Jiang Ren pressed his lips together, knowing these words couldn’t have come from Meng Ting’s grandmother. The old lady adored her granddaughter and would only wish for someone to love Meng Ting well.

She was saying all this just to make him happy.

Meng Ting knew he’d been having a rough time lately, so she was trying different ways to cheer him up.

He said nothing, simply pulling her into his embrace.

The man reeked of alcohol, but she just smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against his chest.

“Jiang Ren, don’t drive after drinking. Have someone pick you up.”

“All right.”

“I’ll be going back to school after the New Year. Take care of yourself, eat regularly, and don’t work too hard.”

His lips brushed the top of her head as he replied with a smile in his voice, “Okay.”

He continued, “Last year, I told you I’d support you in your sophomore year. That promise still stands. Don’t overthink things; there are no big issues. They’re all minor troubles.”

She gently touched the corner of his eye, “Can you tell me why you gave up on the college entrance exam and chose to start a business instead? Was it because of me? Jiang Ren, have you ever looked forward to university life?”

Meng Ting had heard about He Junming from Zhao Nuancheng, and a sudden guess formed in her mind.

In his previous life, Jiang Ren had returned to B City in his senior year and didn’t take the college entrance exam either. A few years later, he became a successful entrepreneur.

The man’s pupils were pitch-black as he finally replied, “What are you thinking? I never liked studying anyway, so why would I look forward to university life? The college entrance exam meant nothing to me. I was going to do this sooner or later, so why not start earlier?”

He spoke casually, but Meng Ting became even more certain of her guess.

Before the New Year, when visiting her grandmother, they had talked about Huo Yifeng and love: “Love has levels. If we could score love, everyone’s mutual love scores would be different. For instance, in your grandfather’s and my lifetime, if our love was worth 100 points when I loved him the most, it might have been 80 points, and when he loved me the most, it was probably 90 points. Before marrying your grandfather, I had loved someone else. At that time, I was full of joy, thinking we could be together forever. But we ended up separating.”

Grandmother had laughed openly, “When I married your grandfather, I thought my life would be dull forever. But gradually, I grew to like and accept him. Your grandfather never showed his love too deeply. Sometimes men lie, and it wasn’t until I had your mother that I understood his feelings. I won’t judge you and Jiang Ren, but listen, Tingting, love is inherently unequal. Do you think the way you like him is the same as how he likes you?”

Is it the same?

Meng Ting used to think so. She could overlook Jiang Ren’s mental illness and her heart would race when she saw him. But she rarely tried to understand Jiang Ren’s life.

He was domineering and forceful, a hero and a light chaser. Jiang Ren feared letting her see his struggles and unworthiness and was afraid to tell her about his hardships and sorrows.

Perhaps Jiang Ren had long understood that if love was scored out of 100 points.

His love for her had reached the full score, while she was still wandering in confusion. That’s why Jiang Ren feared losing her.

Before returning to school in spring, Meng Ting met with He Junming once.

He Junming was pleased to see her: “You’re asking about Brother Ren? You have no idea how hard he worked back then. It was almost laughable. Even our class’s top student didn’t work as hard as him. He’d be studying as soon as class ended. He did one exercise book three times over. He didn’t play basketball for a good half-year. We all thought he’d gone mad at the time.”

“Did you all want to go to university?”

He Junming scratched his head, “I won’t lie, of course we wanted to. I even saw Brother Ren looking up university information on his phone. He must have thought about it. But then he didn’t take the exam. He was so driven like he was racing against time.”

Racing against time.

Meng Ting was stunned. She seemed to guess why Jiang Ren had left in his senior year in the previous life. He similarly wanted to make something of himself, perhaps after talking with his father at home, or maybe he had started taking over the company.

In her previous life, she didn’t like him, and his mood must have been heavy and low. He had tried everything. In the end, he wanted to become a little more outstanding, hoping to improve before she fell for someone else. But after he left, Meng Ting was burned in a fire and left H City.

“Can you take me to see Jiang Ren?”

He Junming looked troubled, “No way, he’s treating those old guys to dinner. If I bring you there, Brother Ren will kill me. He’s treated them three times this month already. You don’t know how unreasonable those old men are.”

“I’ll just look from afar, just for a moment.” Her tone was soft, her eyes glistening. He Junming coughed lightly, eventually agreeing.

“But remember, don’t tell him you were here. Ever.”

He Junming hadn’t planned on going himself. He was afraid he might lose his temper and beat up those old men, ruining Brother Ren’s business.

He couldn’t understand how Brother Ren could stay so calm.

He drove Meng Ting to Xiaogang City: “I’ll let the people here know. You wait in a private room, there’s a carved window screen there. You might be able to see him when he comes out.”

Meng Ting was eye-catching, so He Junming told her to pull her scarf up higher and found her a small private room.

After Meng Ting thanked him, He Junming went to find Jiang Ren.

