Chapter 413 – Oblivion is Blessing
Xu Jinning’s eyes turned slightly red, and her heart ached.
Looking at the elderly man in front of her, whose hair had turned gray and who was still concerned about her safety, she finally realized how deep Grandpa Xie’s love for her was.
In fact, Xu Jinning’s thoughts weren’t wrong.
The reason Grandpa Xie chose to keep things hidden was due to two reasons.
The first reason was that the idea of this world being a book, even if true, was too difficult to accept and too absurd.
If possible, dealing with Shen Huai and Lin Wangshu would prevent any major upheaval in this world.
Given that, it was better not to know than to know.
Many times, being muddled brings more happiness than being clear-headed.
That’s why there’s the saying, “oblivion is blessing.”
Those who are oblivious are the ones who are truly happy.
And the second reason, of course, was Xu Jinning.
As Xu Jinning had mentioned, it was out of love and care for her.
If he reported this, no matter what, Xu Jinning would inevitably lose some degree of her freedom.
But Girl Ning was such a good child, and he understood Girl Ning’s thoughts.
From past incidents involving Murong Jing, the notebook, and others, it was clear that Girl Ning never stepped forward, not even intending to claim such great credit.
This showed that she couldn’t expose herself and only wanted to live a peaceful and stable life.
If he reported it, Girl Ning’s life would undoubtedly be disrupted, shattering the calm and stability she had now.
He didn’t want to see that happen.
Girl Ning was such a wonderful child, and she was also going to be his future granddaughter-in-law. If he, as her grandfather, didn’t protect her, who would?
So, he decided to keep it hidden.
To resolve the situation and keep everything concealed—that seemed like a good solution.
Of course, when Grandpa Xie made this decision, it was after much deliberation.
He spent a long time alone in his study, thinking it through, before finally making up his mind.
As for sending someone to protect Girl Ning…
Although he was retired, he still had this ability.
“You kid, are you planning to go to Hong Kong with Girl Ning?” Grandpa Xie looked at Xie Ting’an, who had been silent the whole time.
Xie Ting’an nodded.
“Alright, I figured as much. It’s good that you’re going; one more person to protect Girl Ning.”
“Girl Ning, when do you plan to go to Hong Kong?”
“The sooner, the better, but I still have my school and work…”
“Three days. Give Grandpa three days, and I’ll find someone to help you and Xiao An sort out the reason for going to Hong Kong.”
“Okay, Grandpa. Sorry to trouble you.”
Noticing the fatigue in Grandpa Xie’s expression, Xu Jinning and Xie Ting’an didn’t stay long.
After all, Grandpa Xie had received such a significant and worldview-shattering piece of news early in the morning, and naturally, he needed time to process it.
Grandpa Xie had said to give him three days, and he would make the arrangements.
Three days wasn’t a long time.
During those three days, besides preparing a few things, Xu Jinning also made phone calls to her family.
Ning Di, her aunt, was now the dean of the Medical University in Beijing and was also teaching there.
Her Uncle Hans had also started a business.
The authorities had allocated a courtyard house near the Medical University, transferred it to Ning Di’s name, and given it to them to live in.
Ning Di being able to settle in the country and teach at a domestic university was undoubtedly a very inspiring development.
Because of Ning Di’s medical expertise and knowledge, her classes were extremely popular. Not only did students from her field attend, but students from other disciplines also came to listen. Even students from other medical schools would come to the Medical University just to attend her lectures.
When the classroom couldn’t accommodate everyone, they would stand. When there was no more room to stand inside, they would listen from the hallway.
No matter what, as long as they could hear Ning Di’s lectures, they didn’t mind the discomfort.
This kind of dedication to learning deeply moved Ning Di.
Because of this, she made extra time in her schedule to offer lectures to medical students from other schools as well.
Sometimes, Ning Di wished she could split herself into several people so that she could teach more students, given that there was only one of her and many students eager to learn.
Feeling the enthusiasm of the students in the country, Ning Di really wished she had the ability to clone herself, but unfortunately, she couldn’t.
Additionally, she was getting older, and her energy was no longer what it used to be.
For this reason, the school administrators were careful not to give Ning Di too many teaching hours, worried that it would exhaust her.
Time quickly passed, and soon it was the third day.
On that day, Xu Jinning, along with Xie Ting’an, once again went to the Xie residence.
This time, it was Grandpa Xie who had asked them to come.
Soon, Xu Jinning learned from Grandpa Xie that he had already made all the arrangements.
He explained to Xu Jinning and Xie Ting’an about the people assigned to protect her, both openly and secretly.
He had even bought them boat tickets to Hong Kong.
The people protecting them would be disguised as teachers, while they would pose as students. To the outside world, it would appear that the teachers were taking them to Hong Kong for a work-study program at a local school.
Other protectors would also be disguised as teachers and students, blending into the group.
Of course, those were the people in plain sight. The ones working secretly would remain hidden for now.
Grandpa Xie had already communicated these arrangements with the president of Beijing University, Jiang Wenxu, as well as Mr. Zhang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“This is the information I’ve had someone gather on Shen Huai and Lin Wangshu’s current situation. You can take a look.”
“However, since they are in Hong Kong, it wasn’t possible to gather much information, but at least this will prevent you from going in completely blind.”
Grandpa Xie handed the file on the desk to Xu Jinning.
Finally, Grandpa Xie took a deep breath and said slowly, “Go on. Go and take care of everything. Come back safely.”
“Grandpa will be here at home, waiting for you to return.”
“Thank you, Grandpa.” Xu Jinning couldn’t hold back any longer and stepped forward to embrace the kind and caring elderly man who had thought of everything for them.
“Grandpa, don’t worry. We will be fine. We’ll come back soon, safe and sound.”
“Good, good.”
*
“How come you’re suddenly going to Hong Kong for an internship? There wasn’t any mention of this before.”
“That’s Hong Kong we’re talking about! If Ting’an weren’t going with you, I really wouldn’t feel at ease.”
After confirming the plan to go to Hong Kong, Xu Jinning informed her elder sister, Xu Fanghua. Of course, she didn’t reveal the real reason and instead used the cover story of an internship.
Even with that explanation, Xu Fanghua was quite surprised when she first heard the news.
Naturally, she also felt reluctant and worried about her younger sister.
After all, Hong Kong was a place where they didn’t know anyone, and she was concerned that her little sister might not adapt well.
“Did they say when you’ll be back?”
“It’s not entirely clear yet, but it shouldn’t be too long. I’ll definitely be back before the summer break.”
“That’s good. Mom and Dad are already looking forward to you coming home for the summer.”
Actually, Xu Jinning didn’t want to leave her elder sister either, especially since Xu Fanghua was pregnant. But this trip to Hong Kong was something she had to do, and there was no way to delay it.
