Chapter 1737 - 1738: Side Job

Plane tickets are just a few hundred bucks more expensive; even without Lin Xian, when she was part-timing before,

it's not like she's short of a few hundred bucks, right?

There's no choice; her parents are just like this.

But Zhuang Tong doesn't agree with their spending habits; she thinks money that needs to be spent shouldn't be

saved.

To save a few hundred bucks on plane tickets, which ended up worsening the illness and leading to costly follow-up treatment, isn't that more of a loss?

Nie Qingqing, seeing this, stepped forward, greeted with a smile, "Hello Uncle and Aunt!"

"Oh, Qingqing, you've become prettier," Madam Zhuang laughed.

Madam Zhuang and Mr. Zhuang knew the two were besties, so every time they visited Zhuang Tong at school, they would always treat Nie Qingqing to a meal.

Zhuang Tong linked arms with Madam Zhuang, carefully holding her, and said, "Let's go home first."

The group headed towards the parking lot.

Zhuang Fuqiang glanced at Zhuang Tong several times along the way, feeling slightly relieved over his previously anxious heart.

From her mannerisms, it was clear Zhuang Tong was living well, with a subtle air of elegance about her.

This is the influence brought on by a life of comfort and improved living standards.

She may not notice it herself, but others can feel it.

Entering the parking lot, Zhuang Tong skillfully pulled out the car keys and pressed a button.

Instantly, a blue Beetle ahead flashed its lights and emitted a crisp honk.

"Get in the car!"

Zhuang Xing opened the car door, saying to her parents beside her.

Looking at this Beetle, Zhuang Fuqiang couldn't help but feel amazed, asking, "Xiao Tong, is this your car?"

The Beetle is popular among girls simply because it's pretty.

The first impression of this car is one of delicacy.

The cobalt blue finish looks like a creamy cake.

Zhuang Xing said matter-of-factly, "Yeah, didn't I tell you last time I came back?"

Surprised, Zhuang Fuqiang asked, "This... this car must be quite expensive, right?"

Zhuang Tong indeed mentioned it on her last national holiday visit.

However, Zhuang Fuqiang had always thought it was at most a vehicle worth a hundred thousand. Although he didn't know about cars, this one didn't look cheap.

"It's alright, just a bit over three hundred thousand."

As she spoke, Zhuang Xing gently helped Madam Zhuang into the car.

But Zhuang Fuqiang was stunned.

Just over three hundred thousand.

Really!

The word "just" struck him hard.

Three hundred thousand – ten years of working without eating or drinking at the factory.

Yet now it's insignificant in his daughter's eyes, almost like describing three hundred bucks.

As a father, he felt deeply defeated at this moment.

"Dad, get in!"

Urged by Zhuang Tong, Zhuang Fuqiang suppressed his emotions and sat in the back seat.

Zhuang Tong smoothly drove out of the parking lot.

After glancing around inside, Madam Zhuang suddenly asked, "Xiao Tong, is your place far?"

Without looking back, Zhuang Xing replied, "Not far, over by Purple Gold Mountain!"

"Oh, on the mountain!"

Having never been to Jinling, and it being her first trip ever, Madam Zhuang didn't understand the significance of Purple Gold Mountain in Jinling.

From the front seat, Nie Qingqing noticed Zhuang Tong's helpless look and teased, "Auntie,

Purple Gold Mountain is a high-end residential area; Xiao Xing's house isn't cheap, over three million!"

"Wow!"

Upon hearing that price, both Zhuang Fuqiang and Madam Zhuang gasped.

In their small town, a five hundred thousand house was already considered extravagant.

"Did... did he give it to you?" Madam Zhuang asked incredulously.

Zhuang Xing replied irritably, "The name on the title deed is mine; satisfied now?"

Hearing this, Zhuang Fuqiang and Madam Zhuang exchanged glances, seeing shock in each other's eyes.

A house over three million, just given away – how generous!

"Lin Xian is not short on money; the other day on my birthday, he gave me a watch worth a million."

Zhuang Xing sighed slightly and continued, "Mom, don't tire yourself out with this body. Now that you're here, stay in Jinling for a while. The hospitals in Jinling are better than ours."

Take this chance to see an expert, possibly find out if there's a chance of recovery."

Previously, Madam Zhuang always went to the county hospital for dialysis.

Zhuang Xing believed that comparing county hospitals to Jinling's grade-three hospitals was futile.

A watch worth a million?

At this moment, Zhuang Fuqiang was questioning life.

Hearing Zhuang Tong suggest they stay in Jinling, Madam Zhuang, amid her shock, waved her hands hastily, "No need, I'm just here to see you, going back tomorrow. It's inconvenient to stay, and your dad only took two days off."

Zhuang Xing turned her head, frowning slightly, "Didn't I ask Dad to quit his job? Why is he still working in the factory?"

"Well, it isn't a long-term solution, working for someone else..."

Madam Zhuang paused, realizing Nie Qingqing was there, and suddenly said no more.

Seeing this, Zhuang Tong explained, "It's okay, keep talking. Qingqing knows all about it,

and she's living with me now."

Surprised, Madam Zhuang glanced at Nie Qingqing, hesitantly asking, "Qingqing, be honest with Auntie, you really don't mind Xiao Tong being someone's mistress?"

Upon hearing this question, Nie Qingqing's face immediately blushed.

For she was a mistress too.

And, with the same person as Zhuang Tong.

How could she respond?

Luckily, she was in the passenger seat, so Madam Zhuang in the back couldn't see her expression.

Suppressing embarrassment, Nie Qingqing said, "Auntie, I really don't mind; besides, Lin Xian's got a great personality and treats Xiao Tong very well."

Zhuang Fuqiang couldn't help but ask, "Is he really only twenty years old?"

Nie Qingqing hesitated and then replied, "Uh, he's only a freshman, probably 18."

Really just 18.

Now, Zhuang Fuqiang was dumbfounded.

He had thought his daughter was lying to him, and his uncertainty drove him to Jinling.

To his surprise, it was true.

But thinking further, maybe Nie Qingqing and Zhuang Xing colluded to trick them.

It wasn't impossible, and quite likely.

Conversation continued as the Beetle smoothly drove into the neighborhood.

Nie Qingqing helped introduce, "Uncle and Auntie, Xiao Tong's house is in this neighborhood."

Looking out the car window at the tall residential buildings and greenery park, the elderly couple were amazed.

After parking, Zhuang Tong led her parents to the elevator, heading up to the 22nd floor.

Key in hand, she opened the door, turning to say, "Mom and Dad, this is my home."

"Uncle and Auntie, here!"

Nie Qingqing handed them new slippers from the shoe cabinet.

Zhuang Fuqiang and Madam Zhuang changed shoes, curiously observing the room.

Though Zhuang Tong and Nie Qingqing lived leisurely, the girls preferred cleanliness so the home was neatly arranged.

Carefully chosen decorations made the room cozy yet stylish.

Xianyu was curious about the two strangers at home, waddling over to observe them.

Madam Zhuang spotted Xianyu, delighting, "Oh, this cat is adorable, with that round head."

Standing on the balcony, through the floor-to-ceiling glass, the entire neighborhood scenery was visible.

Looking far into the distance, the majestic Purple Gold Mountain stretched endlessly, captivating.

Zhuang Fuqiang sighed softly.

This house was beautiful and upscale, incomparable to homes in their small town.