Chapter 793 - 793: Showing Off Wealth

Nie Longjiao and Nie Shouping were both quite resentful of Nie Lan's high-profile behavior, but they felt powerless to change it.

Xiao Feng didn't find it strange, as Nie Longjiao had briefed him on the family situation before they came.

Nie Shouping was a live-in son-in-law, and people in that position seldom spoke with confidence. Even though his father-in-law and mother-in-law had been deceased for many years, he still appeared somewhat meek.

Nie Longjiao was even more helpless; as a daughter, what could she really do if she was dissatisfied?

"Xiao Feng, this is our home," Nie Lan pointed to a nearby one-story house.

Nie Shouping, who had been silent all along, spoke up at this moment: "We're also planning to build a house, but we need to tear everything down first and rebuild the foundation, so we'll have to rent a place to live first."

Xiao Feng nodded with a smile, understanding the motivation behind his statement.

It was nothing more than a fear that he might look down on them, or look down on Nie Longjiao.

"Jiaojiao, why don't you take Xiao Feng inside for a cup of tea? I'll discuss with your father what to have for dinner," Nie Lan said with a smile.

"Alright," Nie Longjiao nodded in agreement.

The two walked side by side towards the house, faintly hearing what seemed to be a quarrel between Nie Lan and Nie Shouping from behind.

"Why did you just say all those useless things?"

"How was it useless? I wanted that kid to understand that while he's indeed rich, my daughter won't starve even if she leaves him!"

"Just don't cause any trouble at the dinner table later. If you scare the son-in-law away, you won't be allowed back in the house!"

"Are you still trying to scare me with that strategy?

I'm telling you, it's pointless!

This is a matter concerning our daughter's lifelong happiness. If that kid isn't good to her, even if he's the richest man in the world, he won't be bringing my daughter into his home."

"I'm her biological mother; would I harm her? In any case, listen to me on this matter, and just go along with what I say."

Listening to their quiet argument, Nie Longjiao felt deeply moved and said to Xiao Feng, "I feel a little guilty deceiving them like this."

Xiao Feng didn't reply, merely observing the surroundings with interest.

Nie Longjiao's house faced north to south. The yard wasn't small; it was much bigger than the yard of his own villa.

Below the western wall was a plot of land with cabbages planted, and the toilet was at the corner of the wall.

An area about two meters wide led straight to the house, covered with gravel that was both aesthetically pleasing and prevented muddy footprints when it rained.

Beneath the eastern wall was a small kitchen, beside it swung a swing that seemed quite old, with the wood already faded from exposure to sun and rain.

"Dad made that for me when I was little," Nie Longjiao said, with a nostalgic look in her eyes. "I remember he was right behind me, pushing me really high every time. If my mom saw, she'd scold us both."

"Actually, I've always wanted to ask a question," Xiao Feng suddenly said.

Nie Longjiao nodded, "Go ahead, I won't hold back if it's something I can answer."

"Why do you live frugally to maintain the operation of the welfare home? What's your reason?" Xiao Feng smiled and said, "Surely it isn't just about doing good deeds without asking for anything in return?"

Nie Longjiao was silent for a long while, took a deep breath, and then exhaled slowly, saying, "Initially, it was to atone for sins..."

However, just as she started, the door was pushed open and Nie Lan and Nie Shouping walked in.

"Damn!" Xiao Feng couldn't help but curse inwardly; these two had come in at just the right moment.

"I told you to take Xiao Feng inside for tea. Why are you still standing around like fools in the yard!" Nie Lan called out to Nie Longjiao, displeased.

Xiao Feng smiled, saying, "It's alright, Auntie, I'm not thirsty."

Nie Lan quickly switched back to a cheerful face, her enthusiasm undiminished, "You and Jiaojiao go inside. I'll prepare things in the kitchen; we'll eat in an hour."

"Where's Dad?" Nie Longjiao asked curiously.

"Your dad went to buy wine, said he wants to test the son-in-law with alcohol. With the amount he can't handle, I really don't know where his confidence comes from," Nie Lan couldn't help but grumble.

Then, she looked at Xiao Feng, "By the way, can you drink, Xiao Feng?"

"I can drink a little," Xiao Feng replied modestly.

Nie Lan thought for a moment before issuing a "warning," "Xiao Feng, Jiaojiao's dad has this habit. When he drinks too much, he tends to talk nonsense. If he says anything unpleasant, don't take it to heart."

Xiao Feng smiled and nodded, "Don't worry."

Nie Longjiao initially wanted to go to the kitchen to lend a hand but was abruptly ushered out by Nie Lan.

With no other choice, the two had to go inside together.

The entrance was into the living room, with one wall filled with certificates of merit.

Xiao Feng glanced over them briefly; they spanned nearly fifteen years, starting from kindergarten to high school.

"How much did you spend buying these certificates?" Xiao Feng joked.

Nie Longjiao was immediately displeased, "Who said they were bought? Didn't you see the official seals below?"

"Even the seals were forged, quite costly," Xiao Feng tutted, insisting that Nie Longjiao's certificates were fake.

"Think whatever you want," Nie Longjiao decided not to argue anymore.

There's a saying, "You can never wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep," and she now deeply understood how true that was.

...

Dinner was very sumptuous.

Braised fish, marinated duck, stewed chicken, braised pork knuckle, fermented bean curd pork, accompanied by four vegetarian dishes and a bowl of soup.

Including a mix of meat and vegetables, there were a total of ten dishes, filling the table, quite abundant.

Once everyone was seated, Nie Lan began some small talk before asking, "Xiao Feng, tell Auntie, what are your future plans?"

The implication being: when do you plan to marry my daughter?

Xiao Feng opened his mouth but before he could speak, there was a "snap" sound.

Nie Lan glared at Nie Longjiao, sternly saying, "You're all grown up, yet you still can't hold chopsticks properly. Same issue as when you were little; it's all because your dad spoiled you!"

Nie Longjiao didn't voice any opposition, using the opportunity to bend down and pick up her chopsticks. She lightly tapped Xiao Feng's leg, whispering, "Don't forget what I told you; act a bit more generous."

Xiao Feng remained unfazed, covertly signaling an "OK" gesture with his right hand under the table, indicating he understood.

"Where were we?" Nie Lan asked as she glared at Nie Longjiao.

Xiao Feng reminded, "You asked me what my future plans were."

"Oh right, what are your plans?" Nie Lan asked warmly.

Xiao Feng paused thoughtfully and said, "My plans are simple: first, I'll buy a house for the two of you in the city center, then a car, and hire a housekeeper.

You can take walks in the neighborhood, play mahjong, or dance whenever you like."

"Buying a house, a car, hiring a housekeeper?!" Nie Lan suddenly felt a dizziness that made her wonder if she was still dreaming.

Even Nie Shouping, who was opening wine, was visibly startled by these words, his hand trembling, nearly dropping the bottle.

But the most shocked was Nie Longjiao.

She looked at Xiao Feng in disbelief, feeling an urge to drag this guy outside and give him a thrashing.

I told you to act a bit more generous.

Is this your way of acting generous?