Chapter 19 When young, one doesn't know the kindness of one's parents; by then, one is alr
Chapter 19 When young, one doesn't know the kindness of one's parents; by then, one is alr
Gradually, the doubt on their faces was replaced by shock, and their eyes widened.
Because the surprise was so sudden and overwhelming, Zhang Hui's voice involuntarily rose two octaves, trembling as she said, "Son... this... this is real! Am I dreaming?"
Chen Zhiyuan smiled confidently: "Of course it's true, you're not dreaming. The first payment is five thousand, and as the series continues, more payments will come in."
"That's wonderful! It's like...it's like our ancestors' graves are emitting auspicious smoke! This is wonderful!"
Zhang Hui was so happy she was almost incoherent, her eyes slightly red, and she grabbed Chen Jianjun's arm and shook it hard.
Chen Jianjun finally recovered from the huge shock, and a proud and gratified smile instantly bloomed on his face, a typical "my son has made something of himself" expression.
He held the agreement, looking at it over and over, his fingers trembling slightly, his excitement evident.
After a while, the two calmed down a bit and confirmed that this was not a dream. Their son had really given them a huge surprise!
"Son, you've really made your dad proud!"
Chen Jianjun's voice was slightly trembling with excitement. Pointing to the agreement, he asked again to confirm, "Will your novel really start appearing in tomorrow's Jiangnan Daily?"
"Absolutely true." Chen Zhiyuan answered decisively, "The official serialization will begin tomorrow, tentatively at three thousand words per day."
"Great! Great! Great!" Chen Jianjun rubbed his hands together excitedly, already imagining tomorrow's scene. "Tomorrow I'll have to let all my old buddies at work read this serial! Let them know that my son, Old Chen's son, has written an article that's in the newspaper!"
Chen Zhiyuan could completely understand his father's feelings at that moment.
Hoping one's son will become a dragon is the most basic wish of parents everywhere.
How can parents not be happy and proud when their son is successful!
Zhang Hui wiped her eyes and said repeatedly, "Son, what do you want to eat tonight? Mom will make it for you. We need to celebrate properly!"
Chen Zhiyuan felt a warm glow in his heart, but he deliberately smiled and reminded her, "Dad, Mom, I have this much money now, and I'll have more later... Aren't you worried I'll squander it?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Hui hesitated for a moment and looked at Chen Jianjun.
Yes, it's several thousand yuan, and there's more to come; it's no small amount.
Chen Jianjun hesitated for a moment, then patted his son on the shoulder, his tone solemn and trusting: "Son, you're eighteen now, you're an adult."
This is money you earned through your own hard work; how you spend it is your decision. We... won't interfere.
Although Chen Zhiyuan had guessed this would be the outcome based on his understanding of his parents, he still felt relieved to hear his father say it with his own ears, and sincerely said, "Dad, thank you."
Zhang Hui nodded and added, her tone more concerned than controlling: "Son, you can manage your own money, we don't mind."
But... you also need to plan ahead and not be extravagant. You'll need money for many things when you go to college.
She didn't say anything more, just gave that one reminder, then turned around, tied on her apron, and happily went into the kitchen.
Soon, the clatter of pots and pans could be heard, indicating that tonight's meal would be exceptionally lavish.
My son has made something of himself!
The dinner was exceptionally lavish, with a table full of dishes that were mostly Chen Zhiyuan's favorites.
The braised pork ribs are glistening and tempting, the steamed fish is fragrant and delicious, and there are also bright green stir-fried vegetables and golden home-style tofu.
The family of three sat together, enjoying each other's company under the lamplight. The clinking of bowls and chopsticks and laughter created a long-lost, pure warmth.
While eating, Chen Zhiyuan remembered his question from the afternoon and casually asked, "Dad, Mom, what were you doing going out together this afternoon?"
Chen Jianjun and Zhang Hui exchanged a glance, a hint of hesitation flashing across their expressions, as if they were unsure whether they should speak.
Noticing his parents' expressions, Chen Zhiyuan put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "Dad, Mom, I'm an adult now. There's no need to hide anything from me. I'm part of the family too."
Chen Jianjun nodded, a relieved yet slightly embarrassed smile on his face: "My son is right, I should tell you. It's really not a big deal..."
He rubbed his hands together and briefly explained the situation.
It turned out that the elderly couple were worried because their son was about to go to university, and the tuition and living expenses would be a considerable expense.
Zhang Hui then thought of going out to find some work to supplement the family income.
After thinking it over and over, I realized that selling breakfast was a good option. It didn't require much investment, and I could earn some hard-earned money.
In the afternoon, the two went out to the nearby vegetable market and breakfast stalls to inquire about the market and see what they needed to prepare.
So that's what happened.
Chen Zhiyuan immediately understood, and a wave of bittersweetness washed over him.
In his previous life, after he went to university, his mother did indeed start selling breakfast from dawn till dusk, rain or shine, to support his studies with that meager income.
Back then, I was unaware of my own good fortune and took it all for granted. I never understood the heavy burden of hardship my parents had endured.
When you're young, you don't know the kindness of your parents; when you do, you're already middle-aged.
These words resonated strongly with him at that moment.
He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions in his heart, his voice exceptionally gentle yet firm:
"Dad, Mom, it's really unnecessary for you to get up early and work late to sell breakfast. It's too hard. I can earn money by writing books now. I can completely cover my tuition and living expenses. You don't need to worry about this anymore."
Chen Jianjun nodded repeatedly, his chest straightening involuntarily, his face beaming with pride: "Good! We know, my son has made something of himself!"
Zhang Hui felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her heart. The anxiety she had been feeling for days, worrying about making a living, vanished, replaced by an unprecedented sense of ease and joy.
Her brows relaxed, and her smile came from the heart: "Okay, okay, Mom promises you, I won't go. I'll stay home and take good care of you two!"
This meal was exceptionally delicious. The air was filled not only with the aroma of the food, but also with the relief of having shed a heavy burden and a sense of hope for the future.
In high spirits, Chen Zhiyuan returned to his room after dinner, and his thoughts flowed freely. He wrote more than two thousand words in one go, and his writing was exceptionally smooth.
The next day, in the office of the technical department of Shuguang Machinery Factory.
As soon as Chen Jianjun saw today's "Jiangnan Daily" placed on the newspaper rack by the deliveryman, he immediately put down the drawings he was working on and rushed over, almost taking three steps at a time, to eagerly pull out the newspaper that still smelled faintly of ink.
His heart was racing, his fingers were trembling slightly, and he was quickly flipping through the pages.
Finally, in a prominent position on the third edition, he saw the long-awaited serialized section:
Those Things About the Ming Dynasty
Author: Chen Zhiyuan
When his gaze fell on his son's familiar name, Chen Jianjun felt a surge of heat rush to his head, which then turned into boundless pride and excitement, making him tighten his grip on the newspaper.
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