

Haha! Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease. If you're feeling lonely, just give me a call; I'm always here to help you relieve your worries. The fat guy's words have finally become a bit more normal.

Chu Jiaqiang was extremely frustrated; not only did this person fail to offer a word of comfort, but they also delivered such a blow. However, he understood this guy's character, always laughing and joking, never serious. He retorted with irritation: "How can someone who is suicidal chat on the phone with you? You're insane!"

Looking at the desolate house, Chu Jiaqiang let out a self-deprecating smile and casually picked up a photo of two people from the table. After glancing at it, a myriad of emotions surged forth: joy, happiness, pain, anger, disappointment, helplessness... Finally, he tossed it into the trash can and collapsed onto the bed.

Haha! A brother of mine is getting married the day after tomorrow, so I need to go back for a bit and also to relax. It's been over a year since I last went back, and I really miss it. Chu Jiaqiang then realized that since graduating, he had not returned to his hometown.

After finishing his meal, Chu Jiaqiang did not return to his room immediately. Instead, he took advantage of the evening breeze to walk outside for a couple of laps, easing his mood. In the past, whenever he felt down, he would choose to take a solitary walk, enjoying the wind and experiencing the natural world around him

After aimlessly browsing several websites, listening to a few songs, and reading some news, Chu Jiaqiang felt bored and logged off, shutting down the computer in the process

At this moment, the phone rang again. It was a call from the third roommate; typically, there are four people in a university dormitory.

Li Quan was also aware of Chu Jiaqiang's situation; having just broken up, he thought it was a good idea to go home and clear his mind, so he agreed without hesitation. At the same time, he continuously comforted Chu Jiaqiang, saying things like "There are plenty of fish in the sea" and "There's no need to hang yourself on a single tree" among other reassurances

Alright, I will wait for my elder brother to return. The young lady is from the neighboring village; you know her as well, she is Wang Lan, a former classmate from elementary school. Do you remember?" Upon hearing Chu Jiaqiang's affirmative response, Chu Jiaxiong felt very pleased

Little Yao! You haven't committed suicide, have you

But this is merely an illusion. Faced with the enormous disparity of life every day, Cai Zhixuan could no longer endure it. During the day, she worked in a modern and luxurious company, surrounded by urban beauties and successful individuals; at night, she returned home to a cramped and old house, encountering migrant workers and relentless strivers. With skyrocketing housing prices, the idea of paying the first installment within two years seemed like a pipe dream. Ultimately, she made the resolute decision to break up and got into the car of her young and wealthy superior.

Chu Jiaqiang hung up the phone, feeling both amused and exasperated. Seeing that there was nothing else to do, he opened his computer and went online.

In rural areas, the cost of a wedding generally amounts to around 30,000 yuan to be considered somewhat respectable. This includes giving the bride's family approximately 10,000 yuan as a gift, which may feel somewhat mercenary and evoke a sense of selling one's daughter, yet it is a tradition in rural communities that cannot be avoided. Additionally, one must spend several thousand yuan to furnish the new home, which is necessary both in rural and urban settings. Finally, over 10,000 yuan is required for hosting the banquet and distributing red envelopes, among other expenses. This expenditure on furnishing the new home is essential regardless of whether one is in the countryside or the city, and the final costs for the banquet and red envelopes also exceed 10,000 yuan.

Hello! What do you want, you brat?" Chu Jiaqiang asked directly

Hehe! Which girl is it? She actually has her eyes on our village's A-Xiong, that's great news! Hmm! I won't go back tomorrow, but I will definitely return the day after, in any case, I will make it home before your wedding

She has moved out; in the future, she will not live in our cramped and messy place. Chu Jiaqiang felt there was no need to conceal anything.

No need, no need! Brother, you need money more in the city. I have enough money; I saved thirty to forty thousand a few years ago, and it's kept with my father. This should be enough for the wedding.

Chu Jiaqiang returned to his rented room, dragging his weary body in a daze. This place is deep within the urban village, yet the rent remains exorbitant, with a single room of twenty to thirty square meters costing four to five hundred yuan.

"Jiaqiang! Why didn't you come down with Zhixuan today?" The landlady is also from the same area as Chu Jiaqiang, and since Chu Jiaqiang often brings Cai Zhixuan down for meals, they quickly became familiar with each other.

Not long after, the other two friends also called, giving a lengthy discourse of advice. Although somewhat verbose, hearing their words greatly improved Chu Jiaqiang's mood. A breakup does not equate to loneliness; although women are referred to as a man's better half, they cannot replace everything.

The caller was none other than Chu Jiaxiong, the childhood best friend of Chu Jiaqiang. He was tall and strong, a person characterized by physical prowess but a simple mind. That fellow dropped out of school after elementary school, helping his family with farm work during busy seasons, and usually working with a local construction worker to make ends meet

By evening, Chu Jiaqiang no longer wanted to cook for himself. When he lived with Cai Zhixuan, he basically took care of all the household chores. For Chu Jiaqiang, who came from a rural background, this was not a big deal. He went to a small stir-fry restaurant downstairs and asked the owner to prepare a dish of cucumber and lean meat.

The elder brother, Li Xiangdong, is from Northeast China and comes from a farming family, which is in a somewhat better situation than the Chu family

Chu Jiaxiong is three or four years younger than Chu Jiaqiang. When they were young, he often followed Chu Jiaqiang, looking up to him as a leader. Moreover, he almost spent every day at Chu Jiaqiang's house, staying there until mealtime, and would only return home when the family came to chase him away with a whip

It is somewhat vague, it's been too long. Since the other party is willing to be with you, you should treat them well in the future. By the way, getting married can be quite expensive; do you have enough money? If not, I have a little here. Chu Jiaqiang truly regards Chu Jiaxiong as a younger brother.

Chu Jiaqiang responded directly, even addressing the matter of the breakup without evasion. One must face life with courage, after all

Chu Jiaqiang's brows slowly furrowed; this fellow started acting strangely again as he spoke.

Chu Jiaqiang, twenty-five years old, stands at one meter seventy tall, with slightly dark skin, yet he is considered quite handsome. He comes from a rural background but has received higher education, being the first university student from Chujiazai in the past decade

Upon returning to the rental apartment, I first took a shower, then organized a few sets of clothes in preparation for leaving early tomorrow morning

When we first entered university, everyone followed the customary practice of ranking by age. Chu Jiaqiang, being the youngest, naturally became the youngest member of the group

"Elder brother, is that you? It is like this, I am getting married on the 8th day of the 7th month, which is the day after tomorrow. Will you be back, elder brother?" A strong and resonant voice came out.

He lost his parents at a young age, and with the support of his second uncle, he finally completed his university studies. In fact, since his sophomore year, he has been working part-time to support himself, not only receiving ample scholarships but also occasionally earning some extra money. By the end of the year, he was even able to give his second uncle some money for groceries

"Get lost!" Chu Jiaqiang immediately hung up the phone

Although Chu Jiaqiang is not one of those inflexible romantics who easily contemplate ending their lives, he is indeed a person who values emotions deeply. This relationship, cultivated over four years, has suddenly come to an end, and it would be disingenuous to say he feels no heartache. Of course, he harbors no resentment; everyone has their own choices, and respecting others is tantamount to respecting oneself