004, Inquiry, Life Goals

Any precious or meaningful items, Jing Qingxin and Jing Qingmu would always store directly in the “Liuguang Space,” as for them, it was the safest and most reassuring place. This habit had been ingrained in them since childhood. Because of this difference, the siblings matured earlier than other children their age.

For them, putting things away in the “Liuguang Space” was also the most convenient choice. If anything was urgently needed, they could retrieve it at once, so nothing would ever be lost or forgotten. Therefore, they kept a backup of all practical items they might need in daily life within the “Liuguang Space.” It was their largest portable pouch—nothing could be more handy or secure.

The other tent was used for developing and storing medicines. There were two bookshelves filled with many volumes, most of which Jing Qingxin had borrowed from her brother Jing Qingmu’s “Liuguang Hall.” Thus, her own “Liuguang Brocade” was also quite abundant.

Naturally, Jing Qingxin was happy to provide her homegrown medicinal herbs for her brother. Since childhood, under their mother’s guidance and from poring over the ancient texts in the “Liuguang Space,” the two had become very familiar with the research and combinations of various medicines.

Her brother Jing Qingmu especially needed substantial amounts of medicine. Having inherited the honor of the Jing family’s military legacy and graduated at the top of his class from the capital’s elite military academy, he would head to the special warfare training base for closed training at the end of the month. Because of the nature of his work, medicine was vital to his survival.

At noon, Jing Qingxin prepared a simple meal, then headed out to the military compound. Although she was a girl, her father had always treated her the same as her brother when it came to physical training—never pampering her just because of her gender. In all other respects, though, he doted on her, unable to resist her resemblance to her mother. Her father was famous for his devotion to his wife—a model husband, utterly besotted.

Whenever she witnessed her father’s meticulous care for her mother and the deep affection flowing between them, Jing Qingxin would feel an overwhelming envy. How lucky she was to be their daughter, to grow up in such a loving family.

Her idols were her parents. She admired the mutual devotion and deep respect in their love. In an age obsessed with efficiency and instant gratification, even emotions had become shallow and fleeting. The kind of enduring love her parents shared was truly rare.

Jing Qingxin took a taxi to the military compound. She and her brother had learned to drive at sixteen while training at the base, but hadn’t applied for their licenses since they were still underage, so they had to rely on taxis for now. Now that she was an adult, she could finally make time to get her license.

Using her key, Jing Qingxin opened the door. The house was empty—her grandparents, after attending her and her brother’s coming-of-age ceremony last night, had set off on their travels early that morning. Except for major holidays, the elderly couple spent most of each year traveling, making up for the regrets of their youth while they were still able.

The housekeeper, Granny Zhang, had also returned home and would only come to care for them when her grandparents were in residence. Occasionally, she would drop by to tidy up and water the garden. At this moment, the Jing family’s old residence was deserted.

Recalling the events of the previous night, Jing Qingxin’s first instinct was to look for books her grandfather and great-grandfather had preserved in the study, hoping to learn more about that era’s stories.

She first went to her grandfather’s portrait, bowed respectfully, and said softly, “Grandfather, Yuan Yuan is here.” “Yuan Yuan” was her childhood nickname, used only by close elders. Friends called her “Qingxin” or “Xinxin.”

She stood by the bookshelf, searching carefully for books from that period. She wasn’t certain of the exact year she had visited in her experience the night before, but she was sure it was the era recorded in history as a time of hardship and struggle—the passionate age of her grandfather’s generation.

After searching for over an hour, Jing Qingxin found three books chronicling that period and stored them in her “Liuguang Brocade,” intending to study them later.

She then went to the courtyard and used the stream water from her “Liuguang Brocade” to water the garden. Her grandparents usually traveled for a month or two at a time, and the plants needed careful tending. With the stream water she and her mother provided, the garden flourished; otherwise, with only Granny Zhang’s occasional attention, everything would have withered by the time her grandparents returned.

After watering the plants, Jing Qingxin prepared to go home. Her mother should be back soon. At present, she was an intern, helping her mother manage her businesses—a relatively relaxed life. This was her final university internship. She didn’t have to report to school; once the internship ended, she would submit her report and, in June, collect her diploma—her graduation complete.

Back at the villa, her mother was sitting on the sofa in the living room, sipping floral tea and watching television. Hearing the door, she turned, beckoning her daughter, “Yuan Yuan, come sit with me. Where have you been this afternoon?”

Jing Qingxin smiled and nestled beside her mother, replying sweetly, “I went to the military compound.”

“Your grandparents have gone traveling—what did you go there for?” her mother asked.

“I went to look for some books and check some references. I watered the garden too, so you won’t need to make a trip,” Jing Qingxin answered truthfully.

Her mother nodded, “Good. Yuan Yuan, let me ask you: do you find it boring, managing these businesses with me? You’re still young. If there’s anything you want to do, be brave and try. Don’t worry about me.”

“I think it’s great—relaxed and free. Most things are already handled, and I just oversee everything. Don’t worry, Mom, I won’t wrong myself. If I find something I’m really passionate about, I’ll pursue it for sure. I just haven’t made up my mind yet. For now, I’ll learn management from you,” Jing Qingxin said, linking arms with her mother and smiling.

Her mother patted her hand gently, her tone full of comfort. “As long as you have a clear idea of what you want, that’s enough.”

Her two children had been considerate and sensible from a young age. She worried that her daughter might be doing all this just to please her, but she did not hold the traditional view that children must inherit their parents’ business. Her life hadn’t come easily—she only wished for those she loved to be happy.

As for her children, if they excelled, as parents they would feel proud and pleased. If their talents were ordinary, she and her husband would not be disappointed or angry. All they wanted was for their children to live joyfully and smoothly.

“Don’t worry, Mom! I’ll tell you as soon as I find my goal,” Jing Qingxin replied with a smile.