Before Ruan Xingchen could stop her, Fang Xinxin pulled her mother up first, tears streaming down her face. Mom, don't pressure Cousin. I… I can endure it for just two more months.
How can I let you keep getting bullied?! It's your dad and me who're useless—stuck farming in the village, too poor to give you a good life. We shouldn't let you suffer like this.
Mom, please stop.
Ruan Xingchen calmly pulled her hand back, staring blankly at the mother and daughter putting on their dramatic loving act.
It was clear they planned to camp at her door until she agreed.
As if all this mess was her fault.
Waiting for them to finish crying, Ruan Xingchen sighed reluctantly. She can stay. But no touching my things, no prying into my business, no bringing strangers over, keep clean—and only until summer vacation.
He Xiuzhen and Fang Xinxin exchanged a secret triumphant glance.
Wiping her fake tears, He Xiuzhen gushed gratefully. Of course! Our Xinxin is such a good girl—she won't cause you any trouble at all.
Cousin, Fang Xinxin sniffled. I'm really sorry to bother you.
Having gotten what they wanted, the family thanked her repeatedly and left quickly.
Back inside, Ruan Xingchen looked around, then walked to the empty room opposite her bedroom. She opened the door—it was completely bare, not even a bed.
She shrugged. She'd only agreed to let her stay; she never said she'd buy furniture for her.
Realizing how late it was, she grabbed her keys and phone, locked up, and ran up to the twelfth floor.
After cooking dinner, she tried calling Lu Bai to tell her about the annoying relatives, but no one answered, so she dropped it.
After eating and cleaning the kitchen, she finally told Lu Jingyuan what had happened.
Lu Jingyuan frowned. Don't let her come up here.
Obviously not. Ruan Xingchen's big eyes were clear and honest. Do you think those relatives only gave me eggs and fruit at first because they had their eyes on my apartment?
Smiling faintly, he tapped her forehead gently. Not completely stupid, I see.
Hey! She rubbed her forehead, glared at him, and pouted. I know if I refused, they'd just keep scheming. Better to let her stay—then if they break the rules, I can kick her out fair and square.
Pulling her into his arms with one long arm, Lu Jingyuan murmured. Clever girl deserves a reward.
He leaned down and kissed her without hesitation.
…
Early Saturday morning, afraid Ruan Xingchen would change her mind, the Fang family moved Fang Xinxin's luggage over right away.
But when they saw the empty room, they froze. What… where's the bed?
Ruan Xingchen blinked innocently. What's wrong?
He Xiuzhen and her husband looked awkward. How can she sleep without a bed?
Ruan Xingchen met their eyes calmly. I already let her stay. You can't expect me to buy a bed too, can you?
Fang Rong blurted out impatiently. Aren't you rich? The Ruan family sends you money every month—
He Xiuzhen tugged him hard to shut him up.
Ruan Xingchen said plainly. The Ruan family stopped my allowance when I turned eighteen. I don't pay rent, but utilities and property fees add up. I'll copy the bills for you two every month. Don't tell me you expect me to support your daughter too.
Their faces turned ugly instantly.
They'd planned to let Fang Xinxin live and eat for free with Ruan Xingchen's money—never expecting the Ruan family cut her off, or that she'd charge them for bills.
Now they were stuck with no way out.
Fang Xinxin finally spoke up. But Cousin, you've had so much money all these years—don't you have savings?
I have a little, Ruan Xingchen admitted. But I'm not your dad or mom. I only accepted a basket of eggs and fruit from your family, no big favors. I'm still studying, same age as you. Why should I feed you?
Fang Xinxin was left speechless. I didn't ask you to feed me.
I know you didn't. Ruan Xingchen patted her shoulder sweetly. Honestly, I actually envy you for having parents.
He Xiuzhen jumped in immediately. You can treat me like your mom too from now on!
Right right! Fang Rong echoed.
Does that mean you'll pay my utilities and property fees too?
…
Silence.
Not waiting for an answer, Ruan Xingchen turned back to her room.
Closing the door, she pressed her phone to her ear quietly, whispering. Bai Bai, did I do good?
Lu Bai's voice sounded pleased on the other end. Perfect! I'll treat you to chicken legs when I'm back at school!
And burgers too.
Deal!
…
After Ruan Xingchen locked herself in her room, the three Fangs went into the empty bedroom.
Closing the door tight, He Xiuzhen's nice expression vanished. Brat tricked us!
Fang Xinxin's eyes flickered slyly. Do you really think the Ruan family abandoned her?
The couple exchanged looks. You mean she lied?
Blood is blood. A real father would never cut his own daughter off, Fang Xinxin smirked. Would you abandon me?
Never my own daughter, He Xiuzhen snapped at her husband. But if she were your secret illegitimate child… I'd strangle her. But your dad? Not sure.
Fang Rong scowled. Watch your mouth!
Enough arguing. A ruthless glint flashed in Fang Xinxin's eyes. We're staying here anyway—and we're not giving her a cent.
…
At the Lu Residence.
Hanging up her phone, Lu Bai grinned at Lu Jingyuan. See? I'm the smart one!
Lu Jingyuan glanced at her and stood up to leave.
Panicked, Lu Bai called after him. Aren't you waiting for Grandma and Cousin Uncle? She'll be mad if she finds you gone!
Ignoring her completely, Lu Jingyuan left.
Not long after driving out, his phone rang.
He pulled over and answered.
A strange man spoke formally. Mr. Lu Jingyuan?
Yes.
I'm Ruan Jiancai from the Ruan Group. Would you have time for a meal?
Lu Jingyuan's gaze turned cold. Send the address.
Twenty minutes later, he arrived at the private dining room.
Though they'd never met face-to-face, Ruan Jiancai knew who he was. He stood politely. Mr. Lu, please sit.
Once seated, Lu Jingyuan asked directly. Why invite me?
Ruan Jiancai poured him tea and said one name softly. Ruan Xingchen.
…
In the end, the Fangs bought a cheap tatami mat for Fang Xinxin to sleep on temporarily.
After unpacking, Fang Rong and He Xiuzhen left, still uneasy. Fang Xinxin chased them away impatiently.
She arranged her things, walked out, and saw Ruan Xingchen stumbling sleepily out of her bedroom.
Remembering something, Ruan Xingchen said casually. I have a part-time job now. I won't eat at home in the evenings—cook for yourself.
Fang Xinxin's heart sank.
She'd seen the full kitchen earlier, hoping to eat home-cooked meals instead of terrible school cafeteria food. Never expecting Ruan Xingchen wouldn't even eat at home.
Quickly she asked. Where do you work part-time?
My employer won't let me tell anyone. Ruan Xingchen smiled mysteriously.
Disappointed, Fang Xinxin nodded.
As soon as Ruan Xingchen left the apartment, Fang Xinxin changed shoes and secretly followed her.
She tailed Ruan Xingchen to the supermarket, watched her carry big bags of groceries back to Wutong Apartment, then stood by the elevator and saw it stop at the twelfth floor.
Frowning, she wondered—does Ruan Xingchen work on the twelfth floor?
Just then, footsteps came from behind. She turned and saw a handsome man in a suit walk over to press the elevator button.
Fang Xinxin stared at his profile, her cheeks flushing pink.
He was stunningly good-looking.
The elevator arrived quickly.
The man stepped in. Fang Xinxin hurried after him, almost pressing the eleventh floor before freezing—then moved aside awkwardly.
The man reached out and pressed the twelfth floor.
Seeing that button, Fang Xinxin realized instantly:
Ruan Xingchen must be working as this man's part-time helper