Chapter 73 : Flirting

Regardless of whether it was all his belonging’s or not , the fact that Fan Yanxing was willing to spend money on Qingqing showed a level of commitment from another perspective.

If Qingqing could really move to Beijing with Fan Yanxing, as her mother, Ma Xiuzhi had no reason to stop them. Putting everything else aside, she should be happy that her daughter had found a good match, fulfilling her long-standing wish to have her daughter live a city life and become a city dweller.

Given Fan Yanxing’s family background and his own abilities, Qingqing would likely not have to worry about food and drink for the rest of her life, even if she didn’t live in luxury.

However, this also meant that if Qingqing moved to Beijing in the future, she would likely see her family less frequently, and it was uncertain whether they would meet again in the latter part of their lives.

Just thinking about this made Ma Xiuzhi’s heart ache.

But looking at Liang Qingqing’s eyes filled with anticipation, Ma Xiuzhi found herself unable to voice any objections. Scanning the room, she saw that everyone was waiting for her response.

Finally, Ma Xiuzhi closed her eyes, forced a smile, and sighed inwardly. What parent can truly oppose their child’s wishes?

She also wanted to take a chance, to bet that her judgment was correct and that Fan Yanxing was a good match for Qingqing.

“Where do you plan to build the house?”

She wasn’t worried about whether Fan Yanxing had the money or connections to build a house. She was concerned about the new Fan family’s proximity to the Liang family while they were still in the village, the suitability of the location, and whether it would be convenient for Qingqing to visit home in the future.

Upon hearing this, everyone understood that Ma Xiuzhi had given her approval for the young couple’s relationship.

Fan Yanxing’s eyes lit up, a glimmer of excitement showing. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he struggled to control his emotions, but his voice betrayed his feelings, slightly rising with enthusiasm, “I have chosen two plots of land.”

“One is the vacant lot across from Uncle Zhang Guiliang’s house, and the other is the vacant lot next to Uncle Huang Jiandong’s house.”

Both plots were of similar size, situated on the hillside, surrounded by friendly neighbors, and most importantly, both were very close to the Liang family just a two or three-minute walk.

Fan Yanxing had clearly considered all aspects, and Ma Xiuzhi was even more satisfied with his thorough planning.

“Let’s go with the first one. Our family has some connections with the Zhang family, which would be beneficial for future support.” Ma Xiuzhi decided immediately, as Zhang Guiliang’s wife was her close friend of many years. Any developments in the Fan family would be under her watchful eye.

This decision made her feel a bit more at ease.

“Alright, I’ll go find the village head and get the approval in a few days.”

In those days, land was public property, and to build a house, one had to go through the proper channels. Fortunately, for a youth cadre building a house locally, the process was generally smooth and quick.

Fan Yanxing had no objections to the choice of land. Unaware of the future mother-in-law’s secret surveillance, he was pleased that Ma Xiuzhi was already considering their needs. His smile grew broader as he instinctively looked at Liang Qingqing, wanting to share his joy with her. He was sure she would be just as excited.

But when he looked over, he saw Liang Qingqing lost in thought, seemingly not placing much importance on the matter.

Immediately, the soaring sense of elation in his heart diminished somewhat. But then, he thought about how Liang Qingqing’s whispered words to Ma Xiuzhi must have played a crucial role in changing her attitude.

She must be overjoyed!

Thinking of this,

Fan Yanxing’s smile broadened to the point where it nearly reached his ears. It was rare for him to smile so widely, and his emotions made his refined and handsome face come alive, capturing everyone’s attention, including Liang Qingqing’s.

She snapped out of her thoughts and couldn’t help but secretly smack her lips .

“If you ever treat Qingqing badly or betray our trust, you should know that we, her brothers, are not to be trifled with. Even if you are my good brother, I won’t go easy on you.”

Liang Junqiang, seeing that everyone had said their piece, stepped forward and shook his large fist in Fan Yanxing’s direction. Though it looked imposing, a closer look would reveal that his eyes had long been red and his voice was slightly trembling.

“Junqiang is right. Our family has only this one daughter. You better weigh your actions carefully.”

Liang Shuqiang also stepped forward. Usually gentle and quiet, his stern words carried unexpected weight.

“Qingqing has been pampered at home. As her sister-in-law, I have seen it all. Don’t you dare mistreat her. Otherwise, we will immediately bring Qingqing back and she will be cared for by us for the rest of her life!”

Wang Xiaomei, holding a pine nut, stepped forward and stood beside Liang Shuqiang. Her words carried significant weight, essentially providing Qingqing with a safety net.

Songzi was confused, seemed to understand the situation and began to pout, ready to cry. “Bad uncle, taking away my little auntie, I won’t play with you anymore. Waah, little auntie, don’t leave me.”

Everyone had said their piece, and Ma Xiuzhi and Liang Xueyong exchanged glances, choosing not to speak further.

This was a sufficient warning. Any more would be inappropriate, and Fan Yanxing was surely able to understand their meaning.

“Everyone can rest assured. I will never let Qingqing suffer even the slightest bit. Words are empty, time will prove a person’s heart. I will demonstrate everything through my actions,” Fan Yanxing said steadily and powerfully, making everyone feel reassured.

Indeed, he was right. Over time, a person’s true nature is revealed. No matter how nice the words, actions speak louder in real life.

Ma Xiuzhi nodded. With everything settled, it was time to return to another important matter. She turned to Liang Qingqing and said, “Let’s go. You can add as much chili as you like. I’ll make you some stir-fried cured meat.”

