I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2402 - 1519: A Fine-Looking Gentleman! (Part 2)

"Let's not dwell on the past anymore."

Pan Hui interjected with a smile, both for Jiang Chen's peace of mind and for her daughter's.

Hong Xiaoyu's smile vanished as he swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere, "Uncle Fang, I propose a toast to you."

Fang Weiguo's expression also revealed a trace of unease, yet he composed himself, raising his glass, "Cheers."

"Sister Pan, please have more vegetables."

Jiang Huazi offered the invitation, and the group tacitly bypassed the earlier sensitive topic.

It was once mused that if the two young ones had continued on the same path, they might now be united as family, in-laws.

However, life rarely unfolds according to human desires, abounding instead with unforeseen variables and, consequently, unavoidable regrets.

She even cast a furtive glance at Jiang Chen and Fang Qing, who were seated together by circumstance. They appeared to be a more fitting pair now than in the past, leading Jiang Huazi to ponder...

What if.

What if the two children hadn't achieved such prominence, such success? Would their union have been a genuine match, ordained by fate?

"Ding dong ding dong ding dong——"

The doorbell's chime shattered Jiang Huazi's introspective mood.

Who could it be?

A look of puzzlement crossed her face as she set down her chopsticks.

"I'll get it."

As she approached the intercom system and glimpsed the visitor's face on the screen below, her demeanor shifted instantly. She promptly muted the screen, making no move to open the door.

This was the distinct advantage of a modern apartment over an aged, dilapidated dwelling.

The main entrance to the building was secured; entry required either an access card or a call through the intercom for a resident to grant passage.

"Who is it?"

Hong Ou inquired.

"A delivery person, I seem to have the wrong unit number," Jiang Huazi responded casually, settling back into her seat, keen to resume the rare, pleasant gathering.

Yet, mere minutes later.

Another disturbance sounded at the door.

This time, it wasn't the intercom, but the doorbell itself.

Hong Ou, positioned closest to the door, instinctively moved to rise, but Jiang Huazi preempted her, "Didn't I just say they pressed the wrong button? These delivery folks, are they deaf or blind?"

Muttering under her breath, she left the table for a second time.

No one paid much attention.

Upon reaching the entrance, Jiang Huazi didn't immediately open the door. Instead, she discreetly checked her phone, noting that everyone else was engrossed in eating, drinking, and conversing, completely unaware of the situation. Only then did she avert her gaze, her expression hardening as she looked at the doorknob. Clearly hesitant to respond, she eventually, and reluctantly, opened the door.

Ignoring the persistent visitor was an option.

But what if the person outside continued their insistent ringing?

And then, something even more peculiar occurred.

She didn't open the door fully but stepped outside, quickly closing it behind her.

"Sis, why didn't you let me in when I buzzed on the intercom? Fortunately, someone else opened the main door for me," a middle-aged man, approximately forty years old, lamented. He possessed a narrow forehead and small eyes, giving him an appearance of shrewdness, yet tinged with unkindness.

It was evident he was not the delivery person. A delivery driver making multiple errors with unit numbers would likely seek employment elsewhere.

"I went to the shop; why was it closed so early today?"

Jiang Huazi remained detached, her frown clearly conveying a palpable sense of being unwelcome. "What brings you here?"

"Sis, listen to yourself. Didn't you visit the Fang Family today?"

The man with small eyes brimmed with expectation. "How did it go?"

"Why the rush!"

Clearly disinclined to engage with him at this moment, Jiang Huazi stated, "I'll call you later with an update. You should head back for now."

"Why not tell me now?"

The small-eyed man appeared bewildered; his visit was specifically to obtain a resolution, not to depart in a state of uncertainty. "What did the Fang Family say?"

"I will find a solution."

"The Fang Family isn't being unreasonable, are they? Oh, now that their child has achieved success, they've become arrogant, wouldn't even assist with a minor issue? Sis, are they looking down on you?"

"Stop trying to provoke me. I said I would help, and I will!"

Jiang Huazi, fully aware of his manipulative tactics, grew increasingly irritated.

"You must help me. If you hadn't suggested I buy that house, I wouldn't be in this dire situation."

"You..."

Breathing heavily, Jiang Huazi clenched her fists. Yet, due to their familial connection, she managed to suppress her frustration. "You are correct; perhaps I should not have offered any advice. I will take responsibility for your housing predicament, alright?"

