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Chapter 59: Unexpected Encounter
Good heavens! The Qin family’s ancestors must have been smiling down on them!
─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
Madam Zhou slapped him on the shoulder, “Be serious.”
“With you working so hard, how could I not take it seriously?”
Madam Zhou asked softly, “So how did you say it?”
Lin Xiaobo wasn't his son, nor was he a tragic figure from the book, so Qin Feng naturally couldn't interfere too much, especially in matters that concerned someone's entire life.
Qin Feng naturally didn't say a word.
But if he dared to tell the truth, his mother would go hungry for a few days.
Qin Feng: “I can't be too straightforward, right?”
Madam Zhou nodded, “Of course, of course—”
“But being too indirect might backfire, thinking we're trying to find a nanny for the kid?”
Madam Zhou nodded repeatedly, “That's exactly what I mean. So I'm afraid if you're too—too subtle, he won't understand and might misunderstand. When it comes to filling out college applications, he'll be heading in opposite directions from our kid.”
Qin Feng: “Don't worry, they'll definitely all be up north.”
Whether it's the China University of Political Science and Law, the People's Public Security University of China, or even the Northeastern Military Institute of Technology, they're all in the north, so technically I'm not lying to his mom. Qin Feng comforted himself inwardly.
Seeing his confident look, Madam Zhou showed a relieved smile, “That's good then. Let's eat; it's all your favorite.”
As they walked, Qin Feng asked, “I smelled something delicious as soon as I walked in. What did you cook?”
“Someone in the village slaughtered a pig, and your dad bought a few ribs. Since you like liver, he also bought a pair of livers. I added some wood ear fungus and daylily to stew it.”
Qin Feng couldn't help but say, “Liver can be stir-fried.”
“It's cold outside. If it's stir-fried and you come home late, it'll get cold. We never know when you'll finish work.”
Qin Feng usually got off work on time, but occasionally, unexpected matters would delay him by half an hour or even an hour. Though it didn't happen often, it still occurred four or five times a month.
"You’re absolutely right," Qin Feng replied. He didn’t want to argue with her—nor could he.
Even though his family no longer raised sheep and only had three pigs and a cow, which were mostly taken care of by his father, there were still many people in the household.
His mother’s days were full and exhausting.
Qin Feng always looked for excuses to take them out to eat—not just to improve their meals but also to give his mother a chance to rest.
Madam Zhou looked pleased with herself. "Of course! Who do you think I am?"
Gu Xiao'er, wiping his hands, casually chimed in, "Engineer Qin’s mom."
Qin Feng gave him a light kick on the backside.
Miaomiao gloated, "See? You got hit!"
Gu Xiao'er stuffed a towel into his older brother’s arms and then lunged to catch the little troublemaker.
Miaomiao flung his hands forcefully, sending water splashing onto Gu Xiao'er's face. Instinctively, Gu Xiao'er shut his eyes, giving Miaomiao the perfect chance to dart behind Gu Wuyi for cover.
Gu Xiao'er wiped his face and yelled, "Get out here!"
Qin Feng asked lazily, "Hungry?"
Gu Xiao'er, who was still growing and in his last year of middle school, had been drowning in winter break assignments and test papers under Fu Qingyun’s strict supervision. After spending half the day on homework, he was already starving. His stomach practically stuck to his back.
"You little brat, just you wait!"
"Second brother, I'm waiting!" Qin Miaomiao, emboldened by his protector, was even more arrogant than his second brother.
Qin Feng reached out and ruffled his head.
The little brat instantly wilted.
And the second brat? He smirked triumphantly.
However, when he met his father’s gaze, he immediately behaved himself—obediently pulling the dining table out from the corner.
Qin Feng washed his hands and went into the kitchen to help bring the food to the table.
The elderly couple had always hoped for another college graduate in the family, someone who could bring them pride and status in the village. As soon as the dishes were served, they took turns piling Gu Wuyi’s bowl with large chunks of meat from the ribs.
