Chapter 12: Stricken with Lovesickness!

The two of them entered the courtyard, and Ye Wan immediately began picking vegetables, preparing to make the afternoon meal. Ye Cheng settled into the rocking chair, basking in the sunlight, his eyes gently closed, completely at ease.

Of course, this feeling was only recent.

Since his granddaughter had been with Meng Jingchen, she had become much more sensible and considerate toward him, the elder. She took care of all the household matters, not letting him lift a finger, always encouraging him to rest or take a stroll for leisure.

In short, she didn’t burden him with worries or hard work at all.

He felt deeply gratified.

The child had finally grown up!

His heart swelled with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

This was his granddaughter, whom he had raised single-handedly.

“Grandpa, I heard that the college entrance exam has been reinstated. I’m thinking of preparing for it to go to university. What do you think?” Ye Wan said as she washed the greens in the courtyard, curious if her grandfather would agree.

Naturally, she still wanted to study.

After all, in her previous life, she had been an intellectual. She wanted to continue learning.

Moreover, the entrance exam wouldn’t be much of a problem for her.

She wanted to study medicine.

In her past life, she had also studied medicine, but barely finished a year before she was transported here.

So, she was determined to continue.

“Take the college entrance exam, go to university?” Ye Cheng was momentarily stunned upon hearing his precious granddaughter’s words.

This girl…

He remembered that she never liked studying!

Though she was smart, she disliked reading books, and he had even forced her to attend high school.

But now, she was voluntarily wanting to study and go to university?

Is this really his granddaughter?

Could it be that because Meng Jingchen was so outstanding, his granddaughter felt inferior, worried she wouldn’t be worthy of him, and that’s why she wanted to take the exam and go to college?

Well, it made sense.

After all, that young man came from a well-off family.

Sigh.

This child…

His granddaughter was naturally the best!

But she was still his child, after all…

Yet, Ye Cheng knew well that learning more and reading more could never hurt; instead, it would bring great benefits.

If the child was willing to work hard, he was pleased.

But because of that brat, his heart as a grandfather ached, feeling uneasy.

That brat was truly lucky!

He had managed to make his granddaughter treat him this way!

Hmph!

This was extraordinary!

If he ever dared to look down on or mistreat his granddaughter, he would be the first to deal with him!

“Xiaowan, if you want to study, take the college entrance exam, go to university, your grandpa will certainly support you. I won’t stop you. But if you’re worried about Meng Jingchen’s family background or fear you’re not good enough for him, there’s no need for that!” Ye Cheng said seriously, looking at his granddaughter.

“Our Xiaowan is the best and deserves the best. I will never let that brat or his family bully you!”

Ye Wan was momentarily taken aback upon hearing this.

She quickly realized that her grandfather had misunderstood.

He thought she wanted to take the exam and go to university because she was worried about not being worthy of Meng Jingchen and the changes she had made recently.

Well, whatever.

As long as she achieved her goal, that was enough.

Besides, even if she tried to explain, the old man wouldn’t believe her.

After all, she had changed a lot in these past two months.

She couldn’t exactly confess that his beloved granddaughter had changed her very nature.

So, she would just let the old man fill in the blanks himself.

“Grandpa, I know. Don’t worry. I want to study and go to university for myself. Now that I’m mature and sensible, I understand the hardships you endured before. I want to make big money and take good care of you!” Ye Wan smiled as she spoke.

“I used to think studying was tiring and annoying, but now I want to study. Although education isn’t the only path, it’s the most straightforward and clear one.”

Indeed.

This path suited her perfectly right now.

“That’s exactly the right way to think,” Ye Cheng said, looking at his granddaughter.

She had truly grown up.

“Don’t worry, Grandpa, I’ll work hard!” Ye Wan said confidently.

Going to university was nothing for her.

For a top student like her, it was a piece of cake.

Hmph~

She was going to astonish her grandfather and make him proud.

Previously, the books had gathered dust in the corner of her room, but with a little tidying up, she could take them out and review.

Every now and then, she would go up the mountain to gather wild game. The family’s meals were always excellent, and meat dishes appeared at every meal.

Ye Wan planned to stir-fry vermicelli with cabbage and stewed meat, followed by steamed eggs.

Perfect!

Soon, she finished washing the cabbage, soaked the vermicelli in hot water, and began slicing the meat.

Ye Cheng sat in the courtyard, watching the busy figure in the kitchen, his eyes glistening with tears.

“Xiaowan has become so diligent and sensible. I’m sure those who have passed on would rest easy,” he murmured, then lifted his gaze to the blue sky and white clouds above.

He finally felt he had not disappointed his son and daughter-in-law’s hopes.

When he passed on, he would have no shame in facing them.

He had fulfilled their trust.

A breeze swept through, gently stirring his short black hair as his clear eyes filled with memories.

In his mind’s eye, he recalled scenes of family joy.

Now, only he and his granddaughter remained to rely on each other.

The old and the young, life had somehow gone on.

A few days later—

Elsewhere, at a remote forward position.

“Captain, your letter has arrived!” A young soldier knocked on the door cheerfully.

“My letter?” Moments later, the door was opened.

Meng Jingchen’s eyes shone with joy that he could barely conceal.

It was obvious who had sent the letter.

After all, he rarely wrote home, and his family seldom wrote to him. This letter needed no explanation.

“Captain, what’s gotten into you lately? You seem so happy, often daydreaming and smiling foolishly. Many soldiers wonder if you’re sick,” the soldier said curiously, scratching his head.

“Yes, I am sick—sick with lovesickness!” Meng Jingchen nodded seriously, pausing for a moment before affirming it.

Indeed!

Lovesickness!

That plump girl had truly captured his thoughts.

“What’s lovesickness? Oh, and there’s a package for you too. What’s inside? Can I see?” the soldier asked, curious.

It was the first time anyone had seen the captain receive a letter and a package.

They didn’t know who had sent it, but it was quite thoughtful.

“No, the training isn’t over yet. Go back to training!” Meng Jingchen took the letter and package and decisively closed the door.

‘Is it really necessary to be so secretive?’ the soldier wondered, puzzled.

Their captain had truly changed.

Completely different from before, as if he were a different person.

Meng Jingchen sat at his desk, placing the items before him, then carefully opened the letter.

For some reason, his heart felt a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.

He had never experienced this feeling before.