“What’s wrong? You don’t recognize me?” Ye Lingchen laughed.
“A little bit.” Zhang Yunxi knitted her brows together, “I realized that you changed a lot. You’re not the same as when you were a kid.”
Ye Lingchen smiled, “You too. You’re much prettier now.”
Zhang Yunxi blushed then asked out of curiosity, “Oh, what happened to the cards? How did you win?”
“Gambling is filled with deception!”
Ye Lingchen looked at Zhang Yunxi, “Actually, the five people that gambled with me were all Li Si’s lackeys, including the dealer!”
“The dealer had picked up some magic tricks and did something to the cards. That’s why they could control my cards. However, right at the start when I touched the cards, I slipped an ace and hid it on me.”
After a moment’s pause, Ye Lingchen continued, “Furthermore, when he marked the cards, I have also memorized the sequence of the cards. I knew what cards they were having too!”
“That means your ten consecutive losses were just an act? Was it to wait for the right chance?” Zhang Yunxi stared at Ye Lingchen with a look of surprise, “I didn’t expect you to be that amazing.”
“Gambling techniques are just some deviant skillset. It’s not worth mentioning,” Ye Lingchen replied with a wave of his hand.
“Right then how did you come to know that Young Master Lu?”
“I’m attending Capital City University and he’s from Capital City. It’s just by chance that we got to know each other.”
Zhang Yunxi had her doubts about Ye Lingchen’s answer, yet she did not question him any further.
When they mentioned the university, her expression turned sullen all of a sudden.
“Yunxi, I’m sorry. If I knew about it earlier, you wouldn’t have had to give up university,” Ye Lingchen could not help but apologize.
Zhang Yunxi shook her head, “This isn’t your fault. I should thank you instead. Don’t forget you’re still my debtor.”
After a moment of silence, Ye Lingchen asked, “What’s your plan for the future?”
“I plan to go look for a job to ease my family’s stress.”
“What about…”
“Lingchen, you’re helped me enough. I can’t trouble you anymore!” Zhang Yunxi stated before Ye Lingchen could finish.
Ye Lingchen sighed and kept silent.
Without them realizing, they had reached Zhang Yunxi’s home. Mr. and Mrs. Zhang were worried sick while waiting for them. Only when they saw both of them did they let out a sigh of relief.
After some short exchanges, Ye Lingchen departed.
He did not head home but instead ran to the town nearby.
He knew at that time his parents were still working.
Kai Yuan Jade Ware!
That was Xu Zhen’s work location, selling all sorts of jade ware.
Although it could not compete with the bigger stores, it had better deals. Furthermore, the jade wares they sold had decent coloration, bringing them decent business in town.
Xu Zhen worked as the cashier of Kai Yuan Jade Ware. The job was simple. Although not tiring, it was not relaxing either. She had to welcome the guests with a smile every day.
It was already 4 pm, the foot traffic was starting to pick up. Xu Zhen continually greeted the customers that came to the shop and recommended suitable jade ware to them.
The tea and water that was served was for the guests. She would have to endure the dryness that came with all the greetings and talking.
“Xu Zhen, it’s been a while.” At that moment, a fashionably dressed rich lady walked up to Xu Zhen and greeted her with a smiling face.
The rich lady had curvy hair and her face had some light makeup on. She was wearing a tight-fitting deep red wave-patterned long dress with a pair of crystal high heel shoes. Her appearance was beautiful, her movements elegant and classy.
Beside her stood a boy in a white suit with round-framed glasses.
That boy was of similar age with Ye Lingchen, with an extra touch of maturity between his brows. It was apparent that he had some experience within the society.
Xu Zhen was taken aback, then smiled, “Su Ya? Long time no see.”
“Old friend, the last reunion was two years ago!” Su Ya recollected.
Following that, she looked at Xu Zhen, “I was passing by and suddenly remembered that you work here as a salesperson so I came in to have a look.”
Xu Zhen composed herself, “You’re shopping for jade?”
Su Ya nodded, seemingly frustrated, “Yeah. At first, I didn’t plan to spend the money. You know, people of our generation were used to being thrifty. However, my son disagrees! He insists on buying one for me. Don’t you think it’s aggravating?”
Xu Zhen laughed, “Is he your son? Such a filial child.”
“Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is my son Chu Yuan. He was never good at his studies. Fortunately, he was successful at starting his own business. Now he’s the boss of a small factory.” Su Ya continued, “Quick, greet Aunt Xu.”
“To be a boss at such a young age. Your son sure is capable,” Xu Zhen said as she adjusted her hair.
