“Seventh sister, what are you all talking about?” Handsome Chang noticed that Seventh Sister Si Di had a worried expression, and Seventh Brother-in-law looked embarrassed, so he thought something was wrong at home. “If there is something, just say it; I’ll help if I can.”
Nan Si Di forced a smile, stood up, and said, “It’s nothing. You misunderstood. I’m just going outside to see if I can help with anything.” With that, she hurried out the door.
Handsome Chang looked at Seventh Brother-in-law, who smiled and said, “Your Seventh Sister is just too diligent; I’ll go see her.” He followed her out.
Inside, only Eldest Sister Nan Zhao Di and Nan Ma remained; the others had gone out to help with cooking and preparing ingredients.
Handsome Chang asked Nan Zhao Di, “Eldest Sister, Seventh Sister must be hiding something from me; tell me.”
Nan Zhao Di looked troubled and stole a glance at Nan Ma, who sat cross-legged on the sofa, using her dry, yellowish hand to wipe her eyes, lips tightly pressed together, turning her head as if not wanting to speak.
“Eldest Sister, don’t worry about mom; she must want to say something to me, but she doesn’t know how to start.”
“Right, Eldest Sister, just tell Teacher Nan. Teacher Nan is so smart; whatever the problem is, she can definitely help you.” Mu Chengguang took a handkerchief out of his pocket. “Mom, today is such a wonderful day since Teacher Nan is back; shouldn’t we be happy? Let me wipe your tears.”
Nan Zhao Di let Handsome Chang sit down and whispered with red-rimmed eyes, “Si Di’s husband just told mom that he wants to give their third daughter to you, but Si Di disagreed. Si Di’s husband said the third daughter is a burden, and since you and Chengguang can’t have children, it would be better to give you the third daughter and have another one. The third daughter is only three months old; it’s not like we’re so poor we can’t survive, how can they give away their own daughter?” Even if Nan Dad and Nan Ma wanted a son, they’ve never thought of giving their daughter away, even when times were tough.
“Did Seventh Brother-in-law really say that?” Mu Chengguang clicked his tongue. He had heard Handsome Chang mention that the sisters’ families were poor, and each family had received a hundred thousand yuan in assistance. This man looked honest, yet turned out to be like this. He was sure Seventh Brother-in-law had some design on Handsome Chang’s wealth; giving away a daughter was not just for having a son; the most crucial part was that he and Teacher Nan couldn’t have children. If they gave away the daughter, in the future, the family assets would definitely belong to his daughter, and his other children would be the third daughter’s siblings, surely benefitting from it.
Handsome Chang was clearly also taken aback; after pondering for a while, he said, “I’ll talk to Seventh Brother-in-law about this. You all don’t need to worry; both Seventh Sister and the third daughter will be living well at home.” He emphasized the last two words deliberately.
With Handsome Chang’s words, Nan Zhao Di and Nan Ma felt reassured, and Mu Chengguang joked a few more times, finally bringing smiles to their faces.
To avoid any family disgrace, Handsome Chang found a spot in the backyard to talk privately with Seventh Brother-in-law.
Seventh Brother-in-law wore a fawning smile on his honest face, rubbing his dark hands together. “Little brother, is there anything you need to talk to Seventh Brother-in-law about? Whatever I can do for you, I’ll definitely help.” After saying this, he patted his thin chest proudly.
Handsome Chang tilted his lips into a mocking smile; though it seemed like he was grinning, it unnaturally gave off a cold feeling. “Seventh Brother-in-law, guess how much wealth I have now?”
“How much wealth?” Greed flashed in Seventh Brother-in-law’s eyes. “I guess little brother you must have a few million; I’ll count on you to help me in the future.”
Handsome Chang chuckled and shook his head. “A few million is too little; I won’t even blink at that. After the New Year, I’ll have tens of billions. However,” he paused, his tone turning cold, “my money can go to whoever I want. If you want to rely on me, it’ll depend on how Seventh Sister lives… I heard you want to give away Seventh Sister’s third daughter? I can support my sister and niece, but if Seventh Brother-in-law doesn’t want to support them, then divorce.”
Seventh Brother-in-law panicked, waving his hands vigorously. “No, no, absolutely not! The third daughter is my daughter; how could I give her away? You must have heard wrong.” His face turned pale, swallowing hard, suddenly realizing that his little schemes were completely exposed in front of his sister’s brother-in-law.
“Don’t worry, little brother. Si Di will definitely not be wronged in my home; we all treat her like our ancestor.” Seventh Brother-in-law raised his hands in assurance.
“Seventh Brother-in-law, money can make ghosts push the mill; as long as you don’t deceive me, I won’t harm you either.”
Seventh Brother-in-law, wearing a newly bought down jacket, shivered involuntarily. “Understood, understood.”
“Then that’s good.” Handsome Chang smiled gently. “Seventh Brother-in-law, you may go back to what you’re doing.”
Seventh Brother-in-law nodded hurriedly and rushed to the front to help move the firewood.
Mu Chengguang walked over, clasped Handsome Chang’s hand, and said with concern, “It’s so cold outside; you shouldn’t just keep your hands out of your pockets, even if you aren’t wearing gloves. Your hands are turning red.”
Feeling the warmth of Mu Chengguang’s fingers, Handsome Chang watching the white mist he exhaled disappear in front of him asked, “Did you hear what I just said?”
Mu Chengguang looked up in confusion. “What did you say? That after the New Year you will have tens of billions? Were you trying to scare him?”
Handsome Chang burst into laughter, grabbing Mu Chengguang’s hands with one hand while the other rubbed through his hair. “When has Teacher Nan ever told a lie?”
Mu Chengguang stared blankly: “You, you mean?” He was so astonished that he couldn’t find his words.
“Yes, from now on, you’ll be the wife of a billionaire; are you happy?”
“Ah, ah, ah, ah! Teacher Nan, I love you! You’re just too amazing; I knew you were the best!” Mu Chengguang excitedly threw himself onto Handsome Chang, his fair face flushed with excitement.
Handsome Chang felt delighted by his praise and hugged him tightly. Their gazes leveled; Handsome Chang pressed his forehead against Mu Chengguang’s and softly said, “So, your family matters are nothing; if someone bullies you, tell Teacher Nan, and I’ll use money to smash them.”
“Mm!” Now, Mu Chengguang could only smile foolishly.
“You little fool, you don’t even ask how I earned this money.” It was a bit cold outside, so Handsome Chang directly carried Mu Chengguang into the house.
Mu Chengguang, feeling shy about being seen, pushed against Handsome Chang’s solid chest in embarrassment. “I can walk down myself.”
Handsome Chang slowly loosened his arms, and Mu Chengguang’s feet touched the floor.
“How did you earn so much money?” He leaned close to Handsome Chang’s ear and whispered.
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