Peng Kai looked at his girlfriend expectantly.
Lan Hui didn’t respond to Peng Kai’s gaze. After a moment of thought, she declined: “Uncle, my current job is very good. I’m not planning to change jobs for now. Thank you for your kindness.”
Chen Chujiang spoke up: “Little Yue, why don’t you think it over again? If you decide to join Chen Group, I’ll arrange a relaxed position for you that pays over ten thousand yuan a month.”
Lan Hui’s brow furrowed slightly. Peng Kai’s father seemed to have her best interests at heart, but beneath his words was a tone of condescension.
“Relaxed position, monthly income over ten thousand”—these were all good terms when taken separately.
But as Peng Kai’s girlfriend, did he only want her to be a pampered golden cage bird, living off others without doing anything?
Perhaps, deep down, they never truly accepted her.
“Uncle, the Chen Group does offer excellent benefits, much better than my current job. But I love what I’m doing now, and I get along well with my colleagues. I can only thank you for your kindness.”
Lan Hui had always been clear-headed. After taking over the postpartum recovery business, she had great confidence in its prospects.
Originally, she planned to return to her hometown and open a postpartum recovery center once her current tasks were done.
***
Later, after getting together with Peng Kai, she also hoped to save enough money to have her own store in S City someday.
She had never thought of relying on Peng Kai, or of becoming a gold-digging housewife.
Xue Fen spoke up at the right moment: “Old Chen, the young lady has her own ideas. We should respect that.”
Chen Chujiang nodded: “Alright, let’s go with the young people’s wishes.”
On the way back, Peng Kai drove silently, barely saying a word. Lan Hui knew he was disappointed that she had refused.
When Chen Chujiang suggested she join Chen Group, Peng Kai was the one most eager for her to accept.
Back at home, Lan Hui called out to Peng Kai: “Kai, are you angry?”
Peng Kai shook his head: “No, just a little disappointed.”
He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.
“As your boyfriend, I want to be with you every moment. Shouldn’t you be happy about that? But then again, as your boyfriend, I should support all your decisions. So whatever you want to do, go ahead—I won’t stop you.”
Lan Hui hugged him back: “Thank you, Kai.”
Peng Kai smiled: “Pack your things, we’re moving tomorrow.”
Lan Hui nodded: “Okay.”
She knew Chen Chujiang and his wife weren’t very pleased with her, but she still agreed without hesitation.
She was with Peng Kai. As long as he didn’t give up on her, she wouldn’t give up on him.
As for Chen Chujiang and his wife, she would try to avoid contact.
She guessed that Chen Chujiang’s family weren’t fools; they wouldn’t go against Peng Kai’s wishes to make him break up with her. That would create a rift with their newly found son.
In fact, she understood them. They had just recognized their son and wanted the best for him. In their minds, Peng Kai should marry a girl with a perfect family background and character.
With Yue Fu’s family background, Lan Hui was just a beautiful but empty ornament.
Inside the Rolls-Royce, Xue Fen’s face was troubled: “Old Chen, our son seems really focused on that Yue Fu. What should we do? That Yue Fu is totally unworthy of our son.”
Chen Chujiang said: “If our son likes her, let them live together for now. They’re not married, so he won’t lose out. Over time, he’ll meet more women and figure out who he should marry.”
“If he wants to break up later, we’ll give Yue Fu a generous breakup settlement. I can see she’s quite strong-willed. If it weren’t for our high family status and the need for a well-matched bride, she’s not bad at all.”
Zhao Xinhua sat in the passenger seat listening quietly but said nothing.
This was a friend’s family matter, and he didn’t want to interfere.
In his heart, he agreed with Old Chen and Xue Fen.
A marriage between equals is the only one that lasts.
Xue Fen said: “I think Yue Fu is cunning. She had our son completely infatuated before. Now that she knows his true identity, she’ll definitely try to rise quickly.”
“Once she’s pregnant, with how obsessed our son is, he’ll definitely marry her. Ah, what a headache.”
Chen Chujiang said: “Then remind our son not to get anyone pregnant before marriage, to use protection.”
Xue Fen nodded: “I will.”
She then looked at Zhao Xinhua in front and said, “Old Zhao, Old Chen and I are going to the mall to get some furniture for the kid. Want to come?”
“Sure.”
Zhao Xinhua shook his head: “I won’t go. I’d rather go fishing than spend time shopping.”
Chen Chujiang laughed: “Alright, next time we’ll go fishing together.”
Then he instructed the driver: “Drop me and my wife off at the mall first, then take Old Zhao home.”
“Okay, Mr. Chen.”
The driver replied.
Lan Hui didn’t have much stuff. She packed up everything in about two hours.
Peng Kai had lived here a long time, so he didn’t have much either. The furniture belonged to the landlord. He only had three large bags and a suitcase.
