Power and Wealth
Chapter 1899 – Old Fang Wants to Find a Boyfriend?
Upstairs.
Before he could knock, the door opened.
Fang Shuiling politely greeted Dong Xuebing, holding the door for him. “Brother Dong, how did it go?”
“I’ve already said I don’t know anything else,” Dong Xuebing said as he entered the room.
As soon as the door closed, Fang Shuiling hurriedly spoke, “What did you say to him? He’s a tough one; he doesn’t listen to normal talk. You need to speak firmly. Otherwise, he’ll come back to find me again.”
Dong Xuebing smiled, “I told him firmly not to bother you anymore and that you’re one of our family members now. If I see him pestering you again, I’ll hit him on the spot. That should be firm enough, right? If he’s smart, he should be gone by now. Xiao Ling, open the window and take a look.”
Fang Shuiling nodded and walked over to the window. She peered down, and sure enough, she couldn’t see anyone anymore. She couldn’t help but smile, “Brother Dong, you’re amazing! I’ve tried so many times, and it didn’t work. Even when I asked someone to speak to him, nothing happened. You just said a word and scared him off. Thank you, Brother Dong.”
Dong Xuebing felt pleased, “Of course. When I take action, everything’s settled.”
“Stop it,” Fang Wenping said, sounding annoyed. She glanced at him, “Who did you just say is one of your family?”
Dong Xuebing answered naturally, “Xiao Ling, of course. Isn’t she dating our Xiao Ran?”
Fang Wenping coldly replied, “Dating doesn’t mean she’s part of your family. I never agreed to that.”
Dong Xuebing gave her a side glance, “It’s their matter. Why are you so concerned? What era is this?”
Fang Wenping said sternly, “No matter the era, Xiao Ling is still my niece. But as far as I’m concerned, that’s not happening.”
“Hey, aunt, Brother Dong, stop fighting,” Fang Shuiling quickly intervened, standing between them to mediate. She was quite happy because she could tell that her aunt wasn’t as hard on her and Brother Ran’s relationship as before. In the past, if Fang Shuiling’s aunt found out about them, she would go directly to Dong Xuebing’s courtyard and scold the whole Xie family. Her attitude was rigorous, but now, although she still didn’t approve, her stance had softened. It seemed like there was room for negotiation.
Fang Shuiling tried to calm things down.
Dong Xuebing had no intention of arguing with her. He had only made that comment because the conversation had reached that point. He wasn’t trying to pick a fight with Fang Wenping. He didn’t treat her as a stranger anymore, so his speech had become more casual.
Fang Wenping didn’t argue anymore. When her niece pouted, she couldn’t be angry and had always spoiled her.
Fang Shuiling smiled, walking over to rub Fang Wenping’s back, “Let me massage your shoulders.”
“You’re the best. You know how to care for me,” Fang Wenping said with a loving smile.
“Of course, I care about you. Tell me if you’re sore anywhere else, and I’ll massage it for you,” Fang Shuiling said sweetly.
Fang Wenping didn’t hold back and touched her waist. “I strained my back a little. It’s a bit uncomfortable. Can you massage it for me?”
“Of course,” Fang Shuiling immediately responded, giving her a serious massage while chatting with Fang Shuiling and Dong Xuebing.
Fang Wenping’s smile was rare and precious. Dong Xuebing couldn’t help but glance at her a few more times, thinking that Fang Wenping looked much better when she was smiling. He had known her for so long, and he had only seen her smile at two people—one was Fang Shuiling, and the other was her daughter, Xiao Qian Qian.
“Little aunt, you look even more beautiful today.”
“Where? Just you, sweet-talking as usual.”
“Hehe, it’s true. You look much younger.”
“Hehe, do I?”
“Don’t believe me? Ask Brother Dong, and he’ll tell you.”
Dong Xuebing nodded, “That’s right. Xiao Ling, you didn’t see it when you arrived, but a Provincial Department of Cultural director came here chasing after your aunt.”
Fang Shuiling’s face stiffened, “Is that all you can do, talking so much?”
Dong Xuebing rolled his eyes, “I’m just telling the truth.”
Fang Shuiling was shocked, “Really? Is someone chasing after my aunt? That’s amazing! Aunt, what do you think of him?”
Fang Wenping lightly tapped her on the head, “Mind your own business; this is for adults to handle.”
“I’m almost 30, am I still a kid?” Fang Shuiling was so excited she stopped massaging her aunt’s back and started asking a series of questions, “What’s he like? What does his family do? How old is he? Is he divorced? Does he have kids? Boy or girl?” Whether young or old, women seem to have an innate curiosity and gossip gene, and Fang Shuiling was no exception.
Fang Wenping didn’t answer and instead started flipping through the TV channels with the remote.
Fang Shuiling turned to Dong Xuebing, “Brother Dong, come on, tell me about him.”
