Zhao Lixia and Qin Shiqing were busy in the kitchen, while Su Zelin picked up a pack of Liqun cigarettes left on the table by Su Jianjun. He tapped the bottom of the cigarette box lightly twice, and two cigarettes popped out. He took one in his mouth and handed the other to Su Jianjun: "Dad, wanna feel like a god for a few minutes?"
As the saying goes: a cigarette after a meal makes you feel like a god.
If it were another kid, they might get beaten to death on the spot.
However, Su Jianjun was not surprised by Su Zelin's actions.
This kid started smoking secretly in his first year of high school, and when he was found out, Su Jianjun gave him a good beating. Unfortunately, Su Zelin remained incorrigible, still sneaking around to smoke and refusing to change.
At his angriest, Su Jianjun whipped him hard with a belt, but it was useless. Su Zelin still did as he pleased, and that time he didn't even cry.
The two parents were at their wits' end; they couldn't really beat their son to death over this, so in the end, Su Jianjun gave up.
Since he couldn't be persuaded to quit, they had to compromise.
Later, he had a face-to-face talk with Su Zelin, and the father and son reached a compromise: Su Zelin could smoke, but absolutely not at school.
Su Zelin accepted this agreement, and thus a tacit understanding was reached.
The rascal kept his word and absolutely didn't smoke at school, but he smoked freely once he got home.
Although he had been smoking for a long time, Su Jianjun was slightly surprised by Su Zelin's skillful cigarette handling.
Why does it feel like this kid is at least a ten-year veteran smoker?
And his moves are so smooth; maybe I'll practice it someday.
"Let's go!"
Su Jianjun gestured towards the door.
Smoking at home wasn't an issue for the father and son, but they generally avoided doing it in front of Zhao Lixia to spare her from secondhand smoke. Especially with Qin Shiqing around, they dared not; otherwise, they'd surely catch a beating from Zhao Lixia.
Su Zelin was naturally aware of this unspoken rule and never dared to provoke his mother's wrath on this matter.
He picked up the box of Liqun and the lighter and went to the courtyard on the first floor.
As the father and son puffed away, Su Jianjun spoke up: "Zelin, what are your plans after graduating high school?"
Though still young, Su Zelin needed to consider his future. As a father, Su Jianjun wanted to hear his son's thoughts.
If he wasn't really into studying, joining him in business wouldn't be a bad idea.
Su Zelin wasn't interested in studying, but he was sharp, emotionally intelligent, bold, and had good social skills, which made him suitable for business.
However, going to college was a must, even if it was just for broadening his horizons.
"With my grades, there's no hope for a top university, but a regular one is fine. I plan to start something after college, maybe a business!"
By this time, the sun had completely set, and Su Zelin's eyes sparkled in the darkness.
In his previous life, he had managed to succeed and become a billionaire, so this time, it would be even easier.
This era was full of opportunities.
With a little effort, one could live comfortably for a lifetime.
Of course, there were also pitfalls everywhere, and carelessness could lead to disaster.
But as someone who'd been reborn, Su Zelin knew how to avoid these pitfalls.
For him, money wasn't that important.
Extreme material wealth couldn't fill the void of affection and inner emptiness.
But as long as one's spirit was full, even a modest life that was less than a regular family's in the future could still be happy and joyful.
In his past life, he neglected too many people and things in his pursuit of money, eventually estranging himself from his parents, causing his childhood sweetheart to leave for distant lands, and losing true friends one after another.
He traveled the world seeking scenery, only to return and find that the most beautiful view was right beside him all along, unnoticed until it was lost, making him realize its true value!
It's a mistake he wouldn't repeat!
Of course, money had to be earned.
Money isn't everything, but it can solve many problems and make life more comfortable for family and friends, as long as the core isn't lost in the process.
"It's great that you want to start a business!"
Su Jianjun nodded slightly.
"But starting a business as a college student isn't easy. You have to persist, and don't be discouraged by failure. The key is to learn from it and gain knowledge!"
Pausing for a moment, he continued, "If you need funds, you can talk to the family about it. Your dad will definitely support you, and there shouldn't be a problem with your mom either! Our family has made some money over the years, and we have some savings!"
"Alright, Dad, thanks in advance!"
"No need for thanks between us!"
Su Jianjun patted his shoulder.
His biggest worry was that even after going to college and graduating, Su Zelin would still just fool around, with his mind only on food and fun. Knowing he had his own plans was a great relief to him.
"And what about Shiqing?"
After hesitating a bit, Su Jianjun asked tentatively.
Both he and his wife hoped that Qin Shiqing would become their daughter-in-law someday.
Although his son seems not to match up to her, there's still a glimmer of hope in his heart.
However, whether due to insensitivity or the old saying "the rabbit doesn't eat the grass near its nest," Su Zelin, the guy daring enough to rent educational videos from a video store, shows no sign of interest in the blossoming childhood friend right before him.
