Chapter 432 - 420: New Semester

Chapter 432: Chapter 420: New Semester

The moon was bright and the stars were few, bathing the third-floor terrace in hazy moonlight.

Jiang Wende leaned against the railing, looking at the surrounding nightscape illuminated by streetlights, and slowly exhaled a puff of smoke.

"Don’t worry about things at home. Just take care of yourself in the Imperial Capital."

He turned to look at his son, his tone even. "Your old man isn’t as capable as you, so I can’t give you any advice about work. But I have one hope for you. No matter how much money you make or how big your company gets, always live by your principles and never forget why you started. Don’t do anything illegal. That’s the only advice I have for you as your father."

Jiang Xia nodded. "Don’t worry, Dad. No matter how much money I make, you’ll always be my dad. I’ll listen to what you say."

’In this life, now that I’m reborn, making money has become relatively simple. The things I used to crave are now within reach. Instead, it’s the family bonds I lost in my past life that are incredibly important to me now. That’s what I’m determined to protect this time around, no matter what.’

’This time around, all I really want is to make animation, spend time with my family, and marry my girlfriend after graduation. If we could have a son or daughter and live a peaceful life together, I’d be completely satisfied.’

"Don’t just hear me—truly listen. This is the bottom line," Jiang Wende said, looking him straight in the eye.

His father’s worries weren’t unfounded. If Jiang Xia were in his thirties, successful after years of struggling and gaining real-world experience, his father wouldn’t worry one bit.

But he was so young now, having already achieved financial freedom at just twenty. A single misstep could see him swept away by the world’s countless temptations, never to recover.

Jiang Wende had driven a taxi his whole life and had heard countless stories of big shots crashing and burning. He was afraid that one day, his own son would follow in their footsteps.

By then, it would be too late for regrets.

"Dad, that bottom line has always been my code of conduct. In fact, if I weren’t mature, do you think I could have started from scratch so successfully with just the mindset of a college student?"

Jiang Xia gave a faint smile. ’Deep down, I’m a man in my thirties. I have the advantage of foresight and know that keeping a low profile is a form of wisdom.’

"If you can think like that, then I can rest easy."

Jiang Wende took a deep drag from his cigarette, looked at the flickering lights in the distance, and said slowly, "Your mother and I are heading back in a couple of days. To be honest, the fishing ponds and reservoirs you found for me just aren’t as fun as any old creek back home."

Jiang Xia felt a hint of resignation upon hearing this.

He wasn’t much of a fisherman and was usually busy with work. This summer break, he had only been able to accompany his dad on the occasional weekend.

Over here, Jiang Wende just wandered around every day with his hands clasped behind his back like a bored old man. It was much duller for him than being back home.

"You go on to bed. I’m just going to stay up here and get some air."

"Okay. You get some rest soon too, Dad."

◇

Two days later, Jiang Xia drove his family to the airport. His girlfriend’s younger sister, Xiao Man, was crying and didn’t want to leave, so Jiang Xia comforted her. "Go back and study hard," he said. "When you get to middle school, you can transfer to a school in the Imperial Capital. Then you can live with your sister and me all the time."

Only then did Xiao Man finally pout and bid a very reluctant farewell to her sister and Jiang Xia.

Shen Ying was also on the flight back to Yu Du. School was about to start for her, so she had to go back and register. However, she was starting her junior year this semester. After another year, she would be a senior and could start an internship. At that point, besides returning to school for final exams or her thesis defense, she could stay in the Imperial Capital for good.

With so many elders around, the young couple didn’t dare to share a brazen goodbye kiss. They could only look at each other reluctantly, their gazes full of deep affection, until she gradually walked away, passed through the security gate, and disappeared into the crowd.

"She’s gone, and you’re still looking?" Jiang Xia walked up to Wang Ming and waved a hand in front of his face.

Old Wang sighed softly. "That’s why I’m looking—because she’s gone."

For those in the throes of new love, every day apart is a painful ordeal.

"You’ve successfully survived a long-distance relationship for two years, and you’re worried you won’t get to see her in the future? Let’s go, back to the company. Didn’t you say you wanted to buy a house in my neighborhood? If you don’t work harder, how are you going to marry Shen Ying after graduation?" Jiang Xia teased.

"So that’s your excuse for working me to the bone every day?" Wang Ming couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

"If the Cat and Mouse Year of the Dragon movie’s box office exceeds one billion, you get 1%."

"Deal!"

Wang Ming agreed instantly, suddenly filled with passion for his work. One percent of a billion was ten million. With that much money, he could even buy a villa outright.

He followed Jiang Xia to the parking lot in high spirits. Just then, his phone suddenly vibrated. He took it out and saw a message from none other than Shen Ying.

"Silly, you have to miss me lots and lots every day! *kiss kiss kiss*~"

"Ying, after this year is over, just get ready to be a rich man’s wife!"

"Huh?"

’My confidence in making the Cat and Mouse movie is at an all-time high right now. Old Jiang is right—how can I marry my beloved Shen Ying if I don’t have a house in the Imperial Capital?’

And so, when he returned to the company, he threw himself into his work. Whether it was the Cat and Mouse animated series or the movie, he gave it his all, driven by the thought of building a better future with Shen Ying.

On top of that, Wang Ming also planned to get his driver’s license this semester. He wanted to have his own car so he could drive his beloved Shen Ying wherever they wanted to go.