Upon hearing this, Liang Qingqing’s heart skipped a beat. She realized she needed to clarify her feelings and intentions, and she had been contemplating how to respond.

“Okay.”

As she was about to leave, Liang Qingqing instinctively turned to glance at Fan Yanxing. He was being held by Liang Junqiang, and they were talking. However, Fan Yanxing was clearly paying attention to her. The moment she looked his way, he immediately lifted his head and cast a concerned glance in her direction.

Liang Qingqing gave him a reassuring smile, then stepped forward to link arms with Ma Xiuzhi and warmly said, “Mom, I’d like my food to be a bit spicier.”

“Better not. If it ends up making your throat sore, it could affect your training, and that would be terrible.”

“Mom, you’re always so considerate. Hehe, I’m lucky to have you.”

With just a few words, Liang Qingqing managed to make Ma Xiuzhi smile again.

Their conversation in the kitchen went unnoticed by others, but from then on, Ma Xiuzhi’s hostility towards Fan Yanxing for “taking her daughter” decreased significantly. The reason was simple, Liang Qingqing had honestly listed all the good things Fan Yanxing had done for her.

In Ma Xiuzhi’s view, anyone who treated her daughter well was considered to be on the same side. Offering a few kind words was a way of showing gratitude.

The next morning, as soon as it was dawn, the Liang family mobilized everyone to help Liang Qingqing check for any forgotten luggage. Since she would be away for more than half a month and probably wouldn’t have time to come back, they needed to make sure she was fully prepared, so she wouldn’t struggle or suffer while in the county.

Ma Xiuzhi wanted to give Liang Qingqing some money, but she was firmly refused. Instead, Liang Qingqing opened the box that Fan Yanxing had given her and handed some of the money to Ma Xiuzhi. “Didn’t our family go into debt because of Second Brother’s wedding? Use this to pay it off first.”

Ma Xiuzhi’s eyes welled up with tears, and she took a deep breath before patting Liang Qingqing’s hand. “You little rascal, using your future husband’s money to help out your family even before you’re married. Aren’t you worried that Fan Yanxing might hold this against you?”

Since yesterday, Ma Xiuzhi had started referring to Fan Yanxing by his name instead of as “Fan the Youth.” This change was probably something she hadn’t even realized.

Hearing Ma Xiuzhi’s words, Liang Qingqing shrugged nonchalantly and said, “What’s there to be afraid of? He has money!”

“That doesn’t mean you should waste it,” Ma Xiuzhi began, but Liang Qingqing interrupted her.

“How is giving my mother money considered wasting it? Mom, you’re being unreasonable. Just take it. It’s a token of my appreciation. If you refuse, I won’t be able to honor you properly in the future.” Liang Qingqing’s tone rose, continuing, “Besides, if Fan Yanxing ever gets upset about money, I’ll just break up with him. If marriage becomes too difficult, divorce is always an option.”

She had initially clung to Fan Yanxing for financial security. If he was going to be so petty about money, she didn’t need to stay with him and waste her precious time.

Liang Qingqing admitted that she was somewhat cold-hearted and stubborn, but that was her honest view. Fan Yanxing had promised to take care of her in the future, but if he started to control even the money she wanted to use to support her family, it would make his promise seem insincere.

Moreover…

“Mom, don’t worry. Fan Yanxing is actually happy about it. He would love for me to spend more of his money.” Liang Qingqing wasn’t just making this up, she knew it from personal experience.

As soon as Liang Qingqing finished speaking, Ma Xiuzhi wanted to refuse, but seeing Liang Qingqing’s smug and serious expression, she swallowed her words. She couldn’t help but wonder, was Fan Yanxing really such a…

Strange person?

After thinking it over, she could only describe him with this word.

But overall, it was a good thing. Ma Xiuzhi sighed in relief, hesitated for a moment, and then reached out to accept the money Liang Qingqing handed her. Her daughter was great in many ways, but she had a tendency to spend money recklessly. As a mother, she would help her save it and keep it for her dowry later.

“Use the remaining money wisely. Even if Fan Yanxing is wealthy, he can’t sustain your spending habits. Listen to your mother and save it. You’ll need it for expenses after you’re married, especially after you have children.”

Ma Xiuzhi, speaking from experience, gave this advice with a touch of earnestness.

Liang Qingqing, however, widened her eyes, her cheeks and ears turning a shade of red like the evening glow. Embarrassed, her voice took on a different tone, “Mom, what are you talking about? I’m still young, and you’re already talking about having children. We haven’t even made any plans yet.”

Being a young girl, she got flustered at the mention of it.

Ma Xiuzhi smiled and, with the intention of teasing her, said deliberately, “You’re not that young. People of your age in the village are already married and having children. The woman from the Li family at the village entrance is expecting her second child.”

“I don’t want to have children so early.”

The thought of the pain of childbirth made Liang Qingqing shiver. She was still young and had no plans for that at the moment.

But having a child of her own seemed like it might be nice.

“Just go with the flow. If it happens, it happens. If not, there’s no rush.”

These words slipped out, and even Ma Xiuzhi was momentarily stunned. Realizing what she had said, Liang Qingqing quickly covered her face. “Mom, please spare me.”

Seeing Liang Qingqing’s flushed neck, Ma Xiuzhi couldn’t help but laugh. It wasn’t easy for her to see her daughter in this state.

“It’s getting late. We should get going.”