Chapter 579 - 370: I’ve Found a Good Family for You

"They say I’m done with my studies, my job is stable, and it’s time to think about getting married and having kids. Was I born with a mission I was supposed to complete?"

Listening to Yu Minlan’s rambling complaints, Xue Rui was reminded of his own unpleasant memories of being forced on blind dates, and he suddenly felt quite sympathetic toward her.

He glanced at the time. ’It’s at least a three-hour drive from Hedong to Chang’an,’ he thought. ’Yu Minlan must have gotten up and left before dawn; she really did run away from home.’

Yu Minlan was basically his lackey. It’s just that this particular lackey occasionally failed to read the room and would inexplicably side with Lin Ruoxi.

’And the current situation? He was living with Lin Ruoxi and Gu Muxue. Gu Muxue had pretty much stopped ordering Yang Xing around, afraid her family would find something out. To put it bluntly, she was covering for him.’

’Yu Minlan knew the truth, and he had leverage on her, making her even easier to control.’

’The young lady doesn’t have a driver’s license. I have to find a trustworthy driver for her. She can’t always be taking taxis when she goes out; it’s just too unsafe.’

So, Xue Rui said with a smile, "Xiaoyu, it’s all my fault. After all, if it weren’t for me, you’d probably still be busy with work right now, and you wouldn’t be getting pressured to get married..."

"Er..." Yu Minlan felt he had a point, but hearing Xue Rui apologize to her made her hair stand on end. She had a bad feeling he wasn’t about to say anything good.

Xue Rui continued, "A predictable life is pretty boring. I’ve gotten in the way of a young person’s chance to go out and make their way in the world. Don’t you worry, I’ll find some time and deposit my money in another bank."

On the other end of the line, Yu Minlan was stunned. ’Was that what I meant?’

Lin Ruoxi’s eyes went wide. ’I don’t think that’s what Sister Yu meant.’

’But if Xue Rui says it, it must be true. Xue Rui wouldn’t bully anyone,’ she thought, and then chimed in, "Um, should I move the money under my name, too?"

"Boss~ What I meant was, could you talk to my parents? Right now, your status in my family is comparable to the Supreme Emperor. A word from you is more effective than from anyone else."

Yu Minlan’s voice was obsequious; she was pinching her vocal cords as she spoke. Only in this moment did she realize she had made a deal with the "devil."

A massive deposit had fallen from the sky, and she had made a fortune from the commission and benefits alone. While it might not have been financial freedom, she had surpassed ninety-nine percent of her peers right after graduation. And she had been diligently and responsibly handling all of Xue Rui’s banking affairs.

But if Xue Rui were to withdraw his funds... her status at the bank would plummet. She’d go from being a favored imperial consort to a lowly maidservant in an instant.

At that moment, Yu Minlan suddenly felt a wave of sorrow for herself. Her fate was in the tight grip of a large, invisible hand, and all she could do was obey meekly...

"Cut the crap. I sent you the address, so get over here." Xue Rui cringed, getting goosebumps from her tone.

"You got it! On my way!"

...

With a loud SNAP, Gu Muxue slammed her chopsticks on the table, glaring daggers at Xue Rui.

"Muxue, don’t be mad. I really didn’t mean to call you by the wrong name. I’ll do the dishes after dinner, okay?" Xue Rui hurriedly placed some scrambled eggs with tomato into Gu Muxue’s bowl.

’This kind of thing was likely to happen again. I need to get Gu Muxue used to it, lest she strangle me in my sleep one day.’

Lin Ruoxi meekly lowered her head. She had actually been secretly happy about it for a while.

The corners of Gu Muxue’s lips curved up slightly. "I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about you having such an obedient girl at your beck and call. You must be pretty pleased with yourself, huh?"

"Not at all, absolutely not," Xue Rui flatly denied. He scooted closer to Gu Muxue and, mimicking Yu Minlan’s earlier tone, said with a fawning expression:

"My lady boss, this humble one has found you a driver. And she’s a finance major, too. She’ll be a great help to you."

Lin Ruoxi quickly added, "Yes, Sister Yu is a good friend of mine. She has an accounting certificate and was an honors graduate."

"Since Ruoxi has said as much..." The corners of Gu Muxue’s mouth lifted in a subtle, almost imperceptible smile. "Just this once."

Gu Muxue was actually very happy inside. Xue Rui was very concerned about her. During their trip a few days ago, he had even warned her not to take taxis, saying that with her looks, she could easily get into trouble.

"Should I get a driver’s license here in Chang’an?" Gu Muxue muttered to herself. Having a driver was nice, but she had once promised to take Xue Rui for a drive.

’Hmm, I could drive Lin Ruoxi around, too.’

Xue Rui waved his hand dismissively. "No rush. You can get it when you go home for winter break."

’There was too much red tape involved in getting a license out of town. With Old Gu’s influence, getting Gu Muxue a driver’s license would be no problem at all.’

...

After dinner, Xue Rui went to the kitchen to wash the dishes as usual.

Cooking itself wasn’t really the trouble; the most draining parts were washing and prepping the ingredients beforehand and the cleanup afterward.

But Xue Rui never washed the dishes alone. The two girls would take turns coming in to help.

Today, it was Lin Ruoxi who accompanied him.

Lin Ruoxi snuck a glance outside the kitchen, then stealthily closed the door. She whispered, "Rui, you should take a break. Muxue can’t see."

"No, Muxue will get angry if she finds out," Xue Rui refused.

’The little lass was always reluctant to let him do chores, while the young lady was more concerned with fairness. Although she might let things slide occasionally, a display of fairness on the surface was absolutely necessary.’

"Mmm, okay." Lin Ruoxi pouted, then quickened her pace, snatching the dishes from Xue Rui’s hands to wash them herself.

As he watched her, Xue Rui asked, "Xixi, do you like this kind of life?"

"As long as you’re happy," Lin Ruoxi answered without hesitation.

’It was a little different from what she had imagined, but Gu Muxue wasn’t competing with her for Xue Rui’s affection. She could still stick to his side all day... ’

"Of course I’m happy," Xue Rui said with a wry smile. ’As the biggest beneficiary, how could I not be? I’m surrounded by two beautiful young women.’