Chapter 17: The Future Father-in-Law’s Little Lover

Xu Qinghuan recalled a scene from the book, one she had discussed with her close friend. Since Jiang Chengxu was the type to waver easily—a central figure who instantly transformed into a savior whenever a woman clung to him—where did such a flawed nature come from?

Her friend slapped her thigh and said, "Like father, like son!"

So, her friend added a subplot, giving Jiang’s father a secret mistress—a euphemism for a kept woman.

This mistress had a background: not young, in her thirties, nearly forty, once a concubine in a wealthy household. After becoming pregnant, she was demoted to a secondary wife and bore a daughter, now just fourteen, with snow-white skin, ruby lips, and pearly teeth.

Years ago, amid political turmoil, the main family fled to Hong Kong, leaving this mistress behind. She and her daughter survived by selling household possessions. Once, when cornered by street thugs, Jiang’s father, who usually disliked meddling, inexplicably intervened to help them.

The mistress immediately recognized Jiang’s father’s distinguished status. Pretending an injury to her leg and with her daughter crying nearby, she easily won his sympathy.

Desire stirred—one of man’s most instinctive reactions.

Jiang’s father was no exception.

Gradually, they became entangled. With a beautiful daughter coaxing and piteously seeking attention, Jiang’s father began to care for the mother and daughter in every possible way.

This, Xu Qinghuan said, was the true weapon.

The leftovers she packed last night were now stored in the container within her space, freeing up the lunch box.

She hadn’t eaten at the Xu household. Instead, she planned to go to a state-run restaurant for something to eat and to pack some breakfast. After heading to the countryside, she wanted to savor better food, fearing such chances would be scarce.

She also intended to visit the Yong’an Department Store to buy a watch and deliver the prepared medicine to Wang Juan.

Last night, after Xu Manman fell asleep, she added a key ingredient called purple reed grass to the medicine pack inside her space. The herbs had rested all night, their potency boosted by at least twenty percent.

“Sis, aren’t you having breakfast?” Xu Manman asked, holding a corn cake as she chased after her to the door.

“No, not hungry,” Xu Qinghuan replied, heading downstairs without looking back, straight toward the courtyard’s gate.

At the checkpoint, the old man called out, “Huanzi, I found out about the job recruitment you asked me to check on.”

Xu Qinghuan had already sold one position; this didn’t stop her from selling another.

“Which factory is hiring?” she asked, already holding three cigarettes between her fingers.

The old man beckoned her closer and lowered his voice. “The lighting factory is looking for a publicity officer. They want someone with strong writing skills and, I heard, some knowledge of a foreign language.”

“Why foreign language?” she wondered. Nowadays, anyone who knew a foreign language was either protected or imprisoned.

“They say it’s for some trade fair this October in Wuyang City. Foreigners will attend, so they want someone who understands a bit of foreign language.” The old man looked at her with concern. “Huanzi, maybe you should wait. I can keep asking around for you.”

“No need, Grandpa. I can handle it. When do I register? When’s the exam?” she demanded.

Unfortunately, since she was about to be sent to the countryside, she only had three days left to act.

“Register today, exam tomorrow!” the old man said. “Go to the lighting factory and find the gatekeeper, an old man named Tu. Tell him Grandpa Wu sent you; he won’t stop you.”

Xu Qinghuan felt a small warmth in her heart. “Thank you so much, Grandpa.”

She placed the three cigarettes on the table and ran off.

Grandpa Wu saw the cigarettes, sighed, and shook his weathered face, which seemed to smile like a chrysanthemum.

“This child, where did she get these cigarettes?” He treasured them, sniffed them carefully, reluctant to smoke, tucking them behind his ear while humming a little tune, feeling very pleased.

These days, people mostly smoked homegrown or hand-rolled cigarettes. With barely enough to eat, who could afford to buy cigarettes?

Having a few cigarettes in one’s pocket was a half-year’s worth of bravado.

Xu Qinghuan was in good spirits upon hearing this news. Once she secured the position, she’d find a way to resell the job.

“Qinghuan!”

When Jiang Chengxu’s voice reached her, her mood plummeted. Seeing him stride toward her, she stepped back, holding out her hand. “Where’s the watch my mom gave you? Give it back!”

The watch was in Jiang Chengxu’s hand; even if she approached his mother, she might not get it back.

His brows furrowed. “Qinghuan, do you want to make this irreparable?”

He didn’t believe that after all these years of her liking him, she could suddenly not care. Besides, he hadn’t done anything wrong; why was she making a fuss?

“If I return the watch, our marriage is truly off,” Jiang Chengxu said unhappily.

“I know. That’s why I need you to give it back!” she nodded firmly.

He had come to make peace but hearing her words, his anger surged. He swiftly took off the watch, slammed it into her palm, and snapped, “You wanted to leave. Don’t come looking for me again!”

With that, he stormed off, but after a few steps, he turned back and walked into the courtyard.

Soon, Xu Qinghuan heard Xu Manman calling, “Brother Chengxu!”

She glanced at the watch in her hand, still warm from his wrist, yet it made her fingertips chill. Without further thought, she stored it in her space and, without stopping by the state-run restaurant, headed straight for the lighting factory.

Jiang Chengxu came out but didn’t see her. His mood sank deeply. Looking down the street, he seemed to glimpse someone from the past, chasing after him, calling “Brother Chengxu.”

It was as if, whenever he turned around, he could see Xu Qinghuan’s presence.

For the first time, he looked but saw no sign of her and felt an inexplicable panic.

“Brother Chengxu, what’s wrong?” Xu Manman asked with concern. Not seeing Xu Qinghuan, she exhaled in relief.

“Nothing. I found out the lighting factory is recruiting. Register today, exam tomorrow. Do you want to try?” Jiang Chengxu decided to handle the bigger issue first. His conflict with Xu Qinghuan could wait.

“Really? But my foster parents didn’t let me study much. I only finished middle school. I’m not sure I can pass,” Xu Manman said sadly, her eyes reddened, evoking pity.

Jiang Chengxu couldn’t help but feel sorry. “Don’t worry. I’ll take you to register and take the exam. Let’s get the process started.”

Xu Manman understood his meaning, hooked her arm through his, and smiled sweetly. “Brother Chengxu, you’re wonderful. Thanks to you, I don’t have to go to the countryside.”

Two people approached—one was Chen Dewen, who had a grudge against Jiang Chengxu. The man sneered at their linked arms. Jiang Chengxu awkwardly withdrew his arm and smiled gently. “I only help when I can.”