After hearing her father's words, Qiu Yihe's originally relaxed brows instantly knitted together tightly.
Her eyes began to redden slightly.
Her gaze revealed an indescribable shock and disappointment as she looked straight at Qiu Zheng, who was sitting across from her.
"I know it's dangerous, but this is the profession I love. I want to do something meaningful for society. Everyone is equal and has the right to pursue their dreams."
"Why are you allowed to pursue your dream of becoming a pilot, while I'm not allowed to choose to be an Anti-drug Police Officer? Isn't that a double standard??"
Unable to refute Qiu Yihe's words, Qiu Zheng's chest heaved with anger.
It felt as if his throat were stuffed with cotton; he couldn't utter a single word.
His eyes widened, veins bulged on his forehead, and he once again stiffly pointed his finger at Qiu Yihe.
He could only helplessly squeeze out through his teeth, "Fine, fine, fine, you're right..."
At this moment, Qiu Zheng's heart was filled with anger and frustration.
He never imagined that he would be rendered speechless by this junior.
Seeing that Qiu Zheng was about to lose control of his emotions, Jiang Jianmin, who was standing nearby, quickly stepped in to mediate.
He reached out to press down on Qiu Zheng's shoulder and advised him earnestly.
"Alright, Old Qiu! Honestly, why can't you talk things over calmly? Why must you shout like this? It's unseemly."
As he spoke, he cast a reproachful look at Qiu Zheng.
Seeing Qiu Yihe so aggrieved that tears were welling up in her eyes, Jiang Cheng silently handed her a tissue from the table.
Looking at the tissue handed to her, Qiu Yihe was secretly surprised.
She clearly hadn't expected the seemingly somewhat nonchalant Jiang Cheng to be so gentle and thoughtful.
A faint, barely perceptible blush appeared on her face.
She looked a bit embarrassed.
But she still carefully took the unexpected tissue.
At the same time, she whispered "Thank you" in a voice as quiet as a mosquito's buzz.
Seeing her son's actions, Li Yan couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion.
Her son had grown up; just now, when she was crying her eyes out, Jiang Cheng hadn't thought to hand her a tissue.
Without time to take Jiang Cheng to task, Li Yan immediately took Qiu Yihe's hand.
She patted it gently and comforted her softly, "Xiao He, don't be angry anymore. Your Uncle Jiang and I are both here today. How about this: why don't you go out and rest for a bit? I'll have Jiang Cheng accompany you for some fun to help you relax."
Upon hearing this, the tense expression on Qiu Yihe's face instantly froze.
After glancing at Jiang Cheng, she subconsciously shook her head vigorously.
In a firm yet slightly flustered tone, she replied, "No need, Auntie. I just remembered I have some important matters to attend to, so I need to step out for a moment. Don't worry, I'll be back soon. I'm truly sorry for causing you and Uncle so much trouble."
Watching Qiu Yihe's somewhat fragile and reddened back as she walked away.
Li Yan hurriedly gave Jiang Cheng a meaningful look.
Receiving such an obvious hint from his mother, Jiang Cheng nodded in understanding.
He said politely to Qiu Zheng, "Uncle Qiu, I'm very sorry, but I'll be heading out for a bit as well."
Qiu Zheng sighed deeply, his eyes filled with endless guilt and helplessness.
He slowly raised his head, staring at Jiang Cheng, and said in a slightly hoarse voice.
"Thank you, Xiao Jiang. Sigh... I'm truly ashamed. I've failed Xiao He. Look at the pathetic state I'm in now; I can barely protect myself, so how can I ensure her safety?"
"My only wish now is for her to be safe and healthy. You two are around the same age and should have more in common, so please help me talk some sense into her."
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng quickly nodded and replied, "Alright, Uncle Qiu, don't worry."
Watching Jiang Cheng's hurried departure as he gradually vanished from sight.
Qiu Zheng turned around, his gaze falling on Jiang Jianmin and Li Yan beside him.
He shook his head with a bitter smile and asked, as if talking to himself.
"Old Jiang, Sister-in-law, do you think I'm particularly hypocritical? I say all these grand things, but in reality, I won't let Xiao He do what she truly loves."
After hearing this, Jiang Jianmin reached out and patted Qiu Zheng's shoulder gently.
After a moment of silence, he slowly replied.
"How could I think that of you? I understand your difficulties all too well. Why do you think I was willing to leave Jingdu at all costs back then? As the saying goes, 'When parents love their children, they plan for their long-term interests.' Everything we do is for the sake of our children having a better future."