I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2392 - 1514: Red Envelope (Part 2)

"That’s correct."

Jiang Chen extended his chopsticks, a gesture of confirmation.

"Did you return by yourself?"

Pan Hui inquired with genuine concern etched on her face as she continued to eat.

"Yes, alone."

"Why didn’t you bring your girlfriend along?"

Fang Weiguo, showing no hint of displeasure, seemed to have reached a conclusion. "It would be wonderful for us to have the opportunity to meet her."

Pan Hui cast a glance at her daughter, her eyes subtly conveying that her husband was merely putting on a facade.

"My place is so small, it’s quite cramped even for me to sleep alone. It’s not very convenient."

Jiang Chen offered a lighthearted jest.

"You shouldn’t perceive it that way. Regardless of how modest or worn-down it may be, it remains your home. As your girlfriend, she would undoubtedly be eager to see the place where you grew up."

Fang Weiguo presented himself as a considerate elder, his words seemingly devoid of any personal agenda, which left Pan Hui in a state of bewilderment. Wasn't he still harboring resentment this afternoon? How could he suddenly be so voluble now?

"Dad, this is his personal matter. Why are you interfering?"

Fang Qing stepped in to defend Jiang Chen.

"I am not interfering; I am merely offering a suggestion. However, it is perfectly fine; there will be future opportunities to meet her."

Fang Weiguo raised his glass towards Jiang Chen. "If you do decide to bring your girlfriend, you cannot spring it upon us unexpectedly. Your Aunt Pan and I need to prepare a congratulatory red envelope in advance."

"Why would you prepare a red envelope?"

Jiang Chen, just about to take a sip, appeared genuinely puzzled.

"It is simply a matter of basic etiquette. After all, your Aunt Pan and I are your elders. When a new bride joins the family, we cannot simply overlook this tradition."

Pan Hui felt a touch of bewilderment herself and began to develop a newfound respect for her husband’s seemingly open-minded attitude.

Jiang Chen found himself unsure whether to laugh or cry, quietly taking a sip of his drink, uncertain of how to formulate a response.

"Alright, Jiang Chen has his own plans; there is no need for you to oversee every detail."

Pan Hui intervened, exchanging a significant look with her husband.

Even if you’ve changed your tune.

Shouldn’t you still.

Consider your own daughter’s feelings?

"Very well, we shall await your notification. You can also inform Fang Qing. Rest assured, we will not embarrass you; we will prepare a substantial red envelope."

Fang Weiguo declared with an air of solemnity, his tone authoritative; however, it would have been more fitting if he hadn’t turned to Fang Qing with his subsequent request.

"When the time comes, you will need to assist your mother and me."

Jiang Chen’s expression shifted to one of stunned realization.

What could Uncle Fang possibly imply by this?

Is he perhaps planning to have Fang Qing foot the bill for them, all in the name of saving face?

"What does giving out red envelopes have to do with me?"

Fang Qing, having been raised with an emphasis on independent thought, was certainly not one to blindly adhere to filial piety. While it was natural to offer financial support to demonstrate respect for one's parents, expecting her to fund her parents' bestowal of red envelopes to others, especially when the intended recipient was...

How could she possibly consent to such an absurd proposition?

Pan Hui observed her daughter's reaction, then looked at her husband, whose stance had shifted so drastically, and a sudden understanding of his true intentions dawned upon her.

"How is it not your concern? Does that young lady not need to refer to you as 'father'? Would she undertake such a task without compensation?"

Jiang Chen felt an urge to speak but restrained himself, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

"Come now, don’t you possess funds? Why insist on making your daughter bear the expense? Are you not concerned that Jiang Chen might find your actions laughable?"

Pan Hui chimed in, her voice laced with playful admonishment.

"I need to conserve my finances for our daughter’s dowry."

"You seek to claim the honor while making your daughter bear the burden; what sort of father are you?"

Pan Hui scolded playfully, then addressed her daughter. "In the future, you should simply arrange for your father to reside in a nursing home; an individual as self-serving as him ought to receive instruction from the caregivers there."

"Ensure you arrange for your mother’s placement as well. I will offer no objection whatsoever," Fang Weiguo remarked between sips of his drink.

"You..."

"Uncle Fang, Aunt Pan, if you continue this bickering, Fang Qing might very well arrange for both of you to be admitted to separate nursing homes."

Jiang Chen’s interjection instantly captured everyone’s undivided attention.

Fang Weiguo let out a hearty laugh. "You cheeky scamp, you are indeed the ruthless one."

The dinner progressed from six in the evening until eight, with the setting sun giving way to the rising moon. The tranquil night gradually hushed the clamor of the world, making the illumination emanating from this dormitory building for laid-off workers appear even more inviting and warm.

"Let us conclude the evening here. I have no desire to get you excessively intoxicated, lest your Aunt Pan scold me once more."

After one final serving of approximately 3.3 ounces, followed by a small additional pour, Fang Weiguo finally ceased his drinking. They had opened a bottle of Maotai, which remained unfinished.

