31

Yu Minglang felt as though he had just been hit by hundreds of tons of force.

"You... aren't you... weren't you going to get married?"

"No certificate, just a wedding banquet, but now it's been called off."

Xiao Qian looked at him taken aback, somewhat puzzled, "What's the matter——— "

Instantly, she figured it out.

Oh, Is Yu Minglang regretting knowing she was still a student?

She took the bankbook from her pocket and handed it to him.

"You regret it, don't you? Here, take it back!"

"If I give it to you, you should keep it. No more words." After being hit that hard, Yu Minglang felt unnerved. He sounded a bit cold unintentionally, of course, not towards Xiao Qian.

But towards himself.

He nearly made a mistake!

She looked at him coldly, "I won't thank you.", reminding him that even if he gave to her, she would not reciprocate!

"Take it!"

Yu Minglang shoved the bankbook into her pocket and said nothing more. As they walked in silence, Xiao Qian took his reaction as him regretting yet being too embarrassed to say so, so she became mad and stopped talking.

He drove straight to Xiao Qian's laundry shop. When Xiao Qian wanted to get off, he didn't open the car door. Instead, he took out a paper and pen and wrote a string of numbers.

"This is the bankbook password, and this is the phone number of my friend. If he can't reach me, and you have something urgent, call this number. Call him Brother Zhao, he's my good friend. You can tell him anything."

Xiao Qian noticed that he was writing with his left hand.

His handwriting was quite strong and elegant.

"Are you left-handed?"

"No, I can write with both hands. 1 write Kaishu with my left and running script with my right. I'm afraid you can't understand."

"..!" Looks down on people!

"Tell me your address too." Even though he knows developing a romantic relationship with Zhou Zhiruo type is like treating her as a little sister...umm, such a painful realization.

Xiao Qian picked up the pen, with the standard calligraphy, wrote the address of her school.

This girl... the corners of Yu Minglang's mouth curved slightly, so cute, is this a response to his previous doubts of her not understanding the cursive script?

What's more interesting is, she intended to write in two styles. Psychologists are also doctors. The general public really can't understand a doctor's handwriting.

He saw the address she wrote was Top University, the best school in the province. This girl must have an excellent academic record.

He himself is also an academic achiever and likes intelligent women.

However, this intelligent woman... is still too young...

With a profound sense of the sorrow "How old I've grown before she was born," Yu Minglang drove off. Even the exhaust gas spewed out by the car told of his infinite sorrow.

"Yu Minglang, you fool to die, 1 don't need your kindness and generosity. I don't ever remember your goodness, and your money is freely taken!" Xiao Qian said so, but her eyes that watched his Cherokee leave looked somewhat different.

After leaving Xiao Qian, Yu Minglang's car took a turn and headed straight for Electronics City of Qiang City. It was owned by his childhood friend Hai Zhao, the same person he had just told Xiao Qian to reach out to when in need.

Hai Zhao, the capitalist, was instructing the salespeople to increase the prices of all the fans in the store.

"Tear off all the tags and add 20 yuan to each! Remember, we increase the prices every half hour, switch the price tags anytime. Know this, never entice the customers to buy, create an impression as if... if they don't buy now, they never will."

As Hai Zhao was shouting, he saw Yu Minglang entered, walked over, and pounded him on the shoulder.

"What brings you here?"

Yu Minglang glanced at him and sneered disdainfully.

"Profiteer."

"Haha, isn't the weather getting hot? I've just surveyed the fan inventory in our city, and my store has the most. The price must go up; otherwise, no one will buy them after the hottest days... Come, let's talk in my office."

They have been buddies since childhood, naughty and mischievous, creating countless moments of fun. Despite their disagreement, their friendship never waned even with Yu Minglang often despising Hai Zhao as a big profiteer.

Like seeing a monster, Hai Zhao dumbfoundedly stared at Yu Minglang, reached out his hand, and swung it left and right in front of Yu Minglang's face. "Are you dumb?" Yu Minglang frowned.

"Wow, you're something, my man! Didn't you swear off alcohol? When you were a kid, you would cry at the sight of a dead cat or dog..."

"Get out!"

"Could it be that you went to the countryside and killed a pig?"

"I'm gonna kill you!"

"Uh, then, your aunt forced you to go on a blind date again?"

"When did she not force me to go on a blind date?"

"This is strange... Yu Minglang, are you going through menopause early?"

Except for this, Hai Zhao couldn't think of any reason why Yu Minglang, the stubborn guy, would need to abstain from drinking to drown his sorrows.

"Get out!" Yu Minglang finally lost his patience and kicked him.

If he could get some sleep, would he still be so irritated?

"Fine, never mind what's bothering you. I'm gonna have a drink with you. Let's go to my restaurant. But you'll have to wait for a while. 1 need to finish my work. Don't you see how many fans 1 need to sell? Once I sell them, it's feasting time!"

