How to keep Ning Shixuan’s boyfriend in Liangshan—that was a tricky proposition. Who knew how deep their affection truly ran? Besides, why must he stay in Liangshan? Couldn't her boyfriend just take Ning Shixuan’s aunt and uncle with them?

“I can’t give you specific advice on that matter either. Let’s wait until I’ve met your boyfriend. After all, I know nothing of his thoughts or actions. I need to understand some of his perspectives before drawing any conclusions.”

Ning Shixuan said, “You have a point, but I can give you a brief introduction to my boyfriend first. His name is Lan Feng, he’s 27, a very talented man. We were alumni in college, and we’ve been dating for four years now. There was a minor disagreement between us during this year’s Spring Festival, and in a fit of pique, I agreed to come to Liangshan with my aunt. Later, our misunderstanding was cleared up, but I had already promised my aunt I would stay to care for her in her old age. I couldn't let the old lady’s hopes be dashed, so the only option is to make things difficult for him and have him come to Liangshan to meet up with me.”

I asked Ning Shixuan, “Did your boyfriend Lan Feng agree?”

“To be honest, the real outcome won’t be known until he arrives. But I believe he will certainly stay for me because he can’t live without me, and I can’t live without him. We truly love each other, and we would sacrifice everything for love.”

I covered my head with my high school math textbook. “Please, can you be a little more realistic? At our age, this isn't the time for empty talk about ideals and dreams. Sometimes, a person can’t just live for ethereal love.”

Ning Shixuan looked away with a dreamy, faraway expression. “You’ve never been in love, so you can’t possibly understand the depth of feeling between us.” Seeing Yun Yao washing clothes nearby, Ning Shixuan quickly corrected herself, “Oh, wait, I should say you are preparing to be in love. But in front of a veteran like me, you’re just a little brother. Matters of the heart are something you young people can’t grasp. At best, you can offer a bad idea; the real problem must be solved by us ourselves.”

I felt a flush of awkwardness. Ning Shixuan actually dared to speak to me like that. If I brought out my pile of wives, it would surely terrify her. “Alright, Miss Ning, since you intend to solve it yourself, I won’t meddle any further. Please, you should leave now. Yun Yao and I want to have some private time; don't be a third wheel.”

Yun Yao’s head was bowed so low it nearly disappeared into the washbasin. “Brother Zhao, you do joke around. There’s… there’s nothing between us.”

Ning Shixuan waved it off dismissively. “Yun Yao, you should loosen up a bit. Boys are all lecherous; sometimes you need to satisfy their psychological needs appropriately, or he will gradually drift away from you.”

I gave a thumbs-up. “A master strategist! May I ask, Miss Ning, is this how you handled your boyfriend?”

Ning Shixuan replied, “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. I’m the kind of girl who wins a man’s heart through her abilities, so I don’t need to use my body to lure him in.”

I retorted, “Then Yun Yao certainly doesn’t need to, because her abilities far surpass yours, not to mention her figure is several times better than yours.”

Yun Yao was naturally delighted by what I said, but Ning Shixuan wasn't having it. She snatched the quilt and covered my head, proceeding to ‘beat’ me mercilessly. “How dare you look down on me! I’ll show you my power someday!”

I chuckled softly. “Are you planning to seduce me someday? Don’t worry, I promise to give you face and willingly fall for it.”

Ning Shixuan spat at me. She didn't dare play around too much in front of Yun Yao, because after interacting for a few days, she could see that Yun Yao was still a very young girl, extremely ** about matters between men and women. If we were too playful, it might cause Yun Yao to misunderstand.

“Hey, let’s talk seriously. Help me think of some good jobs in Liangshan for Lan Feng, otherwise keeping him here will just be wishful thinking.”

“You want me to recommend a good job? You know this place better than I do. Why not let him work in the Investment Promotion Office too? Then you two could see each other frequently. It would just mean I have to be the third wheel for you two later on.”

Ning Shixuan objected, “No way. He didn't take the civil service exam. I urged him to take it with me, but he only prefers commerce and dislikes politics.”

I mused, “I used to have the same view, but I’ve come around now. Does going into politics mean you can’t do business? Look at me now—I handle both politics and economics; I’m strong in both areas.”

Ning Shixuan sighed, her expression turning wistful. “Lan Feng just told me he’s working at a world-renowned company now. He’s keeping the specific name a secret, saying he wants to give me a surprise when the time comes. I know he’s happy and values that job greatly, but this makes it even harder for me to keep him in Liangshan. Zhao Qian, my heart is so conflicted and pained, do you understand?”

I hadn't expected that beneath Ning Shixuan’s carefree exterior lay such hidden suffering. That boyfriend, whom she considered talented and handsome, was apparently not entirely within her grasp. Yun Yao finished hanging the laundry, wiped her hands on a towel, and sat next to me. “Sister Xiaoning, there’s always a way out when the cart reaches the mountain. Don’t worry so much.”

Ning Shixuan said, “Liangshan is a very poor and backward little county. Other than love, I can’t find a reason to keep Lan Feng here. But if I force him, I fear he’ll have to give up that job. I truly can’t decide.”

