Chapter 256

The morning sunlight streamed through the window as Emily Johnson hung laundry in the yard. Michael Stone walked in, carrying a parcel.

"Emily, there's a package for you," Michael said, handing it to her. "The post office asked me to bring it back when I went to town for fertilizer this morning."

Emily blinked in surprise and examined the address. It was from the provincial capital, sent by "Anthony Johnson."

"It's from my second brother," she murmured.

Michael nodded. "He cares about you."

Emily opened the parcel to find neatly packed candies, biscuits, and a can of mixed fruit. Beneath them lay a piece of blue fabric with white floral patterns—slightly flawed but still a rare treasure in the countryside.

"He must have received the cured meat we sent," Emily said with a smile.

A letter was tucked inside. She unfolded it, her fingers trembling slightly as she recognized the familiar handwriting:

"Dear sister, I hope this letter finds you well."

"After Mother returned from visiting you, the family was in an uproar. Our sister-in-law's scheme to send you to the countryside was exposed, and Father was so furious he announced the division of the family estate on the spot."

Emily's breath hitched. She hadn’t expected the fallout to be so severe.

"Mother saved your dowry—the accounting job promised to you. With policies loosening now, she says she can arrange for you to return to the city if you wish."

Michael, standing beside her, noticed her changing expression.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Emily handed him the letter. "Read it yourself."

Michael's brow furrowed as he scanned the contents. When he reached the words "can return to the city," his grip tightened unconsciously.

"Do you... want to go back?" His voice was strained.

Emily looked up and saw uncertainty in the eyes of the man who was usually fearless.

"What do you think?" she countered.

Michael swallowed hard. "If you want to go... I—"

"You what?" Emily raised an eyebrow. "Would you really let me leave?"

"No," Michael admitted, gripping her hand. "But I won’t hold you back."

Emily laughed softly. "Silly, didn’t we promise to take the college entrance exam together?"

His eyes brightened. "You’re really staying?"

"Why would I leave?" She pinched his cheek playfully. "The city doesn’t have a man like you."

Michael pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head. "I’ll make sure you never regret it."

Leaning against his chest, Emily listened to his steady heartbeat. The offer to return was tempting, but she knew exactly where her future lay.

"Still," she said suddenly, "my brother mentioned many educated youths are returning now, and jobs are scarce."

Michael nodded. "Opportunities are limited."

"That’s why we need to focus on studying," Emily said firmly. "The college entrance exam is our best chance."

Michael squeezed her hand. "We’ll work hard together."

In the distance, children’s laughter drifted over. The couple exchanged a smile as sunlight bathed them in warmth, painting a picture of quiet contentment.