“It’s just him doing his own things.” Su Ya laughed, then continued, “Xu Zhen, I heard your son’s studies were not ideal. How was his National College Entrance Exam results?”
“He was rather lucky. He ended up in Capital University.”
“Capital University?” Su Ya gasped, but continued afterward, “Actually, going to universities might not be the best these days. Remember that news last time about the Huaqing University doctoral student who ended up as a butcher? Don’t you think it’s funny?”
“I saw that news too. I think the aim of studying is to earn more money. Instead of wasting four years at the university, they might as well join the workforce earlier to earn money!” Chu Yuan pushed his glasses, “Take me for example. Even though I did not attend university, there are a few university graduates in my factory. Didn’t they just end up working for me?”
Xu Zhen laughed along, not saying anything.
Su Ya, however, did not stop, “Oh Xu Zhen, we’re the ones suffering to have our kids go to school. Your son was accepted into Capital University, but you have to suffer for another four more years! Look at you, selling jade ware for so many years but you’re not even wearing one. I feel sorry for you!”
Xu Zhen tightened her lips, then changed the topic, “Su Ya, what type of jade ware are you looking for? I recommend this jade bracelet. The price is only at RMB2,000, but the color is nice. Furthermore today there’s a 10 percent discount. This is the best deal.”
“Only RMB2,000?”
Chu Yuan scowled, then immediately shook his head, “RMB2,000 is too cheap. Those are low-quality goods, not suitable for my mom’s status.”
Su Ya threw an apologetic smile at Xu Zhen, “This kid is such a wastrel. He just made some money and he’s letting it go to his head. His spending mindset is different from ours. Sigh, such a headache.”
“Mom, don’t you try to be thrifty for me. I don’t lack money!” Chu Yuan said in a generous tone.
“You see this kid. Getting his money and he’s adamant about being filial. I can’t even persuade him.” The smile on Su Ya’s face was blossoming like a flower.
“Why not try this bracelet? RMB5,000,” Xu Zhen continued recommending.
“RMB5,000 is still too cheap. Don’t bother with those below RMB10,000,” Chu Yuan said with a wave.
Quite a few people around them stared at Su Ya, their gaze filled with envy.
‘Look at her kid, I’m so envious!’
“What’s wrong? You don’t recognize me?” Ye Lingchen laughed.
“A little bit.” Zhang Yunxi knitted her brows together, “I realized that you changed a lot. You’re not the same as when you were a kid.”
Ye Lingchen smiled, “You too. You’re much prettier now.”
Zhang Yunxi blushed then asked out of curiosity, “Oh, what happened to the cards? How did you win?”
“Gambling is filled with deception!”
Ye Lingchen looked at Zhang Yunxi, “Actually, the five people that gambled with me were all Li Si’s lackeys, including the dealer!”
“The dealer had picked up some magic tricks and did something to the cards. That’s why they could control my cards. However, right at the start when I touched the cards, I slipped an ace and hid it on me.”
After a moment’s pause, Ye Lingchen continued, “Furthermore, when he marked the cards, I have also memorized the sequence of the cards. I knew what cards they were having too!”
“That means your ten consecutive losses were just an act? Was it to wait for the right chance?” Zhang Yunxi stared at Ye Lingchen with a look of surprise, “I didn’t expect you to be that amazing.”
“Gambling techniques are just some deviant skillset. It’s not worth mentioning,” Ye Lingchen replied with a wave of his hand.
“Right then how did you come to know that Young Master Lu?”
“I’m attending Capital City University and he’s from Capital City. It’s just by chance that we got to know each other.”
Zhang Yunxi had her doubts about Ye Lingchen’s answer, yet she did not question him any further.
When they mentioned the university, her expression turned sullen all of a sudden.
“Yunxi, I’m sorry. If I knew about it earlier, you wouldn’t have had to give up university,” Ye Lingchen could not help but apologize.
Zhang Yunxi shook her head, “This isn’t your fault. I should thank you instead. Don’t forget you’re still my debtor.”
After a moment of silence, Ye Lingchen asked, “What’s your plan for the future?”
“I plan to go look for a job to ease my family’s stress.”
“What about…”
“Lingchen, you’re helped me enough. I can’t trouble you anymore!” Zhang Yunxi stated before Ye Lingchen could finish.
Ye Lingchen sighed and kept silent.
Without them realizing, they had reached Zhang Yunxi’s home. Mr. and Mrs. Zhang were worried sick while waiting for them. Only when they saw both of them did they let out a sigh of relief.
