Chapter 1899
Upstairs.
Before he could knock, the door opened.
Fang Shuiling politely greeted Dong Xuebing, holding the door for him. "Brother Dong, how did it go?"
"Iâve already said I donât know anything else," Dong Xuebing said as he entered the room.
As soon as the door closed, Fang Shuiling hurriedly spoke, "What did you say to him? Heâs a tough one; he doesnât listen to normal talk. You need to speak firmly. Otherwise, heâll come back to find me again."
Dong Xuebing smiled, "I told him firmly not to bother you anymore and that you're one of our family members now. If I see him pestering you again, Iâll hit him on the spot. That should be firm enough, right? If he's smart, he should be gone by now. Xiao Ling, open the window and take a look."
Fang Shuiling nodded and walked over to the window. She peered down, and sure enough, she couldnât see anyone anymore. She couldnât help but smile, "Brother Dong, you're amazing! Iâve tried so many times, and it didnât work. Even when I asked someone to speak to him, nothing happened. You just said a word and scared him off. Thank you, Brother Dong."
Dong Xuebing felt pleased, "Of course. When I take action, everythingâs settled."
"Stop it," Fang Wenping said, sounding annoyed. She glanced at him, "Who did you just say is one of your family?"
Dong Xuebing answered naturally, "Xiao Ling, of course. Isnât she dating our Xiao Ran?"
Fang Wenping coldly replied, "Dating doesnât mean she's part of your family. I never agreed to that."
Dong Xuebing gave her a side glance, "Itâs their matter. Why are you so concerned? What era is this?"
Fang Wenping said sternly, "No matter the era, Xiao Ling is still my niece. But as far as Iâm concerned, thatâs not happening."
"Hey, aunt, Brother Dong, stop fighting," Fang Shuiling quickly intervened, standing between them to mediate. She was quite happy because she could tell that her aunt wasnât as hard on her and Brother Ranâs relationship as before. In the past, if Fang Shuilingâs aunt found out about them, she would go directly to Dong Xuebingâs courtyard and scold the whole Xie family. Her attitude was rigorous, but now, although she still didnât approve, her stance had softened. It seemed like there was room for negotiation.
Fang Shuiling tried to calm things down.
Dong Xuebing had no intention of arguing with her. He had only made that comment because the conversation had reached that point. He wasnât trying to pick a fight with Fang Wenping. He didnât treat her as a stranger anymore, so his speech had become more casual.
Fang Wenping didnât argue anymore. When her niece pouted, she couldn't be angry and had always spoiled her.
Fang Shuiling smiled, walking over to rub Fang Wenpingâs back, "Let me massage your shoulders."
"Youâre the best. You know how to care for me," Fang Wenping said with a loving smile.
"Of course, I care about you. Tell me if youâre sore anywhere else, and Iâll massage it for you," Fang Shuiling said sweetly.
Fang Wenping didnât hold back and touched her waist. "I strained my back a little. Itâs a bit uncomfortable. Can you massage it for me?"
"Of course," Fang Shuiling immediately responded, giving her a serious massage while chatting with Fang Shuiling and Dong Xuebing.
Fang Wenpingâs smile was rare and precious. Dong Xuebing couldnât help but glance at her a few more times, thinking that Fang Wenping looked much better when she was smiling. He had known her for so long, and he had only seen her smile at two peopleâone was Fang Shuiling, and the other was her daughter, Xiao Qian Qian.
"Little aunt, you look even more beautiful today."
"Where? Just you, sweet-talking as usual."
"Hehe, itâs true. You look much younger."
"Hehe, do I?"
"Donât believe me? Ask Brother Dong, and heâll tell you."
Dong Xuebing nodded, "Thatâs right. Xiao Ling, you didnât see it when you arrived, but a Provincial Department of Cultural director came here chasing after your aunt."
Fang Shuilingâs face stiffened, "Is that all you can do, talking so much?"
Dong Xuebing rolled his eyes, "Iâm just telling the truth."
Fang Shuiling was shocked, "Really? Is someone chasing after my aunt? Thatâs amazing! Aunt, what do you think of him?"
Fang Wenping lightly tapped her on the head, "Mind your own business; this is for adults to handle."
"Iâm almost 30, am I still a kid?" Fang Shuiling was so excited she stopped massaging her auntâs back and started asking a series of questions, "Whatâs he like? What does his family do? How old is he? Is he divorced? Does he have kids? Boy or girl?" Whether young or old, women seem to have an innate curiosity and gossip gene, and Fang Shuiling was no exception.
Fang Wenping didnât answer and instead started flipping through the TV channels with the remote.
Fang Shuiling turned to Dong Xuebing, "Brother Dong, come on, tell me about him."