Dong Xuebing replied, “I don’t know much. I know he’s the director of the Department of Culture. His family doesn’t seem to have any special background. He probably doesn’t know who your aunt is. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have the guts to approach her.” Dong Xuebing was saying this when suddenly he felt a sharp, cold gaze fall on him. Without looking, he knew it was Fang Wenping staring at him. He coughed awkwardly, realizing he’d said the wrong thing, and quickly stopped talking, though he still shot a quick look at Fang Shuiling.
Fang Shuiling understood. She knew precisely what Dong Xuebing meant. Indeed, her aunt’s reputation in Beijing wasn’t excellent. Not only did she have a bad temper, but her ex-husband had also ended up in jail because of her. Anyone who knew Fang Wenping in the capital would probably flinch at the mention of her name. Plus, with her strong background and position as a deputy governor, powerful women like her often find themselves avoided by potential suitors, as many people think they can’t compete. Most people who knew her would rather keep their distance, and even though Fang Wenping had been divorced for many years, she was still single. There wasn’t a man around her because everyone was afraid of her.
Just mentioning her name was enough to make people recoil. For instance, when Zhao Zibang had heard that Fang Wenping lived upstairs, he didn’t even dare come up to the floor. That was how much people were intimidated by Fang Wenping’s reputation.
Now, it seemed like her aunt finally had a suitor.
Finally, someone wasn’t afraid to chase after her—no, wait, finally, someone who could appreciate her aunt.
Fang Shuiling was very excited, “Aunt, you should consider him. Don’t drag it out. You can’t go on like this forever. You need someone by your side.”
Fang Shuiling frowned, “I’m doing fine on my own.”
“That’s not how it works,” Fang Shuiling said, suddenly sounding very mature. “Comrade Ping, not to sound harsh, but you’re not young anymore, and your health isn’t what it used to be. I see you’ve bought a new house here. Does that mean you’re planning to settle down in Shanbei? That’s even worse! If you get sick, who’s going to take care of you? If something urgent happens, I must fly hours to get here. You need to find a husband who can be there for you, then I’d feel at ease.”
Fang Shuiling smiled and flicked her niece’s forehead, “What are you talking about? No respect for your aunt!”
Fang Shuiling pouted, “I just don’t feel at ease with you being alone. Otherwise, I can move to Shanbei after I get my PhD. I’ll settle here, and then I’ll take care of you.”
Fang Wenping’s tone darkened, “Don’t talk nonsense. There aren’t as many opportunities here as in Beijing. After all these years of studying, you shouldn’t waste your knowledge on such things.”
Fang Shuiling coquettishly said, “Then you’ll have to find a husband.”
Now, it was Dong Xuebing’s turn to be annoyed. “What do you mean, find a husband? Why does she need one? She should stay single. And with her temper, who can stand it? Just look at how aggressively Xiao Dongnan is pursuing her; he’s obsessed with her. If he knew her, he’d think differently. Didn’t that scare him when she slammed the table and yelled? That guy’s not reliable. Even though he seems like he likes her, he doesn’t have the guts to deal with her temperament. Don’t even consider marrying her. Life wouldn’t be good after that.”
Dong Xuebing grumbled inwardly but would never admit that jealousy influenced his thoughts.
“Your aunt doesn’t need anyone to take care of her,” Fang Wenping said firmly.
“That’s not okay! What if something happens?” Fang Shuiling was concerned.
Dong Xuebing interrupted, clearing his throat. “It’s fine. From now on, I’ll take care of your aunt’s issues. If she gets sick or has some small problem, just call me, and I’ll be right over.” He paused before adding, “Xiao Ling, as for that director of the Department of Culture, forget it. I’ve met him. He’s not reliable.”
Fang Shuiling was taken aback. “Not reliable?”
“Not reliable at all. He was trying to boss me around, acting all high and mighty. Who does he think he is?” Dong Xuebing said, still upset. “Don’t let me see him again.”
Fang Shuiling understood. It was clear that Dong Xuebing had a conflict with that man. Sigh. Dong Xuebing and her aunt seemed to attract trouble wherever they went, but she nodded obediently, “Okay, if Brother Dong says he’s not good, then he’s definitely not.”
Dong Xuebing couldn’t help but feel pleased. This Xiao Ling was getting better and better at saying the right things. Though he knew she was flattering him.
Fang Wenping glanced at Dong Xuebing, “What’s this got to do with you?”
Of course, Dong Xuebing didn’t say anything out loud, but inwardly he snorted.
Finally, Fang Wenping patted her niece’s little hand and said, “Alright, I know you care about me. I get it. But don’t worry about it. If I meet the right man, I’ll consider it. Is that good enough?”
Fang Shuiling nodded enthusiastically, “Okay, that’s what you promised.”
“Yes, I promised,” Fang Wenping confirmed.
Dong Xuebing mumbled to himself, “What’s there to consider?”
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