Hai Zhao clapped Yu Minglang on the shoulder and walked out.

Yu Minglang stood in Hai Zhao's office, looking at the hustle and bustle outside the window.

So many people, so many women, why do they all look like Zhou Zhiruo?

Everyone looks like her, everywhere..

32

Xiao Qian returned home, her pocket stuffed with the passbook Yu Minglang had insisted on giving her, as if his voice were still ringing in her ears. The expression on her face had finally relaxed a bit.

However, as soon as she stepped through the door and saw her mother sitting behind the cash register, fanning herself, and Chen Lin, who was more attentive than ever, holding a watermelon, her good mood soured.

"Qian'er, where have you been all morning? You haven't been home!" Jia Xiufang's face still bore the red marks from her fight with Chen Lin the day before, and her eyes were swollen. She had been persuaded by Chen Lin to come back.

Chen Lin's eyes were full of apprehension when he saw Xiao Qian, but more than anything, he was irritated.

It was all because of this girl that the truth had come out. Otherwise, everything would still be peaceful now. One upstairs, one downstairs, he would have been happy.

"Qian'er, come and eat some melon." Although he was inwardly annoyed with Xiao Qian, his words were still warm and welcoming. Chen Lin was even more attentive than usual.

If it weren't for the fact that his despicable deeds were right in front of her, looking at his tea-serving, water-fetching performance now, he really resembled a model husband.

Men caught cheating were all like this, showing their best behavior to cover up their inner weakness.

Xiao Qian didn't even glance at Chen Lin before turning to ask Jia Xiufang, "Where's Chu Xue?"

"She's gone back to her hometown. Our shop hasn't been busy lately, so I can handle everything on my own." Jia Xiufang felt choked up when she thought of Chu Xue.

Her husband stubbornly refused to admit that he had anything to do with Chu Xue, and a few red marks weren't enough to prove anything. All she could do was drive Chu Xue away.

"Why is it so hot?" Jia Xiufang now spoke without any politeness to her husband. Holding the upper hand, she felt a sense of empowerment and even began giving orders to Chen Lin.

"I'll buy a fan in a bit. Our shop's fan has been broken for so long." Chen Lin was completely submissive.

Xiao Qian watched her father leave and frowned. She couldn't stand his current obsequious attitude.

Jia Xiufang called Xiao Qian to sit beside her. Mother and daughter sat side by side, and Jia Xiufang picked a piece of watermelon for Xiao Qian.

"Why are you roaming around outside at night? What if something dangerous happens? Biaozi from Aunt Qi's family didn't run out last night. What would you have done then?"

She had been so upset yesterday because her husband was entangled with that woman. Her heart had been thrown into confusion, and she had felt compelled to run to her family for help. But then she found out that her daughter had also returned at an unknown time last night, which made her heart skip a beat. She hurried back to check on her daughter.

Seeing Xiao Qian safe and sound now, Jia Xiufang breathed a sigh of relief, but she still wanted to nag.

"You should worry about your own business instead of mine." Her mother really could nag, and her words had never been pleasant to hear. But Xiao Qian could tell that her mother cared about her, so she didn't genuinely resent it. "What business do I have? You're just a little girl, don't meddle in adult affairs." In Jia Xiufang's heart, Xiao Qian was still a child.

"That woman may be gone, but you need to keep an eye on your man. More accurately, keep an eye on all the money in the house."

"What do you mean?" Jia Xiufang stopped eating the watermelon when she heard her daughter's words.

"You don't really think he's changed his stripes just because he's wagging his tail at you, do you? A dog can't change its habit of eating shit. If you don't take control of the money in this house, something's bound to happen sooner or later."

Jia Xiufang was displeased.

"How could you say that about your father?"

Xiao Qian snorted coldly, unwilling to explain.

This was a woman's slavish nature.

She wouldn't learn her lesson unless she was taught one. It was too early for her mother to become self-reliant. According to Xiao Qian's assessment, her mother had a dependent personality, and getting her to quit relying on her husband would be the same as kicking a drug habit.

In any case, Xiao Qian wasn't in a hurry. Healing people's minds as a psychologist was a long process, and it would take time.

Jia Xiufang chatted idly with her daughter, discussing the family's affairs, but refraining from mentioning what had happened yesterday.

Just as Xiao Qian had expected, Jia Xiufang was purposely avoiding the topic, pretending it had never happened. But the cracks in her heart had already formed.

Chen Lin came back inside, cursing as he entered.

"Where's the fan?" Jia Xiufang asked.

"These goddamn merchants raised the price again, and I didn't bring enough money. Give me another 20!" He remembered that it hadn't been that expensive just a few days ago, but today, the price had suddenly gone up.

Jia Xiufang gave Chen Lin the money and continued chatting with Xiao Qian.

