Chapter 241: I'll Take Care of You

Outside, the scorching sun blazed like fire, the blazing sun so intense that the cicadas fell silent.

Inside the bedroom, however, it was a completely different, cool scene.

Tian Xianma was dressed only in tight clothing, lazily pressed against Xu Yuexin's embrace, her flushed face full of satisfaction.

Xu Yuexin, holding the slender, plump Tian Xianma, planted a kiss on her earlobe.

Tian Xianma shivered from his kiss, her body quickly tilting as she tried to dodge.

"Stop messing around."

"Don't even think about leaving~"

Xu Yuexin lightly hooked his hand, pulling Tian Xianma back into his arms, his large hand beginning a new round of movements…

……

Not until evening did Xu Yuexin leave Tian Xianma's residence, stepping out of the house amid her lingering, reluctant kiss.

"When the Air Conditioning is installed, I'll call you."

"Remember to come home early."

"Mm-hmm."

Tian Xianma gently stroked her still rosy cheeks with one hand, her mind wandering as she agreed.

Even now, she remained immersed in the just‑now, clingy moments with Xu Yuexin, unable to stop recalling them.

A few days after leaving Tian Xianma's home, Xu Yuexin received a call from the Manager of Baihuo Dalou.

"Hello, may I speak with comrade Xu Yuexin?"

"Yes, what's up?"

"Here's the thing, the Air Conditioning you ordered has already arrived—five units, and another five are expected within the next couple of days."

"Shall we install the first five units now?"

"Alright, you go to Wanshou Temple first; I'll wait for you at the intersection."

After Xu Yuexin finished speaking and hung up, he stepped out and drove away.

When he reached the intersection near Wanshou Temple, the truck from Baihuo Dalou had also arrived.

These days, Air Conditioning units are all window‑type, and they're relatively bulky.

Five units of Air Conditioning packed the small truck's rear trailer to the brim.

At that moment, the female Manager in the cab, who was supervising the load, recognized Xu Yuexin's vehicle and waved at him.

Xu Yuexin pulled his Mercedes up beside the truck and rolled down the window.

"It's just that family courtyard ahead, see?"

"Mm, I see it."

"When we get there, unload one Air Conditioning unit and install it."

"Got it, noted."

The female Manager nodded to him from the cab.

Having finished the instructions, Xu Yuexin led the way toward the family courtyard, with the truck following behind.

After getting out, the installer, carrying a large Air Conditioning unit, went upstairs with Xu Yuexin, while the female Manager stayed behind to watch the vehicle.

When they reached Tian Xianma's doorstep, Xu Yuexin knocked on the door.

"It's me, open up."

"Coming."

A melodious voice came from inside, and the door swung open quickly, revealing Tian Xianma standing in the doorway.

The moment she saw the Air Conditioning unit, Tian Xianma instantly understood what it was.

It turned out the Air Conditioning room was like this.

Thinking to herself, Tian Xianma invited Xu Yuexin and the installer inside.

Window‑type Air Conditioning units are large, and installing them is quite complicated.

The installer spent a full two hours before finishing the installation.

Xu Yuexin spent a while showing Tian Xianma how to operate the Air Conditioning, then went with the installer to Da Yizi's house and Aunt Shen's house…

By the time all five Air Conditioning units were installed, it was already dusk.

Xu Yuexin brought the female Manager back to Guogongfu and paid her for the Air Conditioning.

At the sight of Guogongfu's extravagant scale, the female Manager was slightly taken aback.

As the top executive of Baihuo Dalou, she had seen many affluent households.

But none had housing conditions as good as Xu Yuexin's family.

Not long after the female Manager left in the truck, Chen Qiaoqiao returned from work.

"Why are you sweating so much, went out to play?"

Seeing Xu Yuexin drenched in sweat, Chen Qiaoqiao asked in confusion.

"No, I went to install an Air Conditioning for your sister."

"Ours will arrive in two more days."

Xu Yuexin said to Chen Qiaoqiao.

"Should I stay home then?"

"No need, I won't go out these two days; I'll be at home."

Xu Yuexin said to his daughter‑in‑law.

Two days later, the Air Conditioning was delivered.

Xu Yuexin finally could sit at home, leisurely enjoying the cool breeze from his own side.

It's a pity the daughter‑in‑law is still at work; it would be better if she were home.

On a scorching day, cuddling my lover while using the Air Conditioning—what a wonderful thing.

Ding‑dong.

Just as Xu Yuexin squinted and leaned on the bed, the doorbell rang inside the house.

Considering the courtyard was huge, a knock from outside might not be heard inside, so Xu Yuexin had previously installed a doorbell on the main gate.

But he didn't know who was knocking.

After running the Air Conditioning for a while, Xu Yuexin felt a bit lazy.

He sluggishly got up and walked toward the outside, all the way to the front courtyard.

Who is it?

Xu Yuexin asked toward the outside.

I, Zhu Chen.

