Chapter 40: The Eldest Brother Arrives, Fu Zheng
“130,000?!”
Wang’s son’s eyes lit up, and he quickly did the math in his head, his expression brightening with delight. “If it’s 130,000, that’s 39,000 per family. After relocation, we’d each get a seventy-square-meter apartment. That’s a pretty good deal, considering the location—it’s downtown, close to Ming Lake, and life here is convenient.”
“39,000 is still a lot…”
Auntie was first pleased by Xu Wei’s words, but when she thought of her own situation, worry crept in.
“This is already much better than expected.”
Uncle squeezed her hand reassuringly, giving her a look that told her not to worry. “Go home first, I’ll talk more with Officer Xu.”
“Alright.”
The couple’s understanding was mutual; Auntie instantly grasped his intent. Zhang Dafan’s fiancé’s sudden change of attitude was surprising, but Uncle was a shrewd man, skilled in social dealings. Having him stay and gauge Xu Wei’s true intentions would benefit both their family and Old Huang’s.
“Don’t mind her, she’s always complaining—long hair, short knowledge, women always fussing…”
As soon as Auntie left, Uncle shifted into conversation mode, using his quick wit and persuasive tongue to cozy up to Xu Wei, arms over shoulders, calling each other brother.
Xu Wei, eager to please, responded in kind. The two lavished compliments on each other, chatting enthusiastically.
Wang and his son were left dumbfounded by this strange scene.
Having run businesses for years and dealt with all kinds of people, the father and son quickly sensed Xu Wei’s odd behavior. Both were shrewd, and followed the principle that less said is less wrong, keeping their heads down and quietly blending into the background.
---
Uncle’s talent for diplomacy soon eased Xu Wei’s guard, leading to the truth.
A former leader named Gu?
Could this have something to do with Xiyu’s classmate?
Her classmate’s name was Gu Bin, if memory served.
Who would have thought the child’s family background was so deep—his grandfather a provincial official. Would Xiyu’s close relationship with him attract suspicion?
In an instant, Uncle understood the stakes, and sighed quietly, feeling a surge of deep concern for his niece.
---
Wang Mansion Pool.
Wang Fan was hopeless at school, but a master at showing off.
He rode his motorcycle through the alley, revving loudly and attracting the attention of many pedestrians.
Children, innocent and pure, were drawn to the dazzling motorcycle, chasing after him with cheerful laughter.
Wang Fan, thoroughly enjoying himself, circled the Wang Mansion Pool again and again. Only the arrival of a certain person made him rein himself in, pulling off a sudden stop before the newcomer.
The newcomer wore a military uniform, standing tall and commanding, his handsome features bearing a resemblance to Gu Bin.
“Big brother, you’re here?”
Gu Bin saw him and his eyes sparkled with joy, approaching with a smile.
---
Fu Zheng was four years older, a fighter pilot with the Thirteenth Flight Squadron of the Jinan Military District, stationed at the West Suburb military airport.
The West Suburb airport was quite far from the old city, over an hour’s drive each way. Fu Zheng was busy with training and rarely had time to visit, maybe once or twice a year. Today he happened to have business in the old city, and took the chance to see his grandmother and grandfather.
“Zheng!”
“When did you get here?”
“We’ve missed you so much!”
Wang Fan, Qu Peng, and Li Liang all brightened at the sight of Fu Zheng, crowding around him with grins.
Fu Zheng was older, the king of the kids since childhood, and the three younger boys all looked up to him.
Ever since elementary school, the trio had followed him around, calling him big brother along with Gu Bin.
“Just arrived.”
Fu Zheng glanced at Wang Fan and teased him, “I heard the motorcycle from a long way off—knew right away it was you. Sure enough, nobody else would dare disturb Grandpa’s nap at this hour except you.”