Chapter 270

This included matters about those relatives.

She knew Zhong Ning had naturally seen it as well, but there was exaggeration mixed into what she said, half true and half false.

After all, Xie Shiqing had no memory, and they had only chatted briefly. It was impossible for them to have talked in such detail; the information the two of them knew was the same.

“When she felt upset, she liked to spend money. You all know Xie Shiqing’s wealth—money doesn’t even count as numbers to her,” Zhong Ning said with a hint of emotion. “She was happy watching livestreams, so she tipped me a lot of gifts. It scared me—I saw it was an account that hadn’t even changed its name, so I asked her what was going on, whether she was a minor or something. After going back and forth, we started chatting.”

Zhong Ning’s tone was extremely sincere. “At the beginning, I only knew she was rich.”

“As for not telling you about the relationship, I just thought we’d date first. Once we were sure it was suitable and were going to get married, I’d tell you then.”

She let out a faint sigh. “Actually, I’d also probed a few times, thinking of bringing her home to meet you, but she always refused, as if she had some unspeakable difficulty. I didn’t want to force her, and wondered if maybe this relationship didn’t give her enough sense of security.”

Madam Zhong interjected, “Your thinking is correct. Marriage should be mutual. If the other party feels it’s unsuitable, then there must still be a problem.”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too, but no matter how I asked, she wouldn’t say. Thinking about it now, it’s probably because she didn’t know how to talk about her real identity.” Zhong Ning spread her hands.

“When she came to find me this time, she already seemed a bit strange, completely acting on impulse, driving over directly.”

Zhong Ning said, “Originally she was going to stay at a hotel, but I was worried about her staying outside alone, so I brought her home.”

Zhong Ma had already completely sided with the pitifully fated Xie Shiqing. Hearing this, she couldn’t help but agree, “You did the right thing. She should be brought home—how dangerous it is outside. That’s being responsible.”

Zhong Ning responded with a couple of “mm-hm” sounds, secretly giving herself a thumbs-up in her heart.

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Originally, I wanted to finish writing it in one go, but unexpectedly got a stomach flu—vomiting and diarrhea, it’s killing me orz. Sorry for the long wait, sorry, sorry (collapses)

Chapter 91 Extra 2

“That may be so, but her family background…”

Zhong Ma was no longer young. She had given birth to her eldest, Zhong Zinuan, when she was nearly thirty, and only a few years later gave birth to Zhong Ning. Now the younger one was already twenty-five.

She had also become someone past fifty. Though her days were not toilsome, her life smooth, and her children filial, with age, wrinkles inevitably appeared on her face.

When worry surfaced on her face, those traces of time became even more pronounced, like furrows.

“Little Ning, it’s not that Mom doesn’t support your relationship. In the past, people valued matching social status—it’s not without reason.”

Her eyes reflected Zhong Ning’s face, filled with sighs.

“When the conditions between two people differ too greatly, many times their ways of handling things will differ. You are a good child—we’ve raised you well, neither servile nor overbearing. But no matter what kind of relationship it is, once money gets involved, it won’t remain so pure.”

“Little Ning, tell me—after working hard for so many years to earn money, finally buying a small house, yet it’s not even as valuable as a piece of jewelry someone else can casually discard. Over time, can you guarantee your mindset will remain the same as before?”

Zhong Ning hesitated and said nothing.

Zhong Ma continued, “I know you’re not the kind of person who is dazzled by money, but if it’s not now, who can guarantee they won’t change in a lifetime?”

“You two have a very good relationship—I can see it.” Zhong Ma patted the back of her hand. “I just want you to spend more time together and experience more things.”

Madam Zhong also cast a gentle, affectionate gaze. “I believe in you.”

“But.” Her tone shifted, her expression becoming somewhat serious. “What you said in the shop before—about living off someone else—is that really what you think?”

Zhong Ning: “……”

“Of course not!” she said loudly. “I was just talking nonsense. Don’t you know me? How could I possibly be that kind of person who doesn’t strive to improve!”

Both of their expressions softened considerably. “Having a family background inferior to someone else is an objective condition, but if you really give up trying and make no effort to improve every day, then I’ll have to have a serious talk with you.”

Zhong Ning tugged at the corner of her mouth and hugged her mother’s arm, acting coquettishly. “How could that be! Oh come on, I was just copying lines from short videos.”

“Even if you don’t believe me, you should believe in your own character. As the saying goes, the student surpasses the master. With such good parents, how could I possibly grow up crooked!”

Zhong Ma pressed her lips together, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly as she tapped her forehead. “Such a glib tongue.”

“Alright, you’re grown up now. As long as you know what you’re doing, that’s enough.” Zhong Ma’s gaze softened as she stroked her hair. “Remember, be responsible for yourself, and for the people who like you. Whatever you do, have a clear conscience.”

Zhong Ning felt a slight ache in her heart, holding back the moisture in her eyes as she smiled and responded, “Got it, Mom.”

“After eating the fruit, remember to brush your teeth. We’ll go check on the shop again.”

“I’m not a three-year-old child…” Zhong Ning muttered softly, feeling both sweet and a little sad, watching the two of them leave the house before collapsing onto the sofa.

The pale patterns on the ceiling looked like strips of diamonds. It was no longer as white as when it had just been renovated, but the corners were still very clean.

Except for a small dent in the upper right corner, from when Zhong Ning had once been playing with a toy drone and, due to poor control, crashed it into the ceiling.

A toy that cost several hundred had become a one-time use, and the ceiling had been dented as well.

What had she felt at the time—uneasy or afraid? Zhong Ning could no longer remember.

Her parents had returned after a long day, their bodies tired, yet they hadn’t forgotten to bring her food, carrying two bags in their hands.

When she told them about it, lowering her head, what she received was not scolding, but a hug and a careful check, asking repeatedly whether she had hurt herself.

……

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