Chapter 242: Wang Xiaoling's Attitude

After seeing Lou Xiaoe off, Zhang Ping'an wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Wasn't this girl supposed to be quite conservative? Why was she acting like she'd taken the wrong medicine and coming on so aggressively today?

Zhang Ping'an figured it must be because Lou Bancheng's family upbringing was too strict and Lou Xiaoe had come into contact with too few men, which was why she had ideas about him, a married man. Of course, it was also possible that his own charm was just too great.

After returning home and finishing dinner, during the "sage time" following an in-depth exchange between Zhang Ping'an and Wang Xiaoling at nine in the evening, he told her about Lou Xiaoe confessing to him today.

"I was wondering how long that girl could hold it in; she confessed to you the moment she came of age."

"Huh?" Zhang Ping'an looked at his wife, completely bewildered.

"Brother Ping'an, you're the only one who doesn't know. Every time Xiao'e came over, her eyes were glued to you. Mother even told me about it."

"No, you guys..."

"Brother Ping'an, listen to me first. Someone thinking highly of you just shows how outstanding you are. At first, I also thought it was just because Xiao'e was young and didn't have any playmates."

"But as she grew up, I realized something was wrong. I'm afraid this girl has been deeply in love with you for a long time."

"No, how many times have we even met? We only saw each other two or three times when we were little, and after that, you were the ones playing."

"That's true, but you even performed magic tricks for her when you were little. I've never even seen you perform magic tricks."

"..."

"That was just because I was afraid the woman from the Xu family would get scolded, and I just happened to be passing by..."

"Brother Ping'an, actually, I don't object. Your physical fitness is too strong. Although I've also completed Body Refining, I still can't handle you. It would be quite good to have a younger sister to share the burden."

"I know Xiao'e well enough. Since she's willing to be a concubine, then you should just take her in."

"I see your skin is itching. Don't you want to see a magic trick? Fine, watch closely—I've got a big sausage."

"Ah! Mmph, mmph."

The next morning, Zhang Ping'an woke up feeling refreshed. The cortisol-lowering exercise from last night made the stretching after his workout this morning feel exceptionally comfortable.

"Ping'an, why hasn't Xiao Ling gotten up yet?"

Zhang Ping'an's family almost always got up early to exercise. Today, Wang Xiaoling was sleeping in, which was rare, hence why Dong Dani asked.

"Ahem, we talked too late last night and she's a bit tired. I'll call her when it's time to eat."

"By the way, Mother, I plan to let Weidong and Weijun start school in September," Zhang Ping'an said, quickly changing the subject.

"Hmm, they are seven now; it is indeed time for them to go to school. Then let Xile take them to and from school in September."

"Alright, Father, Mother, you go ahead and eat. I'm going to call Xiao Ling to get up for breakfast."

"Hmm."

Zhang Ping'an returned to the bedroom. Wang Xiaoling was still fast asleep. Thinking of last night's madness, Zhang Ping'an felt a bit embarrassed.

"Xiao Ling, get up and eat."

"Hmm? Mmph, what time is it?"

"It's almost eight. How about I ask for a leave of absence for you? You can sleep a little longer."

Seeing Wang Xiaoling still bleary-eyed, Zhang Ping'an felt both heartache and amusement, but her skin, which glowed white, made his eyes fixate on her.

"Hmm... okay." Wang Xiaoling fell back into a daze and went to sleep. Zhang Ping'an looked away and tucked the thin quilt around her.

"Why are you the only one here?"

"Ahem, Xiao Ling is too tired. I'll ask for a leave for her in a bit. Let's eat; she can eat when she wakes up," Zhang Ping'an said with an awkward expression.

"Fine, I'll leave her food in the pot."

"Alright."

Zhang Ping'an finished his meal and fled under his father's teasing gaze. It wasn't until he returned to the office that he picked up his book on basic antique knowledge again.

Meanwhile, at the Lou residence, Lou Xiaoe had also washed up and dressed early. She couldn't wait to know the answer today.

By the time she arrived at Zhang Ping'an's small courtyard, it was already past nine. Only Zhang Ping'an's mother and the five children were in the yard.

