Volume 1 Chapter 5 Solving the Problem

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Seeing her uneasy expression, Zhou Yu’an spoke gently, “Let’s talk about this when we get back.” Xia Xiyin knew this wasn’t the time to discuss it and obediently nodded. Zhou Yu’an led her back to Guan Hanzhong’s office. As soon as they entered, Guan Hanzhong came up to them, apologizing with a smile.

“Sister-in-law, I’m really sorry. It’s like the flood destroyed the Dragon King’s temple.”

Though Xia Xiyin was angry inside, she maintained her composure. She glanced at Zhou Yu’an and nodded lightly to Guan Hanzhong with a measured grace. “It’s our fault too.”

Guan Hanzhong waved his hand dismissively. “No need for formalities. Let’s have a meal together. It’ll help calm your nerves and count as my apology.”

Xia Xiyin knew this was just politeness for Zhou Yu’an’s sake, so she dared not say anything and waited for him to respond.

“Let’s skip the meal. I’ll take Yin Yin home first.” Zhou Yu’an took her hand and headed out.

Guan Hanzhong saw them off at the company entrance. “We’ll meet next time then.”

They got in the car, and Zhou Yu’an set the GPS for Xia Xiyin’s home. As they drove, he reached over and gently took her hand in his palm.

Her hand was a little cold. He rubbed the back of it tenderly and said, “It’s alright now. Don’t be afraid.”

Xia Xiyin glanced at him sideways and put on a brave front. “I’m not scared.”

Zhou Yu’an smiled without exposing her, continuing to rub her hand.

Xia Xiyin’s home was in a middle-class community—Maple Grove Garden. Zhou Yu’an parked at the gate, and they went inside together.

As soon as they entered, Xia Xiaoman rushed out. Seeing his sister safe and sound, he hugged her tightly, “Sister, are you alright?”

Xia Xiyin, tired, gently pushed him away and walked toward the living room sofa.

Xia Xiaoman hung his head and followed behind. Seeing his sister and brother-in-law sitting on the sofa, he suddenly knelt down before them with a thud.

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His kneeling startled them both.

“Brother-in-law, thank you for redeeming my sister today. I’ll never forget your great kindness!” Xia Xiaoman said gratefully, then knocked his head on the floor three times.

Xia Xiyin turned her head away, feeling a pang of sorrow. In such misfortune, her brother was a hundred times more distressed than she was.

Zhou Yu’an hurriedly leaned forward, about to help Xia Xiaoman up, saying, “No need for this. I’m your sister’s boyfriend. This is what I should do. Get up now!”

Xia Xiaoman pulled back slightly, tears in his eyes, and choked out, “Brother-in-law, please listen to me first. I’ll get up after I finish.”

Hearing this, Zhou Yu’an respected him and sat back down on the sofa.

“Sis, I took such a big loss this time. It’s my stupidity and foolishness, all my fault. I dragged you down and caused trouble for myself too. I’m sorry.”

Xia Xiaoman sniffled, then looked at Zhou Yu’an earnestly. “Brother-in-law, don’t worry. I won’t let you give me this six million for free. I’ll pay it back in installments, but it might take some time.”

Zhou Yu’an said, “It’s enough that you have that intention. Just think of this money as a gift from your brother-in-law.”

“That’s impossible!” Xia Xiyin’s voice was firm and resolute. “Absolutely not! He has to pay this money back!”

Seeing his girlfriend’s anger, Zhou Yu’an gently patted her back twice and whispered, “Why get so worked up? Let’s talk it through calmly.”

Xia Xiyin took a deep breath and said, “Yu’an, I appreciate your kindness, thank you. First, I can’t let you pay this money for nothing; second, I can’t let this guy suffer such a big loss without lesson! He’s able-bodied and young. I don’t believe he won’t be able to pay back this six million in his lifetime!”

“I can!” Xia Xiaoman didn’t want his sister to underestimate him and spoke eagerly, “I’ll work hard to earn money and repay you with interest, brother-in-law!”

Xia Xiyin didn’t want to speak harshly anymore. He just wanted to live well, but he got tricked because of a moment’s rashness.

She sighed silently and said to her brother, “All the money left by our parents and my savings have gone to pay off the loan sharks. Now, there’s not a cent left. If you don’t mind, I want to sell this apartment to repay you, Brother Zhou, a little first.”

“I agree!” Xia Xiaoman responded decisively.

“*Ahem*.” Zhou Yu’an felt a bit displeased to have been demoted from ‘brother-in-law’ to ‘Brother Zhou’ and cleared his throat twice, but understandingly said, “Xiyin, I understand your wish to repay me. But realistically, if you sell the apartment, where will you and Xiaoman live? Renting while repaying debt will only increase your pressure. Even if you pay me a hundred or so thousand now, it might ease your mind at first, but you’ll still worry later. It’s not worth it.”

Xia Xiyin agreed with Zhou Yu’an’s reasoning. He was right. If she didn’t repay him a bit at first, she’d feel uneasy. But renting a place while repaying debt was also tough.

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“How about this,” Zhou Yu’an said, seeing his girlfriend’s troubled face and wanting to ease her burden, “I’ll buy this apartment. As your boyfriend, I invite you to live here with me. As for Xiaoman, I’m afraid you’ll run off owing me money, so he’ll live with us too, right under my watchful eye.”

“Is that alright?” Zhou Yu’an smiled and asked his girlfriend.

Xia Xiyin looked at Zhou Yu’an with eyes full of emotion. She knew he was giving her a way out so she wouldn’t feel embarrassed, and she was deeply grateful from the bottom of her heart.

Given the reality, she had no reason to be stubborn. She would accept his kindness first, then work hard to repay bit by bit.

“Thank you,” her voice thick with emotion, she sincerely thanked him.

Seeing her eyes redden, Zhou Yu’an affectionately stroked her head. “Don’t thank me. We’re not strangers.”

Xia Xiaoman, moved and grateful, wiped his tears and said, “Sis, brother-in-law, you two rest. I’ll go cook.”

“You can cook?” Zhou Yu’an asked in surprise.

Xia Xiyin smiled. “He’s always liked doing housework since he was little. When he’s in the kitchen, his skills are pretty good.”

“Oh, I never would’ve guessed,” Zhou Yu’an teased.

Xia Xiaoman stood up from the floor proudly and said, “Brother-in-law, you just wait and see.” Then he went to the kitchen.

“You should go lie down for a while too,” Xia Xiyin said. After the shock and fright today, she was exhausted and Zhou Yu’an helped her back to her bedroom.

The girl’s room was always tidy and clean, with a faint sweet fragrance lingering.

Xia Xiyin lay back on the bed and said, “Sit wherever you like.”

Zhou Yu’an stood by the bedside, surveying the warm room, then bent slightly with a playful smile. “Xiyin, if I move in, I guess I’ll have to share this room with you, right?”