Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

Chapter 1105: Chapter 1105: Human Greed is Never Satisfied

”I can’t even control my own daughter, let alone my daughter’s daughter! Both of them are not the kinds to save oil,” sighed Commander Guan helplessly, waving his hand. ”Go on, then! Zhiyuan is waiting for you at the door.”

”Sure! You should rest early,” Guan Qing hugged her father and then left after closing the door.

As soon as Guan Qing stepped out of the door, she saw Hen Zhiyuan standing and waiting for her outside. The moonlight draped his figure in a layer of silver-grey. Over forty years had passed across his face without seeming to leave much trace.

”Is the Commander asleep?” Hen Zhiyuan asked as Guan Qing came out.

”Not yet. He’s just tired and wants to rest,” Guan Qing smiled as she walked down the steps. ”Not in a hurry to get home? Then walk with me in the compound.”

Hen Zhiyuan nodded.

The two walked shoulder to shoulder at a leisurely pace, with the lights beside the path casting their shadows long and short.

”How have you been lately? Is the company still doing well?” Hen Zhiyuan was the first to break the silence.

”Not bad. I used to be in the apparel business, but now I’ve moved into the catering industry. I’ve opened two restaurants, and business is pretty good,” Guan Qing said simply.

”It’s been a while since I’ve seen you! Drop by the compound more when you’re free! It’s really too quiet here with just the Commander and the guards,” Hen Zhiyuan said.

”Business people are busy, as you know. And running a business isn’t easy—I have to deal with all kinds of things! The old man won’t let me wave his banner, so I have to tough it out among all kinds of people! It’s exhausting!” Guan Qing heaved a sigh. Being a strong woman isn’t so easy these days.

She also wanted to find a man to hide behind so she wouldn’t have to face the storm directly.

But, matters of the heart and emotions are something that cannot be controlled or planned.

Guan Qing understood this well, so she simply did as she pleased.

Live each day as it comes, for even if there’s no future, there’s still the joy of the present.

”You don’t need to make your business that big! Having a small shop to maintain your lifestyle is sufficient,” Hen Zhiyuan knew Guan Qing’s efforts.

He thought that someone as refined as her should live a leisurely and carefree life, instead of like a tightly wound businesswoman.

”What about you?” Guan Qing stopped walking, her gaze fixing on Hen Zhiyuan’s face. ”Actually, reaching the position of Deputy Regimental Commander isn’t bad. Even if you are discharged and go back to civilian life, you’ll still be a leader of some importance! You and your determination to reach that Regimental Commander’s position.”

”It’s not the same...”

”There’s nothing different about it.” Guan Qing lifted the corners of her mouth, her gaze soft and watery as she looked at him. ”Actually, we are alike! Always looking ahead, never satisfied. Even if you became the Regimental Commander, you would still want to be a Brigade Commander... Commander, or even a Military Region Commander.”

”Yes. You’re right. I am like that, somewhat insatiable.” Hen Zhiyuan felt a little embarrassed being so openly read by Guan Qing.

”There’s no need to feel awkward,” Guan Qing said with a smile. ”That’s one of the reasons I admire you. Life should not be like stagnant water, fixed and unmoving, so I support you...”

It was then that Hen Zhiyuan understood what Guan Qing was trying to say. He tugged at the corner of his mouth, showing a hint of a smile. ”Thank you, but I’ve given up on that position now. The Commander is right, one must act according to one’s abilities! We shouldn’t overly demand what we cannot get or what is not meant for us.”

”Is this truly what you think?” Guan Qing raised an eyebrow.

”Yes!” Hen Zhiyuan replied.

”I’ll ask you one more time, are you sure?”