In no time, Gu Wuyi’s bowl became a small mountain.
Qin Feng sighed, “You’ve given him so much that it’s covering his rice. How is he supposed to eat?”
Madam Zhou handed him half a steamed bun. “Eat the bun with the dishes first, then eat the rice afterward.”
That being said, the elderly couple had eventually given in to Qin Feng’s reasoning. Now that it was the coldest month of the year, he didn’t want his mother steaming buns every few days, so he bought a large electric rice cooker for making rice instead.
Today's rice was made in that cooker.
The rice was from the northeast, steaming into translucent, glossy grains. Even people who didn’t usually like rice couldn’t resist taking a bite.
Though the family wasn’t wealthy yet, no one—adult or child—could afford to be picky. Gu Wuyi, of course, loved rice as well.
Especially after spending an entire semester eating cafeteria food at school, even cold steamed buns at home tasted like the most delicious treat to him.
Calculating his portion, Gu Wuyi said, “One bowl of rice, two buns, and a bowl of vegetables should be enough.” Then he looked at his grandmother, “Grandma, you should eat too. If you scoop from the big bowl and I can’t finish it right away, the food will get cold.”
“That’s true,” Madam Zhou glanced at the steaming dish. “Then hurry up and eat.”
Gu Xiao’er couldn’t help but click his tongue.
Madam Zhou looked at him in confusion.
Qin Feng smirked, “This brat is jealous. Every few days, he complains that I favor his big brother.”
Miaomiao nodded and tattled to the elderly couple, “Dad loves Big Brother the most. He doesn’t love me anymore!”
Madam Zhou was about to comfort Gu Xiao’er, but as soon as she heard Miaomiao’s words, she knew the kids were just messing around. “Your big brother is sensible. He often lets you have the good food and takes on more chores. Isn’t it only right that we dote on him a little more?”
Miaomiao thought for a moment. “I do chores too.”
Gu Xiao’er nodded. “I’m even busier than Big Brother.”
Qin Feng glanced at him. “Why do I feel like ever since your big brother started living on campus, the busiest one has been Qingyun?”
Fu Qingyun immediately turned to Qin Feng in shock.
Seeing the disbelief on his face, Qin Feng chuckled. “Isn’t that right?”
Fu Qingyun originally wanted to be modest and say it was no big deal, but when he saw his brothers falsely accusing him, he decided otherwise. “Yeah. I even washed the socks yesterday.”
Fu Lingyun had been too embarrassed to claim credit before, but now that their father had noticed—and since his two lazy brothers had no shame—why should he hold back? “I washed the dishes this morning.”
“I did too!” Gu Xiao’er, realizing things weren’t looking good for him, quickly added, “And I helped you pump water!”
Fu Lingyun nodded. “Not only did he help me pump a whole basin of water, but he also brought me the scrubbing cloth for the dishes.”
“Yes!” Gu Xiao’er nodded vigorously and turned to his father.
Qin Feng had a feeling his fourth son wasn’t done yet. Sure enough, the next thing he heard was—
“And then he disappeared. In the end, Big Brother was the one who carried everything inside.”
The elderly couple instinctively turned to look at Gu Xiao’er.
Feeling his face grow warm, Gu Xiao’er mumbled, “Just this one time.”
Qin Feng chuckled softly.
Gu Xiao’er raised his voice, trying to sound confident. “Just this once!”
Qin Feng nodded. “Alright. I’ll remember that. Qin Miaomiao?”
“Dad, eat some meat.” The young boy quickly picked up a piece of rib and held it to his father’s mouth.
Qin Feng turned his head away. “Trying to shut me up with meat? Don’t you think it’s a little late for that?”
“It’s never too late to admit your mistakes and correct them,” the young boy replied instinctively.
Qin Feng was momentarily speechless.
Then he chuckled and said, “You’ve really got a way with words.” He took the piece of meat with his chopsticks. “Still dare to talk nonsense in the future?”
