Chapter 34

 

A pot on earth, a full moon in the sky.

At this moment, it felt to Ming Xi as if a pot had fallen from the sky and smashed squarely onto her head.

She was so shocked that she quickly withdrew her gaze from Liang Jiancheng, fearing that it would lead to unnecessary suspicion and misunderstanding.

At this table, besides Liang Jiancheng himself, Ming Xi was the only one who knew that the rich woman Yang Minwen married to was Gu Shuangyang;

And she was the only one who knew that Gu Shuangyang was Liang Jiancheng’s mother.

Ming Xi didn’t even know whether Liang Jiancheng knew that she knew. But at this moment, knowing these things was far worse than not knowing.

The night market stall was noisy and lively, eyes all around them shining with excitement.

Only Liang Jiancheng’s cold, beautiful eyes were clear and cool, as if a breeze had passed through them.

He didn’t speak, nor did he continue eating his noodles. He simply sat beside her, observing everyone’s reactions intently.

Ming Xi pretended to be indifferent, burying her face and pretending to eat her noodles, deliberately showing no interest to Cai Ni’s story.

Her indifference alone was useless; the topic of Brother Minwen had just started and was unlikely to die down unless a more interesting topic came out.

Unfortunately… there wasn’t one for the time being.

Compared to Liang Jiancheng, Dezi was the one truly caught off guard. He could never imagine that the wealthy “relative” from Haigang was sitting right in front of him, putting on a casual face, sat down as if nothing had happened, and smiling indifferently.

Han Junjun caught sight of Dezi’s deliberately composed act and couldn’t resist making fun of him: “Isn’t this an opportunity? Brother Yang, you’d better seize it! Contact your cousin and ask if the rich woman has any well-off friends. Maybe he can introduce you to one so you can level up.”

Han Junjun was getting payback—payback for Dezi’s earlier teasing.

“We’re all from Yicheng, but our Han men have always relied on our own abilities. We’ve rarely seen anything like this, let alone done it.” Han Junjun rarely spoke without reservation. After mocking the Yang family, he didn’t forget to praise his own Han family.

Dezi, usually quick-tongued and slick, was for once left speechless, as if he’d taken a kick straight to the knee. He almost stuck out his tongue childishly at Han Junjun in frustration.

Then his brain spun back into gear, and a flood of words came gushing out: “What, jealous? Bet you are! This kind of opportunity isn’t something ordinary men can come across. Why don’t you mention that my brother also makes a living by his own abilities? Most people can’t even get a taste of this kind of life! Even if it given to you, can you handle it? In today’s world, everything is about the market and competition. People are like products, if you don’t have competitiveness, even if you’re thrown into the big market, you’ll just get buried… Mr. Liang, what do you think of my economic theory?”

Halfway through, he even turned to Liang Jiancheng, proud and natural as if giving a presentation.

His smugness was almost unbearable to look at.

Liang Jiancheng replied, “Your economic theory is good.”

Dezi immediately felt confident.

For the first time, Cai Ni didn’t refute Dezi’s words, not because she was helping Dezi, but because she sided with her benefactor, Yang Minwen.

Dezi arched his eyebrows, promptly snapped up a quail egg with his chopsticks, and just before putting it into his mouth, he finally remembered the key point and asked Cai Ni: “How did you meet him?”

Cai Ni was about to speak, but she saw Ming Xi looking at her silently. After a brief hesitation, she changed her wording: “I met him in Longmao Parkway. Wasn’t I looking for a job? I wanted to work as an electronic appliance salesperson in Longmao, and he was the marketing manager of Shuangyang Electronic. That’s how we met…”

It must be said that Cai Ni still had the ability to perform beyond expectations. She didn’t reveal that Ming Xi took her to meet Yang Minwen.

Everyone believed what Cai Ni said.

Everyone except Liang Jiancheng. Based on what Cai Ni said, he could easily guess how she managed to connect with Yang Minwen. They might not be familiar with Yang Minwen, but he knew his young stepfather almost as well as his own father.

He was careful and meticulous and would never be rash and casually arrange fellow townsmen to Shuangyang counter. There must be someone who wanted to ask for help for a friend, so Yang Minwen just did a favor.

