Mi An hastily finished a few bowls of rice before taking the car Zhang Yang had gifted him to school. They were deep into intensive tutoring sessions now, mandatory even in the evenings, all in preparation for the Gaokao.

"Mi Xue, come to my room for a moment!"

After eating, Mi Zhiguo dropped this statement and left first. Wu Fenglan, meanwhile, busied herself attending to Zhang Yang, getting the guest room ready and offering words of comfort.

His mother-in-law was genuinely kind to him. Zhang Yang felt optimistic at that moment; at least he had secured a powerful ally.

As things stood, the only obstacle remaining in Mi Xue’s family was her father. Everyone else had accepted him, which counted as good news for him.

The conversation between Mi Xue and her father did not go smoothly. Before long, she stormed out, entering Zhang Yang’s room in a rage.

"That old mule, truly an old mule! He actually listens to what Mi Zhicheng says and doesn’t even see what kind of person Yu Yong is!"

Upon entering Zhang Yang’s room, Mi Xue was still shouting, her eyes red and her face etched with grievance.

"Don't be angry. Talk it over with your father later, or I can talk to him. I believe I can make him accept me!"

Zhang Yang gently embraced Mi Xue. This was all he could do; it wouldn't do to be too presumptuous in the future in-laws' home.

"No, you don't understand. Once he sets his mind on something, not even eight horses can pull him back. It’s too hard to persuade him. Zhang Yang, maybe we should just go back to school and not stay here!"

Mi Xue shook her head. She knew her father best; once he was set on a course, it was difficult to sway him.

"Go back to school? Does that mean you’ll never come home again in the future? That’s impossible. The problem needs to be solved, and you have to trust me!"

Zhang Yang chuckled. He knew Mi Xue was just saying that in anger.

If they truly left home, the first one who couldn't stand it would likely be Mi Xue herself. Furthermore, Zhang Yang had no intention of eloping with his woman; he wanted to marry Mi Xue openly and honorably.

If Mi Zhiguo didn't approve, then he would simply make him approve. Zhang Yang disliked trouble, but that didn't mean he shied away from facing it.

"I trust you, I’ll listen to you!"

Mi Xue hesitated, then leaned softly against Zhang Yang’s chest. She held an absolute trust in him, a baffling, innate faith.

Mi Xue stayed with Zhang Yang for a long time, and they talked extensively. Only after her mother reminded her did Mi Xue return to her own room.

Their conversation also informed Zhang Yang about the sudden emergence of this romantic rival.

Or perhaps, he wasn't a rival at all. Mi Xue felt absolutely no affection for him. Mi Xue’s temperament was much like her father's—stubbornness that prevented anyone from changing what she believed.

Yu Yong’s family lived in the city. His father came to Lieshan County six years ago to serve as the Deputy Secretary of the County Party Committee, and Yu Yong followed him.

Lieshan County High School was famous throughout their entire prefecture. Yu Wenwu naturally transferred his son there as well.

Parents always look out for their children, but unfortunately, Yu Yong himself was disappointing. In high school, he was known for chasing girls. Mi Xue had been quite beautiful even then, and he pursued her for a long time.

Eventually, he was verbally dismissed by Mi Xue and then turned his attention to other girls.

His academic performance was poor, and in the end, he couldn't get into a proper university. Rumor had it his father pulled strings to get him into a vocational college. He returned half a year ago to start working, initially under the guise of an internship.

However, his internship concluded quickly, and he was offered a permanent position, currently working in the city bureau—a full staff member at the Municipal Public Security Bureau.

A zhengshigong (permanent staff member) in that era meant holding an "iron rice bowl," someone on the public payroll, giving them a considerable advantage over others, especially when seeking a partner.

It was only after he secured this job that Yu Wenwu came to pay a formal visit to propose the arrangement.

After learning all this, Zhang Yang felt a mix of helplessness and wry amusement.

He hadn't expected to encounter such a cliché political marriage arrangement. Running into it was just bad luck, perhaps, but he was confident that Mi Xue belonged to him and wouldn't be snatched away by anyone else.

It didn't matter what Yu Yong’s father did; no one was taking Mi Xue from his grasp.

A County Head was merely at the Zhengchu level. In his previous life, Zhang Yang himself held administrative ranks up to Zhengting, and he had met stacks of high-ranking provincial and ministerial officials. This situation didn't weigh too heavily on his mind.

The next morning, Zhang Yang was up early. His first task was to feed Little Lightning.

Though small in stature, Little Lightning had a massive appetite, requiring at least two venomous snakes every day. Zhang Yang had specifically brought some venomous snakes back with him, caught on the mountain.

During his stay at the Xie family villa, Zhang Yang had certainly done a number on the local serpents.

He dropped the snakes through the round hole above, and Little Lightning immediately pounced. The poor snakes barely managed to twitch before Little Lightning severed their heads.

Watching Little Lightning eat, Zhang Yang couldn't help but shake his head. It was a good thing no one else was around, or they would surely have been terrified.

"Xiao Zhang, up so early!"

Wu Fenglan came out after Zhang Yang had exercised in the courtyard and greeted him.

"Auntie, good morning!"

Zhang Yang smiled and returned the greeting. Rising early was always his habit. Unless something special intervened, he would wake up early to cultivate. Especially recently, after consuming the Shen Wan pills, his cultivation speed had skyrocketed, showing significant progress every day.

