Chapter 30: The Romance Between Qu Jiani and Wang Chaoliang Exposed

The residents of the Qu and Wang households returned home after work and school, marking what they all considered an ordinary day. Even though it was Hao Fang’s birthday, there was nothing particularly special about it.

As they neared the Qu residence in their brand-new sedan, Zhang Huiyu, sitting in the passenger seat, asked Qu Jiaqiang once more, "Are you sure we don't need to buy a gift? At least let’s pick up some fruit! We moved out after getting married, and since it’s been so long since we last came home for a meal, don't you think it’s a bit rude to show up empty-handed?"

They had been married for only three months. Since the wedding, they had lived primarily in a mid-to-high-end apartment building with elevators in the city center, rarely returning to this somewhat dilapidated old neighborhood. The streets were narrow and run-down, and the residential complex didn't even have a security guard at the gate.

Qu Jiaqiang scoffed, "It’s just my stepmother’s birthday—what kind of gift do you buy for that? My own mother is critically ill and wants to see me, and I didn't even go! My dad gave my stepmother at least two hundred thousand from the sale of the city property, and she used that to open her women’s clothing store. Isn't that better than any birthday gift? Don't worry. She doesn't have a son of her own, so she’ll have to rely on us for her retirement anyway. She won't dare say a word."

Mentioning this, Zhang Huiyu frowned, unhappy. "When the demolition compensation money arrives, are you really going to buy your dad and stepmother a place in our apartment complex too?"

Qu Jiaqiang replied, "Of course we have to. Once we have kids, won't we need them to help look after them? I certainly don't want them moving into our home."

Zhang Huiyu remained reluctant. "Then our budget for buying a storefront will be restricted to smaller units. I was actually quite satisfied with that large shop we saw today!"

Qu Jiaqiang wasn't entirely thrilled about it either. If they could get a large shop, who would want a smaller one? However, he still held some affection for his father, his stepmother, and his younger half-sister, with whom he had lived for over a decade. He couldn't very well eat meat and not let his family have a sip of the broth.

"It’s not like I don't want the bigger shop," he said impatiently. "Enough, don't talk about this outside. It’s only fair to give them a share of the family fortune; after all, they put in the effort too."

Zhang Huiyu was still dissatisfied, feeling that she and her husband had contributed the most and had borne the greatest risk. But realizing they were in public, she decided to drop the subject.

After parking the car, the couple stepped out and happened to run into an older woman selling fruit from a tricycle. Wanting to save face, Zhang Huiyu stopped her and bought a few pounds of longans and grapes.

Across the street, sitting in a bubble tea shop, Yun Zhi watched them. It was a pity they hadn't continued their conversation, but the snippets she had gathered provided some useful information.

For instance, Qu Jiaqiang and his wife were clearly unhappy about the fact that of the 1.35 million gained from selling the shop, they had only received 1.05 million, and that they would only receive two-thirds of the upcoming demolition compensation.

Furthermore, Tang Panpan’s death clearly involved more than just this couple; otherwise, Qu Jiaqiang wouldn't have said, "They put in the effort too." The plural "they" implied that Qu Guida was not the only one involved.

Qu Jiaqiang seemed unaware of the true relationship between his father and the neighbors, Shu Rou and Wang Chaoliang, as he had not alluded to it at all.

It was mid-July. Qu Jiani would be a senior in high school next semester; half a year ago, she was still a minor in her sophomore year. It was unlikely that Qu Guida would have involved her in such matters. Yun Zhi had specifically noted that Qu Jiani had long hair and a style that was sweet yet edgy. According to Tang Panpan’s description, the "freshman from the Tourism Management Department" who had blocked her path to hand out flyers had shoulder-length hair, a round face, freckles, and a cheerful disposition. It seemed Qu Jiani was not the one who had posed as the student.

However, one could never be certain. After all, Yun Zhi, who was naturally striking, had disguised herself to look quite ordinary. It was highly probable that Hao Fang was aware of the plot and had contributed to it as well, though the specifics remained to be seen.

As Yun Zhi analyzed the situation, Hao Fang rode up on a new electric scooter, bumping into Qu Jiaqiang and Zhang Huiyu at the gate. The couple greeted her affectionately.

