Chapter 80: Harmony and Joy

The Western meal was served swiftly. Knowing that Li Jia wasn’t fond of red wine, Huang Yu ordered a bottle of champagne instead.

“Yu, how’s your interview preparation going for next week?” Li Jia took a gentle sip of champagne and looked at Huang Yu as she spoke.

Huang Yu had already told her beforehand that he had sent his resume to the Institute of African History at the YN Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, and also that they had scheduled an interview for him next week.

“I’ve prepared some materials already. My advisor said he’d write a recommendation letter for me, so I’m pretty confident about it,” Huang Yu replied, slicing Li Jia’s steak as he spoke.

“Really? That’s wonderful! Let me congratulate you in advance for getting the job,” Li Jia said joyfully, then added, “Even with a recommendation letter, you should make sure your materials are thorough. Don’t give them the impression that you’re only getting in because of connections. The institute isn’t like university—first impressions matter a lot.”

Huang Yu nodded in understanding.

Li Jia took a bite of steak and suddenly said, “Yu, next week when you go back, I’ll go with you. I plan to focus on preparing for the civil service exams this year.”

Huang Yu was surprised. “Weren’t you planning to take the graduate exam for National History at Huaxia? I remember you’ve been preparing for half a year. Why the sudden change to come back with me?”

The flame of the red candle flickered gently, while the distant violin music softly filled the air.

“I’ve thought about it for a long time. I gave up the graduate exam because I didn’t want to be apart from you, because I want to be with you. What, you’re not happy?” Li Jia feigned annoyance.

“Of course I am! I’ve tried to persuade you so many times before, but you wouldn’t agree. That’s why I’m surprised,” Huang Yu replied, quickly offering a smile.

He was overjoyed. Although they had known each other for years, it had only been a few days since they had confirmed their relationship as a couple, and naturally, their feelings were at their sweetest.

At a time like this, to be separated by work and studies was something Huang Yu deeply resented. He had even considered staying at the university for her sake.

But his dream was to conduct field research in world history, especially African history. Moreover, even if he stayed at the university, Li Jia might not necessarily be there, since she was applying to other universities for graduate studies as well.

Yet, while Huang Yu was immersed in happiness, he failed to notice the faint sorrow behind Li Jia’s smile.

It wasn’t entirely because of Huang Yu that she abandoned her graduate studies. When she discussed it with her family, her parents, who had originally agreed, suddenly began to oppose her pursuing graduate school.

Still, seeing Huang Yu so happy, the bitterness in her heart faded a little.

Though she couldn’t continue chasing academic achievement, the chance to live together with the one she loved was a choice she could accept.

Their candlelit dinner at the Western restaurant ended in a harmonious atmosphere.

Four days later.

Having packed their luggage, they formally bid farewell to university life and boarded a plane to KM City in YN Province.

Actually, both of them were from PE City in YN Province. Since PE City didn’t have direct flights to their university city, they usually took the high-speed train home together.

The Institute of African History at the YN Provincial Academy of Social Sciences was in KM City, and Li Jia admitted she had never flown before. Huang Yu suggested she accompany him to KM City first, then take a bus home from there.

Huang Yu expected Li Jia, given her frugal nature, to refuse, but to his surprise, she agreed without hesitation and didn’t fuss over the cost of the ticket.

Usually, when they traveled or dined together, Li Jia always insisted on splitting expenses equally, never taking advantage of him financially.

“I’m your girlfriend, and you’ll soon have a job. I won’t be so particular about these things anymore,” Li Jia explained when she noticed Huang Yu’s surprise.

Huang Yu was delighted, thinking this marked a new stage in their relationship.

Throughout the journey, Li Jia was especially excited. When the plane took off, she gripped Huang Yu’s hand so tightly that she didn’t let go until her palm was sweaty.

Seeing her so happy, Huang Yu felt content, imagining their future together, traveling the world after marriage.

After all, he was a bona fide second-generation wealthy, his family in big business, with plenty of money.

When traveling with his parents, especially abroad, they usually flew business class. This time, he booked economy to avoid Li Jia accusing him of wasting money.

Upon arriving in KM City, Huang Yu saw Li Jia onto the long-distance bus to PE City, then checked into a presidential suite at the PE City International Hotel.

He had two days before his interview.

Having helped Li Jia with packing and moving, he was tired and decided to postpone delivering his advisor’s recommendation letter to the institute until the next day.

After dinner in the hotel’s rooftop music restaurant, Huang Yu returned to his suite, took a bath, and lay in bed, dreaming of a happy future with Li Jia as he drifted off to sleep.

He woke the next morning feeling refreshed, called Li Jia, tidied up, and headed to the Institute of African History.

After handing the recommendation letter to Senior Qian and having a pleasant conversation, Huang Yu was unexpectedly called by his parents as he left the institute.

In a stretch Mercedes.

The driver’s seat and the rear were fully separated. The back was spacious, like a small lounge, with a variety of drinks and fruits.

Huang Yu sat inside, ate a fruit, and looked at his parents. “Why are you here?”

Besides Huang Yu, there was a middle-aged man and woman.

The man wore a luxurious casual suit, impeccably dressed, bearing a strong resemblance to Huang Yu but more mature and steady.

His name was Huang Tianhua—Huang Yu’s father.

The woman wore an elegant dress, well-maintained in both figure and appearance, exuding the aura of a gentle lady. Her facial features were nearly identical to Huang Yu’s.

Her name was Du Dan, Huang Yu’s mother, but she wasn’t from Huaxia. She was the youngest daughter of a prominent family in MD Country.

However, Huang Yu had never met his maternal grandparents or other relatives from his mother’s side.

He’d heard that his mother had fallen out with her family to be with his father, vowing never to have contact with them again.

“My precious son, I heard you graduated and found a job you love, so of course I had to come personally to celebrate,” Du Dan said, moving to Huang Yu’s side and planting a firm kiss on his cheek.

Huang Yu pretended to dislike his mother’s affectionate gesture, but was secretly pleased, feigning resistance before letting her have her way.

After she let go, he took out his phone, switched to selfie mode, and used a tissue to carefully wipe the lipstick marks from his face.

He examined his face several times before he was satisfied.

“Oh, our little Yu is so thorough—afraid some girl might see and misunderstand?” Du Dan teased, as if she’d uncovered a secret.

Though Du Dan was from MD Country, her Mandarin was fluent.

If you didn’t listen closely, you’d hardly notice she was a foreigner; she must have learned it from a young age.

“Mom!” Huang Yu called out loudly, protesting.

“Yu, I heard the Institute of African History is an international institution with strict recruitment. How confident are you? Should I pull some strings for you?” Huang Tianhua, watching his wife and son playfully banter, grinned and asked.

“No need, Dad. I’m fully confident about this. Don’t worry,” Huang Yu replied, grateful but assured, declining his father’s offer.

Having met Senior Qian and experienced their pleasant conversation, Huang Yu knew his advisor’s recommendation carried weight, and the job was nearly guaranteed.

“Haha, that’s my son—confident!” Huang Tianhua laughed. “But Yu, confidence is good, but you should always be certain before acting. I still think you should use some connections. In society, talent alone doesn’t always get you ahead.”

Huang Yu firmly insisted it wasn’t necessary. Knowing his father would meddle unless he explained, he shared the details about the recommendation letter.

He also recounted his meeting with Senior Qian, their friendly exchange, and only then did his father finally abandon the idea of intervening.