"Xiao Zhang, let me ask you, this car... is it really yours?" Wu Fenglan walked up to Zhang Yang, chuckling, pausing slightly before asking the question. She looked a little embarrassed as she spoke.

"Auntie, this car was actually gifted to me by a friend, and the ownership is mine. However, if I truly wanted to buy one, I could afford this type of car, and not just one!"

Zhang Yang smiled slightly and said in a low voice. He understood Wu Fenglan's intent perfectly: she was probing his background. But for Zhang Yang, this was a good sign; it meant she acknowledged him and wanted to know more.

"Is that so? How can you have so much money while you’re still a student? Is it from your family?" Wu Fenglan nodded and asked again.

"No, I earned all of this myself. Auntie, perhaps Mi Xue hasn't told you—I’m actually a doctor. My medical skills are decent, I’ve treated many people, and I’ve also run a small business, so I’ve made some money!"

Zhang Yang spoke with a smile. Luo Fenglan was concerned whether he earned the money himself or relied on his family.

"You're already earning money while still in school?"

Luo Fenglan looked up in surprise, clearly finding it hard to believe. Zhang Yang suddenly looked past her shoulder, and the smile on his face grew even brighter.

"Mom, Zhang Yang is amazing! The last time he did futures trading with a friend, he made twenty million! I saw it with my own eyes!"

Mi Xue had also woken up and walked over from behind, hugging her mother in a slightly spoiled manner. Yet, when she spoke of Zhang Yang, her face was clearly radiating pride.

"Twenty million!"

Luo Fenglan froze, staring blankly at Zhang Yang.

She was just an ordinary primary school teacher, earning a meager few hundred yuan a month. Mi Zhiguo was a Deputy County Head, earning a bit more, but the ceiling was limited. Together, their monthly income was around two thousand.

Even if they didn't spend a cent of their combined salaries, it would take several hundred years to save up twenty million. Luo Fenglan found the sum almost unbelievable.

For her, it was an astronomical figure.

It was fortunate Zhang Yang hadn't told her about the twenty million in consultation fees he'd recently earned; otherwise, she would have been even more shocked.

"Auntie, what Mi Xue said is true. Besides the money from business, I've earned some elsewhere, so you don't need to worry. I have the capability to ensure Mi Xue lives a happy life!"

Zhang Yang said with a warm smile. The reason Luo Fenglan inquired was surely due to concern for her daughter's future.

"Mom, Zhang Yang is really good to me. You know what kind of person that Yu Yong is. When you have a chance, please try to persuade Dad!"

Mi Xue wrapped her arm around her mother’s neck and murmured softly. It was absolutely out of the question for her to be with anyone else; she had decided on Zhang Yang for life.

"Alright, I will talk to him again later. This stubborn old mule’s temper, sigh!"

Luo Fenglan sighed, then glanced at Zhang Yang again, a touch of astonishment still lingering in her eyes.

After that exchange, she headed straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. However, the previous conversation had truly stunned her. Yesterday, when Mi An mentioned Zhang Yang had money, she hadn't paid much attention, but hearing the specific figure today made her realize that this seemingly gentle and quiet young man was already a multi-millionaire.

A multi-millionaire—there were very few of those in Lieshan County.

But this made her feel much more at ease. She could see her daughter genuinely liked him, and she didn't dislike this young man either; he was sensible, and he would make a decent son-in-law.

As for Yu Yong, she had indeed heard some things.

She was a teacher, and Yu Yong was known as a notorious bad student in high school. Relying on his father being a high-ranking official in the county, he had even fought with teachers; everyone in the education system knew about it.

Zhang Yang looked at Mi Xue and said softly, "Mi Xue, what about Uncle? Shall I talk to him?"

"He hasn't woken up yet. There’s no use talking to him now; let Mom try first!"

Mi Xue shook her head. She knew her father best; persuasion at this moment would be futile.

Zhang Yang nodded, raising no objection to Mi Xue’s plan. As long as he remained present, he was certain there would come a day he could persuade Mi Zhiguo.

Breakfast was ready when Mi Zhiguo finally got up. He frowned slightly upon seeing Zhang Yang, ate a sparse breakfast, and left.

His attitude was markedly cold. Mi Xue quickly apologized to Zhang Yang on behalf of her father’s demeanor.

Zhang Yang didn't take it to heart. Mi Zhiguo opposing his relationship with Mi Xue—it was better than being kicked out outright. As long as he was allowed to stay, he had an opportunity.

Mi Xue took Zhang Yang out in the morning. They wandered around outside all day, only returning in the afternoon.

Mi Xue led Zhang Yang to the primary and middle schools she attended, and even her high school. She also took him to several places where she enjoyed playing as a child. Though the county town was small, there were still many spots for recreation.

Zhang Yang felt a touch of envy learning about Mi Xue's childhood life.

In his previous life, he had spent his childhood learning medicine with his grandfather, and the only places he could play were the Daoist temple or accompanying his grandfather to gather herbs on the mountain.

This life was even less eventful. The previous memories were not pleasant ones. As a child, Zhang Yang resented his father for his mother’s death, growing up almost entirely steeped in that resentment, with no happy childhood to speak of.