"Qian'er, I saw a quilt cover for you. When your father comes back and watches the shop, let's go take a look. If it's suitable, we'll confirm the order. It's time to prepare the wedding quilt."

"No need, just get me a single one."

"What nonsense are you talking about? You can't have a single quilt for a wedding. What a joke! I've checked, and silk quilts are popular now, but they're a bit expensive. I'll discuss it with your father and buy it for you! Be careful when you use it after you get married. Don't let someone else take it away, understand?"

"I'm not getting married."

"What the hell?!" Jia Xiufang slapped the table, causing the watermelon peels to shake.

"Say that again, what's wrong with you?"

"I'm not getting married."

Just as Xiao Qian was about to pull out her admission notice to show her mother, Chen Lin walked in cursing again.

"These goddamn things, how could they have raised the price again! 1 mean, not even half an hour has passed, and they've raised the price twice! Why don't they just rob people!"

"Honey, come and take a look at your daughter. She's gone crazy, saying she's not getting married!" Jia Xiufang complained.

Chen Lin didn't have time for this at all. "Give me another 20, hurry up! If I don't buy it now, the price might go up again. These soft-shelled turtles..."

Jia Xiufang took out 50 from the drawer, and Xiao Qian stood up upon seeing this.

"Give me the money; I'll buy it myself."

Chen Lin had run back and forth enough times and took out an exact 30 from the 50, not willing to give Xiao Qian a single cent more.

Xiao Qian had been timing it just right; Ni Jianren, that idiot, would be coming soon. She decided to go out early and not stay in the house to witness the disgusting scene that was about to unfold.

Yu Minglang and his buddy Hai Zhao were just about to head out to eat when they saw Xiao Qian riding a 26-inch ladies' bike, wobbling over. They stopped in their tracks and went back inside.

"What's wrong?" Hai Zhao asked.

"Nothing, we'll leave in a bit." Yu Minglang scanned the shop and finally chose an inconspicuous corner. He pulled Hai Zhao down to sit with him. This spot was blocked by some appliances, making it hard for other people to see.

"Where are the fans?" Xiao Qian asked as soon as she walked in.

Yu Minglang heard her and tugged at Hai Zhao, "Put down the price of your fan."

"...Why?!" He had been enjoying the price hike just fine!

"I bet none of your employees know that you wet the bed when you were five." Yu Minglang said casually.

Hai Zhao let out a low curse, got up, and went straight to Xiao Qian. Seeing the boss come out, the shop assistant stopped talking.

"You want to buy a fan?" Hai Zhao looked at Xiao Qian casually, but once he saw her, he couldn't take his eyes off her..

33

This girl, she's really...handsome!

Hai Zhao had been through countless women, never getting attached. He had seen many beautiful women in his time.

But when he saw Xiao Qian, he was still stunned.

Her appearance was one thing, but her unique temperament was what really caught Hai Zhao's attention.

"Beautiful woman, are you buying a fan? Let me recommend a few for you. I'm the boss here, I own this shop. 1'11 give you a discount!"

Xiao Qian noticed a tall man, although not as tall, attractive, or sophisticated as Yu Minglang, but his peach blossom eyes and his flirty gestures would definitely catch the attention of most women.

This man seemed familiar... Where had she seen him before?

Xiao Qian was searching her past life memories. She was sure that she had seen those peach blossom eyes before.

From Yu Minglang's perspective, it looked like "his" Zhou Zhiruo was being lured away by Damned Hai, staring at him with her eyes full of peach blossoms.

A feeling of unease lodged itself in his chest.

Hai Zhao had always been popular with women. Since he was young, he knew how to charm young girls with his sweet talk, and he had tricked many girls.

Yu Minglang grabbed something in his hand, causing a cracking sound.

Xiao Qian finally remembered. This man's last name seemed to be Hai. He had a thriving business in Qiang City in his later life, and had many of his mistresses come to her consultancy studio. He was a notorious playboy, or to put it bluntly, Heartless Womanizer.

He was apparently generous, but incredibly unfaithful, always deeply romantic when involved with someone but completely cold when they broke up. This behavior drove the women he dumped into her consultancy studio, seeking emotional advice while howling like ghosts and wolves.

In fact, most of these women didn't even have mental illnesses, they were just having a hard time coping. Xia Qian took on such clients for the money, even proactively charging them consultation fees.

"How much are you selling this fan for?" Xiao Qian pointed at the best one and asked.

"It's sold for 120 to others, but for you, 80." Hai Zhao tried his best to cast seductive glances at Xiao Qian with his peach blossom eyes.

But she didn't even spare him a glance, just staring at the fan, which hurt his pride a bit.

You little thing, I don't believe I can't get you. Hai Zhao's eyes sparkled as he looked at Xiao Qian like prey.

"I'll take this one, can you issue an invoice and deliver it?"

"Of course, I'll drive it to you myself. Beautiful lady, where do you live?"