"Little Aunt!" X5

"Oh, Auntie, has Sister Xiao Ling gone to work?"

"No, she's a bit tired today and is still sleeping. She should be awake by now."

"Then, Auntie, I'll go check on Sister Xiao Ling."

"Hmm, go ahead."

Lou Xiaoe pushed open the bedroom door and saw Wang Xiaoling's cold, fair skin glowing in the sunlight, which left her stunned for a moment.

"Sister Xiao Ling's skin is actually this good? No wonder Brother-in-law likes her."

Seeming to sense someone had come in, Wang Xiaoling opened her sleepy eyes and saw Lou Xiaoe looking at her "lecherously."

"Xiao'e? Why are you here?"

"Ah? Oh right, I came to hang out with you."

Seeing the messy bed, Wang Xiaoling thought of the madness from last night, and a blush quietly crept across her face.

"Sister Xiao Ling, no wonder Brother-in-law likes you. You are just too beautiful."

Wang Xiaoling's pretty face was slightly flushed, and paired with the lazy expression of someone who had just woken up, even she, a woman, couldn't help but swallow hard.

"Xiao'e, what are you saying?"

"Hee hee, Sister Xiao Ling, you're already a mother of five children, how do you manage to keep your skin so good?" Lou Xiaoe said, reaching out to touch her.

"Go on, go on, what does a little girl like you know?" Wang Xiaoling swatted away her mischievous hand.

"I'm not little anymore, how would I not know?" Lou Xiaoe even puffed out her chest.

"Hmm, it is indeed starting to take shape."

"Sister Xiao Ling..."

Lou Xiaoe fidgeted for a long time but still couldn't bring herself to say "I like your man." Facing Wang Xiaoling, she really couldn't summon the courage.

After Wang Xiaoling finished washing up, Lou Xiaoe was still sitting on the sofa in the main room looking conflicted. Wang Xiaoling made small talk and didn't ask, just waiting for her to say it herself.

"Sister Xiao Ling, I heard from the older generation that a sister-in-law is half a buttock to her brother-in-law; did you know that?" Lou Xiaoe asked tentatively.

"Hmm, but fortunately I don't have a younger sister."

"No, how could you not? Aren't I one?"

"Hm? Hahaha, Xiao'e, I really can't hold it in anymore. Your brother-in-law told me last night that you confessed to him in the office, and today you've come to test my attitude."

"……"

"Do you really think I don't know that you've been running over here to play with me every day just to get a few more looks at your brother-in-law?"

"Sister Xiao Ling, I..."

"Alright Xiao'e, although I haven't opposed it, you know the policies; they simply won't allow it. Even if you were willing to be a concubine, it wouldn't work. Have you thought about how to get past your parents? Would they allow it?"

"Sigh, Xiao'e, whether it's the policies or your parents, neither would allow it. Besides, you're still young and have met too few men. Once you see other outstanding men, you might just fall for someone else."

"Sister Xiao Ling, I won't. I only like my brother-in-law; I haven't met anyone more outstanding than him."

"……"

"How about this then: if you can convince your parents within two years, I wouldn't mind having another sister."

"Okay, my mom and dad definitely won't object."

Wang Xiaoling helplessly covered her forehead. This girl really thinks it's still the previous dynasty; even in the previous dynasty, her father probably wouldn't have allowed her to marry a poor boy.

Yes, Zhang Ping'an's visible family assets were no more than ten thousand yuan, while Lou Bancheng had tens of millions; in front of Lou Bancheng, Zhang Ping'an was indeed a poor boy.

After leaving Zhang Ping'an's small courtyard, Lou Xiaoe no longer had her previous confidence, and her little face was as wrinkled as a bitter melon.

She had thought about it too simply before, believing that Wang Xiaoling was the biggest obstacle to her seducing her brother-in-law, but now she saw that it was her parents.

Lou Xiaoe knew her father's personality too well; for ordinary things, a little acting spoiled could get things done, but if she wanted to be someone's concubine, Lou Bancheng would definitely not agree.