Chapter 57: Expectations Shouldn’t Be Too High

Since she had decided to go to the military base, Shen Yi’an didn’t intend to delay.

Early the next morning, after seeing off those heading to work, she began preparing the things she needed to take with her at home.

There weren’t many items, mostly daily clothes and various odds and ends she would need.

“Auntie, why are you packing a suitcase?”

Seeing the half-filled suitcase, Little Shen Yi’s eyes were filled with big questions.

Daddy said only people going on long trips needed suitcases.

Her aunt was clearly at home, so why would she need a suitcase?

Noticing the little girl’s curiosity, Shen Yi’an smiled and ruffled her head. “There’s no more tasty food at home, so Auntie needs a big suitcase when she goes out to buy things.”

“Otherwise, there won’t be any place to put the cakes our Little Yi likes to eat.”

Hearing it was for packing delicious food, Little Shen Yi initially wanted to smile.

But then, as if remembering something, she withdrew her smile and became serious.

“Thank you, Auntie!”

“But Daddy said we should do our own things ourselves.”

“I can’t always trouble Auntie!”

“Don’t mind him!” Shen Yi’an replied with a laugh.

“Our Little Yi is still a child. There are many things you can’t do by yourself yet.”

“When you grow into a big child, Auntie won’t even be able to help you anymore.”

Hearing this, Little Shen Yi scratched her head, looking slightly troubled.

“But Auntie, when will I become a big child?”

“I’m only this tall now. How tall do I need to be to become a big child?”

As the two chatted about meaningless things, Shen Shasha, standing nearby, listened with utter speechlessness.

This was truly a case of one daring to say it and the other daring to believe it.

Tsk-tsking twice, she simply interrupted their conversation.

“Little Yi, come to Mommy.”

“Auntie needs to pack her luggage to go find your uncle. You mustn’t disturb her.”

“Huh?” Little Shen Yi was dumbfounded upon hearing this.

Wasn’t Auntie going to buy her delicious food?

Why was she going to find Uncle now?

Uncles are the worst, hmph!

With an accusatory look on her face, Little Shen Yi turned and threw herself into her mother’s arms, muttering quietly.

Shen Yi’an, of course, didn’t know about this.

Without her little niece disturbing her, the speed of packing noticeably increased.

When Deng Yaxin and Shen Guozhong returned home for lunch, the conspicuous suitcase placed in the living room was the first thing they saw.

“Have you packed everything?”

It was Shen Guozhong who spoke first, mainly wanting to check on the progress.

His little daughter was going on a long trip, and the old father’s heart was also feeling conflicted.

But there was no choice—the little one was already in her belly, so the father had to be informed of his (her) existence somehow.

Sensing the sour tone in his words, Shen Yi’an eagerly handed him a glass of water. “It’s all packed.”

“Third Brother said he’ll come back later to take me to the train station.”

“Alright then!” Shen Guozhong replied in a dejected tone.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of his wife, Director Deng, staring at him with an indescribable expression. Instantly, his despondency was replaced by renewed vigor.

“Then Dad won’t interfere. Your third brother is fairly reliable.”

“If you need anything, just say so. Later, have your mom give you some money.”

“You’re an adult now, so Dad won’t nag you anymore.”

After saying this, he picked up his bowl and began wolfing down his food, looking as if he hadn’t eaten for over ten meals.

Deng Yaxin rolled her eyes in exasperation but switched to a smiling face when she turned to Shen Yi’an.

“Mom will get you some money in a bit.”

“The old saying goes, ‘Be frugal at home but generous on the road.’ It’s no good to be without money when you’re away from home.”

Shen Yi’an didn’t notice the meaningful glances exchanged between her parents, her attention entirely captured by a plate of sugar-coated tomatoes on the dining table.

Sweet with a hint of sour, sour with a touch of sweetness.

The slightly grainy texture felt pleasant to eat and suited her taste perfectly.

Only after hearing her mother’s words did she snap back to reality. “Thank you, Mom. This time, I won’t stand on ceremony with you.”

