Chapter 268 - 141: An Embarrassing Mission

Chapter 268: Chapter 141: An Embarrassing Mission

Xiao Wanqing: "Mom~"

The couple knew that once Su Ran flashed his "Young Master Su" identity, plenty of people would be eager to play along. Mr. Xiao didn’t think it was necessary, but since Su Ran had done it to help him find more students, he was quite touched.

Su Ran felt it was only right. ’Her daughter has done so much for me,’ he thought. It was only natural for him to help where he could. It was no big deal. In the end, as long as he taught the students well, everything would be fine.

Xiao Wanqing: "Mom, this is the gift Su Ran bought for you."

Mrs. Xiao: "What kind of wood is this? It smells quite nice."

"Let me see." Mr. Xiao took off his headphones, picked up the piece of ’scrap wood,’ and gave it a sniff. His knees nearly buckled. "Damn, Su Ran really is devoted to his mother-in-law!"

Xiao Wanqing giggled.

Mrs. Xiao, still exuding a mature charm, smiled. "Of course. Why else do you think I let Wanqing stay out all night? It’s because that boy is so sensible. Now, cut the chatter. What is this piece of scrap wood?"

Mr. Xiao said, "This is Agarwood! I just hefted it; it must be seven or eight pounds. Su Ran really spared no expense. Where did he even get this?"

Xiao Wanqing explained, "When Su Ran was over a couple of days ago, he heard Mom complaining about not sleeping well and being irritable. So, he had a piece sawn off a log at his home and shipped over via SF Express for her. He said Agarwood has a calming and tranquilizing effect that would be very good for Mom. Plus, if you use the powder to rub your hands, it’s supposed to make your skin fairer."

Mr. Xiao got the picture. This wood was meant to help with Mrs. Xiao’s menopause.

Mrs. Xiao asked, "Is this wood very valuable?"

Mr. Xiao: "Of course it is! Agarwood of this Grade costs thousands, if not tens of thousands, per gram, at the very least."

Mrs. Xiao exclaimed, "That expensive? Have prices for Agarwood really been inflated that much?"

Mr. Xiao replied, "Whether the price is inflated or not is irrelevant. He gave it to you as a heartfelt gesture. That’s what matters."

Mr. Xiao had a point. This wasn’t some "idiot tax." Regardless of whether the price was artificially inflated, it was high *now*. This was a toy for the rich, something ordinary people couldn’t afford. If, by some chance, the price crashed and it became accessible to the masses, the rich would have already moved on to something else. That was the difference.

"In that case, I’ll go light a piece and try it."

"Wait, wait, wait! You don’t just light it directly. You have to carefully shave off a little bit with a knife and put it in a proper censer. Hold on, I’ll go downstairs and buy one. Don’t touch it! Wait for me to get back."

"Heh, look at you. It wasn’t even a gift for you, and you’re more excited than I am."

When it came to making his future mother-in-law happy, Su Ran had it down to a science. After all, once this piece was used up, all they had to do was tell him, and he would just saw off another chunk and send it over.

Use the most expensive.

Play with the best.

The Agarwood Su Ran used was, of course, premium Grade.

He usually lit some Agarwood every day while doing his homework in the study. He found it helped him make fewer mistakes, and his grades improved as a result.

And so, Mr. and Mrs. Xiao were both delighted with their gifts that evening. They praised Su Ran endlessly, and Xiao Wanqing relayed all the amusing details to him over WeChat.

...

「Meanwhile.」

Maoyue Grand Hotel.

When Su Ran received Xiao Wanqing’s messages, he breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried her parents wouldn’t like his gifts.

Of course, Su Ran had sent the gifts for two reasons: first, he was dating Xiao Wanqing, and second, her parents had been very kind to him, even letting him stay the night. It was only natural to show his appreciation.

’It’s just how things are done.’

After a long day out, Su Ran returned to his hotel room, ready to sleep. Just then, his phone rang...

Shen Qingning.

Classmate Shen had left early for winter break. As class president, Su Ran had called to check on her once, but he hadn’t heard from her since. He had no idea what exactly had happened, but based on his own past experiences, he could make a good guess. ’When you’re poor, nothing ever goes right. Just when you think you see a glimmer of hope, reality clubs you over the head and drags you back to your miserable existence.’

He answered the call.

"Hey, Qingning. Is something wrong?"

"Class President... help me."

...

「Chengdu.」

The cold wind whistled through the streets of Taikoo Li. Amid the influencers, trust-fund kids, tourists, luxury cars, and designer boutiques, a lone figure squatted by the roadside. On a small, folding laptop table before her, an assortment of small, woolen cartoon dolls was neatly arranged.

"This little pig is 80 yuan. It’s very cute; it took me two days to knit. You could hang it from your car keys. Miss, if you like it, I can give you a discount. 50, and it’s yours."

Shen Qingning had knitted every single one, working day and night.

The plainly dressed young woman stood her ground in the biting wind. Some people bought her wares; some didn’t. Some found them charming; others thought they were trash. When the city enforcement officers shooed her away, she would simply pack up and move, always choosing crowded areas over spots that offered shelter from the wind. She wasn’t afraid of the cold, because what she needed right now was money. It might only be a drop in the bucket compared to what she owed, but this was the only way she knew.

Occasionally, a few thugs would come by to harass her, and she would move again, finding a spot near a security guard. Seeing a girl his own daughter’s age braving the elements to sell trinkets, the guard’s heart went out to her. He made a point to watch over the poor young woman. After all, who would choose such a life unless they had no other choice?

Shen Qingning squatted on the ground, watching the other young women her age walk by. She felt no envy; she simply didn’t have time for it.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

A call came in. Shen Qingning answered, spoke a few words, then hung up, her hand trembling. Choking back a sob, she turned to the security guard. "Uncle, can I leave my things with you for a moment?"

"No problem. Go on."

"Thank you."

Shen Qingning gave a deep bow, then turned and ran off into the cold wind. The guard sighed, gathered her belongings, and stored them safely inside his booth.