The young boy thought about how their dad had woken them up early to make breakfast while letting their big brother sleep in. “It’s not all nonsense, right?”
Qin Feng’s heart tightened for a second. Had he really been favoring his eldest son too much lately?
No way.
But whether it was true or not, over time, resentment could build.
Qin Feng explained, “Your big brother only comes home once a week. You guys are here every day. If I add up all the little things I do for you throughout the week and save it up for your big brother when he’s home, that’s fair, isn’t it?”
Miaomiao blinked. “That’s how it is?”
“What else?” Qin Feng countered. “Your big brother isn’t even home most of the time. How are we supposed to dote on him?”
Qin Miaomiao was stumped and instinctively turned to his second brother.
Gu Xiao’er had always envied the attention his big brother received—especially back when his brother was preparing for high school entrance exams and their dad would ask every night if he needed help. But after being lectured by Fu Qingyun, Gu Xiao’er realized their dad had already figured out that he didn’t need academic assistance, so he stopped feeling jealous.
Earlier, he had just been messing around. But now that Miaomiao was looking at him, he suddenly felt guilty and lowered his head.
Lately, Miaomiao and his second brother had been thick as thieves, always sitting together at meals. Seeing Gu Xiao’er’s reaction, Miaomiao stomped on his foot under the table.
Gu Xiao’er let out a sharp “hiss” of pain.
Fu Qingyun sneered. “Serves you right.”
With a loud smack, Gu Xiao’er’s chopsticks hit the table as he shot to his feet.
Qin Feng glanced at him. “What are you doing?”
Gu Xiao’er quickly sat back down and started shoveling rice into his mouth.
The old couple couldn’t help but laugh at the sight.
Gu Xiao’er flushed with embarrassment.
Fu Qingyun sneered, “Oh? So you do know how to be embarrassed?”
Qin Feng turned to him. “Can food stop your mouth?”
Fu Qingyun’s breath hitched—he dared not say another word.
Gu Xiao’er, seeing this, smirked smugly.
Before he could open his mouth, Qin Feng cut him off. “I suggest you think carefully before speaking.”
Gu Xiao’er immediately swallowed his words, not daring to gloat anymore.
At last, the main hall quieted down, and the meal proceeded in peace.
The old couple, however, found the children's bickering quite entertaining.
After dinner, they didn’t let the kids wash the dishes or clean up, telling them to go play instead.
Qin Feng shot a look at Gu Xiao’er and Miaomiao.
The two brothers got the message—one gathered the dishes while the other moved the stools to the corner, wiped the table, and swept the floor.
Fu Lingyun instinctively stepped in to help. Miaomiao, out of habit, handed him a rag.
Qin Feng cleared his throat lightly.
The brothers instantly separated—one continued sweeping, the other went outside to rinse his mouth.
The old couple exchanged a glance.
—Your son is really something. Look at how well he’s trained these kids.
Qin Feng didn’t really want to be strict with them—he wished they could just enjoy a carefree life, with food served and clothes ready at hand. But circumstances didn’t allow for that.
Besides, with only him supporting the family, he had no chance of competing with others in the marriage market. If they weren’t diligent, they'd end up being lifelong bachelors.
Even if he relied on his looks and education to find a young, inexperienced girl, she wouldn’t stay long—not unless she had some kind of masochistic tendency to bring home a master to serve.
Of course, Qin Feng never voiced these concerns.
His parents always believed their grandchildren were wonderful. If he dared bring it up, they’d just scold him in return—You’re still single, and you have the nerve to worry about the kids?
If he said this to the younger ones, they’d just think he was overthinking things. Especially Qin Miaomiao, who was convinced he was the most handsome in the family—Even if I don’t do anything, girls will still like me!
Qin Feng also wanted them to learn patience through housework.
Noticing Qin Miaomiao had missed some spots while sweeping, he said, “Be more thorough.”
The boy instinctively asked, “Where’s not thorough?”
“Behind you,” Qin Feng replied bluntly.
Miaomiao turned around and spotted some leftover breadcrumbs. “You can see even that?”