This favor was not for Cai Ni. It was for him.

Because when they met that day, he had subtly implied to Yang Minwen that he had “stolen his person.”

So, Yang Minwen just took this opportunity to return the favor to him.

People’s hearts are complicated, but favors are straightforward.

Either they are remembered, or they are erased.

“Oh, I remember now!” Hearing what Cai Ni said, Dezi also remembered that Yang Minwen worked at an electronics company and had interned at a color TV factory in Haigang after graduating from university. “What brand is it? Our family bought one last year, Chuangxin or Shuang…”

“Shuangyang!” Dezi slapped the table, very excited, then smiled at Cai Ni and said sincerely, “Our Cai Ni has really made something of herself! She actually got into big company like Shuangyang.”

Cai Ni felt a little embarrassed—finding a job so quickly was half thanks to Ming Xi and half thanks to Brother Minwen.

“How about I treat everyone today? Just as a thank-you to the Yang family benefactor.” Cai Ni took the initiative to suggest.

Ming Xi picked up the topic at the perfect moment and nodded with a smile. “I think that sounds good.”

But a moment later, Cai Ni reconsidered and felt it wouldn’t do. “Didn’t we agree that today Dezi and Junjun are treating? How about this— you two cover the claypot noodles, and I’ll treat the sodas.”

“No problem.” Dezi shrugged.

Han Junjun had no intention of letting Cai Ni pay.

“Then get five bottles. Mr. Liang needs one too.” Ming Xi said with a laugh, finally gathering the courage to glance at Liang Jiancheng. She found his expression perfectly normal and quietly let out a breath. At last, the topic of Yang Minwen had passed.

The stall had two foam coolers; one filled with beer and the other with sodas. Cai Ni took five from one of them.

Ming Xi had encouraged Cai Ni to treat because she wanted Cai Ni to leave a good impression in front of Liang Jiancheng. Compared to him, the lot of them were like children playing house. Even when they treated, they could only afford sodas.

But soda was still a sincere gesture.

Ming Xi’s smile was bright and eye-catching. As the bottle caps hit the ground, she suggested:

“To celebrate Cai Ni getting a job, let’s have a toast.”

“Alright.”

“Alright.”

Liang Jiancheng only needed a few glances to understand what role Ming Xi played among the four of them. He picked up his glass bottle and clinked it with theirs.

Clink.

At the same moment, Cai Ni excitedly slapped Dezi on the shoulder, her smiling face leaning in close to his. “Thanks, really. After being friends so many years, this is the first time I’ve actually made use of your connections.”

Human nature always has its weaknesses—Dezi was the type who shined the moment people praised him.

Cai Ni’s flattering words had barely landed before he puffed up instantly and took the cue:

“As long as you walk in Young Master De’s circle, everyone in Young Master De’s circle is yours to use. Whatever I’ve got, I’ll give you.” After speaking, he dramatically lifted his hand to brush back his bangs, exposing his broad forehead and instantly looking more spirited and handsome.

Cai Ni shot a glance his way and leaned closer to Ming Xi.

Say a few nice words and Yang Kangde immediately starts showing off!

But if Dezi could show off, Cai Ni could do it even more. With her emotions bubbling over, she declared:

“Who said I’m joining your circle? Ming Xi and I are going to have our own bright future. Isn’t that right, Xixi?”

Ming Xi nodded. Yes!

With Ming Xi’s confirmation, Cai Ni became even bolder, speaking with flair:

“Just yesterday Ming Xi told me—not to get dazzled by a man who gives you a little favor and lose your judgment. A woman should be like the lady boss of Shuangyang Electronics—rely on yourself to carve out your own world, having money and confidence, living freely and elegantly. Then, whatever you want to do, you can do it all. That’s what a true queen style is!”

Cai Ni poured out everything Ming Xi had told her the night before in one breath.

Ming Xi felt deeply embarrassed. Especially in front of Liang Jiancheng. She had only said all that because after Cai Ni met Yang Minwen, she kept marveling at how good his opportunities were. Ming Xi had been worried Cai Ni would develop the wrong mindset, so she told her that everything depends on one’s own efforts. She mentioned Gu Shuangyang, and even He Lingna.