– "I'll write it on the invoice, make sure it arrives before three." Xiao Qian took the money and walked a few steps before feeling Hai Zhao's gaze on her, and she circled back.

She looked him up and down, then shook her head.

"Messing around isn't good. Be careful."

Considering the large clientele he had provided her with in her previous life, Xiao Qian kindly gave him a little extra advice.

Because she seemed to recall that this Boss Hai, because of his philandering ways, was kicked by one of his mistresses so hard that he couldn't... do the deed anymore.

The day before Xiao Qian had been reborn, she had received a call from him to book a consultation with her. It seemed like his issue stemmed from some psychological factors. For such a foolish, wealthy, and unscrupulous patient, Xia Qian could charge him 100,000 per hour for a diagnosis.

Hai Zhao didn't understand what she meant and wanted to ask, but she ignored him, paid, and left without looking back.

"Interesting, I don't believe there's a girl in this world I can't get. Bro, let's go eat–Damn! Yu Minglang, what did you do!"

Hai Zhao looked in agony at Yu Minglang, who was sitting among a pile of foam. Cool as a cucumber, Yu Minglang stared back with a murderous look and foam scattered all around his feet.

"Why did you crush the foam box for our TV? Damn, this is a demo model we just sold! How are we going to package it? Ah! You shameless man, you even flattened the box for our bread machine!"

Hai Zhao wanted to end his friendship with Yu Minglang. What on earth had gotten into him?

Good old friends! Friendship!

"Don't even think about her. She's not someone you can touch!" Yu Minglang's voice was menacing.

"Who, my bread machine? My packaging box? What am I going to do–wait a minute, bro, who are you talking about?" Hai Zhao looked up, Yu Minglang's murderous gaze still fixed on him.

"That girl just now, you stay away from her!"

"Oh, the one with the red mole on her forehead that's especially enchanting–Damn, you hit me!" Hai Zhao covered his eye, his face full of grievance.

This shameless Yu Minglang, he crushed their TV packaging foam, then smashed their bread machine box, and now he's punching Hai Zhao in his handsome face! This was just too much!

"Take back your filthy description and don't you dare think of her like that!"

Although Yu Minglang thought Xiao Qian's mole on her forehead was enchanting, it was only okay for him to say it, not other men, not even Hai Zhao!

Hai Zhao finally understood why he was being beaten up!

"You've fallen for that girl? Damn, what's happened to the world? Even Yu Minglang has a crush on someone. With your dull personality, be careful not to scare her away."

No wonder he let her have a discount and took out his anger on Hai Zhao's appliances. So the girl Hai Zhao was chatting up was Yu Minglang's crush? But...

"Why didn't you go out with her just now if you liked her? Are you an idiot? That was a great opportunity! Tell her it's your buddy's shop, give her the lowest discount, drive her home, and introduce yourself to her parents. I mean, you being such a serious old-fashioned guy must be looking for marriage, right?"

Yu Minglang was considered a unique character among the children of Dayuan. He had always been serious, never cracked a smile, and spoke sparingly. What he did say, nobody understood. Girls were afraid to get near him because he seemed so cold. Everyone thought his personality better suited someone born in the 70s, not even the conservative old men of the last century.

"Get married? She's only 18!" Yu Minglang was stung by this again. 18,18!

"That's an adult, isn't it? Perfect, you can spend the next couple of years dating and see if you're compatible. If you're not, you can still change!"

With his last statement, Hai Zhao looked particularly indecent, nudging Yu Minglang with his elbow and giving him suggestive glances.

"Disgusting." Yu Minglang pushed Hai Zhao's hand away, remembering that the fan Xiao Qian bought hadn't been sent yet and suddenly had an idea.

Her family didn't want her to go to university, so would they not prepare her school supplies for her? Maybe he should...

"Don't send the fan to her house yet, wait for me to come back." Yu Minglang headed outside while Hai Zhao called out to him from behind.

"Bro, aren't you staying for a drink?"

"Don't have time!"

Yu Minglang left Hai Zhao's shop and found a public phone booth, dialing a number.

"Xiao Xi, come out."

A soft female voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Ming Lang, you're looking for me?"

34

Xiao Qian came out of the store and didn't go straight home. Calculating the time, Ni Jianren should be leaving soon. She didn't want to hear her mother crying or Chen Lin's angry roars.

She rode her bicycle to the Stock Exchange. She was not interested in the stock market itself. In her past life, her investments were based on information provided by her patients.

The patients who came to her studio were all top elites in society, and their information was exceptionally accurate. Xiao Qian would just casually follow their advice to buy real estate and play with stocks. When patients talked about their experiences, they usually mentioned their entrepreneurial success.

Having heard these stories over and over again, Xiao Qian knew the various stages of the domestic stock market like the back of her hand. The current market should be a bull market. She withdrew all the money Yu Minglang had given her and invested it in the stock market. When she had enough startup capital, she would pay him back.

