Seeing her daddy and mommy in such good spirits, nestled together, speaking in gentle tones, filled with love.
The children also felt incredibly happy.
Unable to resist, they brought up an old topic.
“Mommy, didn't you promise long ago to have a baby brother or sister for us? When exactly are you starting?”
“I was planning to brag to Tang Shi Ya when school starts about having a younger sibling. School is approaching, can my wish finally come true?”
Zhan Bei Jue turned his head and pinched Ge’er's cheek.
“Do you think having a baby brother or sister is that simple? With the four of you clinging to us all day, we have no alone time. How can we possibly conceive?”
“If you truly want one, give us a break from now on. Mommy needs to spend more time with me to have a baby.”
The little ones immediately understood.
They exchanged glances, and Ge’er sweetly stood up and pushed Jiang Nan Fang.
“Alright then, alright then, you two go back to sleep quickly! You have time off starting now!”
“Good luck! You must fulfill my wish before school starts!”
Zhan Bei Jue was as delighted as a child. He immediately sprang from the bed and swept Jiang Nan Fang into his arms like a princess.
“Then you all be good and go to sleep early. Mommy and I are leaving.”
Jiang Nan Fang was so embarrassed she didn’t know where to look.
Back in their room, she couldn’t help but hit Zhan Bei Jue’s chest.
“You’re getting more shameless by the day! Saying such nonsense in front of the children!”
Zhan Bei Jue put her down, held her hands, and trapped her in his embrace.
“Do you think they wouldn’t know if I didn’t say it? These little guys are far more clever than you imagine.”
“They’re only a few years old. How much could they possibly know? Stop talking nonsense!”
“I had a bit too much to drink today, so I’m admitting fault. It was a slip of the tongue after drinking. I won’t say it again.”
Speaking of drinking, Jiang Nan Fang asked him how his business talks went that evening.
Mentioning this made Zhan Bei Jue angry.
He didn’t want to talk about Shen Min Er, nor did he want to mention Ke Teng.
“Governor Zou is becoming greedier. We won’t cooperate with him anymore.”
He suddenly started to act spoiled.
“Let’s not talk about that. I’m in a bad mood and need comfort. Shall we go take a bath together?”
After being serious for less than a minute, he was already being shameless again.
Jiang Nan Fang hit him again.
“Why are you so indecent now? All day long…”
“Isn’t it because your daughter asked for it? She keeps pestering me for a baby brother or sister.”
“If people knew you didn’t want one, they’d think I was incapable. Shouldn’t I prove them wrong?”
“Are you crazy? They’re just children, spouting random things, and you’re taking it seriously?”
Jiang Nan Fang sighed, which was rare.
“I’ve finally raised them. I still want to do some work to prove my own worth. If I have another brood, will I even survive?”
Zhan Bei Jue’s tone was doting.
“You will survive. If it’s another brood, I’ll personally raise them if we have to.”
“If you want to pursue your career, go out and do it. If you want to go out and have fun, go ahead. I’ll play the role of the domestic husband and fully support you!”
Jiang Nan Fang couldn’t help but laugh at his words.
“How come I never noticed this before? To get what you want, you’ll say anything!”
“Who wouldn’t find you attractive? I can never get enough of you. Alright, enough with the nonsense, let’s go.”
Ah Zhong arrived in Nan Cheng at ten in the morning. After settling his father at home, he hurriedly went out.
He arranged to meet a former female colleague, with whom he had a decent working relationship at Zhan Shi, for coffee.
It had been a long time since they last saw each other, so they naturally started by catching up on their recent lives.
The female colleague had harbored feelings for him before. Upon hearing that his career was going well, she subtly inquired if he had a girlfriend.
Ah Zhong said he did, and that he had asked her out today precisely because of his girlfriend.
“You’re asking me about your girlfriend? I…”
Ah Zhong had prepared his excuse in advance.
He explained that his girlfriend was in the business of reselling luxury goods and had excellent business abroad, but her supply chain was not very stable.
This time, he had returned hoping to help her source some reliable and high-quality goods.
“After thinking about it, among the people I know, you have the best taste. I had to come to you.”
So that’s what it was.
The female colleague felt a slight sense of accomplishment.
“You’ve come to the right person for this. I actually know someone who is selling off some items recently.”
Ah Zhong asked her who.
The female colleague said he wouldn’t know her.
“She’s also an employee at Zhan Shi. A few days ago, she posted on her social media that she had many branded items to sell and asked me to inquire first.”
Ah Zhong presented the gift he had prepared earlier, thanking her for her crucial assistance.
At noon, the female colleague messaged him back.
“She said if you’re serious, you can meet to discuss it after work tonight.”
“No need. I have something to do tonight. Just have her give you the items directly, and I’ll transfer the money to you. Please help me pay her.”
The female colleague was quite surprised.
It was a significant sum of money, and he trusted her so implicitly.
But this was also good. Helping out on both ends with a few words would allow her to pocket a considerable commission.
It wouldn’t be in vain for her unrequited love for Ah Zhong.
For over a dozen bags, more than ten dresses, a few pairs of shoes, and a pile of jewelry, Zhou Jin Bei asked for a single price: one million yuan.
The female colleague told Ah Zhong it was 1.1 million yuan.
Ah Zhong transferred 1.11 million yuan to her.
“Thank you for your trouble. Ten thousand yuan isn’t much, but it’s a token of my appreciation. I’ll come pick them up when I’m done with my work.”
Upon receiving the one million yuan, Zhou Jin Bei rushed home after work.
It was strange, but a few days ago, her family had been in an uproar about going bankrupt.
She hadn’t been able to help much, and her parents hadn’t urged her since then.
After giving the money to her father, Zhou Jin Bei asked how the company was doing and where her brother was.
Her father said the company was still operating. He had fired Zhou Jin Xiu and forbidden him from interfering in company matters. He had no idea where he was off gallivanting.
“Bei Bei, Dad spoke harshly a few days ago out of impulse. Please don’t take it to heart.”
“Actually, I’ve always recognized your value from the bottom of my heart. They say daughters are parents’ little close-fitting cotton-padded jackets; in critical moments, you’re the one who proves most useful.”
“It’s all my fault regarding Jiang Si Cheng. I didn’t inquire properly and was careless, which harmed you. But this won’t happen again.”
“A few days ago, I was discussing work matters with your Uncle Ding, and he mentioned a young man. He’s quite promising…”
Zhou Jin Bei immediately interrupted him.
“I’ve only just escaped a burning inferno a few days ago, and you’re already rushing me to get married? What do you take me for?”
“What do I take you for? I take you as my precious daughter. You don’t understand, a girl’s youth lasts only a few years. It passes in a blink, and her value drops sharply…”
Zhou Jin Bei didn’t want to listen to his twisted logic and left with her bag.
“There’s something at the company, I have to go back to work overtime. I can’t talk to you anymore!”
“Even if there’s nothing, urge my brother on. He’s almost thirty. No matter what, he’s still your son. Help him find a partner first.”
Leaving the Zhou family gate, sitting in the car, she touched the steering wheel that Ah Zhong had once touched, looking at the seat he had occupied.
A wave of sorrow washed over Zhou Jin Bei.