55: Chapter 55 Tian Zhenxi Comes to Zhongzhou to Find Cao Kun

Tian Zhenxi's eyes lit up, but she immediately shook her head. "That won't do, it's too much trouble for you."

"I was just thinking... if you know of any cheap small rooms for rent, or if an acquaintance needs a roommate, just keep an eye out for me."

"Alright, I'll keep an eye out for you," Cao Kun promised solemnly. "When you arrive in Zhongzhou, contact me anytime."

"Thank you." Tian Zhenxi smiled; it was the first time in the past few days that Cao Kun had seen her smile from the heart.

Three days passed quickly.

On the day of Ji Chaoqun's burial, the weather was gloomy.

The funeral procession was long. Tian Zhenxi, dressed in mourning clothes, walked at the very front, holding her husband's portrait.

Her figure from behind looked frail yet determined as she walked step by step toward the cemetery behind the village.

As younger relatives of the family, Cao Kun and Ji Guangli also followed in the procession. Ji Guangli whispered to Cao Kun, "Auntie Zhenxi has really had it hard. But at least she's finally free now; I hope she can live well in the future."

"Yeah," Cao Kun grunted in response, his gaze constantly following Tian Zhenxi's back.

After the burial ceremony ended, the guests began to disperse.

Tian Zhenxi stood before the new grave, remaining motionless for a long time.

Cao Kun watched her from a distance. Recalling her words about going to Zhongzhou to start over, he felt both happy for her and a sense of inexplicable complexity.

In the afternoon, Cao Kun and Ji Guangli prepared for their return journey.

Ji Baoxiu and his wife saw them off at the village entrance, holding their daughter's hand and giving her endless instructions.

Tian Zhenxi also came.

She had changed out of her mourning clothes and was wearing a simple blue floral shirt and black trousers, with her hair neatly combed back.

Although her eyes were still a bit swollen, she looked much more spirited.

"Guangli, Xiao Cao, drive carefully," Tian Zhenxi said as she handed over a cloth bag. "Inside are some dried vegetables I prepared myself and a few boiled eggs for the road."

"Thank you, Auntie," Ji Guangli took the bag.

Tian Zhenxi looked at Cao Kun. At the moment their eyes met, both had things they wanted to say, but in the end, they just nodded.

"Auntie, when are you going to Zhongzhou?" Cao Kun asked.

"In a few more days," Tian Zhenxi said. "I'll tidy up the house and contact you then."

"Alright, call anytime."

The car started and slowly drove away from the village entrance.

From the rearview mirror, Cao Kun saw Tian Zhenxi still standing there. Her figure grew smaller and smaller until it finally disappeared from sight.

On the way back to the city, Ji Guangli leaned against the seat, looking a bit tired. "You've worked hard these past few days, staying in the Hometown with me for so long."

"It wasn't hard." Cao Kun drove, but his mind was still on Tian Zhenxi. "That Auntie Zhenxi of yours is a really good person."

"Yeah, that's why I admire her so much," Ji Guangli said. "By the way, she told me the other day she wanted to find a job in the city, and I promised to keep an eye out for her. If she really comes to Zhongzhou, we should help her out more."

"Yeah, definitely." Cao Kun thought to himself that he had already promised to do so.

The car traveled smoothly on the highway, while the fields and villages outside the window receded rapidly.

Cao Kun recalled the scene in Tian Zhenxi's room that night.

He would have to try it properly again some other day.

That day really wasn't satisfying enough.

He shook his head, pushing those images out of his mind.

...

Three days later.

Cao Kun was at the company handling backlogged work when his phone suddenly rang.

It was an unknown number.

He answered, "Hello, who is this?"

From the other end of the line came a familiar yet somewhat nervous female voice, "Xiao Cao, it's me, Tian Zhenxi. I've arrived at the Zhongzhou Bus Station."

He almost bounced out of his chair. "Auntie, you're here? Where are you at the bus station? Okay, just wait for me at the exit, don't wander off, I'm coming right now!"

Hanging up, Cao Kun grabbed his car keys and headed out, pausing as he passed Ji Guangli's office.

Inside the glass walls, Ji Guangli was having a meeting with several department heads, her expression focused.

Cao Kun thought for a moment and sent a wechat message: "Guangli, Auntie Zhenxi has arrived in Zhongzhou. I'm going to the station to pick her up. I might need to help arrange a place for her to stay tonight, so I might be back a bit late."

Ji Guangli replied quickly: "Okay, stay safe on the road. Give my regards to Auntie. If you need any help, contact me anytime."

Cao Kun breathed a sigh of relief and walked quickly toward the elevator.

He found himself feeling somewhat expectant.

The Zhongzhou Bus Station was bustling with people, with travelers dragging large and small bags in and out.

Cao Kun looked around the exit for quite a while before finding Tian Zhenxi on a bench in the corner.

She was wearing a light gray sun protection jacket, dark trousers, and a pair of half-worn casual shoes.

A suitcase was placed beside her.

She sat there with her hands on her knees, her back straight, her eyes reflecting the unease of someone newly arrived in the city.

"Auntie!" Cao Kun waved and walked over.

Seeing him, Tian Zhenxi's eyes lit up, and she quickly stood up. "Xiao Cao, sorry to trouble you."

"It's no trouble." Cao Kun naturally took her luggage. "Was the journey smooth?"

"It was smooth, just a bit dizzy from being on the bus for so long." Tian Zhenxi looked around at the skyscrapers, her eyes filled with both curiosity and trepidation. "The city is so big..."

Cao Kun put the luggage in the trunk and opened the passenger door for Tian Zhenxi.

Tian Zhenxi sat in the car and touched the seat a bit shyly. "This car is so nice, it must cost a lot of money, right?"

"It's okay, not too much." Cao Kun brushed it off vaguely and started the car. "Auntie, have you eaten?"

"I had some bread on the bus."

"Then I'll take you to get something to eat first, and then I'll arrange a place for you to stay."

Cao Kun took her to a clean little restaurant and ordered a few home-style dishes.

Tian Zhenxi ate very cautiously, not even daring to pick up much food with her chopsticks.

Cao Kun noticed this and took the initiative to serve her. "Eat more. Living in Zhongzhou from now on, you'll have to get used to the food here."

"I... I just feel like I don't know how to do anything. What can I do in the city?" Tian Zhenxi said in a low voice, her tone full of anxiety.

"Take it slow. Let's get you settled first," Cao Kun comforted her.

After eating, Cao Kun began to seriously consider the accommodation issue.

His first thought was to let Tian Zhenxi stay at his place.

The house in Fenghuali was big enough, and the guest rooms were empty anyway.

But on second thought, Ji Guangli was also living there now. After all, they were in a senior-junior relationship; no matter who he was "doing business" with, it would be awkward if the other one saw.

So he couldn't let them live together.

By living separately like this, he could be more uninhibited no matter who he was with.

After thinking it over, Cao Kun suddenly thought of someone.

The landlady, Bai Muyou.

...