Originally, the money should have come from the scumbag, but Yu Minglang insisted on giving it to her.

Well, if the fool was willing to give it, she would take it. It was indeed better to use his money than the scumbag's.

Xiao Qian opened an account. Now it was early August, and she remembered that one of her patients had mentioned that there would be a stock called Qinling Cement around the millennium. It would skyrocket from October and rise to around 40 yuan the following year. It was only just over 10 yuan now, so she put all the money Yu Minglang had given her into it, expecting a four-fold return in six months. By the time she took the money out next year, the stock market would probably be turning bearish.

When she had enough money, she would invest in other things. Once she graduated from school, she would open a clinic just like in her past life and make a fortune from the wealthy people again.

As long as Xiao Qian had a little startup capital, she would never go hungry. Although she was not a finance major, the information she had accumulated was enough to support her in living a comfortable life.

As for owing Yu Minglang a favor...

Xiao Qian shook her head. Who owed him anything? In her past life, she even gave birth to such a great daughter for him, and she never asked him for a penny of child support! This thought made her feel a tinge of guilt.

After buying stocks, Xiao Qian rode her bicycle home. But as she passed by the pedestrian street, she noticed a scene that made her slow down.

Yu Minglang was carrying a bunch of stuff, followed by a tall woman with a notably sweet appearance.

Xiao Qian looked carefully at the woman's face, she was a very delicate, classy woman, and somewhat familiar.

That's right, this was the famous female singer of later times, Shu Xi, often invited to sing folk songs at evening parties, and with an excellent voice.

Yu Minglang didn't see Xiao Qian across the road, he was busy opening the trunk of the car and putting the items he had bought inside. The woman also put her purchases in the trunk. The two of them seemed to be chatting about something.

The combination of a handsome man and a beautiful woman was quite eye-catching. "Eye-catching" Xiao Qian almost bumped into the roadside greenery.

Yu Minglang, with his exceptional height and demeanor, was surprisingly well-matched with the woman. Passers-by would stop to take a second look.

Xiao Qian noticed that they seemed to have also bought quilts, kettles, and the like. Heh, were they planning to build a love nest together with another woman?

She shouldn't have felt guilty for the fool and shouldn't have thought of accepting his money as a huge mess!

Look at this fool. He even buys a quilt with a hellokitty pattern for his woman, and it's from XX Home Textiles! You can afford such an expensive brand. I wish you both lie on the bedding endorsed by the childless female star and remain infertile for life!

Xiao Qian hadn't realized that her thoughts seemed a bit malicious, but seeing Yu Minglang smiling like a flower to other women made her want to slap him.

Go ahead, play around, be free, whoever is willing to be infertile with you, go ahead! It has nothing to do with me!

Xiao Qian rode her bicycle like a blazing wheel of fire. She decided not to call him a fool anymore. He was a love saint who would stop in his tracks at the sight of a pretty girl – a shameless man!

"Ming Lang, we've bought enough. It should be enough." Shu Xi said to Ming Lang.

"Okay, I'll send you back to your unit. Do you have a performance tonight?"

"Yes, after the performance here, I'll be busy. Dad's place I won't go back. Just tell him for me."

"Emperor Yu passed his house three times without entering. You're more ruthless than him, passing by your home N times a year without going in. Dad's going to be angry to death."

"The old man is very unhappy with the stage name he gave me. He still holds a grudge against me for not going to the arranged place. My specialty coming to this side to develop is the best. Using my original name, everyone will know my background. It doesn't conform to the family's low-key motto. I want to fight on my own, without others looking at me with colored glasses."

Shu Xi's real name was Yu Mingxi, the only princess of the Yu family who grew up pampered and loved. She and Yu Minglang were twins; she was born a few minutes earlier. She had been protected by her father all her life, only to secretly attend an art school at 14 and become a celebrity.

Not only that, but she also changed her name. Major General Yu hated her so much and yet couldn't bear to scold his little princess.

"You're just a girl with an excessively long rebellious phase." Yu Minglang spoke without politeness to his twin sister.

"Don't talk about me! You're not much better either. What are you doing, buying all these things, all in pink? Tell me, do you have a girlfriend now?!"

"You're overthinking it. It's just a friend."

"Oh, hehe, what kind of friend? Call her to meet your sister, let me review her. I was so unlucky back then when I went to an art school at only over ten years old. I never had friends who bought quilts and basins for me."

Shu Xi's image at home was completely different from that of her stage. Her gossipy look was just like Mother Yu's.

You have a special agent, so you don't need to buy these things."

"Besides daily necessities, you also bought snacks. Tell me, what does it mean when a man buys snacks for a woman? Why don't I have friends who give me snacks?"