Seeing Ning Shixuan’s distress, Yun Yao was moved and asked me, “Zhao Qian, if you were Lan Feng, would you stay for me? Could you bear to give up such a lucrative job at a major corporation?”

I reached out and encircled Yun Yao’s slender waist, shaking my head. “No,” Yun Yao’s face changed, and I continued, “I don’t really care about a high-paying job. But why should our love be confined to Liangshan? When things here are settled, I will take you and your family with me. I’ll keep you by my side every day, ensuring you live as happily and joyfully as a princess, and I’ll help your mother regain her health. Everything will return to normal for you.”

Yun Yao relaxed and excitedly clutched my arm. Her expression made even Ning Shixuan beside us a little envious. “Hey, you two, stop ignoring the world! Have some consideration, won’t you?”

I reached out my other hand to pull Ning Shixuan closer. “If you envy our happiness, I can take you along too—provided your boyfriend doesn't want you anymore.”

Yun Yao, sitting on the other side, suddenly pinched me discreetly. I knew she was reminding me to be devoted only to her. Ning Shixuan slapped my hand away. “Pah! Jinx! My boyfriend would never abandon me! Besides, you already have Yun Yao, so focus solely on her; don’t disappoint her.”

I said meaningfully, “Actually, as a capable man, one shouldn't limit the number of girlfriends, right? There are many girls in this world who need care. We should embody the spirit of fearing neither death nor hardship, carrying the revolutionary work through to the end!”

Yun Yao, whose waist I was holding, trembled slightly. “Brother Zhao, is that really what you think?”

Ning Shixuan chuckled flirtatiously. “Zhao Qian, you’re in trouble. Yun Yao won’t like a philanderer. I heard that Fang Yanmeng from Grand Energy, Xu Jing from Peach Blossom Finance, and Hua Qingqing from Huashi Pharmaceutical Group are all beautiful and capable women who don’t have boyfriends. Are you planning to go take care of them? Fearing neither death nor hardship—I just doubt you’d even get to meet them!”

Not only had I seen them, but I had also freely roamed across their snowy, delicate bodies. “Who said I haven't met them? Didn't you know Fang Yanmeng and I were classmates? We were good friends in college. Ask Yun Yao if you don’t believe me.”

Yun Yao said, “I don’t even know there was a classmate named Fang Yanmeng at our school.”

Sweat beaded on my forehead. Ning Shixuan laughed even harder, while sadness crossed Yun Yao’s face. It seemed she truly couldn't accept the idea of others for the moment. Ah well, take it slow. I tightened my grip on her slender waist. “I was just joking, Yun Yao, don’t worry. I will never leave your side. Ning Shixuan herself knows Hua Qingqing’s name. Her medical skills are even more formidable than her appearance. Leaving your mother’s illness to her is guaranteed to be fine.”

Yun Yao suddenly realized something and grabbed my shoulder. “That’s right! Hua Qingqing is a famous doctor in our Great Dragon Kingdom! I’ve always wanted to take Mom to her for treatment. Brother Zhao, you weren’t joking, you really know them, don’t you?”

It seemed I couldn't deny it anymore. “Yes, Brother Zhao really knows her. Because I am a doctor too.”

“Ah!” Both girls were astonished. “You’re a doctor too? Aren’t you a university student?”

I countered, “Who says a university student can’t be a doctor? I am a dermatology specialist at the Army 101 Hospital, but I left my work permit at home, or I could let you see proof.”

Ning Shixuan asked doubtfully, “You can really treat illnesses?”

I nodded. “Yes, an expert, in fact. I have treated over two patients successfully.”

The two girls burst out laughing. “Which of your words are true, and which are lies? What expert doctor has only treated two patients?”

“Every word I said is the truth. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do. When we return to the capital, I’ll introduce you to my two patients and let you hear their stories.”

Ning Shixuan said, “Fine, we’ll see then. But I’m afraid I’m tied to Liangshan for the rest of my life.”

I replied, “That’s easy to handle. I’ll take you with me when I leave. Didn’t you want to care for your aunt and uncle? Bring them along to the capital. The natural environment there might not be as beautiful as here, but a big city has its advantages, and I believe they will like it. Then everyone can stay together, right?”

Yun Yao chimed in, “Yes, Sister Xiaoning! If we can all go to the capital in the future, that would be wonderful! Then you won’t have to worry about your boyfriend anymore.”

“Go to the capital? What will we eat, drink, and live in? You two truly dare to think! Houses there cost anywhere from seven or eight hundred thousand to several million each. Can people like us earn enough to buy a house in a lifetime?”

I stated, “I have plenty of space at home; no matter how many people come, there’s room. However, if your boyfriend comes to live there too, that might not be possible. Apart from me, we don't welcome other young and handsome males in our home. Of course, that changes if I have a son in the future.”

The sudden mention of a son made Yun Yao blush fiercely. She certainly didn't know I was referring to sons born to other women. She was only seventeen; suggesting she have children now would be a joke.