Qin Feng nodded. “Clean it up properly. I’ll check later.”
“What are you going to do?” Miaomiao asked without thinking.
Qin Feng walked toward the kitchen. “Checking if your second brother actually washed the dishes properly.”
Hearing that, Gu Xiao’er—who had planned to get away with just a quick rinse—immediately filled another basin of water and washed them again.
Then, he wiped the stove clean, scrubbed the cutting board, and even swept up the straw and wood shavings near the hearth.
Qin Feng inspected his work, nodded in satisfaction, and said, “Go play now.”
Gu Xiao’er muttered, “You didn’t check this carefully when Qingyun and Lingyun did the dishes.”
Qin Feng said, “They never complained that I was being biased.”
Gu Xiao’er immediately blurted out, “I knew you were doing it on purpose!”
“So what if I was?” Qin Feng retorted.
He was their father—who could do anything about it?
Gu Xiao’er muttered something under his breath and left the kitchen, quickly going to find his partner-in-mischief.
Qin Miaomiao grabbed his hand and marched straight outside, passing right by their father as if he didn’t exist.
Qin Feng couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.
His mother came out and said, “Don’t be too strict with them.”
Qin Feng turned to Gu Wuyi. “Strict?”
Gu Wuyi replied, “Xiao’er and Miaomiao need a stricter hand.”
Every time he thought about how, in his past life, he had perished alongside his biological parents, it filled him with regret and resentment.
If it weren’t for the fact that the news had come from Qingyun… if it weren’t for the Chu family members on that vehicle… if the Chu family hadn’t found out that Qingyun had told Xiao’er… they wouldn’t have helped Qingyun’s biological mother contact reporters to accuse him of abandonment.
And if that hadn’t happened, his reputation wouldn’t have collapsed, he wouldn’t have fallen into despair, and he wouldn’t have been manipulated into that final, doomed decision.
If only things had been different, he and his brothers wouldn’t have ended up with no way out.
Qin Feng saw the heavy expression on Gu Wuyi’s face and wanted to laugh. “It’s not as serious as you’re making it out to be.”
Gu Wuyi looked up, hesitated, then stopped himself from speaking.
“What is it?” Qin Feng asked, puzzled.
Gu Wuyi shook his head. “Nothing.”
“You don’t look like it’s nothing.”
Gu Wuyi randomly asked, “Should we separate Miaomiao and Xiao’er?”
Qin Feng laughed. “So that’s what you were worried about? No need. Xiao’er is starting high school next year. He’ll only be home once a week—Miaomiao won’t even have the chance to team up with him.”
Old Qin frowned. “Watch how you talk.”
Qin Feng raised an eyebrow. “Then how should I say it?”
Old Qin thought for a moment. “At most, they just share similar interests.”
Qin Feng was momentarily speechless. Was there really a difference?
“Fine, similar interests it is.” Then he turned to his sons. “Qingyun, Lingyun, don’t just stand here—go play outside for a while.”
Fu Qingyun replied, “Miaomiao and Second Brother probably don’t want to see us.”
Qin Feng shrugged. “Then go inside. It’s windy in the yard.”
Fu Lingyun asked curiously, “Where are you going, Dad?”
“I’m heading home.”
The three brothers exchanged glances and decided to follow Qin Feng back.
With the house and yard suddenly quiet again, as if devoid of life, the elderly couple felt restless staying inside.
They secured the ox in the shed, locked the chickens and ducks in their pens, then locked the house and headed to the residential courtyard to watch TV.
In the past, there weren’t many channels, and the screen was mostly static during the day.
But in recent years, more dramas had started airing, like Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber, The Investiture of the Gods, Fortress Besieged, and Yearning. Now, even afternoons had something to watch.
Since Old Qin knew how to adjust the TV, Madam Zhou asked him to find Yearning.
“What’s so good about that?” Old Qin scoffed. “Let’s watch The Investiture of the Gods.”