“I did have some savings, but I spent most of it yesterday when I went out.”

She quickly added an explanation, “But don’t worry, Mom. I won’t become a freeloader.”

“As soon as I earn my first sum of money, I’ll treat the whole family to a meal at a restaurant.”

Hearing this, Deng Yaxin assumed the “first sum of money” referred to her salary and nodded with a smile.

“Alright, I’ll be waiting for you to treat us.”

“By the time you return from Luochuan, your job situation should be settled.”

“Then our whole family will be together again.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yi’an thought for a moment but decided not to mention her future plans.

After all, as a graduate from the first class after the reinstatement of the college entrance exams and from a prestigious university at that, it wasn’t just that employers were eager to hire her—students themselves were spoiled for choice when it came to job opportunities.

To abandon the clear and promising path ahead and instead venture into the uncertain world of business was, frankly, difficult for anyone to understand.

But who could blame her? She had the cheat-like advantage of her Space.

The Black Soil Land, the planting area, the breeding area—each was a foundation for her rise.

After the meal, Deng Yaxin handed Shen Yi’an a stack of ten-yuan bills.

“Don’t be stingy with spending. Our family has money.”

“It’s fine if you deprive yourself, but you mustn’t let my grandchildren go hungry.”

“Remember that!”

Clutching the bills tightly, Shen Yi’an suddenly felt a pang of frustration.

As a child, due to her poor health, the family’s money had flowed like water.

Growing up, whether for tuition or living expenses, money was always indispensable.

Now, even as a mother, she was still asking her family for money.

Tsk, just thinking about it made her feel deeply ashamed.

It seemed that after discussing the children with Li Beichen, her career should become her top priority.

Without control over financial matters, even marrying into a good family might not guarantee a comfortable life.

A Female Comrade must stand on her own two feet!

Only by standing independently could she have a strong voice in many matters.

Around three in the afternoon, Shen Junyue finally arrived home.

After freshening up in the bathroom and having a quick bite to eat, he picked up Shen Yi’an’s suitcase and accompanied her to the train station.

On the way, many things that were inconvenient to discuss at home could now be spoken openly.

“That Li Family boy seems decent enough, likely a responsible person.”

“But humans are complex creatures, with ever-changing thoughts and intentions.”

“While he appeared flawless in front of us at home, it’s hard to say how he’ll behave once he’s out of our sight.”

He sighed and patted Shen Yi’an’s head affectionately.

“So, little sister, don’t set your expectations too high.”

“The lower your expectations, the greater the pleasant surprise you might receive in the end.”

“But if your expectations are too high, you might end up facing double the disappointment.”

Worried that his words sounded too harsh, he quickly added,

“Of course, this is just your third brother’s personal opinion.”

“In short, what Third Brother means is that you should put yourself first.”

“To put it plainly, no matter how things go over there, we’ll always be waiting for you at home.”

In all her grown years, this was the first time Shen Yi’an had heard her third brother speak such a long paragraph.

Admittedly, the literal meaning of his words wasn’t particularly pleasant.

But the genuine concern woven through them was one hundred percent real.

That’s precisely why she found herself tearing up unconsciously. “Third Brother, you’re so annoying!”

“Don’t worry, I’ll definitely put myself first.”

After steadying the tremor in her voice, she continued sharing her plans.

“This trip isn’t just to spare you all from gossip – it’s primarily for my own sake.”

“If Li Beichen proves capable of handling responsibilities and making decisions, I’ll return home with our marriage certificate to start a family.”

“If he turns out to be completely useless, I’ll wait until I obtain the birth permit before coming home.”

“Anyway, no matter what happens, I won’t compromise my own happiness. You can rest assured about that.”

Seeing how logically she presented everything, with no trace of deception or evasiveness in her eyes,

Shen Junyue finally nodded in satisfaction.

Excellent, this was truly his little sister!

Always facing everything with optimism, welcoming everything with optimism, accepting everything with optimism.

That’s just perfect!

As long as one lives with joy and clarity, there’s never an obstacle that can’t be overcome.