Chapter Forty-Seven: Mom, Your Hips Aren't Small Either—Why Did You Only Give Birth to a Little Sister?

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Brother Nan desperately shielded his face from the onslaught of the two aunties, barely preserving his handsome features... In the end, it was Lan Qian who opened the door, and after patiently explaining to the two enthusiastic women, they finally stopped, somewhat embarrassed. When had Brother Nan ever suffered such a loss? Forced into a corner, unable to fight back...

Seeing Zhuo Nan in such a sorry state, Lan Qian felt much relieved. Zhuo Nan seized the chance to enter, but Lan Qian blocked the doorway, tossed his clothes and shoes out, and said, “Go on, go find your little Xin Xin…” With that, she slammed the door shut.

Zhuo Nan rubbed his nose helplessly, glanced at his clothes on the ground, and thought to himself, “Better put these on quickly, or I'll get mistaken for a hooligan and beaten up again…”

It was already late; there was no point in going to school, so he might as well head home… When he entered, he found Zhuo Wengang and Wang Liru sitting in the living room, chatting and laughing, as if celebrating something. As soon as he walked in, Wang Liru greeted him, “Nan Nan, what took you so long… Did you spend the night with Lan Qian?”

Just hearing Lan Qian’s name soured Zhuo Nan’s mood, but he didn’t show it on his face—instead, he asked, “Dad, Mom, why aren’t you at work? Is there something to celebrate?”

Zhuo Wengang chuckled, and Wang Liru rolled her eyes, “Only you are clever enough to figure it out. Let me tell you, Wang Zhengguo was arrested.”

Though Zhuo Nan had expected it, he hadn’t thought it would happen so quickly; normally, there would be a secret investigation first. How could he be apprehended after just one day… It seemed giving the evidence to Lan Zhenghao was indeed the right move.

“That’s great news, Dad! Shouldn’t you bring out your treasured wine at lunch?” Zhuo Nan joked.

“Indeed, Nan Nan is right, we should have a couple of drinks at noon…” Zhuo Wengang replied with a smile.

Wang Liru shot Zhuo Wengang a look, “I’ll go cook. Nan Nan, come help with the vegetables.”

“Alright… I’m coming,” Zhuo Nan answered.

Zhuo Wengang went to his room to watch TV, leaving mother and son in the kitchen. Zhuo Nan carefully sorted through a handful of celery, and Wang Liru began, “Nan Nan, did you have a fight with Lan Qian?”

Zhuo Nan was startled, then replied, “No, Mom, why would you ask that?”

Wang Liru laughed, “I raised you, you know. No one knows their child better than a mother. I can tell what’s on your mind—so tell me, what happened?”

“Mom, really, it’s nothing. What could have happened?” Zhuo Nan insisted.

“Ah… You’ve grown up. Now your wings are strong, and you won’t tell your mother anything…” Wang Liru teased.

“Alright, alright, Mom, I’ll tell you,” Zhuo Nan relented. He had no way of resisting his mother.

“Go on then.”

“Mom, Lan Qian wants to be my girlfriend,” Zhuo Nan said quietly.

“Well, son, that’s something! Why do you look so troubled?” Wang Liru smiled.

“I turned her down. Didn’t I tell you? I’m dating Fu Xin Xin…” Zhuo Nan said helplessly.

Wang Liru paused, then burst out laughing, “Nan Nan, I didn’t expect you’d have such luck with women!” As soon as she said that, she realized her words might not be appropriate—what does a child know about luck with women?

Brother Nan knew all too well. In his “previous life,” after coming of age, he’d indulged among women—from eighteen to forty, from twenty to two hundred, from the ordinary to the elite—there was nothing he hadn’t tried.

“Nan Nan, if you’re capable, bring both of them home as daughters-in-law. Your dead parents would be overjoyed…” Hearing that, Zhuo Nan shuddered; if his deceased parents were revived, that would be something. “Mom, your analogy is terrifying.”

“What do you know… That’s called happiness. And honestly, Lan Qian looks like she’d bear sons,” Wang Liru said, startling Zhuo Nan.

He smiled, “Mom, how can you tell Lan Qian will have sons?”

Wang Liru became animated, “Isn’t it obvious? Look at her big hips—she’s sure to bear sons.”

Zhuo Nan was speechless; could it really be that simple? He wanted to say, “Mom, your hips aren’t small either—so why did you only have a daughter?” But he didn’t dare, so he replied honestly, “Mom, don’t worry about sons or daughters; it’s way too early for that.”

“Too early? I married at twenty-two, and if it weren’t for you, I’d have had Lan Lan years ago…” Wang Liru’s offhand remark stung Zhuo Nan, and only then did she realize she’d said too much.

“Nan Nan, I didn’t mean anything by it, don’t take it to heart…” Wang Liru quickly explained when she saw her mistake.