Madam Zhou couldn’t help but retort, “You just want to see Su Daji, don’t you?”
Old Qin frowned.
Qin Feng, who was just about to set up the table for a game of mahjong with his sons, paused. “You talk like you can just watch whatever you want.”
The elderly couple turned to look at him at the same time.
Gu Wuyi added, “It depends on what the TV station decides to air.”
Madam Zhou interjected, “Yearning is so good. What else would they even put on if not Yearning?”
Old Qin scoffed. “What’s so great about all that crying and sighing?”
“And you think all your fighting and demons and ghosts are any better?” Madam Zhou shot back.
Old Qin was momentarily speechless.
Qin Feng gave Fu Lingyun, who was sitting closest to the TV, a meaningful glance.
Since Fu Lingyun’s break started a few days earlier than Gu Wuyi’s, Qin Feng had let them handle house chores but otherwise left them alone. Lingyun hadn’t wanted to go out, didn’t feel like doing homework just yet—after all, he already knew everything from first-year lessons—so he had been holed up at home watching TV.
Checking the time, he knew that one of the channels was airing Journey to the West right now. Without hesitation, he flipped to the right channel. “Grandpa, Grandma, I want to watch this.”
The elderly couple glanced at each other, neither willing to back down. In perfect unison, they said, “We’ll watch this then.”
They turned toward the TV—just as the White Bone Demon appeared on screen.
Again, in unison: “Not this one!”
Fu Lingyun, who was just about to grab a stool, froze, utterly confused.
Madam Zhou muttered, “This part is terrible. I get annoyed just looking at Tang Sanzang.”
Old Qin nodded in agreement. “And he’s ugly too. A real eyesore!”
Fu Lingyun turned to look and, sure enough, it was the Three Strikes Against the White Bone Demon episode. Seeing Brother Monkey being misunderstood made him frustrated too. But he was also afraid that if he switched the channel, he might land on Yearning first before finding The Investiture of the Gods. So, he could only turn to Qin Feng for help.
Qin Feng said, “Since no one wants to watch, let’s play mahjong.”
Madam Zhou pointed at the TV. “Then hurry up and turn it off. Any minute now, Tang Sanzang is going to start chanting the Tightening Spell.”
Fu Lingyun immediately turned off the TV.
The “unfortunate brothers” duo walked in, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, and immediately asked, “Why’d you turn it off?”
Gu Wuyi answered, “Three Strikes Against the White Bone Demon.”
The two of them said in unison, “Good call!”
Qin Feng held back a laugh. “Want to play mahjong?”
The two didn’t want to give their father the satisfaction.
But as soon as they saw Gu Wuyi sit down, Gu Xiao’er immediately said, “Yes!” Then he stared at his eldest brother.
Under his gaze, Gu Wuyi had no choice but to stand up.
Fu Qingyun also gave up his seat to Miaomiao.
The two troublemakers were satisfied, finally showing some smiles.
Qin Feng looked at Gu Xiao’er. “Play a few rounds, then head upstairs to study.”
Gu Xiao’er frowned. “I haven’t even touched the tiles yet.”
Qin Feng reminded him, “You’re in your third year of middle school. The high school entrance exam is in six months.”
“I could play all day and still get into No. 1 High,” Gu Xiao’er muttered.
Qin Feng nodded. “I know. But I want absolute certainty. Aren’t you always complaining that I favor your big brother? Fine, three rounds. Then I’ll go upstairs with you to do practice tests.”
Gu Xiao’er let out a dramatic cry: “That’s not the kind of love I wanted!”
Qin Feng picked up the feather duster from the side table. “Is this the kind of love you wanted?”
Gu Xiao’er’s face changed instantly, and he hastily promised to play only three rounds.
Seeing that his second brother was only afraid of the feather duster, Fu Qingyun decided to tell his dad the truth—better to get it out now than to let his dad waste his breath in the future.
While Gu Xiao’er was focused on calculating his tiles, Fu Qingyun quietly moved to his dad’s side and whispered, “He got first place in his class this time, but only because of careless mistakes. Otherwise, he would’ve been first in the entire grade.”