Dong Xuebing replied, "I donât know much. I know heâs the director of the Department of Culture. His family doesnât seem to have any special background. He probably doesnât know who your aunt is. Otherwise, he wouldnât have the guts to approach her." Dong Xuebing was saying this when suddenly he felt a sharp, cold gaze fall on him. Without looking, he knew it was Fang Wenping staring at him. He coughed awkwardly, realizing heâd said the wrong thing, and quickly stopped talking, though he still shot a quick look at Fang Shuiling.
Fang Shuiling understood. She knew precisely what Dong Xuebing meant. Indeed, her auntâs reputation in Beijing wasnât excellent. Not only did she have a bad temper, but her ex-husband had also ended up in jail because of her. Anyone who knew Fang Wenping in the capital would probably flinch at the mention of her name. Plus, with her strong background and position as a deputy governor, powerful women like her often find themselves avoided by potential suitors, as many people think they canât compete. Most people who knew her would rather keep their distance, and even though Fang Wenping had been divorced for many years, she was still single. There wasnât a man around her because everyone was afraid of her.
Just mentioning her name was enough to make people recoil. For instance, when Zhao Zibang had heard that Fang Wenping lived upstairs, he didnât even dare come up to the floor. That was how much people were intimidated by Fang Wenpingâs reputation.
Now, it seemed like her aunt finally had a suitor.
Finally, someone wasnât afraid to chase after herâno, wait, finally, someone who could appreciate her aunt.
Fang Shuiling was very excited, "Aunt, you should consider him. Donât drag it out. You canât go on like this forever. You need someone by your side."
Fang Shuiling frowned, "Iâm doing fine on my own."
"Thatâs not how it works," Fang Shuiling said, suddenly sounding very mature. "Comrade Ping, not to sound harsh, but youâre not young anymore, and your health isnât what it used to be. I see youâve bought a new house here. Does that mean youâre planning to settle down in Shanbei? Thatâs even worse! If you get sick, whoâs going to take care of you? If something urgent happens, I must fly hours to get here. You need to find a husband who can be there for you, then Iâd feel at ease."
Fang Shuiling smiled and flicked her nieceâs forehead, "What are you talking about? No respect for your aunt!"
Fang Shuiling pouted, "I just donât feel at ease with you being alone. Otherwise, I can move to Shanbei after I get my PhD. Iâll settle here, and then Iâll take care of you."
Fang Wenpingâs tone darkened, "Donât talk nonsense. There arenât as many opportunities here as in Beijing. After all these years of studying, you shouldnât waste your knowledge on such things."
Fang Shuiling coquettishly said, "Then youâll have to find a husband."
Now, it was Dong Xuebingâs turn to be annoyed. "What do you mean, find a husband? Why does she need one? She should stay single. And with her temper, who can stand it? Just look at how aggressively Xiao Dongnan is pursuing her; heâs obsessed with her. If he knew her, heâd think differently. Didnât that scare him when she slammed the table and yelled? That guyâs not reliable. Even though he seems like he likes her, he doesnât have the guts to deal with her temperament. Donât even consider marrying her. Life wouldnât be good after that."
Dong Xuebing grumbled inwardly but would never admit that jealousy influenced his thoughts.
"Your aunt doesnât need anyone to take care of her," Fang Wenping said firmly.
"Thatâs not okay! What if something happens?" Fang Shuiling was concerned.
Dong Xuebing interrupted, clearing his throat. "Itâs fine. From now on, Iâll take care of your auntâs issues. If she gets sick or has some small problem, just call me, and Iâll be right over." He paused before adding, "Xiao Ling, as for that director of the Department of Culture, forget it. Iâve met him. Heâs not reliable."
Fang Shuiling was taken aback. "Not reliable?"
"Not reliable at all. He was trying to boss me around, acting all high and mighty. Who does he think he is?" Dong Xuebing said, still upset. "Donât let me see him again."
Fang Shuiling understood. It was clear that Dong Xuebing had a conflict with that man. Sigh. Dong Xuebing and her aunt seemed to attract trouble wherever they went, but she nodded obediently, "Okay, if Brother Dong says heâs not good, then heâs definitely not."
Dong Xuebing couldnât help but feel pleased. This Xiao Ling was getting better and better at saying the right things. Though he knew she was flattering him.
Fang Wenping glanced at Dong Xuebing, "Whatâs this got to do with you?"
Of course, Dong Xuebing didnât say anything out loud, but inwardly he snorted.
Finally, Fang Wenping patted her nieceâs little hand and said, "Alright, I know you care about me. I get it. But donât worry about it. If I meet the right man, Iâll consider it. Is that good enough?"
Fang Shuiling nodded enthusiastically, "Okay, thatâs what you promised."
"Yes, I promised," Fang Wenping confirmed.
Dong Xuebing mumbled to himself, "Whatâs there to consider?"
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