As the summer holidays approached again, with the elder children away at university and the younger uncle still in primary school, it was only natural for Ding Yun.
She didn't concern herself with the college entrance exams, which were irrelevant to their family.
But her lack of concern didn't mean no one in their family cared. In the days leading up to the official release of the college entrance exam results, Qian Ya, still at school, became noticeably anxious, so much so that her roommates could tell.
However, as everyone was busy with their exams, her roommates simply assumed she was anxious about the exams and offered a few words of comfort without probing further.
This anxiety lingered until the college entrance exam results were announced.
It only subsided after she made a phone call.
...
Mid-July.
Both Qian Wen and Qian Ya returned home for the summer holidays.
On the very evening they returned and had settled in, Ding Yun lost no time in assigning them tasks:
"You two shouldn't have much to do during the summer holidays. Starting tomorrow, you'll go to the company with your uncle. Speak less, observe more, and learn. Primarily, you need to understand the company's procedures, including, but not limited to, work processes, management processes, and a series of other relevant procedures.
I'll give you a week to familiarize yourselves.
After you're familiar, you'll officially join the company as interns, and your salary will be paid as an intern's wage.
While I won't stop giving you living expenses from now on, I certainly won't increase your allowance just because the family has more money. Therefore, if you two want to have a bit more spending money or buy things you desire but can't afford with your current allowance, you'll have to intern diligently for me."
"Mom, can we recruit another intern?"
Just as Qian Wen was about to complain and refuse, wanting to enjoy a comfortable and carefree summer vacation, Qian Ya asked.
Her words completely flabbergasted Qian Wen.
"Another intern? Who?"
Ding Yun couldn't immediately figure out what her daughter was up to. Was she planning to get a job for a friend?
Perhaps because she was still a little hesitant, unsure if her mother would approve, Qian Ya nervously twisted the corner of her clothes for a while before saying unconfidently,
"That... well... it's Li An.
He retook the college entrance exams, and his results this year were pretty good. He should be able to get into my current university. You mentioned before, Mom, that you wouldn't forbid me from dating after I started university. Anyway, he doesn't have much to do right now.
So, I want him to intern with me.
Just a summer job or something..."
"You're still in contact with him?"
This wasn't Ding Yun speaking, but Qian Wen, who had been sitting beside Qian Ya, exclaimed in surprise.
Ding Yun, meanwhile, frowned as she looked at her daughter:
"If I recall correctly, I didn't mention this to you in advance, did I? So, you only just found out that I planned to have you two intern at the company?
Why are you already asking for an internship spot for him?
Does he know about this? You've already asked!
While I'm not particularly against you two dating, your attitude does have some issues. Are you sure Li An likes others making decisions for him? Are you sure he's willing to work?
What if he just wants to have a comfortable summer vacation!
This time last year, you also didn't ask for his thoughts, or at least, you didn't fully understand them.
You made a fuss with me based on your own assumptions.
Are you perhaps a bit too self-centered, not considering Li An's feelings at all? Even if you're dating, why should he listen to your arrangements?"
Ding Yun genuinely felt that her daughter's attitude and thoughts were problematic. Whether it's a romantic relationship, a marriage, a parent-child relationship, or even kinship, most people would be unwilling to accept others making choices for them or deciding their future.
If they continued to interact with this attitude,
Could it really last?
"Exactly, why should I listen to your arrangements? I don't want to intern. Mom, can I not intern at our company? Or can I just intern for half a month?
If I don't pursue postgraduate studies, along with this summer, I'll only have three more summers left. Didn't you always tell me that students should do student things? Studying is my priority right now!
Besides, in my life, I'll probably only have these three summers to be relatively relaxed and free. From now on, whether I work for our company or not, I definitely won't have winter or summer breaks anymore. Please, just let me off the hook.
I'm still a child, Mom.
You can't make me become an office drone ahead of time..."
Using Ding Yun's words as an opportunity, Qian Wen quickly and earnestly affirmed his mother's statements while immediately expressing his own desire to be let off the hook!
"Mom, isn't this also a trait I inherited from you?
You're telling us to intern at the company without even discussing it with us first. That's problematic!"
Although Qian Ya found some sense in her mother's words, she quickly seized upon the loophole to retort.
She was protesting her mother's double standards in this regard.
Why could her mother make decisions for them, but she couldn't make decisions for her boyfriend? Wasn't this a classic case of "only officials are allowed to set fires, but common people are forbidden to light them"?
Yes, she, Qian Ya, was one of those common people.
After taking a deep breath, Ding Yun found herself momentarily unable to refute. She could have forcefully suppressed it with phrases like "I'm your mother, how can I harm you?"
However, Ding Yun didn't want to do that.
Thus, the scene became slightly awkward and silent.
Even Qian Wen was contemplating whether he should side with his mother or his sister. However, considering the outcome was still undecided, he remained silent, waiting to see if his mother would forcefully suppress them,
Or if she would make some other choice or decision.
"Sigh, alright, it's my fault.
I've set a bad example for you. So, you two choose. If you're willing to intern, then go intern.
If you're not..."
As she said this, Ding Yun could clearly see the corners of her son Qian Wen's mouth twitching, as if he were about to burst into laughter. So, she immediately changed her tone and continued,
"If you're not willing, then you'll stay at home and help with chores: wash clothes, cook meals, wipe tables, wash dishes, and also take care of your uncle, tutor him, understand?"
It was a joke. If you admit you're wrong, you should correct it.
She was exhausted from working tirelessly all day, and this brat still wanted a comfortable life? What a daydream! They could choose any of the two options. If they genuinely chose the latter, it would be even better, as it would lighten her burden.
As soon as Ding Yun finished speaking, Qian Wen's face instantly fell. He looked utterly dejected.
He knew it. He shouldn't have held any illusions.
"Mom, can I bring Li Ning then?"
"First, ask his thoughts. If he's willing, then bring him along, it's not like he's an extra person!
And you, Xiao Wen, which one do you choose?
Intern or help out at home..."
"I'll intern. I won't delay Uncle Ping'an's bright future. You can find someone else to tutor him!"