Chapter 20: Moving into the family compound, my husband has an ex-lover?

Previously, Ruan Xiangxiang’s job had been bought using the inheritance left behind by the original host’s mother. Zhang Lingyu had used it as a favor, gifting it to someone from her maiden family. Now, Ruan Xiangxiang also demanded that Ruan Chenghong pay her back for that, too. That job quota, at current market value, could easily sell for 500 yuan, but Ruan Xiangxiang didn’t bother being precise with her “father”—she simply asked for 580 yuan.

“You… How could you be like this? You’re asking for too much. We really don’t have that kind of money,” Ruan Chenghong was at a loss, especially since the number felt strangely unlucky to him.

“One price—non-negotiable. But hey, if you want to bargain, sure, I’ll raise it to 666 yuan. That sounds even luckier. Try arguing again, and I’ll let my fists do the talking~” Ruan Xiangxiang rolled her eyes and said bluntly to her so-called father.

“…”
Ruan Chenghong held his head and trembled. He didn’t dare argue with Ruan Xiangxiang anymore. This unfilial daughter? She really would beat her own father up.

In total, Ruan Xiangxiang collected 4,216 yuan from Ruan Chenghong. Adding the 2,200 yuan savings passbook given by Mother Gu, she now had 6,416 yuan in her hands!

Having transmigrated to the 1980s, she’d become a little rich woman overnight. Though compared to her wealth in her past life, this was less than a drop in the bucket, Ruan Xiangxiang believed that with her knowledge of the future, she’d definitely become a true wealthy woman again!

Now that she had the money, she felt no emotional attachment to this family at all. She called her man and Lu Hang downstairs, and the three of them left to continue on to Shangdu.

“Family compound, here I come!”

Once Ruan Xiangxiang finally left, Ruan Mengmeng collapsed onto the floor.

“Dad! How could you give all that money to Ruan Xiangxiang? That money was what Mom painstakingly saved up! I still need it for university! Now that she’s taken it all, how am I supposed to afford school? And Mom too, why did she tell you where the money was hidden?”

Ruan Mengmeng was furious. She had repeatedly told her mom not to reveal the stash location to Ruan Chenghong. But somehow, he’d found it perfectly—who knew what he said to persuade her?

She had been counting on that 4,000+ yuan to enjoy a comfortable life at university. She also planned to “package” herself into a refined image to meet better men. And that all required money. Now that it was gone, Ruan Mengmeng swore she would never forgive that b*tch Ruan Xiangxiang for the rest of her life!

“Daughter… Mengmeng… Didn’t you see how close I was to being beaten to death? I even lost my front teeth! If I hadn’t given that crazy woman the money, she really would’ve killed me!” Ruan Chenghong pointed to his missing front teeth. He’d been beaten yesterday, and again today. His whole body ached. Yet this stepdaughter didn’t show any concern for his injuries—only complaints about the money. He felt utterly disappointed.

In the past, he had always doted on Ruan Mengmeng—brought her treats, even went to nearby villages to buy her fresh chickens to nourish her. Now that he was injured, she didn’t even ask how he was feeling.

“Dad, I’m not blaming you,” Ruan Mengmeng softened her tone, “but right now we’re being bullied by Ruan Xiangxiang and can’t even fight back. My only hope is to go to university and become capable enough to stand up to her one day. If I can’t go to school, does that mean we’ll just let her stomp on us for the rest of our lives?”

“You’re still her biological father, but she hits you whenever she pleases. If we don’t build our strength, who knows how far she’ll go next time. I just got too anxious earlier. University is our only way out now.”

She laid it all out gently and reasonably. With her mom now in jail, and the family’s money gone, the only one she could rely on was her stepfather. School was about to start, and she still didn’t have tuition or living expenses. So she eased her tone to win him over.

Hearing this, Ruan Chenghong felt slightly comforted. He had never imagined that Ruan Xiangxiang would be so lucky—to marry a military officer, no less. He had always assumed that with her plain looks and weak personality, she’d have trouble finding a husband, which is why he’d put all his hopes into his stepdaughter, Ruan Mengmeng.

Sure enough, Mengmeng was a top student and had gotten into Shangdu University, a prestigious school. She was usually sweet and considerate toward him, and now he was certain he’d bet on the right person.

But who could’ve predicted that Ruan Xiangxiang would end up marrying someone so powerful—and worse, that man stood firmly on her side and bullied him.

Ruan Chenghong now had zero expectations for his eldest daughter. His hopes rested solely on Ruan Mengmeng.

“Dad, let’s go to the hospital and get you checked out first. I’ll be leaving for school soon, and I really hope your health improves before then. Otherwise, I’ll be too worried to focus.”

Ruan Mengmeng’s voice was gentle and caring.

Hearing that, Ruan Chenghong was deeply moved. He truly felt he hadn’t misjudged her.

“Mengmeng, don’t worry. Even though the money’s all gone, I’ll definitely find a way to get your tuition and living expenses covered.”

“Mhm, I believe in you, Dad. You’ve always been my hero—there’s nothing you can’t do. You raised me when I was little, and I’ll care for you when you’re old. Once I graduate and land a good job, I promise you’ll live comfortably.”

Her words were like a balm to Ruan Chenghong’s heart. Holding back the pain in his body, he got ready to go out and borrow money. As for going to the hospital? That could wait—it would cost money, after all.

Once Ruan Chenghong left the house, Ruan Mengmeng’s expression instantly turned dark and furious. She kicked a stool and muttered angrily under her breath, “What the hell is going on? Why does Ruan Xiangxiang still get to marry so well in this life?”

…

Ruan Xiangxiang had no idea what was happening after she left. She was having a great time. Gu Rongqing was taking excellent care of her the entire journey—afraid she’d go hungry, he bought plenty of delicious snacks. Whenever they came across a stretch of scenic road, he would stop the car to let her enjoy the view.

This whole trip was practically a relaxing and carefree early version of a road trip.

After two and a half days of on-and-off driving, their “road trip” finally came to an end. They arrived at Gu Rongqing’s unit!

They arrived just after 6 p.m. The soldiers had just finished a full day of training and were heading in droves to the cafeteria. As Gu Rongqing’s car pulled up to the gate, the guard immediately saluted. The soldiers rushing toward the cafeteria turned around when they saw his car and excitedly gathered around.

“Captain Gu, you’re finally back!”

“Captain Gu, it’s about time! Doctor Zheng Xuan came by several times looking for you. She said it was urgent.”

After saying that, they all exchanged knowing glances and chuckled.

“What are you laughing at? Go eat your food.” Gu Rongqing said coldly, showing no mercy in shooing them away.

The soldiers instantly scattered like frightened birds under his icy glare.

“Doctor Zheng came to see you? Oh right, Qing-ge, isn’t it time for your regular check-up?” Lu Hang suddenly realized. Ever since Gu Rongqing suffered a serious injury in the past, he had to undergo regular medical check-ups. This time, he’d probably missed the appointment while at home, which was why Doctor Zheng had come looking for him.

“Ignore her. Xiangxiang, I’ll take you to the family compound first.” Gu Rongqing’s tone turned noticeably colder, and his good mood from earlier completely vanished.

Ruan Xiangxiang picked up on a whiff of gossip—who was this Zheng Xuan? Could she be an old flame of Gu Rongqing’s?