Qin Feng sharply turned to look at Fu Qingyun, then glanced at Gu Xiao’er.
Fu Qingyun nodded.
Qin Feng couldn’t help but say, “Looks like I’ve been too gentle with him. I underestimated him.”
Fu Qingyun nodded again. “If you made him do his homework with the feather duster in hand every time, and reminded him of it before every exam, I believe Second Brother could get into City No. 1 Highschool as the top student of the entire grade.”
Knowing Fu Qingyun’s personality—rarely lying, though not as straightforward as Fu Lingyun, but still obedient—Qin Feng figured he wasn’t making this up. A matter as important as high school entrance exams wasn’t something to joke about.
When Gu Xiao’er finished his three rounds, Qin Feng tapped the table lightly with the feather duster.
Gu Xiao’er immediately shot to his feet and bolted upstairs.
With the sound of mahjong tiles clattering downstairs, it was hard for Gu Xiao’er to concentrate.
Qin Feng asked, “Want to play?”
Gu Xiao’er nodded.
Qin Feng said, “Then do you realize that during the entrance exam, cars will still be driving by, and people will still be chattering on the streets?”
In his past life, he had never even taken the high school entrance exam.
If it weren’t for having no school registration and needing help from his biological parents, his older brother wouldn’t have been tricked into giving up a kidney.
Thinking of this, Gu Xiao’er calmed down.
Qin Feng said, “Everything I mentioned is normal. If you’re unlucky, you might be assigned to a test center near a construction site.”
At that time, no one would control the roads for exam takers. No one would stop construction or renovation just for them.
Gu Xiao’er nodded. “I get it.”
Qin Feng continued, “When I have time, I’ll sit with you to do practice exams and homework.”
Gu Xiao’er’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
“There’s a prize for ranking first, isn’t there?” Qin Feng asked.
Although No. 2 High School had a high school division, it didn’t mind sending top students to No. 1 High School.
If students from No. 2 High School got into prestigious universities, it boosted the school’s reputation.
No. 1 High School also had a middle school division, though fewer students. However, it was widely accepted that No. 1 High School had better teachers. If a student from No. 2 High School ranked first in the entire city, overshadowing No. 1’s students, the school would definitely reward them handsomely.
Gu Xiao’er had heard people talk about it before. “Last year, I think the prize was a hundred yuan.”
Qin Feng said, “If you get first place, whatever the school gives you, I’ll match it. You can spend it on whatever you want.”
“Even on toys?”
Qin Feng nodded.
Gu Xiao’er immediately started fantasizing about what he wanted most.
Qin Feng reminded him, “Think about it after the exam.”
“There are still over a hundred days left,” Gu Xiao’er muttered.
Qin Feng glared.
Gu Xiao’er immediately corrected himself, “A hundred days will fly by in no time.”
Time indeed passed quickly, flowing like water—silent and unnoticed.
In the blink of an eye, it was once again wheat harvest season.
Last year, Qin Feng had secretly hired a combine harvester to cut the wheat before telling his parents. The old couple had been furious—not only because they thought he wasted money but also because the harvester, working hastily without Qin Feng knowing better, left the stubble too high. This nearly made it impossible to sow soybeans using the seed drill.
Fearing that Qin Feng might recklessly hire another machine, Old Qin arranged for a reputable harvester even before the threshing yard was set up.
The cost was slightly higher than last year, but the cut was much closer to what they would get with manual labor.
The hardest part of harvesting wheat was the cutting.
With the harvester, the fields were cleared in no time, and the wheat from Qin Feng’s land was fully processed within three days.
Meanwhile, Miaomiao enjoyed a relatively leisurely harvest break.
But no matter how relaxed, breaks always come to an end.
As the busy season wrapped up, the final exams were right around the corner.
This time, Miaomiao’s exam results were crucial since they would be needed for his enrollment at No. 2 High School.