Yu Minglang felt a stomachache from her questions and took out ten yuan from his pocket, handed it to her, and pushed her aside.

"Go take a cab on your own. I won't send you."

Yu Mingxi pouted. "You're such an ungrateful guy."

Her brother was the most cunning man in the family and incredibly petty, holding grudges easily.

As Yu Minglang drove past her, he wound down the window and added, "If you dare to tell mom about this, I'll tell dad about you stealing grandfather's Nu Er Hong Wine."

"I got it. Go on, hurry up and send warmth to your little girlfriend!"

When Yu Minglang's car drove away, Yu Mingxi took out her phone and smiled cunningly.

"I won't tell mom, I'll tell my elder sister-in-law. When my elder sister-in-law knows, mom will know. When mom knows, the whole family and the whole hospital will know. Youngest Brother Yu, you're too inexperienced to fight with me.. Hahaha!"

35

Xiao Qian was fuming as she entered the courtyard, only to be met with her mother's deafening wails.

Before Xiao Qian had a chance to steady herself, her mother lunged at her and enveloped her in a tight bear hug, sobbing through her snotty tears so loudly that it hurt Xiao Qian's ears.

"Ni Jianren has a contagious disease, the wedding is off... Wuu wuu, my poor daughter, don't worry, Mom will find you someone better, just don't get upset, you mustn't get upset!"

Xiao Qian felt that she wasn't upset before, but her mother's exaggerated manner had almost triggered her.

"Has the bitch arrived?"

"Wuu wuu!" Jia Xiufang wailed, her crying making Xiao Qian's ears hurt. Xiao Qian pushed her away slightly and looked at Chen Lin, who was sitting on a chair in silence, smoking.

This outrageous old man was upset that if Ni Jianren didn't come over, he would be receiving the betrothal gifts next week, and their sudden act would mean a significant loss of income.

"Their family is way out of line; why didn't they mention his illness earlier? Hepatitis B, Qian'er, you've dined with him before. Go to the hospital with mom tomorrow and get some tests done?" Jia Xiufang feared her daughter would catch the disease too.

Xiao Qian knew the disease was just an excuse and hepatitis B was not spread through food, but the mention of the hospital triggered an idea.

"Okay, we'll go tomorrow, and you'll come with me."

Her mother's breast cancer had been diagnosed ten years too late in her past life. An early check-up and treatment now could prevent it from becoming malignant later on.

"Going to the hospital will cost money. Why not just buy some fatty meat and see if Qian'er can stomach it? If she can, she'll be fine. Hepatitis patients can't handle fatty food..."

Chen Lin was worried about the money.

Jia Xiufang became enraged, stood up, and pushed him, "Are you even her father? You found her such a man, and he's even sick! What will she do for the rest of her life if she marries him!"

"It's not as serious as you make it out to be! Our neighbor Auntie Li also has hepatitis, and she's been married to Old Li for a lifetime. It's not like this disease is fatal, Qian'er marrying him would be..."

"How dare you say that! Chen Lin, how could you let your daughter marry someone with a contagious disease? If you dare to harm your daughter like this, I'll kill myself! 1 don't want to live anymore!"

Jia Xiufang usually depended on Chen Lin for everything, big or small. But today, being genuinely anxious, she had the courage to challenge him.

"You shrew, what are you babbling about, die! If you have the guts, just die! Die now!" Chen Lin had been burdened by guilt all day after being caught cheating, and now that the betrothal gifts had fallen through, his anger flared. He raised his hand, intending to strike Jia Xiufang as he usually did.

Xiao Qian witnessed this and pulled her mother behind her, then addressed Chen Lin without any hesitation.

"Have you caused enough trouble? Wasn't yesterday enough?!"

Chen Lin raised his hand but, upon seeing Xiao Qian's icy gaze, was intimidated by her aura and lowered his arm. He cursed and continued squatting down, smoking.

Xiao Qian noticed Chen Lin's worried expression and, adjusting her glasses, pondered in her heart.

Of course, she knew that Chen Lin's concern was not for her future. From what he'd just said, it seemed he still wanted her to marry the scoundrel, even though he already claimed to be "sick." Could it be that Chen Lin had gotten himself into some trouble now and needed money to settle it?

Xiao Qian dragged her mother into the inner room, and tears and snot streamed from Jia Xiufang's face as she cried.

"Stop crying, Mom. Think about how much money is left in our bankbook?"

Xiao Qian recalled that in her past life, after receiving the betrothal gifts, Chen Lin had allegedly used the money to invest in a friend's business, claiming he would buy shares in his friend's long-distance trucking venture. However, a few months later, he returned with a photo of a wrecked truck, stating that there had been an accident and all the money had been lost.

But considering Chen Lin's current behavior, Xiao Qian figured that he must have lied in her past life and was short of cash right now.

Upon hearing Xiao Qian's question about the money, Jia Xiufang wiped her tears and took a moment to think.