A familiar voice came from outside the door.

Xu Yuexin hurriedly opened the door.

He saw Zhu Chen wearing a white dress standing at the doorway, with a few beads of sweat on her forehead.

You're overheated, aren't you?

Xu Yuexin asked as he invited Zhu Chen inside.

I'm okay; I came by car.

Zhu Chen took out a handkerchief, wiped the fine sweat from her forehead, and said.

The front courtyard of Xu Yuexin's house has a water feature; she felt much better as soon as she entered.

Upon reaching the Guogong Mansion Main Hall, Zhu Chen saw the Zhongtang door tightly closed and felt a bit strange.

It's broad daylight; why close the door?

The Air Conditioning is on inside; if we close it, the cold will run out.

After Xu Yuexin finished speaking, he twisted open the Zhongtang main door, and before Zhu Chen could react, a blast of cold air blew out from inside.

You installed an Air Conditioning?

Zhu Chen quickly followed into the Zhongtang, asking curiously.

Yes, just installed it.

Xu Yuexin poured a glass of orange juice for Zhu Chen and said, "Do you want to install one as well?"

I'll pay you to have it installed.

Zhu Chen was startled.

Although she didn't know how much an Air Conditioning unit cost, she thought it must be very expensive.

No need, my electric fan works fine.

Zhu Chen quickly declined, then brought up the purpose of her visit, "By the way, I heard you're investing in a TV drama, is that true?"

Huh? How did you know that?

Xu Yuexin was baffled.

Besides mentioning it to those around him, he had never disclosed it to anyone.

Did the Daughter Kingdom King hear it with a keen ear?

I have a classmate at Beijing Film Academy; when you were selecting actors, it spread throughout their school.

Have you finished casting the actors now?

Zhu Chen tentatively asked Xu Yuexin.

Not yet, but the female actors have been decided.

Oh, I see.

Zhu Chen said with a hint of regret.

Zhu Chen has always harbored the idea of entering the entertainment industry.

She originally thought Xu Yuexin's investment in a film this time was an opportunity for herself.

What, you still want to be an actress?

Seeing Zhu Chen's thoughts, Xu Yuexin asked.

Yes…

Zhu Chen, her thoughts exposed, shyly nodded.

Being an actress isn't that easy.

You should continue studying medicine and aim for a doctorate.

Xu Yuexin said lightly.

Zhu Chen absentmindedly nodded, clearly still unable to let go.

Seeing this, Xu Yuexin didn't continue, just took a sip of orange water.

Zhu Chen also took a sip, and after setting down her cup, stared blankly ahead.

She was still thinking about becoming an actress.

After a good half hour, she, weighed down by thoughts, stood up and bid Xu Yuexin farewell.

Um, I have something back home; you can keep busy here for now.

Zhu Chen said, her tone tinged with unmistakable disappointment. In the past, Xu Yuexin had always obliged her.

Today she proactively made a request, but Xu Yuexin didn't agree, which was far from Zhu Chen's expectations.

What is it?

Xu Yuexin followed suit, stood up, and took hold of Zhu Chen's hand, saying:

"Go back and study."

Zhu Chen said gloomily.

"Oh, then you go ahead."

"…"

Zhu Chen looked at Xu Yuexin with a pleading gaze, hoping he would agree to let her enter the performing arts industry.

"Why are you staring at me? I have money on my face."

Xu Yuexin lifted Zhu Chen's hand and asked with a cheerful smile.

"Nothing…"

"I just… really want to be an actress."

"Then listen to me: finish your medical PhD first before becoming one."

Xu Yuexin coaxed Zhu Chen, saying:

But Zhu Chen didn't buy it.

"A PhD takes two or three years, you know."

"It's not urgent…"

Xu Yuexin lifted Zhu Chen's hand and said gently, "You graduated as a graduate student this year, right?"

"Yes, I just received my diploma and am preparing for the PhD exam."

"Good, prepare well."

"Who are you telling to be good…"

Zhu Chen said coquettishly, her face flushed.

Not bad, she's preparing for the PhD.

Seeing the Daughter Kingdom King's shy demeanor, Xu Yuexin felt very satisfied.

Although she has always harbored the idea of becoming an actress, she is indeed following her own plan, studying earnestly.

Being able to do that is already quite good.

After all, everyone is an adult and has their own thoughts and ideas.

"How's your PhD preparation going? Have you contacted an advisor?"

Xu Yuexin asked Zhu Chen with concern.

"Contact an advisor? No, my mind is all on the exam."

"You should contact one early, find a top scholar to follow, it will help you publish more papers."

These days, most people still don't understand how academia works at the PhD stage.

Even someone like Zhu Chen, who comes from an elite intellectual family, only knows to prepare for exams after graduating with a master's; the rest is completely beyond her recall.

"Mm… you're right."