"Thank you, Uncle Fang, for showing restraint."

Jiang Chen expressed his gratitude promptly.

"Do not attempt to cover for him. He is not concerned about getting you drunk; rather, he is concerned about becoming intoxicated himself. One cannot defy the natural process of aging, can they?"

Pan Hui began clearing the table.

Fang Weiguo appeared somewhat exasperated. "Could you not afford to spare me some dignity in front of the youngsters?"

"What sort of dignity do you require in the presence of the children?"

Pan Hui retorted sharply.

Fang Qing, accustomed to such exchanges, proceeded to carry the dishes into the kitchen.

"Jiang, please take a rest. There is no need for you to assist with the cleanup."

"It is no trouble at all."

Jiang Chen insisted on lending a hand, carrying a dish into the kitchen, aiming for a moment alone with Qing Gege.

As Fang Qing was about to depart, he stepped in her way, an expression of bewilderment on his face.

"What is it?"

Jiang Chen lowered his voice, his tone conspiratorial, "Do you have any cash on you?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I need to borrow some."

Fang Qing was unsure, "What do you need money for?"

"To prepare a red envelope for Uncle Fang and Aunt Pan. Didn't you hear them dropping hints earlier at the dinner table?"

Hints about what?

The conversation clearly revolved around showing hospitality to a guest.

He was clearly overthinking things.

"I don't have any money on me."

Fang Qing wished to avoid an argument and tried to move past him, but he blocked her again.

"It doesn't have to be much, just around five thousand would be fine."

Five thousand.

And this was meant as a simple gesture of goodwill?

However, considering Young Master Jiang's current accomplishments, this request didn't sound arrogant at all.

"Just transfer it to me then."

Fang Qing saw no point in dwelling on it; her parents were outside, and it was best not to linger. Besides, this fellow had been drinking, and it was futile to engage in lengthy discussions with someone intoxicated.

Jiang Chen flashed an 'okay' sign.

"What kind of nonsense were you rambling about just now?"

Outside.

Fang Weiguo and his wife were also engaged in a hushed conversation.

" Were you deliberately trying to provoke our daughter?"

"Certainly not,"

Fang Weiguo, his face flushed from the alcohol, quickly denied it. "You saw earlier that Qing Qing was still feeling upset; how could I possibly provoke her further?"

"If you hadn't provoked her, would you have realized she was feeling uncomfortable?"

"..."

Fang Weiguo fell silent for a moment, then said, "Pour me another cup of tea."

"Get it yourself."

Pan Hui whispered, "Regardless of whether Qing Qing has come to terms with it or not, do not test her waters again. It's pointless. This is a matter between the young ones; we are in no position to dictate the outcome."

"I understand."

Fang Weiguo forced a wry smile. "...I just can't help myself..."

Catching sight of the two young people emerging from the kitchen out of the corner of his eye, Pan Hui shot her husband a sharp look. "If you can't control your words, then learn to remain silent."

Turning to face Jiang Chen and Fang Qing, Pan Hui quickly plastered a smile on her face. "There's no need for you two to keep busy any longer; go have some tea to help you sober up."

"I won't be having any more. I need to head back and check if I've forgotten anything."

"That makes sense. Then go. If you find anything is missing, you should buy it quickly; the store at the entrance closes at nine-thirty."

Jiang Chen offered a nod and bid farewell to the Fang family.

"Uncle, I'll be heading back now."

"Check if your water heater is still functioning properly. If not, let me know, and I'll come fix it for you."

Jiang Chen smiled, gave a nod, left the Fang residence, and entered the apartment opposite.

"Maotai isn't really that good, after all."

Fang Weiguo let out a sigh and stood up to pour himself some water.

Fang Qing entered her bedroom and emerged shortly after, holding a wad of cash.

No more, no less.

Exactly five thousand yuan.

"What is this for?"

Fang Weiguo, seated on the sofa and sipping his tea, looked puzzled. "Dad was just joking earlier."

Pan Hui, who was wiping down the table, also noticed the money and immediately said, "Girl, quickly put that money back."

"This is from Jiang Chen for both of you."

Fang Qing placed the five thousand yuan on the coffee table. "He said he didn't bring a gift, so he's giving you a red envelope instead."

Fang Weiguo was taken aback.

Pan Hui also snapped back to reality, then wiped her hands clean on her apron and hurried over.

"That child, why is he being so polite? We absolutely cannot accept this money; quickly return it to him."

"He's giving it to you. If you refuse to accept it, you can go return it yourself. I'm going to take a shower now."

With that, Fang Qing turned and walked away.

"Just two bottles of beer, and he's already drunk?"

Watching his daughter disappear into the bedroom, Fang Weiguo muttered to himself.

Pan Hui shot him a glare.

"This is all your fault."

"So, what do we do with this money then?"

Fang Weiguo gazed at the stack of cash resting on the table.

Pan Hui turned around, resuming her tidying.

"Keep it until that girl comes back, then give it to her as a red envelope!"