“This is the third sister, Di.”
“Hello, Third Sister.”
The fourth sister is Nian Di, the fifth is Pan Di, the sixth is Wang Di, the seventh is Si Di, and the eighth is Meng Di.
Mu Chengguang called out along with them, her mind swirling with an endless array of “Di” names; in the end, she still didn’t remember which sister was which or their order.
Shuai Chang noticed Mu Chengguang’s confusion and said, “Don’t worry, my sisters are all nice people. You’ll learn their names. Before you call out to anyone, I’ll always give you a reminder.”
Mu Chengguang nodded, “I know. The reason you can go to school is because your sisters earned money for your tuition. I will treat them as my own sisters.”
After acknowledging her sisters, it was time for the nieces and nephews to greet them. Shuai Chang secretly slipped dozens of beautifully printed red envelopes into her hand, one containing five hundred yuan.
On average, each sister’s family has three or four children, with the eldest being the son of the eldest sister, Zhao Di. He is twenty this year, has only attended primary school, and is currently picking up odd jobs in the village. He’s dating a girl and will be getting married after the New Year.
The youngest is the daughter of the seventh sister, Si Di, who is not yet a year old.
The other seven sisters all have sons, while the seventh has three daughters. In the countryside, sons are considered essential labor and the support for old age. Regardless of how capable daughters may be, they will eventually marry into other families. Thus, not having a son in the countryside often means facing solitude in old age.
After recognizing more than twenty nieces and nephews, Shuai Chang said to Mu Chengguang, “I want to build a school in the village—elementary, middle, and high school—and cover all tuition and book fees.”
“My sisters have already given up their schooling for me. I don’t want my nieces to follow in their footsteps. I was born into a family that values sons over daughters, and while I cannot change their mindset immediately, I can prove through results that girls can also be filial and support their parents in their old age.”
“Hmm! Teacher Nan, I support you! If funds are insufficient, I can contribute a portion.”
“You underestimate your Teacher Nan; it’s not that difficult,” Shuai Chang laughed. “Though two million was invested in the movie, the remaining funds are still growing in the stock market. Building a few schools is definitely doable.”
“How could I underestimate you, Teacher Nan? You’re a genius in the investment world. I’m just worried that your funds are tied up in stocks and you might have trouble accessing them.”
Indeed, compliments work wonders, Shuai Chang thought cheerfully.
As they entered the village, they followed several villagers who thanked Shuai Chang for donating money to repair the roads. They walked slower than driving, and by the time Shuai Chang and Mu Chengguang finished greeting everyone, these villagers had finally arrived at the entrance.
A few men of varied heights, weights, and complexions walked in, their gazes toward Shuai Chang warm.
One older man cheerfully said, “Our Nan Yu has brought pride to the village; now, which family doesn’t speak highly of you?”
“Brother-in-law, don’t say that; these are things I ought to do.” These men were the husbands of Nan Yu’s eight sisters.
Thus, Mu Chengguang also followed and called out “Brother-in-law.”
Dressed elegantly, Shuai Chang should invite the villagers for a feast. Outside the Bai Lou, there was a large empty space with tables and benches borrowed from various families. Nearby, several makeshift stoves had been set up, and people were already busy chopping vegetables and starting fires, filling the air with a homey aroma.
There were several boxes of fine liquor in the trunk, perfect for the occasion. Seeing Li Cheng silently bringing over half of them, Shuai Chang hurried to help.
“You’re my bodyguard, not a hired laborer! You must tell me next time.”
A hint of emotion flickered in Li Cheng’s calm eyes as he didn’t refute Shuai Chang’s words but nodded lightly and went back to move out two more boxes, his arm flexing as he did so.
Shuai Chang bent down to get a box, not because he couldn’t carry two, but because Li Cheng had already finished, leaving him with just one.
Mu Chengguang was caught up in conversation with her eight sisters and didn’t notice her husband being pulled away. He excused himself to look for someone and caught sight of Shuai Chang and Li Cheng standing together, conversing, with Shuai Chang even patting Li Cheng’s shoulder!
Mu Chengguang’s eyes narrowed, and she stormed over, “Teacher Nan, what were you and Li Master talking about?”
It was no wonder Mu Chengguang looked at Li Cheng unfavorably; his looks were simply too attractive. With a buzz cut that highlighted his energetic eyebrows and eyes and a tall, well-proportioned figure, he stood there like a vibrant poplar swaying in the wind.
Such looks were highly appealing in the gay community.
In the gay circle, femininity is abundant, and the dominant ones were getting aesthetic fatigue. Li Cheng was not feminine; he exuded a refreshing masculine charm, and when approached, he would certainly display the most seductive expressions, bringing a sense of conquest to his partner.
Just now, Shuai Chang had touched Li Cheng’s shoulder, and that drove Mu Chengguang to jealousy instantly.
Shuai Chang didn’t think much of it and pointed to the liquor on the ground, saying, “Li Cheng and I are moving the liquor from the trunk; it will be just right for dinner.”
Mu Chengguang went over and hugged one of Shuai Chang’s arms, eyeing Li Cheng suspiciously, “On the way here, you were still calling him Li Master, why are you using his name now?”
Mu Chengguang’s face clearly showed her displeasure.
Li Cheng silently turned and walked away; Shuai Chang pinched Mu Chengguang’s fair cheek, “Look at you; your lips are puckered up as if they could hold soy sauce. You also know I couldn’t like Mu Bochun because he bullied you; as for Li Cheng, he is my bodyguard. I depend on him for survival in critical moments; how can I not treat him kindly? I guarantee I won’t like anyone else for my entire life, okay?”
He really wouldn’t fall for anyone else; having Fan Luo Jia was enough.
Cheng Guang was great too, but he simply didn’t have the energy to love someone else.
Seeing that Shuai Chang had promised her, Mu Chengguang reluctantly replied, “You must remember you’re a married man.”
“I know, little vinegar jar.” Shuai Chang led the placated Mu Chengguang into the house, where everyone inside was chatting. As soon as they entered, the room fell silent, and the atmosphere suddenly became quiet.
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