CHAPTER 196: CHAPTER 196: AWAKENING

It’s the end of the year again. On the morning of the second day of the Lunar New Year, Tian Xiang and Meng Cheng’an packed their luggage and prepared to return to her parents’ home.

Now Tian Xiang is six months pregnant and not suitable for flying, so they bought sleeper tickets to take the train back.

They set off at six in the morning, took the train at around seven, and arrived in the city over there by three in the afternoon.

The couple got off the train, and Hu Honglian and Tian Weibing were already waiting on the platform.

Tian Xiang wore a mask and a hat, dressed in a loose cotton-padded jacket. At first glance, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but the Tian couple knew their daughter was pregnant and had been for six months.

Back then, Tian Xiang had severe reactions, and Hu Honglian even considered coming over to take care of her. However, the second sister-in-law of the Tian family was also pregnant, two months earlier than Tian Xiang, so Tian Xiang didn’t let Hu Honglian come over, as she was needed to help here.

The elderly couple carried the luggage while Meng Cheng’an supported his wife.

After leaving the station, there was a car waiting for them outside, specially arranged by the old master.

The driver took them to Sanli Lane and handed the car keys to Meng Cheng’an, who would use the car for the following days.

Everyone in the Tian Family was back today, making it a rare day of reunion.

The couple had already eaten lunch on the train, but Hu Honglian also cooked two bowls of dumplings, telling them to have something warm.

In the afternoon, Tian Xiang and Meng Cheng’an didn’t return to the Military and Political Institute and stayed here, waiting to have the reunion dinner before going back.

In previous years, the courtyard at the Tian family’s place was the liveliest during the New Year because they had a television, and the courtyard would be filled with people.

However, in the past two years, life in every household has gradually improved. Although not everyone has a TV, it’s no longer as rare as it used to be.

The Tian Family’s main branch next door even has a TV now, and it’s a color one.

Hu Honglian told her daughter that it was brought back by Tian Chuying from South City.

"She didn’t come back for the New Year this year, too busy. This child, I think she’s finally made it. Tsk, she used to chase that Lu guy all the time. I thought she was done for, but suddenly, she seemed to have a revelation and changed instantly."

Now when Hu Honglian mentions Tian Chuying, there’s no longer the previous disdain and contempt, but rather some admiration.

Over the years, Tian Xiang hadn’t kept in touch with Tian Chuying in private. They would only exchange a few words during meetings on holidays.

Actually, the moment she noticed the change in Tian Chuying’s label, Tian Xiang knew she had changed.

She became a supporting character, followed by "awakening."

In Tian Xiang’s understanding, awakening should mean waking up from confusion and bewilderment.

But at that time, the term in her mind was waking from a dream.

Tian Xiang didn’t fully understand the meaning of waking from a dream.

But it was similar to her understanding; this person suddenly understood the meaning of life and found the path they needed to take.

The mother and daughter were chatting in the room when Wang Shanshan called from outside, asking them to come out to watch TV. Recently, a drama series from Hong Kong had been introduced and was all the rage, captivating audiences whether it was the first broadcast or a rerun.

Previously, they hardly had any martial arts dramas here. The plot was gripping, the filming techniques were very different from theirs, and the costumes and props were unique, making everyone instantly hooked.

Tian Xiang also watched it but couldn’t help feeling somewhat sentimental.

After society opened up, foreign things streamed in, and she realized she was just a frog at the bottom of a well. In about half a year, when she returns to work, she doesn’t know what this industry will have become.

Beside her, Meng Cheng’an noticed his wife sighing and held her hand, asking, "What’s wrong?"

Tian Xiang shook her head, "Nothing."

Meng Cheng’an looked at the TV and then at her, saying softly, "Don’t overthink, prioritize your health for now."

"Hmm."

After staying here for four days, Tian Xiang and Meng Cheng’an returned first.

They took the train again, and the old master arranged a car to pick them up on the other side.

After the year-end, Tian Xiang continued to rest at home, while Meng Cheng’an returned to work and suddenly became quite busy, frequently traveling for business trips.

At the end of March, Meng Cheng’an brought home a couple of magazines and some novels for Tian Xiang to pass the time.

Tian Xiang glanced at them; the magazines were a new release from Meng Cheng’an’s publishing company, surprisingly an entertainment magazine, with large sections introducing actors and TV series from Hong Kong.

The novels were also from there, martial arts novels.

Tian Xiang was very interested in these and read them with great enthusiasm.

At night, while going to bed, Meng Cheng’an hugged his wife and told her that he would need to go on a business trip again the day after tomorrow, this time to Hong Kong.

Tian Xiang asked, "What are you going there for?"

Meng Cheng’an’s magazine company has mainly focused on educational and cultural themes for the past two years, targeting college and high school entrance exam students.

Meng Cheng’an glanced at the novel in her hand and asked his wife, "Is it good?"

Tian Xiang replied, "Yes, it’s great!"

Meng Cheng’an chuckled.

Tian Xiang realized, "You want to do this? It will require collaboration with publishers, right?"

Meng Cheng’an nodded, "We’ve already discussed with the publishers. Besides these novels, we’ll find ways to do other things. We don’t know what yet; we need to make some contacts first."

When publishers were mentioned, Tian Xiang thought of Lu Zazha.

He also started a publishing company, released several foreign classics last year, which sold quite well, and even bought a car.

Tian Xiang had seen him driving to drop off Chang Wan at the courtyard, looking quite impressive.

Although Chang Wan is acting in more and more TV shows and movies and is already a famous actress, it’s clear that Lu Feng earns more money.

No matter how famous Chang Wan becomes, she’s still an employee at a production company, with a fixed monthly salary and a little extra from outside gigs.

Of course, she’s already doing better than I am.

She still gets a paycheck; I’m currently on a leave of absence without pay.

Tian Xiang said, "As for work, do what you think is best."

With those words, Tian Xiang hugged Meng Cheng’an’s waist and leaned into his embrace.

Having stayed at home for too long, it seemed fine on the surface, but she was somewhat tired of it, and began to miss the times of working and studying.

Recently, Tian Xiang felt a bit anxious, fearing being left behind by the industry, and by the time she gives birth, this society might no longer have a place for her.

But there’s nothing she can do. Her belly grows day by day, and since she chose to have a child, she must complete this task.

Hearing his wife sigh again, Meng Cheng’an gently patted her shoulder, "Don’t sigh; the little one can hear and will feel sad too."

This time, Meng Cheng’an was on a business trip for almost a month and brought Meng Zhi back when he returned home.

With both daughters rare at home, the old master called Meng Xiuyuan’s family, and they all went to a restaurant for a reunion meal.

During the meal, they talked about Tian Xiang’s postpartum care.

There’s just over a month until her due date.

The nanny they’ve hired is still around, but with a little one, they’ll definitely need additional help.

Wei Xiaoman offered to help.

This time, she genuinely wanted to assist, especially as a mother-in-law helping during postpartum care; otherwise, if anything happens in the future, it would become a point of contention.