Qin Feng, worried that his carelessness might land him in a local town school instead, made him study alongside his second brother.
Whenever Qin Feng was free, he personally supervised their study sessions. When he wasn’t, he left the task to Fu Qingyun.
With Qin Feng’s father retired, the elderly couple had plenty of time on their hands. They often came over to keep an eye on the boys, ensuring that the two had no chance to slack off or play around. Instead, they had no choice but to diligently read and do their assignments.
Effort always pays off.
As schools across the country began their summer break, Gu Xiao’er and Miaomiao’s exam results were finally released.
The playful Qin Miaomiao stayed focused during the exams and scored 198 out of 200, losing only two points in Chinese.
Not to mention No. 2 High School—he could even get into No. 1 High School with ease.
Gu Xiao’er also made the most of his life this time, securing the top rank in the entire city and earning admission to City No. 1 High School.
Qin Feng rewarded Gu Xiao’er with 100 yuan and gave Miaomiao 10 yuan.
Qin Miaomiao was in disbelief. “Are you missing a zero?!”
Qin Feng nodded. “If you don’t want it, give it back to me.”
“Even a mosquito is still meat,” the boy quickly stuffed the money into his pocket. “When are we going to the city?”
Qin Feng replied, “When your second brother’s admission notice arrives.”
Gu Xiao’er sighed. “Then we’ve got a wait ahead of us.”
Fu Lingyun cautiously asked, “Are we still going to Binhai Grand Hotel?”
Qin Feng smiled. “Craving it?”
Fu Lingyun’s little face turned slightly red, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Qin Feng wasn’t skilled in cooking Chinese cuisine. The elderly couple could cook, but they only knew home-style dishes, and their specialties were “scrambled eggs with everything” and “big pot stew.”
Fu Lingyun deeply missed the exquisite dishes and pastries from Binhai Grand Hotel.
Qin Feng said, “Go ask Grandpa and Grandma.”
The elderly couple felt it was more economical to eat at home.
However, with two first-place achievers in the family, they agreed that a proper celebration was in order—so they unanimously decided to foot the bill.
By late August, the weather had cooled, appetites had increased, and the family had a hearty meal at the restaurant.
But as they headed downstairs to settle the bill, the elderly couple saw the total and their expressions changed instantly.
Qin Feng had expected this and swiftly grabbed the bill with one hand while pulling money out of his pocket with the other.
Old Qin snatched the bill away. "What, you think your old man can't pay?"
"Keep your money for yourself." Qin Feng didn't try to take the bill back—he simply handed the money directly to the cashier.
Old Qin passed his own money over as well.
The cashier chuckled. "Why don’t you two discuss it first and let the next customer pay in the meantime?"
Old Qin turned around and saw a couple waiting behind them. He wasn’t sure how long they’d been standing there and instinctively stepped aside.
Qin Feng moved closer to his father and looked up. "Shao Tian'er?!"
The woman, who was about to take out money, turned toward the voice.
Seeing her without makeup, with long black hair reaching her waist—so different from the fiery red lips or explosive curls he remembered—Qin Feng hesitated. "Sorry. I might've mistaken you for someone. You must be her twin sister, Shao Xiaomei, right?"
The young woman, who looked just over twenty, flashed a hint of surprise in her eyes. She studied him carefully before asking uncertainly, "Qin Feng?"
Qin Feng was surprised. "You know me?"
"My family had pictures of you and my sister—ones taken abroad," Shao Xiaomei recalled something and couldn't help but laugh. "But they’re probably gone now."
Qin Feng was puzzled.
"My petty brother-in-law must’ve either hidden them or burned them."
Qin Feng suddenly remembered the time he ran into Shao Tian'er in the capital—before they could even eat, that lunatic had barged in and caused a scene. "You mean that nutcase hanging around your sister?"
Shao Xiaomei couldn't help but laugh. "You’re here for dinner too?"
Qin Feng nodded. "School’s starting soon, so I brought them here for a good meal."