"I haven't eaten yet."

Zhang Zhongquan glanced towards the door, a realization dawning. "You have guests inside?"

Jiang Huazi offered no reply.

"Would it be too much trouble to add a pair of chopsticks?"

He seemed oblivious to the social cues.

"It's not convenient!"

Jiang Huazi replied without hesitation. "You go home; I promise to give you an answer tonight!"

"Sis, aren’t you being a bit too heartless? I’ve traveled all this way, can’t I at least have a bite to eat?"

"There are plenty of restaurants outside the community."

"Restaurants? The house isn’t even livable, yet I’m expected to pay the mortgage monthly and dine out? Sis, do you have any idea how I’m living now? My family thinks I’m a complete fool, and my wife is even threatening to divorce me..."

Before Zhang Zhongquan could finish his lament, the door swung open.

Hong Ou, apparently curious why his wife hadn't returned, stepped out.

"Brother-in-law!"

Zhang Zhongquan immediately put on a wide smile.

Upon seeing him, Hong Ou instantly grasped the situation.

"You need to leave..."

Unable to tolerate it any longer, Jiang Huazi began to nudge Zhang Zhongquan.

Zhang Zhongquan sidestepped her grasp. "Brother-in-law, could I at least come in for a glass of water?"

Truthfully, Hong Ou wasn't particularly fond of his wife's cousin, but it was difficult to refuse someone with a pleasant smile. From his perspective, how could he possibly utter harsh words?

"Wait a moment, I'll get you some."

Sensing both his wife and her cousin intended to block him, Zhang Zhongquan quickly darted forward, holding the door wide open. "No need to trouble you, brother-in-law, I can manage it myself."

"Zhang Zhongquan!"

Jiang Huazi reached out to grab him but missed, watching helplessly as he slipped inside.

"Why didn't you stop him?!"

"He was determined to get in; could I realistically prevent him?"

Understanding the circumstances, Hong Ou's mood soured. "This is all your doing!"

"What could I possibly do? Am I supposed to turn away family?"

"Wow, it’s quite lively in here."

Hearing the commotions from inside, Hong Ou stopped arguing with his wife. "Let’s head back inside!"

The couple hurried back into the house, only to find Zhang Zhongquan beaming, his gaze fixed on the bustling, intimate dining area.

"Brother Fang, it’s been a long time."

"Zhongquan, is it?"

Many years had passed since their last meeting, yet it was impossible to forget someone entirely. Fang Weiguo offered a very cordial smile. "Yes, it truly has been a long time."

"Sister Pan still looks so youthful."

Zhang Zhongquan’s gaze moved to Pan Hui, then quickly settled on the stunningly beautiful Fang Qing, tapping his forehead as if in realization.

"Is this... Qing Qing?"

He completely failed to notice the person seated beside Fang Qing.

"Address him as Uncle Zhang."

Fang Weiguo instructed his daughter. Regardless of his personal feelings, maintaining proper etiquette was crucial; it reflected good upbringing.

"Uncle Zhang."

"Ah!"

Zhang Zhongquan was overjoyed, his vanity immensely satisfied. His rather unremarkable face bloomed like a sunflower.

He hadn't seen the Fang family's daughter in years, but he had certainly heard plenty about her accomplishments.

"Truly, she has grown even more beautiful with age. Qing Qing was already quite a looker as a child, but I wouldn't have recognized her today upon meeting."

His compliments were genuine.

It was unfortunate, however, that he completely failed to recognize the individual seated next to her.

"Cousin."

Hong Xiaoyu offered a greeting.

"Xiaoyu is back too? My goodness, what’s the special occasion today?"

Hong Ou and Jiang Huazi lingered at the doorway, exchanging glances, uncertain of how to proceed.

"This gentleman is..."

Finally.

Finally.

Finally, someone had noticed!

But seeing Zhang Zhongquan's bewildered expression, time seemed to stand still. Only the steam from the hotpot rose, and the atmosphere grew oddly quiet.

"Cousin, this is..."

Hong Xiaoyu appeared awkward, about to elaborate, when Zhang Zhongquan's eyes lit up.

"Is this Qing Qing's boyfriend? What a handsome young man!"

...

...

...

The silence in the room deepened even further.