Chapter 119: Sincerity Begets Sincerity

Wei Lanyin was Lin Jingyue’s classmate. From junior high onwards, they had always been assigned to the same class. If there was anyone in Lin Jingyue’s life whom she could count as a friend, it would be Wei Lanyin. Their temperaments were somewhat alike, though Wei Lanyin was more proud—her parents both held respectable positions in the city government.

“You haven’t gone to the countryside?” Wei Lanyin approached, noticing Lin Jingyue’s new clothes without surprise. Lin Jingyue was one of the few children from ordinary families in their class who lived comfortably.

“I did, but I’ve come home for the New Year. Are you here for a movie?” Lin Jingyue smiled.

Wei Lanyin was fortunate; cherished by her parents, she started working in the textile factory’s procurement department right after graduating high school.

“Yes, things have been so dull lately. I just wanted to watch a movie to pass the time,” Wei Lanyin spoke with her usual pride.

“Are you here alone? Why not watch together?” She seemed eager to chat with Lin Jingyue.

“Sister, I’ve bought the tickets.” At that moment, Han Xingye returned.

Wei Lanyin’s eyes brightened as she took in Han Xingye’s handsome demeanor. “Lin Jingyue, is this your brother?”

Since when did Lin Jingyue have a brother?

“Yes, my cousin Han Xingye.” Lin Jingyue nodded. “Xingye, this is my classmate Wei Lanyin.”

Han? Wei Lanyin’s gaze flickered; lately, that surname had become familiar in the compound.

“Hello, Brother Han. I’m Jingyue’s classmate.” Wei Lanyin extended her hand with poise.

Han Xingye’s smile grew more reserved as he shook her hand lightly. “Hello, Wei.”

“Brother, sister, I’ve got the snacks. Let’s head inside.” Han Yizhou approached, carrying three bottles of orange soda, a bag of sunflower seeds, and a bag of peanuts—perfect for snacking during the film.

“This is also my cousin, Han Yizhou. Yizhou, this is my classmate Wei Lanyin…” Lin Jingyue noticed them exchanging glances and introduced them again.

“If you’re Jingyue’s friend, let’s watch together. Did you buy a ticket? If not, I’ll get one.” Han Yizhou was warm-hearted, mostly because he’d heard from his mother that Lin Jingyue hadn’t fared well before and seldom had close friends.

It was rare to meet someone she got along with.

“No need, I’ve already bought a ticket. Next time, let’s go together.” Wei Lanyin knew how to handle herself.

She sneaked a glance at Han Xingye, then smiled at Lin Jingyue. “Let’s go inside. By the way, you’re leaving after the New Year, right? Are you free tomorrow? I’d like to treat you to a meal.”

Her intentions were clear.

Lin Jingyue laughed quietly to herself; Wei Lanyin’s gaze toward Han Xingye was unmistakably different.

“All right, I have nothing planned anyway,” Lin Jingyue replied, equally bored.

She had accomplished her goals in An City, learned what she needed to, and now all that remained was to enjoy herself.

“Good.”

They made their plans and parted ways.

After settling in, Han Yizhou handed snacks to Lin Jingyue and thoughtfully opened the bottle of orange soda for her.

The bottles could be returned for a penny after finishing—a small bonus.

Han Xingye had chosen an art film, thinking Lin Jingyue might like it.

Despite the old movie’s charm, Lin Jingyue couldn’t help but grow sleepy. Luckily, the sunflower seeds and peanuts helped pass the time.

Entertainment options were scarce in those days. Young couples mostly went for walks in the park or watched movies together.

Exiting the theater, Han Yizhou scratched his head. “Next time, let’s pick something else.”

“It was nice enough,” Lin Jingyue replied, eyes curved in a smile.

The two exchanged silent glances—if only you hadn’t nodded off halfway, your words would be more convincing.

With daylight left, the three headed to the guesthouse to fetch Lin Jingyue’s luggage.

When leaving, Song Qinglan had wanted to help, but Lin Jingyue refused. Since they wouldn’t allow her to stay outside, she might as well bring her things home herself.

Outside the guesthouse, Lin Jingyue asked them to wait. They thought it might be inconvenient for a girl, so they stayed put, unaware she intended to carry out as much as she could.

She packed three sets of clothes, some food, odds and ends, and two suitcases.

When they saw her descending with the luggage, both hurried to take the cases.

“Bang!”

Han Yizhou’s suitcase dropped to the ground, leaving the three momentarily silent.

“…I wasn’t prepared,” Han Yizhou said, his expression stiff. How could it be so heavy?

He forced a laugh, took a deep breath, and lifted the suitcase again. “Jingyue, you’re really strong.”

“I was born strong. This suitcase must weigh fifty or sixty pounds,” Lin Jingyue grinned.

She had packed plenty of cured meat, sausages, and mountain goods.

Returning to the compound, Song Qinglan and Han Jianmin were at home, faces beaming when the three arrived.

“Jingyue, come see, I’ve tidied up your room. Is there anything you don’t like? Auntie will change it for you,” she said warmly, taking Lin Jingyue’s hand.

The apartment had three bedrooms and a living room—originally one for Han Xingye and one for Han Yizhou.

But when Lin Jingyue arrived, they vacated a room for her.

The room was about ten square meters, furnished with a five-foot bed. The sheets and duvet were freshly replaced, the thick cotton blanket promising warmth.

The desk was neatly organized.

“I’ve cleaned the closet, so you can put your clothes inside. And since the New Year is coming, tomorrow I’ll take you shopping for some new outfits,” Song Qinglan looked at her with gentle affection.

“Thank you.” Lin Jingyue didn’t refuse her kindness.

Song Qinglan seemed relieved by her acceptance.

“Do you like the sheets? They’re new, washed and ready, no one’s used them before.”

“I like them, Auntie. I’m not picky.”

Song Qinglan paused, her eyes quickly reddening.

Yet Lin Jingyue pretended not to notice, and Song Qinglan composed herself, pulling Lin Jingyue into conversation.

She spoke of daily life, or funny stories from her work in the northwest.

Lin Jingyue was happy to share her own routines.

The atmosphere was pleasant.

It was nearly nine when Song Qinglan led Lin Jingyue to wash up, then brought her a cup of milk before returning to her own room.

“So cheerful?” Han Jianmin, reading in bed, chuckled as she entered with a radiant smile.

“She called me Auntie,” Song Qinglan nodded, her eyes stinging as tears fell unexpectedly.

“A heart given sincerely will be felt in return,” Han Jianmin beckoned her over, taking her hand gently. “Jingyue is a bright, perceptive child.”

“Yes, I know. If only my sister were still alive…”

“Let the past rest. Her spirit can be at peace, seeing such a wonderful girl,” Han Jianmin comforted her.

“We’ll treat Jingyue well from now on.”

“Yes.”