Chapter 300: Xia Ye’s Suggestion
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Song Yan skillfully prepared a chives and eggs dish for Li Jin, while Chen Lian attended to pouring tea for her. Their departure from the residence coincided with Li Jin’s slumber.
As they reached a quiet corner of the courtyard, Chen Lian voiced her grievances to Song Yan. “Didn’t you assure that we could extract money from Xia Hai? Why did Mother believe Xia Wan’s words?”
“Xia Wan exceeded my expectations,” Song Yan said, her voice tinged with a hint of derision.
“Here’s the thing. Even if we parted ways, if something goes awry with Mom,
Xia Hai and his kin would step in. But if any trouble befalls our families, he and his people can simply disregard it.
“Xia Wan’s attempting to drive a wedge between Mother and us. After all, their family is living more luxuriously than ours and is wealthier too.
“You’re aware of Mother’s disposition. Naturally, she’ll be inclined toward whoever displays potential and pays her respect.”
Chen Lian wasn’t pleased with this notion. “That can’t be. Xia Wan’s family has attained prosperity. Shouldn’t they support both our families? If all three households thrive, Mother’s quality of life would improve.”
Song Yan sneered, her tone dripping with disdain. “What right does Xia Wan have to assist us? Let’s not forget how you mistreated Yan Han in the past.”
Chen Lian wasn’t convinced. “I acted on your provocation. You had Yan Han do your bidding, so why should I handle it myself?”
Xia Ye had just returned from town with a newly acquired school bag.
Observing Song Yan and Chen Lian’s troubled expressions, she inquired, “Mom, is something amiss at home?”
Seeing Xia Ye, Chen Lian immediately perked up and inquired, “Xia Ye, Xia Wan came back earlier. She attempted to create discord in front of your grandmother. Your grandmother’s attitude towards us has turned unfavorable.”
“It’s best if she takes the initiative to mend relations with us.
Xia Ye’s eyes flickered with a spark of realization. She swiftly formulated an idea. “Mom, when I was in town looking for my classmates, I overheard numerous rumors about Xia Wan. Everyone’s saying that while she makes money from clothing sales, she’s actually relying on her boyfriend’s finances.”
Chen Lian was taken aback. “Xia Wan has a boyfriend? Who is he?”
Song Yan scoffed, “Xia Wan never truly focused on her studies before. She always pursued men. It’s only natural for her to have found a boyfriend.”
“So what if she possesses medical skills? What’s the significance of her earnings? Given her foolish nature, any money she makes will ultimately be spent by men!”
Xia Ye continued, “She used to have an interest in Zhou Chen, but sadly, he wasn’t reciprocating. Now I’ve heard that she often frequents the store with a handsome man. This man even gifts her jewelry and clothing!”
“Additionally, it’s been said that Xia Wan’s attitude towards Zhou Chen is now quite negative. This serves to demonstrate Xia Wan’s vanity.”
Chen Lian retorted, “If men lavish her with gifts, they likely desire her body. Xia Wan’s intellect is destined to be disregarded sooner or later.”
Song Yan chimed in with more. “Xia Ye, spread this information subtly around the village. Let everyone become aware of what kind of person Xia Wan truly is, so that your grandmother won’t be swayed.”
Xia Ye nodded. Even without her aunt’s suggestion, she would have taken this initiative.
Previously, her standing within the family was lower than that of Xia Ru’s. Yet, the Xia Wan she once looked down upon had now surpassed her. How could she endure this?
Word quickly spread throughout the village regarding Xia Wan and her attluent boyfriend. During this time, Xia Wan remained oblivious to these rumors.
At the start of the school term, Xia Wan inspected the progress of the shop’s renovation. The shop was now more than halfway complete, with wooden flooring laid throughout to ensure patrons’ safety.
The store featured distinct sections for men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, each equipped with tall mirrors for convenient customer use. Moreover, there were a total of five fitting rooms available, ensuring that even during peak times, customers could comfortably try on clothes.
This scale of expansion was noteworthy for a local clothing store. Most establishments of its kind only boasted a single fitting room.
Coincidentally, Zhang Cheng was also present. Upon spotting Xia Wan, he greeted her warmly.
“Xia Wan, please assess the progress of my renovations. Does it meet your expectations?”
Xia Wan nodded approvingly and praised Zhang Cheng. “There’s no issue with the quality, and the renovations are splendid. They align perfectly with my vision. Mr. Zhang, your selection of personnel has proven to be adept.”
Zhang Cheng beamed with satisfaction, his efforts seeming justified upon receiving Xia Wan’s commendation..