Hao Fang smiled, "Just coming home for a meal is enough; why buy fruit? We have plenty at home."

Zhang Huiyu replied, "It’s not about whether we have it at home. Jiaqiang said you love longans and Jiani likes grapes, so I bought some extra..."

Hao Fang said, "I also heard from Jiaqiang that you love fish and shrimp, so I specifically took a detour to the market to buy fresh snakehead fish and large prawns... Jiaqiang loves chestnut and chicken soup, so I told your father to start stewing it this afternoon. I hope he remembered to put it on."

Qu Jiaqiang stepped forward to help carry the groceries. The family of three walked into the complex, their atmosphere so harmonious that they seemed closer than any blood-related family.

Shortly after, Qu Jiani and Wang Chaoliang arrived. They stopped in front of the bakery next to the bubble tea shop where Yun Zhi sat.

Qu Jiani hopped off the back of the bike, her high ponytail swinging gracefully. "It’s my mom’s birthday today. You should go buy a big cake and bring a gift. My mom will surely be too polite to turn you away from dinner."

Wang Chaoliang hesitated. "Ah, is that really okay? Even though our moms seem to get along on the surface, mine actually dislikes your mom a lot. I’ve told you before... she’ll definitely be unhappy if she finds out I’m eating at your place."

Qu Jiani rolled her eyes. "What does it matter if she doesn't like my mom? I’m asking you to eat at my house, not her. Once we’re married, we’ll do what my brother did—have the family chip in for a down payment and move out. It’ll save us a lot of trouble."

Seeing Wang Chaoliang still looked hesitant, Qu Jiani’s face hardened. "What? Don't tell me you’re just playing around with me and haven't thought about our future?"

For a sixteen-year-old boy, marriage felt worlds away, but his mother’s cold shoulder was an immediate reality. He couldn't tell her that, or his girlfriend would dump him.

"How could you think that? Don't overthink it, Nini," he quickly said. "I’ll buy the cake, okay? My mom won a lot of money playing mahjong recently, so she’s been much more generous with my allowance. Since it’s your mom’s birthday, I’ll get her the best, most expensive cake! But... didn't you say your brother and his wife are coming over tonight? Won't we end up with two cakes?"

Qu Jiani scoffed, "Don't worry, that won't happen. My brother is only polite to my mom on the surface. She’s had birthdays for so many years, and he’s never bought her a single gift. Behind her back, he always refers to her as 'the stepmother'."

Qu Jiani added mockingly, "When my parents get old, he might not even be willing to support her. But once he and his wife have kids, they’ll definitely be begging my mom to help them raise them."

Wang Chaoliang said, "Ah, then if your brother doesn't support your mom, wouldn't she have to move in with us... and then, my mom..."

In other families, mothers-in-law might live together harmoniously. But Wang Chaoliang knew his mother, Shu Rou, would never get along with Hao Fang. Because the Qu family was better off, Shu Rou often made bitter, jealous remarks at home. She looked down on her own husband, calling him useless; even though he worked as a librarian at the city library—a respectable and easy job—it paid little. Qu Guida, on the other hand, was a truck driver; it was exhausting, and he was often away, but he earned much more. The Qu family lived in a three-bedroom apartment with the best orientation, while his family lived in a smaller, less desirable two-bedroom.

Wang Chaoliang thought it wasn't all his father’s fault. Why didn't his mother compare herself? She was just a hairdresser, while Aunt Hao Fang was a self-employed business owner who rented her own stall for clothing. Compared to Hao Fang, his mother was just as unskilled! If it weren't for the fact that the Qu family had two children to put through school, they would have saved enough money long ago to move to a better place.

In recent years, due to the pandemic, everyone’s work had been affected, and there were periods where there was almost no income. His father had finally felt triumphant at home, saying, "Now you see the benefit of a government job!" Even his mother’s attitude toward his father had improved.

But in the last six months, the Qu family had struck it rich, thanks to the property left behind by Qu Guida’s other daughter and his ex-wife. Wang Chaoliang had expected his mother to be bitter and resentful again, but surprisingly, her luck at mahjong had been good, and she hadn't been complaining as much. She even encouraged him to go over to the Qu house to ask Qu Jiani for help with his studies. That was how he and Qu Jiani had ended up together.

However, he dared not let his mother know about their relationship. Moreover, Shu Rou’s attitude was strange: she was fine with him seeing Qu Jiani, and even happier if he visited Uncle Qu, but if he went over because of Hao Fang, she would turn cold instantly.

Qu Jiani didn't know the extent of Shu Rou’s hatred for her mother, and she didn't care much for the hypocritical Shu Rou anyway.

"Enough, what are you afraid of?" Qu Jiani said. "My family has money now. We’ve already agreed that when the time comes, we’ll buy another apartment in my brother’s complex for my parents, under my dad’s name. When that happens, you can just come live with us at my parents' place!"

Qu Jiani knew her father was somewhat partial to boys. It was unrealistic to ask him to buy her a place of her own, especially since that money came from his ex-wife and her daughter. But living in her parents' home? That was definitely doable! And bringing a husband along should be fine, too. It would also relieve Qu Jiaqiang of the burden of supporting their parents.

Though young, Qu Jiani already had the mindset of fighting for her inheritance.

Wang Chaoliang had originally intended to just date Qu Jiani casually—in this society, who hadn't had a few flings? It was rare for a first relationship to lead to marriage. But when he heard that marrying Qu Jiani meant he wouldn't have to work hard and could live in a high-end apartment just like Qu Jiaqiang, he was sold!

As for buying a house on his own? What a joke. His grades were average at best; he had barely made it into a public high school and would be lucky to get into a vocational college. If he couldn't even do that, he’d end up working on an assembly line. Even Qu Jiaqiang, who had a degree from a third-tier university, only found work as a real estate agent with a base salary of eighteen hundred yuan. If it weren't for the inheritance from his mother and sister, how could he afford such a place?

Wang Chaoliang suddenly thought, *Maybe dating just once isn't such a bad idea!*

*What if our moms don't get along?* That didn't matter. He’d just be gaining a second home; it wasn't like he was abandoning his own parents. Young as he was, he had already realized the comfort of living off someone else.

"Nini, you're so good to me! Once you get into college next year, don't forget about me."

Qu Jiani’s grades were better than his; if she worked hard, a second-tier university wasn't out of reach. She pinched his cheek. "Don't worry! I like obedient boys. As long as you stay well-behaved, I won't ever leave you."

Qu Jiani knew that if she waited until college, she might find someone with better conditions, but she wasn't sure she could handle a man like that. If she married into a wealthy family, she would likely have no say, and she didn't want to end up like her mother—slaving away for the family, doing all the chores, working just as hard but still having to bow to her father’s whims. Her mother was looked down upon for not having a son and for gaining weight. It was all because her parents had died early, leaving her without a maternal family to back her up, and she didn't get along with her siblings.

Finding a wealthy man was less reliable than finding someone like Wang Chaoliang. He was someone she knew well, and if he moved into her family’s home, he would have to do whatever she said—it was practically like taking in a live-in son-in-law. Which man living with his mother-in-law would dare to make his wife do all the chores or complain about her? He’d be kicked out overnight!

Qu Jiani felt she was incredibly far-sighted.

When Wang Chaoliang picked out the cake, he chose the most expensive one and bought two extra cans of snacks that Qu Jiani liked. She kissed him on the cheek in delight. Wang Chaoliang blushed immediately and whispered, "There are so many people here."

Qu Jiani said bossily, "I don't care, I want to kiss you."

Yun Zhi, sitting in the bubble tea shop next door, thought, *...At least they’re still young.* According to the information Xiao Jiu had gathered, they had only officially started dating after Wang Chaoliang finished his middle school exams last month. Surely, they hadn't... *gone to a hotel yet, right?*

Whatever, that wasn't her concern.

Judging by the couple’s conversation, they clearly had designs on the money Qu Jiaqiang had inherited from Tang Youlan and Tang Panpan. They didn't dare ask for cash directly, but they both wanted to move into the second property the Qu family was planning to buy.

It seemed these two youngsters weren't involved in the crime. If they were, they wouldn't feel too embarrassed to ask for money directly and would have chosen a more indirect way to leech off the family.

Unfortunately, their little plans were doomed. Even without Yun Zhi investigating Tang Panpan’s death, they wouldn't be able to get past Qu Guida!

Yun Zhi withdrew her mental focus from the teenagers and shifted it to the Qu household. Hao Fang, Qu Jiaqiang, and Zhang Huiyu had entered the house, and the chicken soup was simmering in the electric pot, but Qu Guida was nowhere to be seen.

"I don't know where your father went," Hao Fang complained. "It’s this late and he’s still not back. At least he remembered to put the soup on."

"Jiaqiang, call your dad and ask when he’ll be back. I’m going to start cooking." Zhang Huiyu dutifully followed her into the kitchen.

Qu Jiaqiang’s call rang in the house next door—the Wangs' residence—but Qu Guida did not answer.

Shu Rou knew that ever since Qu Jiaqiang moved out, he rarely returned, and she had heard the demolition money was arriving next month. She had to seize the opportunity to whisper in Qu Guida’s ear.

After Qu Guida had returned home, started the soup, and brought her some fruit, she tangled him up in her web once more.

Shu Rou leaned into Qu Guida’s arms, whispering softly, "Brother Da, don't forget what you promised me. When the money arrives, ask for a bit more so we can buy a place in the XX complex for our son, Xiaoliang. If the older brother has one, the younger one must have one too. You’re a father, you can't be partial!"

She didn't dare bring it up too often, fearing it would annoy him, but she had to secure the benefits.

Qu Guida said, "I know. Chaoliang’s grades aren't great, but he’s kind-hearted. I’m counting on him to support us in our old age! I’ll definitely take care of the house matter."

Previously, Qu Guida had favored his eldest son, but recent events, while netting him a solid three hundred thousand, had made him uneasy. He feared that one day, Qu Jiaqiang and Zhang Huiyu might harm him for money or because they found him a burden. In that light, his younger, weaker, and more easily manipulated son seemed the safest choice for retirement.

Qu Guida had long wanted to divorce Hao Fang. Over the years, Hao Fang had grown full of herself, earning a decent income and constantly bickering with him. Her physical appearance had also slipped; she had weighed ninety-eight pounds when they met, but now she was one hundred and eighty. Shu Rou, on the other hand, remained fair-skinned and slim, still retaining her charm, and she knew how to cater to his feelings—she was a gentle confidante.

But the divorce had to wait until Wang Chaoliang finished his college entrance exams and became an adult, and until he had secured the house in the boy’s name. As for what would happen to Hao Fang? She still had Qu Jiani.

Qu Jiani was too strong-willed and shrewd. If her brother had something, she wanted it too, or she would make a scene. She hadn't dared to act out this time only because she knew the money hadn't come from her father. Qu Guida still valued her, as she was a daughter he had raised. He figured that once she married, he would give her a dowry of one or two hundred thousand, which would be more than enough to be considered a generous father.

Shu Rou asked with some concern, "Brother Da, are you really going to divorce Hao Fang in two years? She’ll tear me apart..."

Truth be told, she didn't want to divorce her husband, Wang Shun, and be with Qu Guida. Qu Guida had no pension, while Wang Shun did. In her marriage to Wang Shun, she was the dominant one, mostly because she was better-looking than him. She had only married him because of certain circumstances.

Wang Shun suffered from low sperm count, and Shu Rou’s own past experiences had made it difficult for her to conceive. She had resorted to "borrowing seed" from the neighbor, Qu Guida. Fortunately, it had worked. She wasn't willing to divorce Wang Shun and marry Qu Guida, as that would mean she’d have to act like a submissive, hardworking housewife. But until she got the house for Wang Chaoliang, she had to play along, shifting all the blame onto Hao Fang.

Qu Guida said, "Heh, I used to be afraid, but not anymore. I have leverage over her. If she dares to make a scene, we’ll both go down together!"

Shu Rou quickly asked, "What leverage? Can you tell me?"

It was at this moment that Qu Jiaqiang’s call came through again. Qu Guida ignored it, letting it ring until it cut off automatically. He quickly dressed. "It’s so late, they must be back. I have to go."

Shu Rou wanted to ask about the leverage, but thinking her son would be home soon, she suppressed her curiosity. "Alright, Brother Da, go ahead. I’ll miss you."

Even at their age, she still acted like a young girl, but Qu Guida loved it. This was the classic scenario: a wife is never as good as a concubine, and a concubine is never as good as a secret affair.

Qu Guida kissed her. "Don't worry, I’ll find a chance to get more money from Jiaqiang."

Shu Rou remained anxious. "What if he doesn't agree?"

"He wouldn't dare!" Qu Guida replied. "That money is rightfully mine."

Shu Rou didn't ask further and kissed him goodbye. Qu Guida carefully opened the door, but instead of going straight home, he headed for the stairs, intending to pretend he was just returning from outside.

Halfway down the stairs, at the landing between the first and second floors, he saw Wang Chaoliang and Qu Jiani holding hands. Wang Chaoliang was carrying a large cake box, and Qu Jiani was holding two small cans of snacks.

Qu Guida’s eyes widened in shock. He roared, "What do you two think you’re doing?!"

Wang Chaoliang was so startled that he reflexively let go of Qu Jiani’s hand.

Qu Jiani, however, brazenly hooked her arm through Wang Chaoliang’s. "Dad, it’s exactly what it looks like. We’re dating. What era do you think this is? Don't tell me you’re going to try to break us up! Look at Xiaoliang—he’s so sweet and handsome. If your daughter doesn't snap him up now, he’ll just belong to someone else later!"

Yun Zhi, who had arrived outside the complex with a delivery driver and was preparing to stir up trouble, thought, *...I didn't expect them to get caught red-handed before I even started.*

*And Qu Jiani is truly brave; she says whatever comes to her mind!*

Qu Guida’s eyes were bloodshot. He lunged forward and forcefully pried Qu Jiani’s arm from Wang Chaoliang’s.

Wang Chaoliang had thought about what would happen if their parents found out. He had assumed Shu Rou would be the most opposed, and he wasn't sure about Hao Fang and Wang Shun, but he had never expected Qu Guida to be against it. He had always been so friendly and welcoming.

Just then, the doors of the Qu and Wang households swung open, triggered by the noise.

Shu Rou stood in her doorway, trembling. "Xiaoliang, are... are you and Jiani dating?"

Qu Jiaqiang stood in his doorway, frowning. He didn't want to interfere with his half-sister’s business in front of his parents, so he turned back to call Hao Fang from the kitchen.

Qu Jiani was confused but quickly adopted the plan she and Wang Chaoliang had agreed upon. If their families opposed it, they would pretend they had only just started dating and weren't serious. They would wait until they were in college and out from under their parents' thumbs to continue. If necessary, they would use an unplanned pregnancy to force the issue.

Wang Chaoliang had thought it was a bad idea, but he realized that without such tactics, he might never be able to marry a girl in Qu Jiani’s position. He had silently agreed.

"Uncle Qu, Mom, don't be angry," Wang Chaoliang quickly said. "Jiani and I have only been seeing each other for two days. That was the first time we held hands. If you object, we’ll stop."

Wang Shun arrived at the stairwell just then, hearing his son’s voice.

Qu Jiani was stunned. Although she had proposed the plan, seeing Wang Chaoliang crumble at the first sign of her father’s anger made her furious. But she knew she still relied on her family, and she had designs on that future apartment. She couldn't afford to fight her father.

"Exactly, Dad," Qu Jiani echoed. "If you don't like it, we won't date."

Wang Shun stepped forward, his attitude surprisingly different. "Old Qu, you’ve scared the kids. Teenagers are just discovering romance. Let them try; as long as it doesn't affect their studies, it’s fine. The more we interfere, the more rebellious they become. It’ll only make things worse."

Hao Fang emerged from the kitchen, and after grasping the situation, she agreed with Wang Shun. "That’s right, Old Qu. It’s just puppy love, why are you yelling? I could hear you all the way in the kitchen. Whatever the issue is, come inside and let’s talk behind closed doors."