"I withdrew 500 yuan last month. Didn't your grandma need cataract surgery? All our relatives pitched in, and after the withdrawal, there should be less than 20,000 yuan left. We spent a lot building this two-story house and doing business, and we've owed a lot of money over the years."

"Find the passbook later and see how much is left."

"Why are you suddenly concerned about money?"

Xiao Qian decided to tell Jia Xiufang about her university acceptance. Just as she was about to show her the Admission Notice, someone outside shouted.

"Is this Chen Lin's house? We're from the White Swan Electrical Appliance Store. We're here to deliver a fan!"

Jia Xiufang hastily wiped her tears and called out before stepping outside.

Xiao Qian followed her outside and saw the electrical store workers bringing in several large and small packages.

"What's going on? We only bought a fan for our house, right?" Jia Xiufang was puzzled while Chen Lin glared at her. How could she make a fuss about such good fortune? Just take it quietly!

"Our boss is holding a promotion. When your daughter bought the fan, she became our store's 100th customer and won a prize. These are all gifts from our store." The worker recited the lines that Chen Lin had arranged with the boss in advance.

Jia Xiufang looked over the items and saw pots, quilts, kettles, and snacks. It was a lot...

"Are you sure you didn't make a mistake?" She had never seen such good customer service; all these gifts came with just a fan purchase!

Chen Lin saw his wife's confusion and pushed Jia Xiufang aside. "Don't talk nonsense. How could they possibly make a mistake? You guys still need to deliver to other customers, right? Hurry up; don't delay them."

The delivery workers were practically pushed out of the yard by Chen Lin, who then double-locked the door in no time, fearing they'd return to take the items back.

"Hurry up and move everything inside!" Chen Lin instructed.

Xiao Qian looked at the pile of gifts, especially the hellokitty-patterned quilt, which seemed so familiar...

"The boss must have made a mistake. The fan isn't that expensive, but this quilt isn't cheap either. Look at this brand; what if they made a mistake and the worker gets punished?" Jia Xiufang flipped through the items and saw they were all meant for young ladies.

"Anyway, it's not our loss, and once it's in our house, we're not giving it back. Hurry up, move everything inside!" Chen Lin cheered up when he saw free goodies coming their way.

"Move everything into my room. It's perfect for me to use." Xiao Qian finally understood where these things came from.

She also remembered something Yu Minglang had said before.

He mentioned that if she couldn't find him, she could look for Brother Zhao, who was his friend. The owner of the electrical store was Hai Zhao, the very Brother Zhao Ming Lang mentioned. Perhaps, Ming Lang had seen her in the electrical store and then arranged this surprise.

Well, she decided to take back her curse, wishing Ming Lang a lifetime of infertility. The bedding was actually meant for her....

36

Hearing that Xiao Qian wanted to move everything to her room, Chen Lin was having none of it.

"As a big sister, you should be more generous. Leave some stuff for your brother!"

Why should i share the things that my child's father bought for me with others? Xiao Qian retorted coldly.

"Do you want Da Long to sleep with a pink comforter?"

"Have your mom make him a blue cover. His comforter needs to be replaced anyway. And the food too, send some upstairs for your brother. He is tired from school and needs to replenish his energy – grab a handful too."

Xiao Qian sneered. This simpleton Yu had indeed bought plenty of dry nuts which were high-end snacks. It seemed that there were several pounds of them. This stuff was quite expensive.

Chen Lin was being "generous" by allowing her to grab more than a handful of them.

"I am not giving him any. Does he need to eat more than me? Does his comforter need to be replaced more than mine?"

Chen Lin was left speechless with Xiao Qian's reply and he angrily said, "Instead of comparing yourself with your brother, why don't you act more like an older sister?"

"Even if i were the younger sister, you would still give all the good things to your son. I'm telling you this clearly today – everything here is mine. Whoever dares to touch it, I will set it on fire!"

These are items that Yu Minglang gave her. Why on earth would she need to share them with that playboy brother of hers!

"Mr. Chen, you can calm down. Qian'er's marital affairs were just thwarted. Naturally, she feels upset. The items are all pink and should be given to Qian'er. As for the food, both of them can share it. Is this okay?"

"No! Everything is mine!" The ones Yu bought, no one can have!

Chen Lin was furious. Pointing at Xiao Qian, he said, "You, useless girl, you are becoming more and more backwards! You failed to get into college and couldn't even get married, but you're suddenly extraordinary when it's time to grab things for yourself!"

Suddenly, Xiao Qian flashed a mysterious smile and took out a bright red piece of paper from her pocket.

"Who said I failed to get into college?"

Upon seeing the paper, Chen Lin exclaimed, "Damn!"

He was so surprised that he couldn't say anything.

Jia Xiufang brusquely snatched it away, took a look and asked, "Eh? An admission letter? Qian'er are you deranged? You couldn't get into college, did you forge a fake one?"