After some short exchanges, Ye Lingchen departed.
He did not head home but instead ran to the town nearby.
He knew at that time his parents were still working.
Kai Yuan Jade Ware!
That was Xu Zhen’s work location, selling all sorts of jade ware.
Although it could not compete with the bigger stores, it had better deals. Furthermore, the jade wares they sold had decent coloration, bringing them decent business in town.
Xu Zhen worked as the cashier of Kai Yuan Jade Ware. The job was simple. Although not tiring, it was not relaxing either. She had to welcome the guests with a smile every day.
It was already 4 pm, the foot traffic was starting to pick up. Xu Zhen continually greeted the customers that came to the shop and recommended suitable jade ware to them.
The tea and water that was served was for the guests. She would have to endure the dryness that came with all the greetings and talking.
“Xu Zhen, it’s been a while.” At that moment, a fashionably dressed rich lady walked up to Xu Zhen and greeted her with a smiling face.
The rich lady had curvy hair and her face had some light makeup on. She was wearing a tight-fitting deep red wave-patterned long dress with a pair of crystal high heel shoes. Her appearance was beautiful, her movements elegant and classy.
Beside her stood a boy in a white suit with round-framed glasses.
That boy was of similar age with Ye Lingchen, with an extra touch of maturity between his brows. It was apparent that he had some experience within the society.
Xu Zhen was taken aback, then smiled, “Su Ya? Long time no see.”
“Old friend, the last reunion was two years ago!” Su Ya recollected.
Following that, she looked at Xu Zhen, “I was passing by and suddenly remembered that you work here as a salesperson so I came in to have a look.”
Xu Zhen composed herself, “You’re shopping for jade?”
Su Ya nodded, seemingly frustrated, “Yeah. At first, I didn’t plan to spend the money. You know, people of our generation were used to being thrifty. However, my son disagrees! He insists on buying one for me. Don’t you think it’s aggravating?”
Xu Zhen laughed, “Is he your son? Such a filial child.”
“Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is my son Chu Yuan. He was never good at his studies. Fortunately, he was successful at starting his own business. Now he’s the boss of a small factory.” Su Ya continued, “Quick, greet Aunt Xu.”
“To be a boss at such a young age. Your son sure is capable,” Xu Zhen said as she adjusted her hair.
“It’s just him doing his own things.” Su Ya laughed, then continued, “Xu Zhen, I heard your son’s studies were not ideal. How was his National College Entrance Exam results?”
“He was rather lucky. He ended up in Capital University.”
“Capital University?” Su Ya gasped, but continued afterward, “Actually, going to universities might not be the best these days. Remember that news last time about the Huaqing University doctoral student who ended up as a butcher? Don’t you think it’s funny?”
“I saw that news too. I think the aim of studying is to earn more money. Instead of wasting four years at the university, they might as well join the workforce earlier to earn money!” Chu Yuan pushed his glasses, “Take me for example. Even though I did not attend university, there are a few university graduates in my factory. Didn’t they just end up working for me?”
Xu Zhen laughed along, not saying anything.
Su Ya, however, did not stop, “Oh Xu Zhen, we’re the ones suffering to have our kids go to school. Your son was accepted into Capital University, but you have to suffer for another four more years! Look at you, selling jade ware for so many years but you’re not even wearing one. I feel sorry for you!”
Xu Zhen tightened her lips, then changed the topic, “Su Ya, what type of jade ware are you looking for? I recommend this jade bracelet. The price is only at RMB2,000, but the color is nice. Furthermore today there’s a 10 percent discount. This is the best deal.”
“Only RMB2,000?”
Chu Yuan scowled, then immediately shook his head, “RMB2,000 is too cheap. Those are low-quality goods, not suitable for my mom’s status.”
Su Ya threw an apologetic smile at Xu Zhen, “This kid is such a wastrel. He just made some money and he’s letting it go to his head. His spending mindset is different from ours. Sigh, such a headache.”
“Mom, don’t you try to be thrifty for me. I don’t lack money!” Chu Yuan said in a generous tone.
“You see this kid. Getting his money and he’s adamant about being filial. I can’t even persuade him.” The smile on Su Ya’s face was blossoming like a flower.
“Why not try this bracelet? RMB5,000,” Xu Zhen continued recommending.
“RMB5,000 is still too cheap. Don’t bother with those below RMB10,000,” Chu Yuan said with a wave.
Quite a few people around them stared at Su Ya, their gaze filled with envy.
‘Look at her kid, I’m so envious!’
