Chapter Eighteen: Huo Yanxiu Returns Home

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Lin Hui watched as Mrs. Huo left with Huo Qian, her thoughts lingering on how Huo Jiawei had sneaked out again just now. Deep in contemplation, she turned toward Huo Jiawei’s room.

Since the family had limited rooms, the youngest Huo had to board at school. Therefore, most of the time, this room was occupied by Huo Jiawei.

Lin Hui pushed open the door and surveyed the room. She rifled through the drawers and cupboards—every place where something could be stored—but she couldn’t find the item she was looking for.

In the end, she couldn’t help but doubt herself. Was she just being overly suspicious?

While Lin Hui was lost in thought, on the other side, Ruan Tang had just completed the discharge procedures at the hospital and was happily preparing to take the now mostly recovered Huo Qingqing home.

Ruan Tang’s expression softened as she looked down at Huo Qingqing. “What would you like to eat? Auntie will buy it for you.”

Huo Qingqing pursed her lips and asked softly, “Is Dad’s diamond watch not coming back?”

Ruan Tang was momentarily taken aback but then chuckled lightly, patting Huo Qingqing’s fluffy head. “We can always buy another one later. Don’t be sad.”

Huo Qingqing looked a little disappointed but said nothing, quietly holding Ruan Tang’s hand.

Ruan Tang rode the bike with Huo Qingqing and stopped at a noodle shop, ordering two bowls of shredded pork noodles.

Halfway through the meal, a system notification suddenly rang in Ruan Tang’s ear:

【Please spend 5,000 yuan within one hour. Failure to comply will result in unknown penalties.】

Ruan Tang froze mid-bite. “...”

She wasn’t even full yet!

Feeling utterly helpless, she knew there was no time to waste. Steeling herself, she turned to Huo Qingqing with a serious face. “Qingqing, forgive Auntie.”

Huo Qingqing was happily slurping noodles but looked up in confusion upon hearing this.

Before she could react, Ruan Tang scooped her up and held her close, swiftly setting off to spend the money.

As she rode, Ruan Tang pondered deeply, her expression full of bitterness.

Five thousand yuan—this was no small sum.

She would have to buy a lot to spend it all, right?

Suddenly, an idea struck her: real estate and angel investment.

At this time, with many people and limited resources, real estate development was part of the national plan for the coming years.

Moreover, many aspiring entrepreneurs lacked financial strength and often borrowed from banks or relatives to start their businesses.

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Angel investment was just right for these people.

She wasn’t aiming for much—just to make some money. If she didn’t, it wouldn’t matter; she wouldn’t lose anything.

Still, she needed a keen eye for investment—she wasn’t about to be foolish with money.

Having confirmed the feasibility of these ideas, Ruan Tang went straight to the town mayor’s house to negotiate. She used the entire 5,000 yuan to buy land around the town. Huo Qingqing watched in disbelief, her face full of resistance.

The mayor smiled broadly. “Ms. Ruan Tang, from now on, half of the town’s planning belongs to you!”

Five thousand yuan!

This would greatly boost the town’s economy!

The mayor’s face was flushed with joy.

Ruan Tang signed the contracts until her hands were weak, waving them off weakly. “Don’t call me to meetings anymore. I’m busy. Just make decisions yourselves, and let me know the results.”

She was joking—if not for the task, who would want to buy so much land?

“Alright, take care.”

The mayor waved his small handkerchief, smiling as if intoxicated with happiness.

Ruan Tang waved back, hoisting a small sack full of land certificates and left without looking back, holding Huo Qingqing’s hand.

Huo Qingqing looked puzzled. “Auntie, why did you bring back so many certificates?”

She had seen her father sometimes bring home such certificates, but Auntie had so many now, all signed.

She didn’t understand.

Ruan Tang felt exhausted carrying the sack, but hearing the sound of money arriving in the account instantly lifted her mood.

Money truly was the best cure for the heart.

【Task completed. Corresponding reward has been deposited into the system purse.】

【Current balance: 6,230 yuan.】

Ruan Tang smiled with satisfaction, gently tapping Huo Qingqing’s nose teasingly. “These aren’t certificates, they’re land deeds. The country will want them later, and they can be exchanged for a lot of money.”

Huo Qingqing’s eyes brightened upon hearing “a lot of money.” “Qingqing understands!”

Mother and daughter quickly rode their bike back to the village. Upon entering, someone spoke with malice, “Huo Yanxiu is back. He knows about your affair with Wang Binghuan!”

Ruan Tang frowned deeply, her expression turning cold. “Spreading lies like that could land you in jail.”

The man laughed heartily and said nothing further, but his eyes were full of malicious glee.

Ruan Tang tightened her brow and pedaled faster, soon arriving at her doorstep.

The door was open. Indeed, as the man said, Huo Yanxiu had returned.

Ruan Tang took a deep breath, holding Huo Qingqing’s hand and dragging the sack as she slowly entered the house.

Inside, she immediately saw Huo Yanxiu hanging clothes and bedding to dry.

He wore a white shirt and army green trousers, his worn leather shoes on his feet. Two buttons at the collar were undone, and his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing strong, slender forearms. Hearing the noise, he turned and upon seeing Huo Qingqing and Ruan Tang, a gentle smile appeared on his refined, amiable face.

His eyes softened. “You’re back?”

Huo Qingqing’s eyes lit up. “Daddy!”

She let go of Ruan Tang’s hand and rushed to him.

Huo Yanxiu crouched down to take Huo Qingqing, examining the places where she had been hurt. The wounds had healed without a trace, which comforted him deeply.

He had heard about Huo Shancheng stealing Ruan Tang’s diamond watch and hurting Huo Qingqing. He had also heard rumors about Ruan Tang having an affair with Wang Binghuan.

He believed the former but refused to believe the latter under any circumstances.

Ruan Tang might be somewhat greedy and materialistic, but she would never dare to do such a shameful thing. A person who values her reputation wouldn’t even dare to commit murder if handed a knife.

Besides, she had cared for Qingqing well and even fought back against Huo Shancheng. He wanted to trust Ruan Tang.

Seeing Huo Yanxiu’s expression remained normal, Ruan Tang hesitated for a moment. Choosing her words carefully, she asked, “Have you heard any gossip?”

She couldn’t pretend not to care—everyone had feelings, and it mattered. If she didn’t address it now, it might cause trouble later.

Huo Yanxiu looked up, his face calm and gentle, eyes smiling. “What gossip?”

Ruan Tang relaxed her brow and smiled. “Nothing much. Have you heard about Huo Shancheng?”

Huo Yanxiu nodded. “You handled it well.”

Ruan Tang was somewhat surprised. Although she suspected Huo Yanxiu wasn’t on good terms with the family, she was still deeply shocked.

Huo Yanxiu didn’t even frown. “When he gets out in a while, he’ll definitely come looking for trouble. Don’t worry. I quit my job. From now on, I’m here. He won’t dare to bully you and Qingqing anymore.”