Chapter 29: I Have Money to Spend

But because he was Xia Ruanruan’s brother, even if he wasn’t annoying, he still felt annoying.

So, when Huo Beiqing and Xia Ruanruan entered, she took the opportunity to run upstairs when no one was paying attention to her.

After Lin Wei called Huo Beiqing away, only Xia Senting and Xia Ruanruan were left in the living room.

Huo Beiqing was reluctant, glancing back every few steps. Lin Wei tugged at his arm. “Your brother-in-law rarely comes by. Let them have some sibling time.”

Huo Beiqing: What kind of secrets can they have that I, as her husband, can’t hear?

Am I an outsider? Am I?

As Huo Beiqing was still sulking, Lin Wei pulled him again. “Come help me pick vegetables in the kitchen.”

Huo Beiqing sighed dramatically. “I’d rather chop them. Xia Ruanruan says I’m good at it.”

Lin Wei: “…”

“Well, that works too.”

Her son knew how to cook. Even before he became a doctor, when she wasn’t feeling well, Huo Beiqing would make meals for her.

Though he seemed distant as an adult, he had been a very caring child.

Huo Jingshan’s mother passed away early, so she was raised in their household. When they were little, she, Huo Beiqing, and Huo Yuanyuan lived together.

Technically, Huo Jingshan was the eldest and should have taken care of her younger siblings.

But in reality, it was Huo Beiqing—the only boy—who looked after them like an older brother.

When the housekeeper wasn’t around, and Lin Wei couldn’t take care of them, it was Huo Beiqing who cooked for them.

Not only that, but he also took them out to play. No one dared to bully them, and they never got lost under his watch.

Huo Beiqing’s cold personality developed as he grew up, but his rebellious streak started early.

Even if someone didn’t provoke him, he might still kick them just because he didn’t like the way they looked—let alone those who actually annoyed him.

So, no one in any of the family housing compounds dared to mess with him.

And if they did? Their parents wouldn’t even bother seeking justice for them.

Trusting her son’s cooking skills, Lin Wei stayed in the kitchen to assist him.

At first, the housekeeper, Aunt Chen, was flustered. “I can handle this by myself. Weiwei, Beiqing, you two should go back out.”

Lin Wei pointed toward the living room. “Ruanruan’s brother is here. Let them talk.”

Hearing that, Aunt Chen understood and stopped insisting, leaving the kitchen to them.

In the living room, with Lin Wei and Huo Beiqing gone, Xia Ruanruan scooted closer to Xia Senting.

Her fondness for Xia Senting wasn’t just an act—it was real.

Seeing him genuinely made her happy.

She figured it was probably because of this body’s original owner.

After all, he was the original Xia Ruanruan’s biological older brother.

Her family had treated her well, showering her with love.

That deep-rooted bond in her genes made her smile unconsciously when she saw Xia Senting.

She instinctively wanted to be close to him and naturally saw him as her brother.

“Second Brother, have you been home lately?” Xia Ruanruan asked, leaning in.

Xia Senting shook his head. “I’ve been busy and haven’t gone back.”

“Before Dad left, he was worried and told me to come check on you when I had time.”

As he spoke, he glanced at his sister with a smile. “But it looks like you’re doing pretty well.”

He watched her face carefully, analyzing every little expression.

Xia Ruanruan felt a bit embarrassed and laughed. “It’s… it’s alright.”

Seeing her natural reactions, Xia Senting finally relaxed.

Clothes and complexion could be deceiving, but instinctive responses couldn’t.

He chuckled. “Just ‘alright’? You managed to snag a man like that. Xia Ruanruan, you’ve got some skills.”

Before she could respond, he continued, “Honestly, I had to summon a lot of courage to come here today. At least they didn’t chase me out with a broom.”

Hearing that, Xia Ruanruan knew exactly what he was referring to.

Feeling guilty, she muttered, “Brother, don’t say that… I regret it now…”

Before she could finish, Xia Senting’s smile faded. “No matter how you two ended up together, now that you are, just focus on your marriage. Don’t overthink things.”

Xia Ruanruan: Does Second Brother have mind-reading powers?

She didn’t dare continue that topic and quickly changed the subject. “How’s school?”

Xia Senting nodded. “It’s going well.”

As they spoke, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a neatly folded handkerchief.

Unfolding it in his palm, he revealed a small stack of money—loose bills, not a large sum.

He extended his hand toward Xia Ruanruan. “Take it.”

“It’s not much, but keep it for now. I’ll save up more and bring you more later.”

“If you want to buy something, don’t hold back.”

Xia Ruanruan was momentarily stunned before pushing his hand back. “Second Brother, what are you talking about?”

“How can I take your money?”

“I’m already married, but even if I weren’t, I wouldn’t take money from you!”

“You’re still in school and can’t earn money yet. How could I possibly take it from you?”

When Xia Ruanruan said those words, images surfaced in her mind—memories of how the old Xia Ruanruan used to love getting pocket money from her two older brothers.

Especially after Xia Senting went to university, she not only asked him for allowance but also got him to buy her things.

Every time he left home, she would beg him to bring back pretty hair ties and butterfly hair clips from the city the next time he visited.

Xia Senting always bought them for her, and occasionally, he would even bring back a new shirt. But since he was just a student, all he could afford were short-sleeved tops.

Thinking about it now, Xia Ruanruan felt a pang of heartache for her second brother.

Under such circumstances, it seemed likely that he wasn’t just studying but also working part-time.

Otherwise, where would a student get that much extra money?

When Xia Ruanruan refused to take his money, Xia Senting was momentarily stunned before lifting his hand to ruffle her hair. “Little girl, you’ve really grown up after getting married.”

Xia Ruanruan cupped her hands under her chin, beaming like a flower as she blinked up at him. “Isn’t it nice to have a well-behaved and sensible little sister?”

Xia Senting chuckled and nodded. “Of course, it is.”

At that moment, Huo Beiqing walked out carrying a dish and saw this warm sibling moment.

His grip on the plate tightened involuntarily.

Noticing Huo Beiqing’s arrival, Xia Senting withdrew his hand from Xia Ruanruan’s head but still tried to give her the money. “Take it. I won’t give you any next time.”

Xia Ruanruan still refused. “No need, I have money to spend!”

She finally noticed Huo Beiqing as well, but instead of pulling away from Xia Senting, she leaned in and whispered, “Huo Beiqing gives me his salary.”

“There’s a lot!”