Zhu Chen thought for a moment, found Xu Yuexin's words very reasonable, and nodded, saying:

"Click…"

"Rumble…"

During their conversation, a burst of thunder sounded outside the door.

Xu Yuexin looked up and saw that outside, clouds had gathered densely, and a torrential downpour was imminent.

"It's about to rain, I need to head home early."

Zhu Chen hurriedly replied.

"Let me see you home."

"Otherwise the rain will start halfway there."

Xu Yuexin said, then walked with Zhu Chen outside and got into a Mercedes.

"Your own car?"

After getting in, Zhu Chen said in surprise.

She didn't recognize the brand.

But she could clearly feel that Xu Yuexin's car was far better than most cars outside.

"Otherwise, it could be stolen."

Xu Yuexin smiled and drove, taking Zhu Chen away from Guogongfu.

On the way to Keyuan Community, the sky poured down a torrential rain.

Xu Yuexin kept driving Zhu Chen to the base of her building before turning the car around.

Pedestrians on the roadside had already opened umbrellas or were seeking shelter.

Xu Yuexin stayed as close to the center of the road as possible, to avoid splashing standing water onto pedestrians when driving close to the curb.

Just as Xu Yuexin was about to return home, he saw a young woman running helplessly in the rain, futilely placing her Shoulder Bag on her head to shield herself from the rain.

Seeing the poor girl, Xu Yuexin rolled down the car window.

"Comrade, where are you headed?"

"Do you need a ride?"

The words just left his mouth when Xu Yuexin froze.

Because he realized the girl was none other than Gong Ruxue.

Gong Ruxue, also in the rain, saw Xu Yuexin's face clearly, quickly ran to the other side of the car, opened the door, and got in.

Xu Yuexin quickly turned back, grabbed a towel from the back seat, and handed it to her: "I didn't recognize you earlier."

Gong Ruxue took the towel and wiped the droplets from her face and neck.

"I didn't expect to run into you here either."

While wiping, Gong Ruxue said, "Don't you live near Keyuan?"

"That's old news; I bought an apartment here and moved in early."

"Ah? You bought an apartment yourself? Congratulations."

By then, Gong Ruxue had already deftly dried herself, put down the towel, and said.

"Hmm, are you still in the Cultural Troupe?"

"I'm still there, but I'm planning to take a leave of absence and strike out on my own."

"I left home today intending to go to the troupe, but I missed the bus and it started pouring."

"Oh, come over to my place first."

Xu Yuexin said, then pressed the accelerator.

Summer rain comes quickly and goes even faster.

By the time he returned to Guogongfu, the rain had already stopped and the sky cleared.

Gong Ruxue looked at the massive Guogongfu and sighed.

"Your place is huge; it must have cost a lot, right?"

"It cost over 400,000, and it's 1,800 square meters."

Xu Yuexin never shied away from flaunting his wealth in front of a woman; with a slight smile he said, "Why don't you move in?"

"Stop it."

Gong Ruxue's face flushed slightly from his teasing, and she quickly replied.

Having not seen him for a long time, she could clearly tell from his living conditions that Xu Yuexin's business had grown bigger.

"It's really unexpected."

He was a student, and while at school he became a millionaire.

Gong Ruxue sighed inwardly.

After returning to the Guogong Mansion Main Hall, Xu Yuexin invited Gong Ruxue to sit, then went to the bedroom wardrobe, fetched a brand‑new outfit that hadn't been worn, and placed it on the bed.

"Go change your clothes."

Xu Yuexin pointed to the bedroom bed and said, "Don't catch a chill."

"Then wait for me a moment."

Gong Ruxue finished speaking, stood up, entered the bedroom, and a short while later emerged wearing the brand‑new clothes.

"Looks like writing books really does make money."

After stepping out, Gong Ruxue exclaimed, "In just two years, you've bought a house this big."

"Writing books is only one side."

"Oh? What's the other side?"

"Your guess."

Xu Yuexin lifted the corner of his mouth slightly and said, without answering her.

Maintaining a modest mystery in front of a woman never does any harm.

"I can't guess."

Gong Ruxue laughed, shook her head, and said, "So the car was also bought by you yourself?"

"It must have cost quite a bit, too."

Since Xu Yuexin didn't say, out of respect she shouldn't press further.

"Yes, 100,000 US dollars."

"That much money?"

Gong Ruxue inhaled sharply, exclaiming.

She was surprised both because the car was indeed expensive and because Xu Yuexin paid with Foreign Exchange.

Gong Ruxue could not imagine what kind of business could earn that much Foreign Exchange.

"Mainly because it's comfortable to sit in, I just bought it."

"Why don't you stop going to Hu Hai to shoot movies."

"Stay in Jingcheng, I'll support you."

Xu Yuexin said very seriously and with great dominance.

Gong Ruxue was startled.

Letting Xu Yuexin support her? That was a proposal she had never considered.

But now, after seeing Xu Yuexin's strength…

This option does seem rather tempting.

(End of Chapter)