Step by step, a gentle breeze leads to a smooth path

Chapter 217 Japanese

Song Yanchu understood; the child was afraid of touching on his painful memories. "It's alright, I'll teach you later, I can do it too." Avoiding the problem wouldn't solve anything, and she wasn't the only one who couldn't speak Japanese.

"Really? Is that possible?" Ting Nan was overjoyed.

"Of course, you're so happy? I'm curious, Tingnan, why did you decide to speak Japanese? It's not even on the exam!" Song Yanchu was genuinely puzzled. Back then, she had been asking Xingzi many questions about Japan, including its customs, geography, and more...

If we're talking about hatred towards Japan, Tingnan's generation shouldn't have such strong feelings, right? Some people even distance themselves from it because of hatred, avoiding everything they hear or see. But Tingnan really wants to understand it.

"Uh, well... Uncle, you have to promise not to tell anyone, especially my dad and the others, then I'll tell you."

Song Yanchu found it very interesting and became even more curious. "So mysterious? Okay, I promise you, I won't tell them. Go ahead and tell me."

"Uncle, you know I have an older brother and sister, right? But you probably don't know my older brother and sister's father, Zheng Yueqiang, do you?"

Seeing Song Yanchu nod, Song Tingnan began to tell him about Zheng Yueqiang's enlistment in the army and his disappearance, including various rumors. "Uncle, based on my grandmother's judgment in choosing a son-in-law, and the character of his children, my brother and sister, I don't believe that my uncle is a deserter and a traitor who sells out his country for personal gain."

"So, you want to learn Japanese well so you can go to Japan and see for yourself? And you don't want your dad and the others to know? You kid!" Is that all you're going to deduce? And you're actually working hard for it? Language is just a tool; the human heart is the true principle. That makes sense!

Nan hurriedly said, "It's not that I wanted to keep it a secret, but they just don't believe me. They'd rather it be dead. I want to find out the truth before I can give up. Besides, I haven't taken any action yet, so I might as well not say anything to avoid worrying them. Uncle, you promised me you wouldn't tell, so don't go back on your word."

Song Yanchu thought about it for a moment. This matter must have been on Ting Nan's mind for several years, so she didn't try to persuade her. She smiled and said, "Okay, I won't say anything. It's okay. International relations are delicate these days. If you want to learn, then learn. It's always good to have more skills. You never know when you might need them."

"Thank you for your understanding, Uncle. I promise I won't fall behind in my studies. After I finish my homework, I'll study Japanese on the weekend," Tingnan promised.

"Okay, as long as you know it yourself. By the way, how are you getting along with your classmates at school? How are your teachers?" Song Yanchu began to exercise her parental authority.

"Well, everything's alright. After all, I'm so cute, right?"

"Hahaha...you little rascal, so vain. I heard there's a parent-teacher conference for the first-year high school students, did the teacher say which day it is?"

"Really? Uncle, you're so well-informed? I haven't even had a chance to tell you yet."

"Hehehe, I ran into your teacher Jiang's classmate when I went out to buy groceries a few days ago, and she told me about it."

"Oh, I see. It should be next Saturday morning."

"Okay, Tingnan, let's go to Yunlai Shopping Mall this weekend. Can you pick out some clothes for me?"

"So formal? Uncle, you already look great. If you dress up any more, I'm afraid..." Nan covered her mouth as she spoke. 'Looking great' was a taboo word for her uncle.

Looking at Tingnan's appearance, Song Yanchu smiled and said, "It's alright, Tingnan. I'm old now, and times have changed. I'm fine."

"Uncle, you're not old at all, you've become even more elegant."

"Right? This is your first parent-teacher conference, so I need to dress properly. I'll also buy you a couple of outfits; the seasons are changing soon, so we two need to take good care of ourselves." Song Yanchu seemed to have truly let go of the past.

Ting Nan was a little smug. "That's right, Uncle. My brother always makes me dresses. When I wear them at school, girls always come up to me and ask where I bought them."

"Just tell them, are there any boys here?"