Chapter 18: Even If You Call Him Dad, It Won't Work

"Here's your change, please take it!"

"Auntie, the data cable and Bluetooth earphones are free gifts—they're all in the storage bag."

"Chen Yansen, the MP4s are sold out again—hurry up and bring another box!"

With her straightforward personality, Meng Jie quickly got into the groove; seeing the box nearly empty, she shouted loudly at Chen Yansen.

She had no idea that her tomboy image made ordinary boys see her as just a buddy.

"Boss, you're awesome!"

Wang Zihao grinned broadly and praised her without restraint.

"Make way! Last box—first come, first served!"

Chen Yansen carried a box of MP4s and gently dumped it onto the table, all while shouting out to attract attention.

The foot traffic at Anfeng Market was astonishing—nearly twice that of Zhongqiao.

Even though they’d packed their trunk to the brim before setting out, they still sold all 400 MP3s and 200 MP4s in just over three hours.

"Shall I go with Coach Huang for another run?"

Wang Zihao shook the empty box and volunteered the suggestion.

"No way—round trip takes two hours, it’s almost twelve already; by the time you get back, the market will be empty."

Chen Yansen checked the time and shook his head in refusal.

In his peripheral vision, Meng Jie’s short-sleeved shirt was soaked through with sweat, the pale green straps underneath barely visible.

Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, glistening under the sunlight.

"The car has air conditioning—go rest. I’ll finish up with Haozi."

Chen Yansen pointed to the Bluebird parked nearby and urged her gently.

"No need! We’ll finish together."

Meng Jie waved her hand, showing not a hint of softness.

"You’re about to be exposed—there’s a shirt of mine in the backseat, put it on."

Chen Yansen whispered a reminder.

He was a head taller than her; following his gaze, one could clearly see a faintly raised contour.

"Asshole, why didn’t you say anything sooner?"

Meng Jie instinctively looked down and realized sweat had trailed down her neck, soaking a patch of her chest.

"Because I hadn’t had my fill yet."

Chen Yansen chuckled, answering with startling honesty.

In truth, others could only make out a vague outline—he was close enough, and had deliberately lingered, to catch a glimpse of that pale skin.

"You!"

Meng Jie pointed at Chen Yansen’s nose, her chest heaving with rage, speechless—his brazenness had clearly surpassed her tolerance.

With a loud "thud"!

Meng Jie obediently slipped into the backseat of the Bluebird.

"Master Huang, recommend a good grill spot—I’ll treat you to lunch."

Chen Yansen raised his hand and waved at Huang Boxiang, his tone generous.

"There’s a little place called Sihai Kitchen in the town center—it’s been open for over twenty years. The shop’s small, but the taste rivals any big restaurant."

Huang Boxiang scratched his head, his eyes flickering, then spoke up suddenly.

The corners of his mouth couldn’t be suppressed—he’d rented his car to Chen Yansen for a day, but they only worked half a day, got fuel reimbursed, and now got a free lunch.

The only downside was that Chen Yansen had rented it for only ten days.

"Alright, then it’s Sihai Kitchen."

Chen Yansen called Wang Zihao to help; they swiftly packed up the table and supplies. Huang Boxiang naturally didn’t sit idle—he neatly stacked their packed items into the trunk.

Ten minutes later.

The group entered Sihai Kitchen. The interior was indeed small, barely fitting six tables—typical of a husband-and-wife operation, one cooking, the other taking payments.

"Come in, please sit! What would you like to eat? We serve stir-fried rice and dishes!"

Before Chen Yansen and the others could find seats, a plump, smiling owner greeted them warmly.

"Cold beef salad, three-flavor soup, salted goose..."

Chen Yansen glanced at the simple menu on the wall and randomly ordered a few dishes, mostly cold appetizers and soups.

The weather was hot; hot pots and stews looked unappetizing.

"No wonder none of you agreed to hang out—I get it, you were busy making money!"

Meng Jie lifted her cup, drained it in one gulp, and sighed deeply.

"Of course—when you can make..."

Wang Zihao cut himself off mid-sentence, realizing Huang Boxiang was present.

"Ah, we don’t make much."

Chen Yansen followed along, then turned to Meng Jie and said seriously: "You look really cool in that shirt."

The loose, oversized white shirt hung on her, the hem tucked into her jeans—effortlessly cool and alluring.

"Pfft—"

"It reeks of your sweat!"

Meng Jie tightened her collar, speaking against her true feelings.

Earlier in the car, she’d secretly sniffed Chen Yansen’s shirt when no one was looking, expecting a foul odor—but instead, it carried a faint, clean soap scent.

Chen Yansen smiled, too lazy to argue, and picked up his cup to drink water.

…

…

"Director Meng, I just saw your daughter."

At Anfeng Town Agricultural and Livestock Bank, Meng Zhenguo heard his colleague and smiled faintly: "She insisted on coming to keep me company today—see? A daughter really is the best."

"Huh, it’s already half past twelve—why hasn’t Hehua returned? I’ll call her."

Meng Zhenguo pulled out his phone to dial.

"Director Meng, she seems to be selling things at the market entrance, with two big boys beside her—oh, and a middle-aged man too."

The colleague hesitated, then after a moment’s thought, chose to speak plainly.

"Are you sure?"

Meng Zhenguo shot to his feet, immediately pressing.

"I’ve watched your daughter grow up—I’m absolutely certain."

The colleague’s certainty shattered Meng Zhenguo’s last hope.

Two big boys?

How big?

Meng Zhenguo suddenly felt as if his home had been invaded—his heart hollowed out. Didn’t his daughter say she was going to see lotus flowers with classmates?

Had she started dating?

Thinking of it, he rushed out the door and began searching the streets.

Just as he reached the town center, he saw his daughter wearing a man’s shirt, laughing and chatting with two boys as they approached.

One was dark-skinned and bulky, unimpressive in appearance.

The other was tall and handsome, wearing a white shirt, smirking with a carefree grin—clearly not a good sort.

"Dad!"

Meng Jie looked up and saw the familiar figure—her expression froze, rooted to the spot.

"Even if you call him Dad, it won’t work."

Chen Yansen, head down, assumed she was speaking to him and teased.

"Xiao Jie, are these two your classmates?"

Meng Zhenguo’s face darkened—he’d guessed right. This kid was trouble. After a few seconds of deliberation, he asked.

"Dad, they’re both my high school classmates—we’re in the same class."

"This is Wang Zihao. This one is Chen Yansen."

Meng Jie lowered her head, stammering in nervous explanation.

"Hello, Uncle Meng!" Wang Zihao greeted warmly, oblivious to the tension.

"Uncle Meng, have you eaten?"

Chen Yansen also smiled and asked.

He squinted, smiling at the man, keenly sensing a hint of hostility.

He understood: men like Meng Zhenguo—the local patriarchs—spent their lives striving to lift the next generation, elevating their family’s status.

Meng Jie was an only child; all of the Meng family’s resources and connections would pass to her. Dating was fine—but only after passing through Meng Zhenguo’s scrutiny.

"Chen, could we have a word?"

Meng Zhenguo spoke softly, staring fixedly at Chen Yansen—his tone sounded like a request, but his expression was grave.

Old Masters, please follow~(_)





(End of chapter)