CHAPTER 424: CHAPTER 425: I WAS DRIVEN TO RUIN BY YOU!

While Director Fang and Mrs. Fang were teasing each other, Fang Ming’s car pulled up outside Wang Qin’s villa. The young girl, having been thoroughly teased, didn’t dare lift her head, only shrinking timidly against his shoulder.

"Still shy?" Fang Ming’s voice was surprisingly hoarse, his hand gently stroking her small head.

The little pet hummed softly, not daring to say anything more, and remained still against him.

He chuckled, not doing anything more, just holding her quietly.

A moment later, he couldn’t resist teasing her again.

Wang Qin trembled uncontrollably in his arms...

Finally, her small, round fingers clutched his shirt tightly, refusing to let go. Fang Ming, feeling a bit mischievous, said in a deeply hoarse voice, "Clinging to me like this, do you want me to tease you more?"

"That’s not it!" she exclaimed, on the verge of tears. As she pulled away from his embrace, both her body and voice were still trembling.

Fang Ming placed a hand on her small shoulder, guiding her to lean against him again. "Should I walk you in?"

She agreed, but neither of them moved; neither had any intention of getting out of the car.

Young couples are always reluctant to part, especially when they’ve just gotten together.

After a long while, Fang Ming finally spoke, "Alright, you have school tomorrow. Should I pick you up?"

Wang Qin felt that would be too much trouble for him and shook her head. "My mom said she’ll take me to school."

He hummed in acknowledgment, held her for a moment longer, then opened the car door on his side. He helped her out, draped his coat over her shoulders, and escorted her through the ornate black gate.

After a reluctant farewell, Wang Qin carefully stepped into the living room.

The lights were on, and Mrs. Li appeared to be waiting for her. Wang Qin’s face flushed slightly as she greeted her.

Mrs. Li patted the spot beside her, and Wang Qin obediently sat down.

"Has he left?" Mrs. Li asked.

Wang Qin hummed in affirmation.

Then, Mrs. Li smiled warmly and gently. "That young man seems very good—very handsome. I heard he’s the campus heartthrob of Beicheng University, isn’t he?"

Wang Qin’s face turned even redder. She was afraid Mrs. Li might think she was only attracted to Fang Ming’s appearance or, worse, that he was unreliable. She murmured, "He gets good grades and actually has his own business on the side."

Mrs. Li patted her hand, smiling. "Don’t worry, Fang Ming is exceptional, and your father fully supports this..."

She paused. "It’s important for girls to fall in love, especially when they meet a boy like him. You must seize the opportunity, but don’t forget your studies and future career, understand?"

She continued, "I made that mistake, becoming a full-time housewife at a young age. Luckily, your father didn’t mind, and I’ve been able to live such a comfortable life. Qin’er, when your father and I returned earlier, he mentioned that he hopes you’ll be able to stand on your own two feet in the future."

Wang Qin listened attentively and obediently, finally nodding.

Then, she whispered, "Actually, for the Disney film Anxi is working on, there was an internal recruitment for artists. I applied, and I was selected."

Mrs. Li was both surprised and delighted. "Really?"

Wang Qin’s face flushed. "Really."

"You child, why didn’t you tell me about something so important?" Mrs. Li feigned complaint, but her heart swelled with uncontrollable joy.

Wang Qin bit her lip. "I originally wanted to give you and Dad a surprise when the movie is released."

"Well, I’m surprised and delighted right now!" Mrs. Li said, beaming, as she pulled Wang Qin into a hug. She felt incredibly proud of her.

Wang Qin felt a little shy at such gentle treatment. She hadn’t experienced maternal love for a long time and was reluctant to pull away. She just asked softly, "How’s Dad? I saw he drank quite a bit today."

Mrs. Li chuckled. "Yes, he drank quite a bit and talked a lot, acting rather undignified. You should talk to him too; he tends to listen to you."

Mrs. Li said this while stroking her daughter’s hair. She felt quite satisfied. Even if there were underlying benefits involved, her feelings were genuine.

Wang Qin simply responded with an "Oh," leaning obediently on Mrs. Li’s shoulder. After a moment, she quietly hugged her waist again.

Mrs. Li’s heart softened. This girl was so well-behaved and a little clingy; that was probably her most endearing quality.

The reason she had said all those things to Wang Qin was because Fang Ming was truly outstanding—handsome and highly competent. A balance was necessary in a marital relationship.

Thinking this, she smiled again and patted her daughter. "Alright, you have school tomorrow. I’m going to check on your father."

The two of them went upstairs together, chatting and laughing like a true mother and daughter.

Wang Qin returned to her room, and Mrs. Li went into her own.

Little Li had already woken up. He was leaning back on the sofa, eyes closed, and beckoned to his wife with a wave of his hand.

Mrs. Li went over and gently massaged her husband’s temples.

"Qin’er is back?" Deputy Director Li asked, his eyes still closed.

Mrs. Li smiled. "She’s back! Both children are very sensible; you can rest easy."

Deputy Director Li opened his eyes and sat up a little straighter, sighing. "I can’t believe she’s dating already..."

Then he added, "Fang Ming is quite a good lad!"

"More than just ’quite good’!" Mrs. Li pinched her husband. "Don’t you realize how handsome he is? He’s far more handsome than you were at his age."

Little Li glanced at his wife. "I look like this now because you’ve worn me out! And you have the nerve to say I’m not handsome? Besides, it wasn’t easy for me; I worked my fingers to the bone to get to this position."

Mrs. Li naturally soothed him, and only then did Little Li relax, the two of them acting affectionately like an old married couple for a while...

「The next day, at Beicheng University.」

Mrs. Li dropped Wang Qin off at school. As soon as she got out of the car, she saw Gu Mingzhu.

Remembering Gu Mingzhu’s previous outrageous behavior, Wang Qin lowered her head, intending to walk away and avoid trouble.

Gu Mingzhu pursed her lips, her gaze somewhat contemptuous as she watched Wang Qin’s retreating figure.

Mrs. Li, watching from the car, took note of everything. She would later recount it to Deputy Director Li.

"That girl is the second child of the woman who abandoned Anxi, isn’t she? She doesn’t look at all like she came from the same mother as Anxi," Mrs. Li remarked with a hint of displeasure.

Deputy Director Li, who was on leave that day, was lounging on the sofa. He glanced at his wife. "That placenta was Anxi’s leftovers. What did you expect?"

Mrs. Li burst out laughing. "You’re being ridiculous! But..."

She then composed herself. "Since we’ve become Wang Qin’s parents and received so many benefits, we must help the child maintain her dignity. We can’t let her be looked down upon while she’s dating. Old Li, listen to me. For the Jiang Family’s banquet next week, you absolutely must get three invitations. I’ll take Qin’er, and we’ll show everyone that our family is in no way inferior."

Deputy Director Li patted his wife’s hand, smiling. "You’re really playing the part of a mother quite well."

Mrs. Li glanced at him. "And you don’t dote on our daughter?"

Little Li smiled and leaned back on the sofa. "Alright, I promise to get them for you and our girl. You’ll both attend the banquet in grand style."

Only then did Mrs. Li let him off the hook...