“Fufu, I’m going to see Xiao Pang tonight. I might not come back, so you should go to bed early alone.”
Lan Hui was surprised: “What’s so urgent? Not coming back tonight?”
Peng Kai explained: “Xiao Pang arrives in S City at seven in the evening. I’ll pick him up from the station, then hand over the shop’s matters to him. I plan to promote him to store manager.”
Lan Hui was understanding: “Is Xiao Pang ready to take over? I thought he mostly did car washes and window tinting before.”
Peng Kai said: “He’s almost ready. If he doesn’t know something, he can video call me. If it’s difficult, I’ll come back personally to teach him.”
“I’ve already calculated it—there are two days off on Saturday and Sunday. I can come here often, and in a year or so, Xiao Pang will definitely get the hang of it.”
“I posted a recruitment ad online this afternoon to hire two disabled assistants to work under Xiao Pang.”
Lan Hui understood Peng Kai’s intention to help disabled people. Otherwise, Xiao Pang wouldn’t be capable of managing the shop.
“That’s great! Thumbs up for Kai.” Lan Hui said cheerfully, “I really have good taste, finding such a handsome and kind-hearted boyfriend.”
Peng Kai smiled: “I just help where I can. Life isn’t easy. If I hadn’t been kindly taken in by the orphanage, I might not even be alive today, let alone meet Fufu and find my family.”
“Now I’m just doing meaningful things within my ability.”
Lan Hui nodded approvingly: “That’s really good. I support all your decisions, Kai.”
Peng Kai affectionately ruffled her hair: “I’ll be busy for a while, so maybe I won’t have much time to accompany you. Hope you’ll understand.”
“I understand. Anyway, we live together now, so we see each other every day. I’m happy enough.” Lan Hui smiled sweetly.
Peng Kai leaned over and kissed her forehead: “Good girl. I’ll drive to the station to pick him up now.”
“Okay.” Lan Hui had no objections. She even walked him to the door and waved reluctantly: “Be careful on the road.”
“Got it.” Peng Kai hurried downstairs.
Lan Hui didn’t sit still at home. She cleaned the bedroom and living room thoroughly, preparing for the landlord’s inspection tomorrow.
It wasn’t until past eight in the evening that she finished.
She messaged the store manager to request leave—she would be moving tomorrow and definitely couldn’t work.
***
The next morning, Lan Hui was still asleep when a knock woke her.
“Fufu, get up quickly! We have to move. The moving truck is already downstairs.”
It was Peng Kai’s voice—he was back.
Lan Hui got up quickly: “Okay, I’m getting up now.”
She dressed quickly and went to wash up. In the living room, besides Peng Kai, there were four or five others.
Lan Hui immediately wished she could crawl into a hole.
Guests at home, and Peng Kai hadn’t even said a word. She could have at least tidied up so she wouldn’t look so bedraggled and lose face.
Peng Kai found her covering her face adorable and smiled as he walked up to her: “No need to be shy. You look good no matter what.”
Lan Hui glared at him: “Stop lying with your eyes open.”
“I’m serious.” He said. “Girls with good skin and delicate features look beautiful even without makeup. Plus, you’ve just slept, so your skin looks moist and vibrant. Very pretty.”
“Alright.”
“Who are they? You’re not introducing me?” Lan Hui lowered her voice.
“They’re parents’ people sent to help us move.”
Lan Hui nodded in understanding.
“Go wash up, I bought breakfast for you.”
“Okay.”
“Is it convenient to get into your room now? I’ll have them move your things first.”
“It’s fine. I packed everything last night.”
“Good.” Peng Kai immediately called over a few men to start moving stuff.
Lan Hui finished washing, ate breakfast, and all the furniture had already been moved downstairs by the helpers. She then sat in Peng Kai’s car to go to the new place.
The new community was not far from Chen Group, a high-end neighborhood called Sea Island Blue Bay. It was close to the sea, with strong winds and an excellent environment.
They lived on the 21st floor, Unit 2101.
Opening the door, Lan Hui was stunned by the luxurious decoration inside.
The modern design used a gray and white base, simple yet elegant, bright and spacious. She sized it up—about three hundred square meters, two bedrooms and a living room.
Standing on the balcony, she could see the blue sea. It was especially beautiful.
There were many brand new pieces of furniture with tags still unremoved.
“Do you like it here?” Peng Kai asked as he walked over to the balcony.
Lan Hui nodded, eyes squinting with a smile: “It’s so beautiful. I like it.”
“As long as you like it.”
Peng Kai had the movers put all the things in the living room; the rest they would arrange themselves.
The leader of the movers said: “Chen Shao, if you need anything, just call. Xiao He and I can come anytime.”
They were bodyguards sent by the chairman to protect Chen Shao’s safety.
Peng Kai nodded: “Got it. You guys can go rest first.”
“Yes, sir.”
They lived in the same community, just downstairs, ready to be on call.