Chapter 355: Chapter 354

In the office at the freight station, Ling Chengyan looked over the accounts and pointed out several irregularities, emphasizing, “We’re in this for the long haul, so we must be transparent and clear in both accounts and finances, without any ambiguity. Don’t ever think of keeping dual accounts, fake accounts, or skimming off a bit. If discovered, we’ll end up on the blacklist, and it could ruin the business. It’s not worth it.”

Da Xiong agreed repeatedly, and assured with a thumping chest, “Yan’er sis, rest assured, we only employ certified accountants who strictly follow financial accounting standards, we will never engage in illegal activities.”

Ling Chengyan took a look around, politely declined Da Xiong’s invitation to stay for dinner, and drove straight to the nursing school.

Hongling was already in her second year of vocational high school, about to enter her third year. The focus of their studies determined that internships were particularly important. Just a month into the school year, she would begin her internship at the hospital.

Before returning, Ling Chengyan made a phone call, and learned Hongling’s school wouldn’t start for another ten days, but Hongling, being academically outstanding, was appreciated by a teacher, and had been arranged to observe at the school hospital during the summer break.

Getting to practice early, honing practical techniques, and getting accustomed to the hospital environment and workflow were all beneficial for her forthcoming internship, so her family naturally supported this.

Ling Chengyan drove into the school hospital courtyard, just parked the car, and saw Hongling carrying a book, walking out of the outpatient building with her head slightly down, as if burdened by heavy thoughts.

Ling Chengyan slightly frowned, jumped out of the car, and called out loudly, “Hongling!”

Surprised, Hongling raised her head to look over, and upon seeing Ling Chengyan, a smile spread across her face, even the tightly knit brows seemed to relax.

“Fourth Aunt!” Hongling shouted while running over to Ling Chengyan.

Once closer, Ling Chengyan carefully examined the girl, smiled with a slight frown, “Why have you gotten thinner?”

During the New Year, she clearly had cheeks with a bit of flesh, but this time when they met, not only had the flesh on her cheeks disappeared, but her chin was pointed and she had lost more than just a little weight.

Hongling’s smile paused briefly, instinctively raised her hand to touch her own face, and then laughed, “Maybe because of the summer heat.”

Ling Chengyan let Hongling get in the car, and after driving away, subtly changed the topic to ask, “Still jogging and practicing boxing morning and night?”

Even the quiet types like Hongling, she encouraged to jog and maintain fitness, teaching her a set of boxing moves suitable for girls. Consistent practice would not only enhance her fighting ability, but at least allow her to run away if necessary, potentially protect herself, and catch a man off guard temporarily.

Hongling nodded, her face slightly red, and said, “I jog every morning, but sometimes I’m too tired in the evening and occasionally slack off.”

Ling Chengyan turned back to smile at her, “It’s primarily for fitness; jogging once a day is enough.”

Hongling said, “Xiao Xing and Shi Tou both stick to it, I’m the eldest sister, yet lag behind my younger siblings.”

Ling Chengyan laughed, “They have nothing aside from school, how can you compare yourself to them?”

Anyway, while comparison and competition certainly provide motivation for improvement, it’s not necessary to undermine confidence through comparison. Though competition is important, what’s more crucial is to overcome yourself, becoming a better version of yourself than yesterday, which signifies continuous progress.

Hongling, though previously introverted and quiet, wasn’t really a girl lacking confidence.

Ling Chengyan set aside her doubts and chatted with Hongling about the fun of catching sea waves, easing the atmosphere before switching topics again to ask, “Have you chosen your internship unit?”

Hongling paused slightly, her complexion somewhat pale, lowered her eyes momentarily, and then said softly, “My teacher still wants me to stay at the school hospital…”

Ling Chengyan raised an eyebrow, “Does she want you to work there after graduation?”

Hongling whispered, “The teacher hasn’t explicitly said so, but that’s the implied intent.”

Ling Chengyan feigned obliviousness to Hongling’s expression, and with a smile asked, “Do you particularly like the school hospital?”

Hongling immediately shook her head in denial, “No, I don’t like it.”

Ling Chengyan laughed, turned to look at her, and said, “Then no worries, your internship can be arranged by your Fourth Uncle.”

Hongling’s eyes curved into smiling crescents as she looked at her Fourth Aunt beside her, “Fourth Aunt, you’re so nice!”

With that expression, if it weren’t for Ling Chengyan driving, the girl would have snuggled up and hugged her tightly, reminding Ling Chengyan of their family dog Ah Huang, who would snuggle whenever happy.

She lifted her right hand to gently rub the little girl’s head, laughingly said, “Don’t just focus on internships, don’t put down your textbooks either. There are self-study exams, schools are enrolling for the vocational high school to junior college promotions, prepare for that, let your Fourth Uncle to check it out for you. If there’s a chance, another two years of study would be good. You’re still young, no rush to start working.”

Hongling smiled and lifted her eyes, “I’m already twenty.”

Ling Chengyan concentrated on driving, casually corrected, “Just had your birthday, nineteen years old.”

Hongling lightly responded, her smile deepening.

Ling Chengyan took Hongling to have dinner at her elder brother and sister-in-law’s place. Her second brother and sister-in-law, upon hearing the news, also came over. With over ten people, even though her elder brother’s house was spacious enough, so many people made it bustling and lively.

Ling Chengyan handed out gifts to the children and chatted with the sister-in-laws about things since they last met.

The second brother and sister-in-law were no longer content with running a clothing store; they bought two storefronts at the wholesale market, combining them to start a wholesale business instead.

Second brother handled sourcing, while second sister-in-law managed operations, employing over ten workers. Second sister-in-law’s niece, Lijuan, came over to help; the girl was efficient and lively, now familiar with the business enough to assist quite a bit, easing second sister-in-law’s workload considerably.

The elder sister-in-law initially only looked after Hong Zhi and Hongbing at home. Seeing the second sister-in-law’s business flourishing, she wanted to find a job too. But her elder brother stopped her with a laugh, assigning her to manage logistics for the construction team instead.

Elder brother no longer only had one construction team; the team in Huicheng had over thirty permanent workers who almost needed meals daily.

Elder brother handed logistics over to elder sister-in-law, not for her to cook, but to manage buying groceries, rice, labor benefits, etc.

Elder sister-in-law, having attended only two years of primary school, was just able to barely recognize some words. Now employed, being on the job for a prolonged period inevitably means keeping accounts, but she has a strong character, neither complaining nor compromising, studying writing and arithmetic nightly with Hong Zhi and Hongbing, claiming she doesn’t aim to pursue higher education, but simply wants to keep the accounts clear.

Watching both sister-in-laws’ earnest endeavors, Ling Chengyan felt happy for them. After the meal, when the second brother and sister-in-law rushed to the shops, and the kids went out to play, Ling Chengyan discussed Hongling’s practicum matters with the elder brother and sister-in-law.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep