CHAPTER 87: CHAPTER 86: FOR ANITAQING AND HE’S JADE + UPDATE 5

Shi Yang directly extended four fingers and shook them in front of his father. This amount of money was a huge sum at that time, but he knew his father could afford it.

As expected, his father pondered with a solemn gaze for a moment and nodded, "Okay."

Shi Yang’s father didn’t ask him how he planned to spend the money, and Shi Yang had no intention of explaining his plans to his father.

Shi Yang’s parents stayed in the provincial city for two days, attending Shi Yang’s graduation ceremony, packing up his belongings, and then driving him back home.

After returning home, Shi Yang’s father hurried back to the factory to handle the accumulated affairs of the past two days. Shi Yang’s mother cheerfully experimented with cooking delicious meals to nourish Shi Yang’s body.

On the third night at home, Shi Yang’s father returned and handed Shi Yang a bank card: "The password is the first six digits of your birth date."

Shi Yang held the card and spoke bluntly to his father, "I will pay you back."

Shi Yang’s father looked at him lovingly and said nothing.

Shi Yang was taken aback by his father’s smile and, holding the card, turned his head and went back to his room.

Shi Yang’s father shook his head, thinking to himself, he’s truly my son, stubborn enough!

Shi Yang returned to his bedroom, opened the desk drawer, and took out two photographs inside. They were group photos of the three of them at the graduation ceremony.

Shi Yang’s gaze moved from his mother’s face to his father’s and finally settled on himself.

In the photo, he looked handsome and smart, with a faint expression, yet his brows and eyes clearly radiated a joyful smile.

Holding the bank card in his hand, Shi Yang tapped it lightly on the table, making a dull clanging sound.

He paused, put the photos back in the drawer, pushed it shut casually, and started pulling out paper and pen to plan his schedule for the next two days.

Shi Yang habitually listed many points for himself to live in an orderly manner.

Zhao Meimei did not know her Brother Yangyang had returned, so she continued to bury herself in her studies, grinding before the end-term exams next week.

The two days before the end-term exams happened to be the weekend, so the school was off.

Xu Xu arrived at Zhao Meimei’s house early every day, as if reporting for school, studying together, and then taking the bus home before dark.

Liu Xiue returned home at noon to make meals for the two kids. She popped her head out of the kitchen to ask if they wanted an extra bowl of egg cake, only to see Xu Xu carefully explaining English exercises to Zhao Meimei.

When Xu Xu spoke, he did so fluently and clearly. Even though Liu Xiue could not understand what they were saying, she could sense that Xu Xu had a solid grasp of knowledge.

Liu Xiue swallowed her words back quickly, fearing she would disturb their studies, and returned to the kitchen, directly grabbing two bowls to steam egg cakes.

If Xu Xu wanted to flatter someone deliberately, his every word and action always hit the mark.

After Liu Xiue finished eating, she went to the bathroom and, upon coming out, saw Xu Xu diligently cleaning the dishes, while Zhao Meimei, ignoring it, lounged on the sofa watching TV.

Liu Xiue scolded Zhao Meimei, "Meimei! Didn’t you see Xu Xu helping out? Can’t you lend a hand?"

Before Zhao Meimei could answer, Xu Xu interjected, "It’s all right, Auntie. Meimei studied all morning and must be exhausted. Don’t scold her, let her rest."

Zhao Meimei lay back on the sofa, patted her stomach, and hummed, "Exactly, I’m exhausted. Besides, Xu Xu is doing it for me!"

Liu Xiue glared at her, "Xu Xu is considerate, he cares about you!"

Zhao Meimei pouted, "Oh, Xu Xu loves caring for me, and I love letting him care for me. Oh, Mom! I’m watching TV! Stop talking! I can’t hear what’s being said!"

Liu Xiue was furious but truly helpless. Zhao Meimei had been spoiled by her since childhood, never having lifted a finger to do chores.

In stark contrast, Liu Xiue’s fondness for Xu Xu soared. He instantly became the model child, and she found herself admiring Xu Xu, feeling that everything he said was considerate.

That evening, when Xu Xu headed home, Liu Xiue handed him a bottle of her homemade chili beef.

Xu Xu carried the beef home with a jubilant feel in his step, recalling Zhao Meimei’s words about letting him care for her. Each syllable lingered in his mind, making him feel as if even the ending letters were uncontainably joyful.

As Xu Xu reached the alley in front of his house, he saw his mother escorting community staff out of their door.

Xu Xu ran up quickly, just in time to hear his mother say goodbye to them, "Thank you for all the trouble."

The other party was about to speak but turned back, noticing Xu Xu’s arrival, and smiled warmly, "Oh, isn’t this little Xu Xu? Do you still recognize Auntie here?"

Xu Xu quickly greeted, "Hello, Auntie."

The person patted Xu Xu on the shoulder and, turning to his mother, said, "Things have mostly been settled. However, the relocation date is expected next year, so there’s no rush to move. Once I have accurate information, I’ll come and notify you."

Xu Xu’s mom gratefully thanked them, "Sister Wang, thank you for going to the trouble."

The person waved their hand, "It’s nothing, just doing my part. I’ll be leaving now. Goodbye, little Xu Xu."

Xu Xu said goodbye, "Goodbye, Aunt Wang."

Once the person walked away, Xu Xu entered the house with his mom.

Xu Xu asked, "Mom, why did she come to our house?"

His mom beamed, "She said that our area is set for relocation, giving me a heads-up. They’ll send someone over this weekend to measure the area."

Xu Xu was taken aback, "Relocation?"

Xu Xu’s mom nodded, with a smile, "Our area isn’t this a school district housing? They said the city plans to build a library here, moving the city library over, so the compensation is supposed to be substantial. The new place will be built in the West District. Just now, your Aunt Wang wanted to know if we want cash compensation or a new apartment."

Xu Xu’s eyes brightened.

Xu Xu’s mom continued, "Your Aunt Wang advises us to take the apartment because the city government is planning to move westward. In a few years, the property value in the West District will surely rise, and I hear our relocated apartment will be situated near the main campus of No. 1 Middle School. I was thinking it would be convenient when you start high school in two years."

His mom suggested, "We should take the house. At least we’ll have a place to call home."

Xu Xu nodded and took out the chili beef given by Meimei’s mom.

His mom accepted it and smiled, "Meimei’s family is really nice. You must treat Meimei well."

Xu Xu smiled slightly, "I will definitely treat her well."

His mom glanced at the time on the wall, "I have to go to work now. Study well at home, okay?"

Xu Xu pursed his lips, "Mom, once I get into college, I’ll be able to help you out."

His mom glared at him, "Stop talking nonsense. When you get into college, focus on studying well for me. I’m counting on you to have a bright future!"

Xu Xu nodded seriously.