Meng Ting sat there for a while before hearing rowdy singing from next door. It was a song with vulgar lyrics, but she could hear Jiang Ren’s voice.

That deep, pleasant voice that once called her “baby” sweetly and sounded so domineering and unrivaled.

But now he was calmly singing in the next room.

She knew his pride.

But the price he had to pay for his growth was too high. Had his illness been cured long ago? Or was she his greatest affliction?

She covered her mouth, her eyes welling up.

The next door was noisy one moment and quiet the next. It wasn’t until midnight that people finally started leaving. Before Jiang Ren could exit the room, he vomited the alcohol from his stomach.

He leaned against the doorframe, supported by Gao Yi.

Jiang Ren wiped his mouth, his eyes slightly unfocused, “Let go, I can walk on my own.”

He straightened his back and walked out.

He Junming said he’d come back for the keys, then returned to find Meng Ting in the adjacent room.

Her small face was streaked with tears.

He Junming panicked a bit, “Hey, don’t cry. Brother Ren said it was nothing. It’s mainly because these people used to be Junyang’s business rivals. They couldn’t make it in B City, so they’re developing in H City now. After all these years, they’re local snakes now. Once the benefits are sorted out, there’s no problem.”

Meng Ting said softly, “I know.”

She didn’t let He Junming feel awkward. No one mentioned the events of that night.

Before going to bed, she called Jiang Ren.

Jiang Ren covered his uncomfortable stomach as he answered. He smoothed his brow and asked with a casual laugh, “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

She said softly, “I was, but I woke up from a nightmare.”

“Still afraid of ghosts? Be good, turn on the lights. If you’re still scared, I’ll come over in a bit.”

“No need.” She hid the choke in her voice, “I just missed you.”

Jiang Ren’s ears grew hot.

He curved his lips, Meng Ting rarely spoke words of love. He found it novel and precious, chuckling softly, “I miss you too. I’ll be done with work soon. When I’m finished, shall I buy you a gift?”

She buried her face in her pillow, tears soaking into it, “Okay.”

He Junming had said that he and Brother Ren were ordinary men. They didn’t say many sweet words or know how to make people happy, but they wanted to give whatever they had. Jiang Ren always seemed to want to give her so much, only then did he feel at ease.

This kind of love was both ordinary and simple. But it made her heart tremble with warmth.

Jiang Ren only hung up after making sure she wasn’t scared of the nightmare anymore.

Jiang Ren found it incredible. When Meng Ting first went to university, he knew she couldn’t say she missed him. Meng Ting was like a lone bird; if someone was willing to protect her, she would lift her small head to consider if it was feasible. But if that person left her, she would flap her wings alone and fly to distant places.

This was the first time she had taken the initiative to say she missed him.

When spring came, Meng Ting was due to return to school, and Jiang Ren’s business affairs also saw a turning point.

Business is ultimately about interests. If they were reluctant to sign a contract with Jiang Ren, there must be a greater benefit tempting them.

The last time Jiang Ren treated them to dinner, he crossed his legs and smiled faintly, “We’re all old friends now. It’s no fun to keep dragging this out. My project is halfway through, and it’s not a solution to keep delaying like this. What do you think?”

Chen Ping was the first to lose his composure, “What do you mean?”

“Nothing much.” Jiang Ren adjusted his tie, “Mr. Chen, your wife probably doesn’t know about your mistress.”

“You’re threatening me!”

“It’s not a threat. Mr. Chen, you were quite happy drinking the other day and accidentally let it slip yourself.” He smiled slightly, “As for Mr. Fang, didn’t you hit and run last year? I don’t mean to threaten anyone. After all, you’re my elders in H City. Even if the deal doesn’t work out, we can still be civil. I wonder what Wen Rui told you. Let me guess.”

Chen Ping’s face turned green.

This kid had been so attentive the past few days, but behind their backs, he had investigated them thoroughly.

“Of course, you wouldn’t listen to him, but Wen Rui made quite a profit from the Swan Residence project. I guess my dad didn’t take a penny. That money flowed into your pockets,” Jiang Ren raised his glass and said calmly, “He’s quite generous.”

The Swan Residence project had been going on for four years.

Even if Wen Rui was useless, he would have made a considerable profit with the rising housing prices. That money was probably more than what they could earn from this batch of building materials.

The three of them looked at each other, speechless.

Jiang Ren smiled, “It’s all right. Consider it a gift from the Jiang family to the senior executives. So now, this ‘meager benefit’ that you look down upon, do you want to earn it or not?”

Chen Ping said with a stern face, “Add 10% to the price.”

Jiang Ren tossed two photos over, showing Chen with his mistress shopping arm in arm. He chuckled lightly, “How about lowering it by 10%?”

Chen Ping slammed the table and stood up.

Jiang Ren remained unmoved, “We’ll sign tomorrow. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.” He poured drinks for everyone, then burned the photo negatives in front of them before smiling and saying, “Don’t be angry. The 10% reduction was just a joke. Whatever price we agreed on, that’s what we’ll stick to.”