Originally those were uplifting, inspirational words—but with the son of the person involved sitting right here, Ming Xi was no longer just shy; instead, she felt the embarrassment of having her private motivational talk was exposed to public.

Unfortunately, her friends were very cooperative.

“Nice!” Dezi clapped loudly, hyping things up. “Excellent! Absolutely excellent! A round of applause for the future wealthy woman—Ming Xi!”

Dezi and Cai Ni both applauded enthusiastically, looking like a pair of silly twins.

Han Junjun didn’t join the cheering. He just watched Ming Xi intently.

In the lively atmosphere, Ming Xi’s cheeks began to turn slightly pink.

She wanted to look at Liang Jiancheng with the clearest and most upright expression to explain—she only admired Gu Shuangyang as a role model; she wasn’t gossiping about her private life. But because she was nervous, her eyes looked slightly misty, as if her eyelashes had been touched by spring rain.

Likewise, Liang Jiancheng also turned his head and met her eyes directly. His gentle gaze held a bit of silence, a hint of curiosity.

When a man and woman looked at each other, their hearts tended to be more open than their gaze.

Within a few seconds, Liang Jiancheng calmly returned to his neutral expression, raised his eyelids in a small show of surprise. His reaction looked almost identical to Dezi and the others—so natural that no one could sense anything unusual.

As if to say, Ming Xi, you really surprised me.

And perhaps… even a hint of encouragement?

His reaction helped Ming Xi calm down. She was only a counter saleswoman right now, but she had big ambitions.

What was wrong with wanting to be rich?

Warm street-stall lights, the noise of a night market, a small folding table created both a lively and quiet atmosphere. The pale cheeks of Ming Xi blushed visibly.

She was embarrassed by her bold words, but also proud of her big dreams.

Ming Xi’s delicate face made her afraid to look in Liang Jiancheng’s direction. He picked up the vinegar jar and added a bit more to his claypot noodles.

Then he looked over at Ming Xi, his gaze holding a barely detectable teasing intent—perhaps even he didn’t realize it himself—and asked:

“Boss Ming, would you like more vinegar?”

That single “Boss Ming” already conveyed Liang Jiancheng’s attitude.

He wasn’t going to mock her or trample on her goals. Instead, he fully supported and acknowledged any dream she had. Whether she wanted to be a queen or become the next Gu Shuangyang, he felt there was nothing wrong with that.

Half joking and half serious—the most dangerous combination.

The air hummed with tension. Ming Xi swallowed her embarrassment and replied calmly and generously:

“No, thank you. I don’t like vinegar. I prefer spicy.”

Liang Jiancheng put down the vinegar jar. Instead of pushing the chili shaker toward her, he spoke seriously:

“Spicy food can irritate the stomach. Girls have weaker stomachs—you shouldn’t overdo it.”

A weak stomach.

Dezi was the one who instantly understood the subtext, and he burst out laughing.

“No worries, my stomach is perfectly fine.” Ming Xi recovered her composure quickly. She could maintain a smile with her rowdy friends, let alone in front of a wealthy young master like Liang Jiancheng.

Her smile was bright and captivating.

Liang Jiancheng’s lips curved naturally, his expression relaxed. He lowered his eyes briefly before lifting his head again. When the topic of Yang Minwen and Gu Shuangyang had fully passed, he put down his chopsticks and turned to Dezi, acknowledging their relationship:

“If Yang Minwen is really your relative, then you and I are considered connected by marriage.”

“…”

“….”

What?!

What was Boss Liang saying?!

Compared to everything before, this was what truly shocked Dezi. He almost sprayed noodle soup out—

No, not out of his mouth…

Out of his nose.

Everyone turned to look at Liang Jiancheng.

Liang Jiancheng’s expression softened with a thoughtful look, then he continued stating the facts: “Yang Minwen is my mother’s current lawful husband, and he’s not some man who ‘cling to a rich woman.’ They are a legally married couple, and I can vouch for that.”

