Chapter 1176 - 1177: Relationships and Housing

Chapter 1176: Chapter 1177: Relationships and Housing

Song Xiaoru chuckled lightly and said, "Then you guys are out of luck, my brother already has a girlfriend."

Lin Yuru immediately said with a face full of regret, "That’s really a shame, what’s going on with society these days, why do all the good girls end up with the bad guys?"

Shen Bing chuckled and said, "Don’t worry, as long as you wield your hoe well, there’s no corner you can’t dig out."

Lin Yuru also chuckled and said, "Right, right, we need to wield our hoes well."

After a few jokes, Lin Yuru said, "Let’s go, the mall hasn’t opened yet, let’s grab a drink and chat for a bit."

The group found a coffee shop that opened relatively early, ordered four cups of coffee, and also got some pastries. They chatted while eating.

Once seated, Song Xiaoru said, "Dongzi, these two helped me a lot in college. When I had no money, they provided me with meals, even covered some of my book expenses, and if anyone tried to bully me, they would be the first to stand up for me. I truly owe them a great debt of gratitude."

Song Xiaodong knew how tough things were for Song Xiaoru during college but didn’t realize it was this difficult. His heart ached, and he held Song Xiaoru’s hand and then looked at Lin Yuru and Shen Bing, saying, "Sisters, you have shown kindness to my sister, so you have shown kindness to me, Song Xiaodong. I will remember this."

Lin Yuru blinked and said, "Then just marry me as a way of thanks."

"Pfft!" Song Xiaodong couldn’t help but laugh and said, "Sister Yuru, stop joking with me."

Lin Yuru giggled and said, "Don’t mention those things, we’re your sister’s classmates. Of course we’d help if she was in trouble. Besides, it was just a small help, not worth mentioning."

Shen Bing also laughed and said, "Right, if you put it that way, it feels very distant. Our friendship with Xiaoru isn’t about measuring gratitude or favors."

Song Xiaodong smiled and said no more, but he had already made a mental note to find an opportunity to repay them properly in the future.

The feelings Song Xiaodong had for Song Xiaoru were indescribable, and he would repay even the smallest kindness to her with overwhelming gratitude.

Song Xiaoru had been chatting with her two classmates on WeChat but didn’t mention her family’s current situation, only saying she was doing okay now and has a decent job. So, the three of them didn’t discuss work matters.

After finishing their snacks, the four of them started shopping in the mall. Song Xiaodong wanted to buy them something, but these three women clearly enjoyed the experience of shopping more, trying on clothes one after the other without the intention to buy. This left Song Xiaodong with no chance to express his gratitude.

As they came out of a shop, Lin Yuru’s phone rang. She answered casually, "Mom, what’s up? I’m shopping with classmates."

"Yuru, Yuming seems to have gotten into trouble."

"What? What’s wrong with Yuming?" Lin Yuru immediately exclaimed anxiously.

"His voice was really off when he called earlier. He was saying all sorts of strange things. You should go check on him."

Lin Yuru quickly said, "Okay, okay, I’ll go right away."

Lin Yuru hung up the phone and apologized to Song Xiaoru, "Xiaoru, I have some family matters to take care of. I need to leave first. Shen Bing, stay with Xiaoru. I’m really sorry."

Though Lin Yuru’s phone volume wasn’t loud, Song Xiaodong heard it clearly. Since he wanted to repay the kindness, now that the Fang family was in trouble, he naturally wanted to help, saying, "How about we all go together? More people might be more helpful."

"No need, no need," Lin Yuru quickly declined.

Song Xiaoru immediately said, "Yuru, why be so formal with me? The important thing is to take care of business, we can always go shopping later."

Lin Yuru was very anxious, and after hesitating for a moment, she agreed.

As they walked toward the mall exit, Lin Yuru kept dialing her brother’s phone, but although it rang, no one answered.

"Why isn’t he answering the phone?" Lin Yuru frowned, growing more anxious.

Shen Bing said, "Yuru, don’t worry too much. Your brother is such a good kid, he doesn’t have any bad habits. He should be fine."

Lin Yuru shook her head and said, "Recently, he’s been having some issues with his relationship. He moved here for his girlfriend after years of being together. But now her family doesn’t approve of him because he doesn’t have a Beijing hukou or a house here. I’m just afraid something happened because of it."

Shen Bing sighed and said, "There’s nothing much you can do about it. She’s a Beijing girl, very proud. Marrying someone like that isn’t easy."

Song Xiaodong and Song Xiaoru exchanged a glance. They’ve seen common people’s relationship issues before but haven’t deeply experienced them.

As they reached the mall entrance, Lin Yuru’s phone rang again. She quickly answered, "Yuming, what’s wrong? Where are you?"

"Sis, nothing’s wrong, I’m just a bit upset, eating and drinking a bit at a restaurant."

"Which restaurant are you at? I’ll come over now."

"Sis, don’t, I’m fine, really."

"What do you mean you’re fine, just tell me."

"Alright then..."

Lin Yuming told them the location of the restaurant. The group quickly hailed a taxi and got there in less than fifteen minutes. As they walked into the restaurant, they immediately saw Lin Yuming in the hall.

It was only 10:30, and the restaurant was mostly empty. Lin Yuming sitting there alone was quite conspicuous.

Song Xiaodong took a look at him; Lin Yuming was quite handsome, but his face was flushed, and his eyes were confused, clearly having drunk too much. He also carried an air of despair, obviously having suffered a major blow.

"Yuming, why did you drink so much?" Lin Yuru went over and snatched the wine glass from Lin Yuming’s hand.

"Sis... just let me get drunk once... I’m really upset, you know... Jingjing said she wants to break up with me, she can’t take it anymore."

"She said her family set her up with a rich guy, and she plans to become his girlfriend."

"We fought for so long, we loved each other so much, but in the end, we lost to money, to a house, to a hukou. I’m heartbroken."

As he spoke, Lin Yuming, a grown man, couldn’t help but hug Lin Yuru’s waist and started crying.

Song Xiaoru felt a pang in her heart and gently nudged Song Xiaodong, who nodded, indicating he understood.