Ning Shixuan said, “Don’t be so good to me; I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself and fall for you, and then what about Yun Yao? Besides, transferring from the Liangshan County Government to the Beijing Municipal Government is impossible. Stop teasing me.”

I fell silent. I knew that no matter how much I said, they wouldn't believe me. Ning Shixuan stood up, intending to return to her room, when her phone suddenly rang. After checking the number, she smiled. “Hey, doesn’t your phone call cost nothing? Lend it to me for a moment.”

I cheerfully unlocked my phone and handed it to her. “Use it. I won’t feel the cost no matter how long you talk, just don’t annoy your boyfriend.”

“How did you know Lan Feng was calling?”

“That’s simple. If it were someone else, would you worry about saving his phone bill?”

Ning Shixuan took the phone with a smile and went to the window to make the call. I, at that moment, wished she would just go back to her room and talk on the phone all night, so she wouldn't disturb Yun Yao and me.

Yun Yao lightly grasped my hand as it wandered over her waist and asked in a low voice, “Brother Zhao, will you be good to me for my whole life? I mean, good only to me.”

This was giving me a headache. I braced myself and replied, “Of course, not just one lifetime. I want to love you for ten lifetimes, a hundred lifetimes. You will be one of the happiest girls in the world.”

Yun Yao nodded, not grasping the hidden meaning of the word ‘one of.’ “Thank you, Brother Zhao. I am very happy now. I truly hope we can live like this, plain and simple, until we are old.”

I said, “That won't do! Your father’s revenge hasn't been exacted yet. Draw me a rough sketch of the faces of those who framed your father. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for people to investigate their backgrounds and try to capture them in the next few days. Then, I can let you execute them with your own hands!”

Ignoring the fact that Ning Shixuan was watching them from the window, Yun Yao threw herself onto me. “Brother Zhao, you are so good to me! Please, promise never to leave me, okay?”

I nodded. “For now, you’ll have to endure staying here for a few days. In a few days, once I earn some money, we’ll buy a house here in Liangshan and bring your mother over. Then, when I return to the capital, we’ll all go together.”

“Buy a house? That must take a lot of money. Maybe we can just rent one. My mother and I don’t ask for much, as long as it keeps out the wind and rain.”

“Hehe, don’t worry about that. On your day off, we’ll go see your mother.”

Yun Yao nodded. “From now on, I just need to be good to Brother Zhao. I know you will help me solve all my difficulties. I believe in Brother Zhao; you are the one sent by heaven to save me. From now on, I will live only for you…”

While Yun Yao and I were being intimate, things on the other side had reached a fever pitch. The two of them were making faces at each other through the video call, which made me uncomfortable. I heard Lan Feng say, “Xiaoxuan, this plan might change slightly. I was originally supposed to be on a business trip to the Shimen area alone, but this evening the company sent a notice: several company leaders will be inspecting Liangshan tomorrow morning, and I have to accompany them to assist. I’m afraid our reunion won’t be as spontaneous as planned.”

Ning Shixuan replied, “That’s required by work; I won’t complain. As long as you can come, I’ll be overjoyed. Oh, right, let me introduce you to my two colleagues; we’re all good friends.”

Saying that, Ning Shixuan turned the phone camera toward Yun Yao and me, startling Yun Yao who immediately jumped away because we had been embracing moments before.

I looked at Lan Feng on the screen. He was indeed handsome with an imposing air, but for some reason, I just didn't feel comfortable looking at him; he had the look of a very arrogant man, unlike my own casual demeanor. No wonder Ning Shixuan didn't like me—she liked stylish men.

The three of us exchanged polite introductions. Lan Feng spoke first, “Miss Yun Yao is quite beautiful. That’s rare in Liangshan, I imagine. Thank you both for looking after Xiaoxuan all this time. If we have a chance tomorrow, I’d like to treat you to a simple meal.”

I said, “You’ve traveled all the way to Liangshan; you’re the guest. How can we let you treat us? We’ll treat you.”

Ning Shixuan whispered to me, “Do you have money to treat us? You’re not planning to put it on credit first, are you?”

Lan Feng interjected, “Xiaoxuan, how can you speak to colleagues like that? I see Little Zhao is no ordinary person; he will achieve great things in the future. We mustn’t make fun of a friend because they are experiencing temporary difficulty.”

Listening to Lan Feng, it sounded like he thought highly of me, yet his expression was smugly self-satisfied. His new job must pay very well. But could his money be more than mine? Even the US economy, if I wanted to destabilize it now, wouldn’t be difficult, let alone just a company employee. But why would I destabilize him? Was I trying to prove how capable I was to Ning Shixuan? I must be going crazy.

Ning Shixuan said, “Got it. It’s getting late, and I need to return to the dorm before it closes. You two have fun!”

Ning Shixuan handed the phone back to me and said goodbye before heading back to her room. As she left, she made faces and gestures at Yun Yao. Who knew what she was trying to say? As soon as the door was locked, I pulled Yun Yao onto the bed.