Zhuo Nan smiled gently, “Mom, it’s alright. I know you love me; in this life, you’re my real mother. I’ll be good to you, always.”

Hearing Zhuo Nan say that, Wang Liru was moved to tears… She hurriedly said, “Just leave the vegetables here when you’re done. Go do what you need to; I’ll cook, then we can eat. Go on…”

Zhuo Nan turned and left the kitchen. Only when he was gone did Wang Liru wipe away her tears, though a smile lingered on her face, “This child, all my love wasn’t wasted…”

After lunch, Zhuo Wengang and Wang Liru went to work; his sister lay down for a nap. Zhuo Nan sat alone at his desk, pondering quietly. Being too outstanding is truly troublesome. Honestly, he did want both, but given the circumstances, that seemed impossible. Fu Xin Xin’s nature was gentle, but would she remain so now? He’d promised to love and cherish her forever. Was he now to divide the love that once belonged entirely to her?

And what of Lan Qian? She certainly wouldn’t accept the situation—and even if she did, would her father? Zhuo Nan laughed at himself—it was pure fantasy. Must he really resort to that ridiculous “Flower Picking Divine Skill?” Forget it; he’d just be good to Xin Xin. As for Lan Qian… let fate decide.

With that resolve, Zhuo Nan chatted a bit longer with Xin Xin during afternoon class. “Zhuo Nan, why weren’t you in class this morning?” Though she was asking, it sounded more like concern than reproach.

“I had things to do, too much going on,” Zhuo Nan replied with a smile.

“Sigh… Shi Yang keeps skipping classes lately. Teacher Zhou is about ready to give up on him…” Fu Xin Xin turned around and continued.

“Really?” Zhuo Nan thought perhaps there was too much going on with Long Kun’s group; manpower was short, and once the bar opened, they’d probably recruit more little brothers.

Fu Xin Xin tilted her head, seeing Zhuo Nan fall silent after his question, then asked, “Zhuo Nan, what’s wrong? You seem distracted.”

Zhuo Nan quickly replied, “No, I was just thinking about Shi Yang.”

After that, silence seemed to settle between them… Fu Xin Xin hesitated for a long time before speaking, “Zhuo Nan, do you have time this weekend?”

“Yes, what’s up?” Zhuo Nan asked.

“I want to go to the bookstore to buy some review materials. Will you come with me?” Fu Xin Xin lowered her head shyly—it was her first time inviting a boy out.

Only then did Zhuo Nan realize—cursing himself for being slow. Dating her, yet he'd never taken her out, only meeting in corners of the sports field. What a lousy boyfriend… He inwardly berated himself.

Seeing Zhuo Nan’s lack of response, Fu Xin Xin felt disappointed and said, “Xin Xin, I’m sorry.” Her words left Fu Xin Xin flustered.

“What’s wrong, Zhuo Nan?” Fu Xin Xin noticed his mood and quickly asked.

“Nothing, just that we’ve been together so long, and I’ve never taken you shopping. You had to ask first—I’m really hopeless.” Hearing this, Fu Xin Xin smiled brightly—so radiant, so lovely, so content—that Zhuo Nan was momentarily entranced.

“Zhuo Nan, Zhuo Nan…” Fu Xin Xin called softly, and he came back to himself. “We’re in class, why are you staring at me like that…” Miss Fu was embarrassed, her face flushed, not daring to look up.

“What’s the big deal? Who would dare say anything?” Zhuo Nan assumed the stance of a boss.

Fu Xin Xin covered her mouth and laughed, “You’re so annoying…”

“Xin Xin, apart from the bookstore, do you want to go anywhere else on Sunday?” Zhuo Nan asked.

Fu Xin Xin tilted her head in thought, but couldn’t come up with anywhere, so she said, “I don’t have anywhere else in mind. Do you?”

Zhuo Nan smiled, “Then after you buy your books, leave it to me—I’ll take you somewhere fun…”

Fu Xin Xin replied happily, “Alright…” Then she added, “Zhuo Nan, I have to go home in the evening to take care of my mother…”

Zhuo Nan paused for a few seconds before realizing, “Silly girl, where else would we go if we didn’t go home… You weren’t thinking… so you’re a little flirt, huh…”

“Zhuo Nan, stop talking nonsense, we’re in class. I’m not talking to you anymore.” She turned away, refusing to look at him.

Though he couldn’t see Fu Xin Xin’s expression, Zhuo Nan knew she was probably blushing from head to toe. After so long together, he understood her well; when she said, “I’m not talking to you,” she actually meant she still wanted to, just feeling shy for the moment.

Zhuo Nan smiled softly, not minding. Just then, their desk mate arrived, so his plan to tease Fu Xin Xin further had to be shelved…