Chapter 20: Finally Made This Kid Pay Up

“Chen Fan, can you actually do this or not?”

“Don’t rush.”

Chen Fan, who studied fine arts and took a few music electives, had no problem picking up an instrument, right?

He quickly tuned the guitar, and a lively strumming filled the air.

“By the Seine’s left bank café,”

“With a glass in hand, I savor your beauty,”

“Leaving a kiss mark on my lips~”

Peng Jiaxin’s eyes brightened slightly, surprise flickering in her gaze toward Chen Fan.

It actually sounded quite pleasant.

Zhou Xuejing’s reaction was more straightforward.

“No way, you’re really good at this?”

“Do novelists these days have to master so many skills?”

Chen Fan continued.

“You say you’re a little hard to chase,”

“Want me to know when to give up,”

“No need for the most expensive gift,”

“Just the fallen leaves from Champs-Élysées,”

“Oh, creating a romantic date,”

“Not afraid to ruin everything,”

“Having you is like owning the whole world,”

“......”

As the song ended, Zhou Xuejing covered her mouth.

Oh my, this is a love confession song!

So beautiful. Did Chen Fan write it for Peng Jiaxin?

Ah, right here, right now, witnessing this affection!

I’m in love, for sure.

She nudged Peng Jiaxin’s waist with her elbow.

“Ms. Peng, how do you feel after hearing this song?”

The dim, intimate lighting in the private room cast a soft white glow on Chen Fan. At this moment, the man radiated charm from within.

The muted lighting also hid the blush on Peng Jiaxin’s face.

She didn’t answer Zhou Xuejing but looked at Chen Fan tenderly.

Though unwilling to admit it, she seemed to have developed a faint fondness for this man.

Perhaps love at first sight truly exists?

Otherwise, how else to explain her heart racing uncontrollably every time she saw Chen Fan?

“Another song!”

Zhou Xuejing enthusiastically raised her hands and shouted.

“Come on, if I play another, I’m afraid you’ll fall in love with me.”

Chen Fan laughed, setting the guitar aside and returned to Peng Jiaxin’s side.

“Pfft! If you’re out of material, just say it. No need to make excuses for yourself.”

“Oh~ I get it. You heard my song and thought of that someone in the capital again, right?”

“Chen Fan! If you want to fight, just say it—no need for reasons!”

Zhou Xuejing gritted her teeth.

Peng Jiaxin covered her mouth, softly laughing.

After a while of playful banter, they finally stopped.

“Chen Fan, did you write this song yourself?”

“Hmm... sort of. I wrote it with a friend.”

“Can I record it? It’s such a good song—I don’t want to be the only one who hears it.”

“Come on, you just want to brag that Chen Fan wrote a song for you,” Zhou Xuejing said with mock grievance. She had just accused him of forgetting his friends after getting a husband, but now was defending him.

Love and indifference are easy to read.

“I don’t mind... Wait a moment, I’ll ask my friend.”

Chen Fan pretended to type on his phone, then nodded to Peng Jiaxin.

“He said it’s okay.”

“I promise to help you and your friends make big money!”

“Hmm, I trust you.”

The couple exchanged words, completely ignoring Zhou Xuejing’s sulking.

So to compete for Chen Fan’s attention, Zhou Xuejing decided to spend the night with Peng Jiaxin to strengthen their bond.

When the three left Jinhuang, Wan Yongwang and the others were still celebrating in the private room, clearly planning to party all night.

......

That night, Chen Mengting couldn’t sleep well either.

Once the excitement faded, clutching a large sum of money made her uneasy.

After pondering all night, she decided to be honest with her parents.

At breakfast, she sat upright before the couple like a child who had done something wrong.

Old Chen leaned toward his wife and whispered.

“What’s wrong with our daughter?”

“How should I know?”

“Maybe ask her?”

Wang Juan rolled her eyes and served their daughter a bowl of porridge.

