Wei Yanze wrapped himself in a blanket, still lost in the lingering effects of the previous night. He was completely immersed in a boundless sense of pleasure.
Shuai Chang reluctantly got out of bed to prepare milk powder for their child, carefully feeding Zhou Chengxing and coaxing him gently.
Climbing back into bed, Shuai Chang embraced Wei Yanze, who resembled a silkworm cocoon, and said, “I really hope Chengxing grows up quickly and can sleep alone in his own room like his brother.”
“…Mhm,” Wei Yanze agreed.
The next day, rather than going to the company, Shuai Chang stayed home to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of several local universities with Wei Yanze.
Deng Jie saw this and asked, “Is Mrs. Zhou planning to attend university?”
Wei Yanze replied, “I want to give it a try.”
Deng Jie said, “If you want to take the exam, just go ahead. I can look after the child; it won’t be a problem. No matter what, you should pursue your dreams and not let the child hold you back.”
Wei Yanze expressed his concern, “I’m afraid Mom won’t agree.”
“The old lady doesn’t seem unreasonable. Besides, you’re still young. Is it a waste to spend all your time taking care of the child?”
Deng Jie’s words moved Wei Yanze, and he tugged at Shuai Chang’s sleeve, saying, “Why don’t you help me pick a school close to home so I can come back to see the child?”
Shuai Chang laughed and said, “You see, when Deng Jie encourages you, you listen, but when I suggest something, you ignore me all night long.”
“What all night? Don’t say that,” Wei Yanze said bashfully, pushing Shuai Chang away as he got out of bed to embrace Zhou Chengxing.
The child grew quickly; in just a month, he was already plump and fair. Anyone who teased him would elicit contagious giggles, and his tea-colored eyes sparkled with glimmers of light—he was incredibly adorable.
“Does Chengxing want Daddy to go to school?” Wei Yanze made a silly face, causing Zhou Chengxing to laugh, his little face flushed with joy.
“Go to D University, then. Zhou Company donated a library to D University last year, so it should be reasonable for you to be admitted without an exam.” Shuai Chang took Zhou Chengxing in his arms, letting Wei Yanze choose his major.
“As for the English major you applied for earlier, I haven’t studied in years, and I’m not sure if I can keep up.”
Wei Yanze stated, “I’m quite good with English. I didn’t really want to go to university; I just wanted a diploma. Mom said having a degree means I won’t bring shame to the Zhou family.” Looking back, he realized she meant well.
“Why didn’t you want to attend university?” Shuai Chang asked, taken aback.
“I, at that time, felt very insecure and didn’t want to interact with anyone,” Wei Yanze confessed.
“It seems you’re not insecure anymore,” Shuai Chang leaned closer to kiss him. “I will help you become more confident; you deserve the best.”
During dinner, they told Zhou Mother about Wei Yanze wanting to go to university, and she remained silent, her face stone-cold. Wei Yanze felt a bit anxious.
Deng Jie was also dining with them and smiled gently, saying, “Old Lady, this is your family matter, and I shouldn’t intrude. However, Mrs. Zhou is a wonderful person, and I must speak on her behalf.” Feeling all eyes on him, Deng Jie continued, “If you’re worried about the child not being looked after, there’s no need. I’ve taken care of Chengxing for a month now and have completely come to see him as my own child. I can watch him during both the day and night. Even if I can’t keep up, you’re still here as his grandmother, right? And…”
Zhou Mother interrupted him, “You don’t need to say anymore; I agree.”
“Mom.” Wei Yanze’s eyes brightened as tears of excitement welled up.
“You must come back to stay at night; you can’t live on campus. Otherwise, when you graduate, Chengxing and Chengyun won’t recognize you, and I’ll see how you handle that.” Although Zhou Mother spoke harshly, Wei Yanze could still hear her concern.
“Mom, thank you. I will definitely come back every night.”
Zhou Mother smiled slightly and then frowned again, “Have you chosen a school?”
Shuai Chang said, “D University is good; it’s close to home.”
Zhou Mother replied, “D University, huh? I’ve known President Zhang Fei of D University for many years. Didn’t Zhou Company donate a library there last year? I’ll call Zhang Fei and see if Wei Yanze can enroll directly as a new student. I think the fashion design department is great; Wei Yanze has a foundation in art. What do you think?”
Shuai Chang glanced at Wei Yanze, who nodded. “Mom, you’re wonderful. I was just discussing with Zhen Ting that I intended to study fashion design.”
If we’re talking about hobbies, Wei Yanze’s only passion was painting. After having two children, it turned into dressing them up and styling their clothes. The children were so beautiful that they looked good in anything, and if he could learn to design clothes himself, wouldn’t that be better?
Zhou Mother kept her word and took Wei Yanze to D University to meet with President Zhang Fei the very next morning.
Zhang Fei welcomed them in his office, “Is this your daughter-in-law? No way, she looks about the same age as a freshman.”
Zhou Mother laughed, “This child is quite beautiful and looks young; she’s already twenty-six this year. She had to pause her schooling to have children. Now that I’ve got a grandson, I want her to resume her studies. Wei Yanze, call President Zhang ‘Aunt Zhang’ and show your paintings to her.”
Wei Yanze obediently addressed her and took out a portrait he had painted of the Zhou brothers, Chengyun and Chengxing, from behind the drawing board.
President Zhang took it and was immediately captivated, “Xiao Ting, are these your two grandsons? They’re even more handsome than your daughter-in-law, and those eyes are really beautiful.”
Zhou Mother beamed brightly, “Not only are they good-looking, but they’re also well-behaved and don’t cause any trouble. The eldest is a double blessing, in second grade. He always gets first place in exams and is even the class monitor.”
“Remarkable! How did all the good kids end up in your family?” President Zhang joked.
Having known Zhou Mother for over twenty years, she was familiar with her character, and they spoke comfortably.
“Yanze, I’ve invited the dean of the fashion institute to come and examine your work. I think it looks great, but after all, I’m not a professional.” President Zhang addressed Wei Yanze.
Wei Yanze said sincerely, “Thank you, I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”
“Since you’ve called me ‘Aunt Zhang,’ I can’t let you call me that for nothing. Don’t worry; even if the fashion institute doesn’t work out, you can choose any college that doesn’t require professional skills.”
As soon as President Zhang finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. She said, “Come in,” and a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses, about forty years old, walked in.