No, no—this wasn’t the part that shocked them…

Of course, Liang Jiancheng knew exactly what part had stunned them and what they really wanted to hear. But since the topic had come up, he needed to clarify things properly.

“Yes, my mother and Yang Minwen do have a noticeable age difference, but in a marriage built on mutual support, age should not be the sole measure. Our marriage laws don’t require the couple to be close in age, do they? Emotional compatibility is what matters most. Financially, my mother is indeed the stronger party, but people’s judgment on this tends to come from traditional ideas about inequality between men and women. Isn’t ‘older man, younger woman’ quite common these days? Economics shape social structure, but maintaining a relationship certainly depends on more than just money, it’s mostly about understanding and compatibility. Each of them has strengths—when it comes to dealing with people and handling everyday life, Yang Minwen is far better than my mother.”

Liang Jiancheng spoke unhurriedly. He wasn’t rushing to defend himself against Han Junjun’s earlier careless comment about “clinging to a rich woman.” Instead, he waited for the right moment to speak openly and clearly.

Dezi took a deep breath.

… Heavens above! Somebody gets the whole Yang family to stand up together!

Across the table, everyone stared. Liang Jiancheng carried himself with a calm politeness, the steady composure of someone used to facing the world—contrasting subtly with his young appearance. Especially the part where he spoke on Yang Minwen’s behalf—it revealed the refinement and upbringing of someone from his background.

Except for Ming Xi, Dezi, Han Junjun, and Cai Ni all needed a while to process it—

Then Dezi finally spoke. His shock slipped out so much that he subconsciously switched to a respectful form of address: “You really are…”

“Please, no need for that.” Liang Jiancheng leaned forward slightly, his tone even more modest. He paused for half a second, and then—lowering himself further while lifting Dezi’s seniority—said: “You don’t have to be so polite. If Yang Minwen is truly your older cousin, then in terms of generation… I should be calling you Uncle. Hello, Uncle De.”

Dezi / Uncle De: ……

The moment Liang Jiancheng said that, Ming Xi, Cai Ni, and even Han Junjun all turned their heads in sync—staring at the suddenly elevated Dezi.

No—Uncle De.

Dezi / Uncle De, choked with emotions: ……

There was nothing more to say.

No need to say more, tonight’s claypot noodles and sodas were ALL on him!

Nobody was allowed to fight him for the bill!

…

If before this there was still a hint of distance between Liang Jiancheng and the others—due to differences in education, status, or upbringing—then the moment he called Dezi “Uncle,” all those faint barriers disappeared, swept away by the strange and delightful fate unfolding before them.

Liang Jiancheng was a few years older than them and felt that age was the least advantageous thing he could bring. Everything else was simply because he had been fortunate—born into a prosperous family, lucky enough to study a few more years.

In this rapidly changing era, everything was swept forward by the tide of the times. New ideas, technologies, and opportunities emerged endlessly, and every day was full of opportunities and challenges. For him, finding his footing in a world full of change was not easy. Just the same, if they, walking side by side, possessed courage and determination, achieving their dreams were not out of reach either.

They had their own fire, their own passion, their own bonds that he had never experienced.

Tonight, the way Liang Jiancheng opened up suddenly narrowed the gap between him and them—and made him fit more naturally into the circle of Ming Xi’s friends.

As it turned out, when Liang Jiancheng allowed himself to, he could also radiate the same youthful, casual warmth as anyone else.

Street lamps—big and small—lit up early, but the tree canopy above blocked the light, making the street appear even darker.

The air around them carried a subtle sense of warmth and smoky night energy—flowing through the glances and expressions of the people passing by.

On one side of the street, couples hugged openly, triggering waves of youthful hormones.

On the other, the roar of a motorcycle raced past, making hearts beat faster.

Men and women… probably shouldn’t be meeting outside too late.

That was what Ming Xi thought.

Oh. She meant her and Liang Jiancheng.

As for Dezi and Cai Ni—those two could probably share the same bed and nothing would happen.

Earlier, more than once, she had looked into Liang Jiancheng’s eyes and seen it—

A faint, uncertain something. Something that flickered and disappeared.

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