“Mengting, don’t keep things bottled up inside. Talk to Mom.”

“Mom, I think I made a mistake.”

Old Chen’s mind went blank in an instant. He stood up abruptly and grabbed the Seven Wolves brand cigarette pack in his hand.

“Which rascal did this? I’ll beat him to death!”

Wang Juan hadn’t thought in that direction, but Old Chen’s reaction made her nervous.

“It’s okay, dear. Let’s go to the hospital right now.”

Chen Mengting was baffled.

“Mom, Dad, what are you talking about? What rascal? Hospital? I mean, last night my sister-in-law sent me a red envelope.”

Old Chen paused in his movements and silently retied his belt.

“Eat.”

Wang Juan laughed and cried at the same time.

“That’s all? No problem, just take it.”

“Ten thousand.”

“*cough cough cough*”

Old Chen nearly choked on his porridge.

“Sister-in-law said it’s a ‘change-of-name fee’ and not to mind the amount...”

That was no small sum. Wang Juan looked at Old Chen uncertainly.

Old Chen pondered briefly and called Chen Fan.

It was clear to him—now that his son was grown, it was his turn to shoulder such pressures.

Chen Fan had stayed up late last night saving drafts for the next two days. When the call woke him, his eyes were still half-closed.

“Hello...”

“Xiaofan, last night your sister-in-law sent Mengting ten thousand yuan. Don’t you think that’s a bit inappropriate?”

Chen Fan rubbed his hair and sat up.

“Dad, Peng Jiaxin didn’t just want to send ten thousand yuan. It’s just that WeChat has a transfer limit per transaction. That’s why it’s only that much. Do you understand what I mean?”

Old Chen clicked his tongue.

“Almost got it.”

“Alright then, have a great day.”

Chen Fan hung up and prepared to catch a few more winks.

“Old Chen, what did you say?”

“It’s fine, just keep it.”

Old Chen’s eyes were filled with relief.

“Looks like this kid finally had to pay up.”

“Then I’m heading out. I have plans with friends today.”

“Alright, take some money and don’t go on a spending spree just because you have it.”

“Got it~”

Just as Chen Fan was about to fall back asleep, he suddenly sneezed several times, wiping away his drowsiness.

He got up reluctantly, deciding to have breakfast and see if inspiration would strike.

Opening the door, he bumped into Peng Jiaxin, in pajamas and yawning.

“You said you’d wake up early to run every day. What a liar.”

Still half-asleep, Peng Jiaxin spoke with a teasing tone.

Chen Fan was fully awake now.

“Had some things to do last night, so I slept late. Want to go have breakfast together? When we moved yesterday, I noticed a breakfast shop across the street. Thought I’d check out their cooking.”

“Mm~ I need to freshen up; you buy it for me.”

“Sure.”

Their voices were soft but enough for Aunt Xu downstairs preparing breakfast to hear. She glanced at the fresh ingredients she’d bought.

Looks like they won’t be needed again.

Chen Fan went downstairs and saw a woman tidying the refrigerator, discarding some vegetables that were no longer fresh.

“Good morning, sir.”

Aunt Xu saw Chen Fan and bowed slightly in greeting.

“I’m Miss Peng’s hired cook, responsible for her meals.”

Chen Fan paused.

“Three meals a day?”

“Yes, sir. If you have any preferences or dietary restrictions, feel free to let me know.”

“Alright. By the way, we won’t trouble you for breakfast today. We’re planning to buy something on the way.”

“Understood.”

“Aunt Xu, does Peng Jiaxin have any food dislikes?”

Before leaving, Chen Fan suddenly remembered and turned back to ask.

Aunt Xu smiled and listed a few flavors Peng Jiaxin didn’t like.

“Got it. And you, Aunt Xu?”

Aunt Xu was momentarily taken aback, then her smile grew more genuine.

“No need, sir. I already had breakfast.”

“Alright then, suit yourself. I’m heading out.”

“Take care.”