He noticed the man beside her frowning repeatedly and couldn't help but think—Another jealous type?
"And this is...?"
"This is my husband, Cheng Shixu."
Gu Wuyi suddenly turned to look at Cheng Shixu. No wonder he felt like he had seen him somewhere before—it was him.
Then, something clicked in Gu Wuyi’s mind, and he couldn’t help but glance at Shao Xiaomei again.
She was beautiful and elegant. If she was Shao Tian'er’s younger sister, that meant she came from an excellent family—possibly related to the wife of Provincial Governor Cheng.
But looking at them, they didn’t seem like a political marriage at all.
And if that wasn’t the case, why was someone like Cheng Shixu keeping their relationship so under wraps?
Because of her profession, Shao Xiaomei was highly attuned to people’s gazes. She turned to Gu Wuyi. "Little student, do you know me?"
Gu Wuyi shook his head, not daring to speak rashly in front of her husband.
Madam Zhou couldn’t help but interject, "I know you."
Qin Feng turned toward his mother.
Realizing she had spoken out of turn, Madam Zhou hesitantly asked, "Have you acted in television dramas before?"
Shao Xiaomei nodded. "I have."
Fu Qingyun couldn’t resist scrutinizing her.
Still no impression.
That didn’t make sense.
The entertainment industry had no shortage of beauties, but someone like her—blessed with outstanding family background, looks, and height—shouldn’t have remained obscure.
Could it be that her acting skills were lacking?
Madam Zhou exclaimed, “That’s it! Did you play a feisty sister-in-law in a drama? I forgot the name, but you made me so angry I couldn't calm down for three days! I never expected you to be so beautiful in real life. You looked just like the shrews from our village on TV.”
"Mom!" Qin Feng quickly gave her a warning look.
Madam Zhou awkwardly stammered, "I—I—"
"It’s fine," Shao Xiaomei laughed nonchalantly. "Even my mother, after watching my role, nearly disowned me. The fact that you didn’t throw rotten eggs at me is already quite kind."
Madam Zhou let out a breath of relief. "You’re so beautiful—why would you play someone like that?"
Shao Xiaomei smiled. "I didn’t want to spend all my time sobbing and crying."
Madam Zhou immediately thought of the recent TV dramas. "Exactly! They’re so frustrating to watch."
Qin Laohan couldn’t help but comment, "Didn’t you say tearjerkers were the best?"
"It’s different when you’re the one suffering through it!" Madam Zhou replied righteously.
Shao Xiaomei nodded. "Exactly."
Just then, she felt a tug on her hand.
She turned and saw her husband looking toward the cashier.
"What’s the rush?" She smacked his hand away.
Gu Wuyi’s eyes widened in shock.
—Was the young Provincial Governor Cheng actually henpecked?
Shao Xiaomei turned to Qin Feng. "Where are you working now?"
Qin Feng replied, "Oh, nothing fancy. I’m at the Northern Railway Factory."
Cheng Shixu suddenly looked at him with interest. "Engineer Qin from Northern Railway Factory?"
Finally receiving a proper glance, Qin Feng was surprised. "Am I that famous?"
Shao Xiaomei chuckled. "I visited your factory a few days ago. Your factory director mentioned you, but you happened to be on leave that day."
Qin Feng recalled that day—the factory director had asked him to come in because a newly appointed deputy mayor was visiting. Binhai’s government had no shortage of deputy mayors, and Qin Feng wasn’t interested in dealing with them, so he had used the opportunity to take Guo Xiao'er to school to pick up his admission letter.
Qin Feng tentatively asked, "Deputy Mayor Cheng?"
Cheng Shixu gave a slight nod.
Qin Feng’s parents gasped softly.
Their son was actually friends with the deputy mayor’s sister-in-law?
Good heavens! The Qin family’s ancestors must have been smiling down on them!
Shao Xiaomei, amused by their reaction, laughed. "Uncle, Auntie, there’s no need to be so surprised. It’s just a deputy mayor."
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