Chapter 283 - 193: Introducing a Partner to Lu Fan? Lu Fan’s Furious Retort

Chapter 283: Chapter 193: Introducing a Partner to Lu Fan? Lu Fan’s Furious Retort

Although He Lingyi had fully expressed her affection for Jiang Sifan that Saturday, thankfully, the two of them hadn’t done anything to cross the line.

Even though that girl, He Lingyi, repeatedly insisted she was already an adult and could do anything that was legal.

Jiang Sifan still held to his principles. He didn’t directly reject He Lingyi, but he didn’t accept her feelings either.

But back in his dorm, when he recalled He Lingyi leaning against him, the scent of a young woman’s fragrance still made his blood run hot.

At the end of the day, he was just a college freshman in the prime of his youth.

How could he possibly resist such a temptation?

Jiang Sifan knew He Lingyi’s college entrance exams were less than half a year away. At such a critical time, he couldn’t make any drastic moves, even if she had feelings for him.

Everything would have to wait until after her exams.

Besides, who knew if she’d even still like him after the exams? She might move on to someone else.

After going through one breakup, Jiang Sifan had a much more pragmatic view of things now.

No relationship was eternal.

The only thing he could truly rely on was cold, hard cash in his pocket.

Still, a thought occurred to him.

What if He Lingyi did still like him after her exams? Should he say yes?

Jiang Sifan did have positive feelings for He Lingyi.

But he also felt a degree of affection for Wen Wan because of how she cared for him.

’I’ll deal with it when the time comes.’ Jiang Sifan didn’t want to overthink it. When the time came, he would just like whoever liked him.

...

「The next morning」 Lu Fan drove to Qingshan Village again.

This time, he didn’t bring anything. He simply wanted to check on the old couple.

Just as his car entered the village, he saw a group of people gathered in front of the small shop, where several old women were cracking sunflower seeds and chatting.

Lu Fan slowed down, nodded at them, and continued driving into the village.

After he passed, the old women started gossiping.

"Hey, isn’t that the Jiang family’s Xiaolu? He’s here again?"

"That’s him all right. He’s been running over to the Jiang family’s place every day. I wonder what he’s after."

"What’s he after? Their daughter, of course! Haven’t you seen the Jiang family’s daughter? Sure, she’s divorced with two kids, but she’s a real beauty."

"Oh, come on. Xiaolu is obviously a city fellow, educated and all. Would he really be interested in someone in the Jiang family’s situation?"

"You never know. I’ve seen how well this Xiaolu treats the old Jiang couple. He brings them groceries, delivers medicine, and even helps out in the fields. He’s more devoted than their own son."

"If you ask me, the Jiang family really hit the jackpot this time..."

Lu Fan, of course, couldn’t hear their discussion. He parked in front of the Jiang Family’s home, got out, and grabbed a small bag.

Pan Lanfang was sweeping the courtyard when she saw him arrive. Her face immediately blossomed into a wide smile. "Xiaolu, you’re here? Come in, come in!"

Lu Fan walked into the courtyard and handed her the bag. "Auntie, I brought some pastries from the county seat for you and Uncle to try."

Pan Lanfang took the bag, saying, "You shouldn’t have spent your money on us again," but the delight in her eyes was impossible to hide.

She pulled Lu Fan inside, bustling about happily as she served him tea and poured him water.

"Where’s Uncle?" Lu Fan asked.

"He went to the village entrance to play chess with some people," Pan Lanfang replied. "He’ll be back soon. Have a seat, I’ll go get him."

Lu Fan quickly waved his hands. "No, no, please don’t. Let Uncle enjoy his game. I’m happy just to chat with you for a bit."

Pan Lanfang smiled and sat down, her eyes constantly darting toward Lu Fan, looking more and more pleased with him.

As the two were chatting about daily life, footsteps suddenly approached the courtyard gate, followed by a middle-aged woman’s voice. "Sister-in-law Jiang, are you home?"

Pan Lanfang looked up, and the smile on her face faded slightly.

The visitor was Aunt Wang, the village’s infamous gossip who loved to talk about everyone’s business.

"Aunt Wang, you’re here. Is something the matter?" Pan Lanfang asked tentatively, standing up.

Aunt Wang chuckled as she walked into the courtyard, her eyes fixed on Lu Fan.

She wore a floral blouse, and her hair was combed back so slickly it shone. It was clear she had dressed up for the occasion.

"Oh, so this must be the Xiaolu who works for the county government, right?" Aunt Wang sized up Lu Fan, her eyes narrowing into slits as she smiled. "So young and promising. And so handsome, too."

Lu Fan stood up and nodded politely. "Hello, Aunt Wang."

Aunt Wang looked him up and down, growing more pleased by the second. Suddenly, she asked, "Young man, how old are you?"

Lu Fan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "I’m forty."

Aunt Wang’s eyes lit up, and she said with some surprise, "Forty? You don’t look it! I would have thought you were not even thirty."

"That’s perfect! My daughter is twenty-four, a college graduate, and works as a teacher in the county. She’s not seeing anyone. Look at you two—you’re a great match, in terms of both age and looks!"

The moment she said this, the expression on Pan Lanfang’s face changed.

Lu Fan was also stunned for a moment. He quickly recovered and smiled politely. "Aunt Wang, thank you for your kind intentions, but I’m not really thinking about that right now."

The smile on Aunt Wang’s face stiffened, but she quickly plastered it back on. "Not thinking about it? Young man, don’t tell me you think my daughter is too young. Twenty-four is the perfect age! She’s pretty, has a stable job... Why don’t you two just meet? You might hit it off!"

Lu Fan shook his head. His tone was still polite but firm. "Aunt Wang, really, there’s no need. I’m fine on my own right now and not looking for a relationship."

Aunt Wang’s expression turned a little sour.

She gave an awkward laugh, then suddenly changed her tune, speaking in a passive-aggressive tone. "Oh, I get it. You’ve set your sights on the Jiang family, haven’t you?"

She glanced at Pan Lanfang and said with a smirk, "Sister-in-law Jiang, your family sure is lucky. But Xiaolu, there’s something I have to remind you of. The Jiang family’s daughter isn’t bad, but she is divorced, and with two kids, after all. Don’t let yourself be kept in the dark."