Chapter 42.3

Their savings were nearly exhausted, and his father had threatened that if anyone touched the money set aside for their children’s weddings, he would immediately commit suicide with pesticide. His father always kept his word, and no one dared to touch that money, which wasn’t even enough anyway.

The illness had to be treated.

Thankfully, he had landed a job at Meng Corporation, which offered one of the best salaries in the industry.

This sudden change had crushed their family, which could no longer withstand any further blows.

In the attic, his younger brother had just returned from work, sweaty and sitting in front of the electric fan, trying to cool off.

The attic was small and hot, making it hard to breathe.

The two brothers chatted while eating the buns, and Fang Mingyang casually mentioned the meal card. “The food at the company is really good. Once I get familiar with my colleagues in a few days, I’ll ask if I can take some home for you to try.”

Fang Xiaowu’s eyes lit up as he swallowed a mouthful of bun. “You mean the boss gave you a meal card to use?”

Although Fang Mingyang felt there was something strange in his brother’s tone, he nodded.

Fang Xiaowu looked seriously at his brother. In the village, people often said Fang Mingyang had a celebrity-like face, not worse than those male stars on TV.

“How old is the boss lady?”

“Why do you want to know?”

“Just asking. How old is she? Forty?”

Fang Mingyang thought of Xu Yuan’s face, his ears turning slightly red, unsure if it was from shyness or the heat. “About the same age as me, or maybe a little younger.”

Fang Xiaowu slapped his thigh, momentarily forgetting about the bun. “Brother, we might get rich! It all depends on whether you dare!”

The topic changed too abruptly, and Fang Mingyang was taken aback. “What?”

“You’re with the boss lady every day; you know what I mean, right? The wealth these rich people have is enough for our family to turn around!” Fang Xiaowu’s eyes brightened at the thought.

At first, Fang Mingyang didn’t understand, but after a while, he became furious, scolding, “What kind of twisted idea is that? Don’t even think about it!”

He had yet to meet President Meng, but he knew how powerful he was. Xu Yuan treated him well, and how could he even entertain such thoughts? It was simply inhumane!

“Don’t yell at me! How old is your boss? She must be older, right? You have to admit this is a good idea! We both know that no matter how hard we work, it’s still tough to provide for the family. Even if we treat Dad, what good is it if we’re still poor?”

Fang Xiaowu grew more agitated as he spoke, his eyes turning red. “How long has it been since Mom bought new clothes? It hurts to see her in those tattered clothes! And our little sister is about to start high school; she might drop out! Bro, this is a solution, our biggest opportunity! Rich people’s private lives are always messy; it’s not unusual in the news! You think your boss doesn’t have a lover or a mistress?”

“Stop talking!” Fang Mingyang yelled, tossing the bun aside and striding out of the room. He rushed down the stairs quickly, sweating in the hot weather, trying to escape the words his brother had said.

Unfortunately, his brother’s words nailed themselves in his heart like a hammer.

Xu Yuan’s face lingered in his mind, making it hard to shake off.

Could someone like him, with his feet in the mud, ever reach someone like her, who seemed to be on a different plane?

==

At the same time, Xu Yuan and Meng Zhengrong had just finished dinner. They had developed the habit of taking a walk after eating to help with digestion.

Xu Yuan looked down at the hand she was holding with Meng Zhengrong, feeling emotional. She couldn’t pinpoint when they had started to grow closer.

Except for that one incident, it seemed like they had done everything couples do.

It felt like they were already true husband and wife in a meaningful way.

Meng Zhengrong, recalling the events of the day, pondered for a moment before asking, “I heard you gave your meal card to your assistant?”

Xu Yuan stopped walking, and Meng Zhengrong followed suit, looking at her with a questioning gaze.

How did Meng Zhengrong know about this little matter? Did Fang Mingyang mention it to someone, who then told Meng Zhengrong?

“Don’t overthink it. I don’t have anyone spying on you,” Meng Zhengrong said, reaching out to pat her head playfully. “The cafeteria staff knows you don’t eat coriander or bitter melon, and you like spicy food. When they saw a new employee with your card, they called my assistant, thinking something might be wrong.”

“Of course, more importantly, they are all seasoned employees who think your new assistant is your relative, which is why they wanted to find out more.”

What Meng Zhengrong didn’t mention was that after learning about this, he had restrained the urge to call her immediately, feeling that it would be too petty. It was not something a mature man would do, so he waited until after dinner to casually bring it up.

Xu Yuan felt helpless. So that was the reason.

She had thought Meng Zhengrong was so well-connected that he knew everything happening in the company.

Meng Zhengrong looked at Xu Yuan and purposely elongated his tone. “Why did you give your meal card to your assistant?”

Xu Yuan glanced at him, deciding to tell the truth. “When I was returning to the finance department, I took the stairs and overheard him on the phone. It seemed like he was in a tough situation, probably not even having enough money for meals, so since he’s my assistant and subordinate, I thought I should help out.”

In truth, even if Fang Mingyang didn’t have that face, she would have done the same.

Whether in the workplace or previously in the palace, being kind to those below her had always been beneficial. It was just a small favor for her, but it could mean a lot to someone else.

Meng Zhengrong nodded, not hiding his jealousy. “When I found out, I felt a bit sour. Why are you so concerned about that assistant? Do you think he’s handsome?”

At his age and in his position, Meng Zhengrong didn’t have to compete with young guys, but hearing his wife being kind to someone else still made him a little jealous, whether it was toward men or women.

Xu Yuan couldn’t help but laugh at his attitude. “How could that be?”

“Why not?” At that moment, Meng Zhengrong had completely shed his corporate persona, displaying a demeanor that said—comfort me, please.

Xu Yuan became serious and replied, “It really isn’t about that. He’s just my assistant. I can’t let him go hungry, can I? Otherwise, how can he have the energy and spirit to work for me?”

Meng Zhengrong accepted her explanation but still reminded her half-jokingly, “Just remember not to betray me. Don’t let even the tiniest thought of that arise, and neither will I.”

Xu Yuan found Meng Zhengrong amusing. She was well aware that Fang Mingyang wasn’t her cousin and therefore wouldn’t have any romantic feelings. She was merely showing a little care since he was her assistant and subordinate.

Meng Zhengrong leaned closer to her, lowered his head, and gently pecked her lips. “If someone I like were to betray me, the consequences would be severe.”

It’s quite impressive that Meng Zhengrong can say such cheesy things without turning red.

Xu Yuan: “What kind of consequences?”

Hey, wait, does he like her?

He admits that he likes her?

Meng Zhengrong pinched her cheek, lately he particularly enjoys touching her; he likes to pinch and kiss her, “It’s just very serious, that’s all.”

Actually, in the past, Xu Yuan wouldn’t have bothered to ask about this, but for some reason, he felt uneasy about her being kind to someone he considered inconsequential, even if it was just a little bit, just a sign of caring between colleagues.

Perhaps, the desire for possession transforms into a little monster when it comes to someone you like.