Misunderstanding

Jing Fengqin was a local of Qingshui and quite familiar with the Lin family, so she gave Zhang Shuai a rough rundown of the Qingshui Lin Family's impressive status.

In short, the three Lin brothers were renowned figures in Qingshui City. The eldest was in politics, currently serving as the municipal party secretary of a prefecture-level city in a southern province. The second brother, Lin Yuemin, was a businessman with assets worth billions, and the third was in the military, rumored to be a division-level officer.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shuai couldn't help but wonder if Lin Xiuwen was Lin Yuemin's daughter. However, he certainly couldn't ask her directly, so he took his phone back from Jing Fengqin and sent a message to Sun Xiaoya.

"Xiaoya, is Lin Xiuwen the daughter of Lin Yuemin?"

Sun Xiaoya replied quickly: "You're only just realizing this now? She is indeed Lin Yuemin's daughter. I'm warning you, don't go getting any ideas just because her family background is good. Xiuwen has very high standards; she would never take a fancy to you!"

Zhang Shuai thought to himself that if Sun Xiaoya found out he and Lin Xiuwen were dating, she might fall out with her, and their "ship of friendship" would likely capsize. Besides, he didn't know what she would think of him—she might view him as a social climber.

This was a bit of a headache. No wonder Lin Xiuwen didn't want him to reveal their relationship to Sun Xiaoya.

"Sister-in-law, you were right. Lin Xiuwen really is Lin Yuemin's daughter."

Jing Fengqin's mouth hung open in surprise, and after a long moment, she gave Zhang Shuai a thumbs-up.

"Little Zhang, you'd better hold onto Lin Xiuwen tight. With her, you won't have to struggle for the rest of your life. If you really manage to become Lin Yuemin's son-in-law, don't forget to give your brother Wang a hand."

Zhang Shuai felt a bit uncomfortable. Jing Fengqin's implication made him sound like a gigolo relying on a woman, which was something the prideful Zhang Shuai couldn't accept.

"Sister-in-law, I'm with Xiuwen not because of her family's conditions."

Jing Fengqin quickly said, "I understand, you two are in true love, I get it."

Although she said that, Zhang Shuai could tell from her expression that she had already pegged him as a social climber. He wanted to explain further, but he suddenly gave up. Some things only become harder to believe the more you explain them; excuses are just cover-ups.

Forget it, let them misunderstand. Zhang Shuai couldn't be bothered to explain anymore.

After the meal, as Zhang Shuai headed downstairs, Jing Fengqin, holding Lele, and Wang Qiang insisted on seeing him off and taking a look at his new car.

To their surprise, when the elevator reached the 26th floor, a young girl stepped in. Zhang Shuai was stunned—it was Sun Xiaoya.

Sun Xiaoya grew excited the moment she saw him.

"Brother Zhang Shuai, what are you doing here?"

Zhang Shuai, not expecting to run into her, gave a wry smile and explained, "I came to a friend's place for a meal."

Sun Xiaoya immediately greeted Wang Qiang: "Brother Qiang, I'm a friend of Zhang Shuai's. My name is Sun Xiaoya, and my father is Sun Zhengcai!"

Wang Qiang looked at Sun Xiaoya, then glanced at Zhang Shuai, and laughed: "So you're Director Sun's daughter. How do you know Zhang Shuai?"

Sun Xiaoya replied, "Brother Zhang Shuai and I met at driving school."

Wang Qiang had a sudden realization. "Was there someone named Lin Xiuwen in your driving class too?"

Sun Xiaoya said in surprise, "Oh! Brother Qiang, how do you know Lin Xiuwen? She's my best friend!"

Just as Wang Qiang was about to speak, Zhang Shuai panicked, terrified that Wang Qiang would let something slip. If Sun Xiaoya found out about his relationship with Lin Xiuwen, she would definitely blame him.

"Brother Qiang, Sun Xiaoya and Lin Xiuwen are both my good friends. Why are you asking about this..."

Wang Qiang was good at reading the room; seeing the look in Zhang Shuai's eyes, he stopped pressing the issue.

A moment later, the elevator reached the ground floor. Zhang Shuai and the couple stepped out, with Sun Xiaoya following behind.

When they reached where Zhang Shuai had parked, the couple looked at his brand-new Biguan Di and were filled with envy.

"Zhang Shuai, you really bought a car? Tell me the truth, where did you get the money? Was it your girl—"

Wang Qiang was interrupted without hesitation by Zhang Shuai, who was truly afraid he would spill the beans.

"Brother Qiang, I earned the money for this car myself. Don't talk nonsense..."

The more Zhang Shuai explained, the more convinced Wang Qiang and Jing Fengqin became that Lin Xiuwen had bought it for him. However, out of consideration for Sun Xiaoya's presence, they had to save face for him, so they didn't ask further, merely circling the new car with unconcealable envy in their eyes.

Sun Xiaoya looked at the green license plate and said, "Brother Zhang Shuai, why did you buy an electric car? Aren't gas cars more convenient?"

Zhang Shuai said, "This model has a range of 400 kilometers, which is enough for me. Plus, I compared the cost-performance ratio of several cars on the market, and this one is affordable and high-quality. It's quite good."

Sun Xiaoya smiled and changed the subject: "Brother Zhang Shuai, school starts tomorrow. Are you going with us? What will you do about your car?"

Zhang Shuai said, "I'm definitely driving the car to school!"

Sun Xiaoya asked skeptically, "It's over 300 kilometers from Qingshui to Hanjiang, and you have to take the highway. You haven't had your license for a year yet; you aren't allowed on the highway!"

Zhang Shuai laughed, "There is that rule, but even if I do get on the highway, it's no big deal—just a two-hundred-yuan fine. Besides, it's not guaranteed that I'll be unlucky enough to get caught by the traffic police."

Sun Xiaoya thought about it and found it reasonable. She laughed, "That's true. With your driving skills, Brother Zhang Shuai, you'll be fine on the highway. That works out perfectly! Why don't you drive me and Xiuwen to school? I can even save on a train ticket."

"Taking you two to school is no problem, but have you asked Xiuwen? Will her family send someone to take her directly?"

"I'll ask her in a bit. If her family is sending someone, then it'll just be the two of us."

"Alright! Ask her when you have a chance!" With Wang Qiang and his wife present, Zhang Shuai couldn't refuse Sun Xiaoya and had to agree. "Brother Qiang, I'm heading back. I need to pack my luggage. I'm leaving for Hanjiang University tomorrow, and I probably won't be back for half a year."

Wang Qiang said, "Alright, it's good to go to university for further studies. Learn more, and you'll surely have a bright future."

Watching Zhang Shuai drive away, the couple took their child back upstairs. Just as they entered the elevator, they noticed Sun Xiaoya had followed them in.

Wang Qiang was surprised and asked, "Sun Xiaoya, weren't you just heading out? Why are you coming back up?"

Sun Xiaoya said, "Brother Qiang, I came back specifically to find you. I wanted to ask you something."

"What is it? Go ahead."

"Brother Qiang, you and Zhang Shuai are very close, right?"

Wang Qiang replied, "That's right. Zhang Shuai and I grew up together; we've been friends since we were kids."