Chapter 345

Due to the positive developments, everyone enjoyed the dinner immensely. Afterward, they sat together to listen to the news on the radio before Su Hongchen and Jiang Yexun finally left.
Su Xiaoxiao secretly pouted as she watched Jiang Yexun’s departing figure. It had been so long since they were alone together. Although her body felt no different, the emptiness in her heart made her feel even more uncomfortable. In her past life, she had spent decades by Jiang Yexun’s side, and even in this life after being reborn, they had never been apart for so long.
Aunt Guo didn’t notice Su Xiaoxiao’s reluctance to part and held her small hand, saying, “Did you remember the address I just mentioned? If you don’t have anything to do tomorrow, you can go and check out the house we bought. It’s currently undergoing some simple renovations. If you have any ideas, just let me know, and I’ll make sure the workers follow your instructions.”
“Thank you, Auntie,” Su Xiaoxiao replied, though she couldn’t hide her disappointment. But then she thought about the big house. If Jiang Yexun took her there for a private tour, wouldn’t she be able to enjoy some intimate moments with him? The thought lifted her spirits, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she looked at Aunt Guo. “I’ll go tomorrow!”
“Good, good!” Aunt Guo, pleased with her response, patted Su Xiaoxiao’s hand and finally declined the Su family’s offer to continue persuading her.
Jiang Yexun, Lin Shaoheng, and He Xingzhi escorted the excited Aunt Guo back to her small building before heading to the cinema entrance. At this hour, the supply and marketing cooperative had already closed, and the only place to make a phone call was at the small shop by the cinema.
In the shop, Jiang Yexun bought cigarettes and snacks and even asked the old shopkeeper if there were any movie posters left over. After spending some money to buy everything useful, Jiang Yexun successfully distracted the shopkeeper, giving Su Hongchen enough space to make his phone call.
After about ten minutes, Su Hongchen signaled to Jiang Yexun. Jiang Yexun took the cigarette out of his mouth, crushed it under his foot, and then casually draped his arm around the shopkeeper’s shoulder as he returned to the shop.
“Thank you, comrade,” Su Hongchen politely thanked the shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper, who had just been engrossed in conversation with Jiang Yexun and He Xingzhi, only felt that they must be kindred spirits and didn’t see the need for Su Hongchen’s gratitude.
“It’s nothing, nothing,” the shopkeeper quickly waved his hand, accepting the money Su Hongchen handed over. He even smiled foolishly at Jiang Yexun, saying, “Jiang, you can come by anytime to chat with me. You’re not married yet, right? Listen to me, take your partner to the movies more often. Your relationship will surely improve quickly.”
“Thank you! Once she’s free, I’ll definitely bring her to see you and the movies,” Jiang Yexun replied with a smile. After that, the three of them left the cinema.
Once they were out of sight, Su Hongchen frowned at Jiang Yexun. “Do you smoke?”

“I used to, but I’ve quit for almost half a year. I eat candy to keep my mouth busy and avoid cravings,” Jiang Yexun quickly and thoroughly explained. Seeing Su Hongchen still frowning, he hurriedly added, “I only took a couple of puffs just now to get information from him. I didn’t want to seem out of place.”
“Hmph.” Su Hongchen sneered but didn’t continue the conversation. It was unclear whether he believed Jiang Yexun’s promise.