With Qin Shiqing's beauty and character, there will probably be a flock of suitors once she's in college. If Su Zelin doesn't act soon, he'll find himself too late.
The son is not in a hurry, but the father is anxious, although Su Jianjun can't just bring it up directly, fearing he might be instigating early romance.
"What's going on with me and Shiqing?"
Su Zelin feigned ignorance.
"She's material for Tsinghua or Peking University, while I'll likely end up in an ordinary provincial university. But our families will always be neighbors, always friends!"
Su Jianjun shifted his lips, hesitating to speak, and finally just sighed.
Indeed, other than his looks, there really wasn't much about his son that could match up to Shiqing. Besides, they'd be separated in different universities, and it couldn't be forced.
Even if Shiqing didn't mind this delinquent and treated him well, it might just be because of their family's good relationship and growing up together, not necessarily for any other reason.
Forget it, let nature take its course!
That's what he thought, but Su Jianjun couldn't shake the heavy feeling in his heart.
After all, a good girl like Qin Shiqing is incredibly rare, and with the bond between the two families, she'd make a perfect daughter-in-law, with no worries about mother-in-law conflicts. His wife had already treated Qin Shiqing like a daughter.
"Uncle, you let Zelin smoke again!"
A figure emerged from behind them, swiftly snatching away the cigarette from Su Zelin's mouth and extinguishing it in the trash.
Speak of the devil, and the devil appears.
After finishing the dishes, Qin Shiqing guessed that the father and son pair must have gone to the yard to smoke.
"Ah, this..."
Su Jianjun was a bit embarrassed, not knowing how to respond.
"You're so annoying. My mom isn't as strict as you!"
As Su Zelin was about to pull out another cigarette, the whole pack was deftly taken by Qin Shiqing: "Uncle, I'll keep this pack for you, and by the way, it's time for tutoring!"
"Yes, yes, Shiqing is kindly helping you tutor, you little brat, don't waste her kind intentions!"
Su Jianjun seized the chance to find a way out of the situation.
Qin Shiqing dragged Su Zelin upstairs.
Watching their inseparable figures, Su Jianjun fell silent.
Damn brat, even if the chances are slim, you have to give it your all!
...
At ten o'clock in the evening, Qin Shiqing went home, and Su Zelin went to take a shower.
The early summer weather was already quite hot, and he was accustomed to cooling off before bed.
Opening the wardrobe, glancing at the clothes inside, Su Zelin was stunned.
Torn jeans, leather jackets, and flared pants, there was even a set resembling Iori Yagami's outfit that, in later times, would likely get him beaten up just by wearing them on the street...
Additionally, there was a T-shirt with the offensive word "fuck" on it. Clearly, Su Zelin couldn't have bought a couple's version with Huang Panpan; she probably imitated him out of admiration.
My high school fashion sense was really something else...
Rummaging through the pile of chaotic "individualistic" outfits, he finally found a pair of pants and a T-shirt that looked somewhat presentable.
As Su Zelin exited his room, he thought that he must replace all these "fashion pieces" tomorrow, as he absolutely couldn't stand them in his current mindset.
In the bathroom, staring at the face in the mirror that was both familiar and strange.
His parents were the heartthrobs of the steel factory, so their love child naturally couldn't be shabby. In fact, Su Zelin had perfectly inherited his father's and mother's best traits.
His face was slightly smaller than Su Jianjun's square face, maintaining a ruggedness while adding a touch of refinement without being too rough.
Sharp as a sword, slanting eyebrows, deep starry eyes and a high-bridged nose all conveyed a visual aggressiveness, yet the delicate skin and rosy lips added some balance, overall just right. Different from the effeminate look of little fresh meats, yet not overly serious.
These two contradictory traits gave Su Zelin a roguishly handsome look, with his crooked smile remarkably reminiscent of the Chen Guanxi of this era.
I could be described as Jianglan's Teacher Chen now, but I worry if I might turn into Uncle Benshan later...
Su Zelin had a small concern, but quickly dismissed it. At least prior to being reborn, he was still a sophisticated man, with neither his looks nor charisma showing any signs of decline.
This body is not only young, filled with vitality, but very robust. Perhaps due to a childhood of hyperactivity and sports enthusiasm, his body fat percentage was ideal, body proportions great, with smooth muscle lines. Not as bulky as a muscular man, more like the kind that looks slim in clothes, and strong without.
Su Zelin was quite satisfied with his current state.
Picking up a piece of Yuye soap, he began to hum a song while lathering: "The flowers in my heart, I want to take you home, whether it's true or not in that late-night bar..."
After humming a few lines, he suddenly stopped.
Hmm, the rhythm was off, too jarring. Let's switch to another!
"Often blame myself, shouldn't have done those things back then, often regret for not keeping you by my side, why, when we clearly love each other, do we have to part ways in the end..."
...