The group looked at each other, finally agreeing to sign. After they left, Mr. Wang laughed heartily, “I didn’t misjudge you. You’re better than your old man. Their faces just now, haha!”

“Thanks to you, Mr. Wang.”

Mr. Wang waved his hand, “I hadn’t planned to cooperate with your family, after all, we’ve all suffered losses from Junyang. Your uncle is indeed generous, so much money, tsk tsk…”

Jiang Ren smiled, “I’ll treat you to dinner again when my project is finished.”

Mr. Wang was the first to waver. He just loved money, and naturally, he was tempted when Wen Rui offered more. But after several dinners, Jiang Ren seemed quite good. Someone who could be both tough and flexible was worth befriending.

Jiang Ren saw through this and invited him to two more private dinners before learning from Mr. Wang how much capital Wen Rui had invested. He probably spent all his share from Swan Residence.

Gao Yi also found it unbelievable, “Swan Residence made so much, and he gave it all away. Your dad would be furious if he knew.”

Jiang Ren said, “My dad doesn’t care about money.” He added calmly, “He only cares about Wen Man.”

With the project no longer delayed, Jiang Ren felt relieved and joked, “Don’t believe me? I’ll make a call.”

Jiang Jixian answered on the other end.

Chairman Jiang said, “What is it? Do you need anything?”

“Dad, if I can’t make it in H City anymore, I’ll come back to B City, and you can hand the company over to me, right?”

Chairman Jiang laughed angrily, “What’s this? Your dad isn’t dead yet, and you’re already thinking about the inheritance?”

“That’s not it,” Jiang Ren said, “I just don’t want to spend a penny on Wen Rui. Have you collected the money from Swan Residence?”

Jiang Jixian said, “He put a lot of effort into that project, preparing for it since graduation. I promised your mom to take good care of…”

Jiang Ren hung up the phone and asked Gao Yi, “Do you believe me now?”

Gao Yi was speechless.

Jiang Ren and Wen Rui had been at odds for many years.

But Wen Rui would try to please Jiang Jixian, while Jiang Ren, with his proud nature, would only argue with his father. This had been the pattern for twenty years.

Jiang Jixian’s greatest wish was probably for them to get along. One was the apple of his eye, the other was Wen Man’s darling.

If Jiang Ren ever sought help from Jiang Jixian, his first requirement would be for his son to get along with Wen Rui.

As long as Jiang Jixian was alive, Jiang Ren could never truly take all of his father’s assets.

If he wanted to deal with Wen Rui, he’d have to do it himself.

Gao Yi patted Jiang Ren’s shoulder, “Relax, young boss. He’s out of money, and you’ll soon have plenty.”

Jiang Ren couldn’t help but smile.

As the project progressed rapidly, another summer quietly arrived.

Meng Ting had become familiar with the atmosphere of this city.

She found a part-time job, working near the school on weekends. Although the pay wasn’t much, it was relaxing.

The boss liked her very much. After Meng Ting started working part-time, the income increased significantly.

Even when she just sat by the door reading, she looked particularly beautiful.

Everyone at B University knew she had a boyfriend whose condition wasn’t very good and who had barely visited her. There were even rumors that she had broken up with him.

Meng Ting’s job involved making coffee and organizing bookshelves. She enjoyed herself in the city where Jiang Ren grew up, quietly sending money back to Gao Yi now and then.

Gao Yi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Damn, this money was originally his, but it kept circling back to him.

There was one thing Gao Yi was particularly concerned about whether Jiang Ren’s foot could still be cured. Not only Gao Yi, but Jiang Jixian was also concerned. Unfortunately, most doctors in China who had seen the X-rays said it couldn’t be repaired.

Jiang Ren remained calm, “If it can’t be done in China, we’ll try abroad in a couple of years.”

When Meng Ting was on summer break, experts predicted that housing prices might rise significantly.

Song Huanhuan said, “Sigh, why be a lawyer in this era? Our people’s legal awareness is so weak. This industry probably won’t be popular for twenty years. It’s better to make money in real estate. Let’s change majors, change majors, and get rich quick.”

Mi Lei laughed at her, “Why don’t you go build houses now?”

Song Huanhuan pretended to hit her, “I’d like to, but it’s too late!”

Changing majors was just a joke. They had the opportunity to intern at the court during summer vacation, assisting judges. They chose this field out of love, so everyone was excited.

Song Huanhuan jumped to Meng Ting’s side, “Tingting! Are you unhappy that you can’t go home?”

Meng Ting blinked, “No.” She just didn’t want Jiang Ren to be unhappy.

When she told Jiang Ren that she was going to intern at a grassroots court with her roommates, he remained silent.

Jiang Ren looked at the profit forecast given by the finance department on the table.

That string of zeros at the end.

This year, 200X, was the golden period for housing price increases.

After a long while, the man smiled, “I’ll come in October.”

To support you.

Is it possible to fall in love with a much, much more excellent version of him?