"Didn't you see the seal on it?"

"Oh! Where did this come from?" Jia Xiufang was overjoyed.

"I met one of our teachers today, who felt that I shouldn't have failed. She specially checked the data for me. Oh, it turned out that a mistake was made. I passed."

Seeing Chen Lin in a state of chaos, Xiao Qian was in an exceptionally good mood.

"But how come your admission letter was sent just now?" Jia Xiufang flipped through the letter and checked. Upon confirmation that it was real, she instantly forgot about the sadness that was caused by her daughter's broken off engagement.

"The admission letter was supplemented by the teacher. My home teacher is much more reliable than the homeroom teacher, who knows nothing at all," Xiao Qian said, her eyes gleaming as she watched Chen Lin.

"Can you repeat what you said earlier about who didn't get into university? I guess you have seen an admission letter before, right? It's for one of the 985 Project Universities, the top national university for psychology, with a college entrance exam score of 668. Isn't this result enough for us to host a banquet?"

Jia Xiufang was extremely delighted, "We should host it! I was right that my daughter is so academically inclined, she could not have failed. Ha ha ha, let's start preparing right away. Let all your uncles know. My Qian'er is not the kind of person who fumbles at a critical moment!"

Everyone initially did not believe it when the teacher mentioned that Xiao Qian had failed.

But Chen Lin mentioned that the girl had applied only to the top universities and opted not to be allocated through a distribution system. Therefore, it was normal that she was removed. Usually, parents would allow children with such academic prowess to repeat a year. But Chen Lin was stingy and was in a hurry to get Xiao Qian married off.

So many relatives had secretly taken Xiao Qian's failure as a bad example, questioning the usefulness of girls getting an education if it doesn't lead to university attendance...

Now, with this scarlet letter of acceptance in hand, Jia Xiufang was stirred and passionate. She couldn't wait to parade Xiao Qian around and challenge those who said her daughter was useless. Look closely at the score my daughter got!

Ignoring the already overjoyed Jia Xiufang and going past Xiao Qian, Chen Lin went straight upstairs.

He was puzzled as to how the admission letter that was supposed to be hidden appeared in his daughter's hands.

"Husband, where are you going? Our daughter's entrance into university is such a joyous occasion. Why aren't you happy?"

Jia Xiufang was now full of excitement, the stifled feelings of the past few days were instantly replaced by relief.

Xiao Qian knew that Chen Lin was not only unhappy now, but was also furious.

She held Jia Xiufang's hand and asked gleefully.

"Mom, these items should be given to me, right? 1 can use them at school."

"Give, give, give, all yours!"

"And Da Long?"

"Don't worry about him. His homeroom teacher just called, saying that he didn't attend the summer tutoring class throughout the summer break. We spent so much money to register him for the summer supplementary course and he skipped it!"

Jia Xiufang waved her hand nonchalantly. There had been many troubles in the family lately, but finally, there was something to rejoice about.

This impatient middle-aged housewife quickly picked up the phone and started dialing the numbers of her relatives one by one.

"Auntie, there is something I want to share with you. My Qian'er got into college! The best university in the province! 1 am planning to throw a banquet for the entrance into college. None of the kids from the old Chen family got into such good colleges. Even last year, when her uncle's family had a Polytechnic student, they kept boasting about it every time they met someone.

1 should host several banquets for my daughter... Marriage? What marriage! She is still so young, studying is more important now. Moreover, that man is not suitable, he has Hepatitis B..."

The volume of Jia Xiufang's voice was loud enough to shake the roof of the house.

Xiao Qian knew that once her mother got into a festive mood, the phone calls could last for a whole morning. She would inform each relative, and then broadcast it around the neighborhood. Going to a top university was indeed a joyous event that could keep a family happy for many days.

However, that stingy man upstairs must be furious, right?

Xiao Qian, while browsing through the variety of items that Yu Minglang had sent, thought happily.

Chen Lin felt like his anger was about to kill him.

He opened the soap box where the admission letter was hidden and found a small note inside.

"His anger does not affect me, affects only his own health, calls doctors to cure, but is said to be difficult. Keep calm!"

Anger, death, people, now!!!

This disobedient girl!

Chen Lin tore the note to pieces, wishing he had torn the admission notice in half too.

He initially kept the admission notice because he wanted to brag about having a daughter who was academically excellent when he goes drinking with his friends.

However, he did not expect that the notice would be found by this cunning girl.

She was so cunning that she tried to make him angry in such a way, because she knew he could not reveal the truth.

Now, that foolish woman downstairs was already overjoyed, and all the relatives knew that the girl had made it to the university. If he refused to pay for her college, every relative in the house would spit on him. He would be unable to show his face in the future.

But, at this moment, he had no money at all. The passbook at home was emptied long ago. Now what to do....