Liu Fen had this confidence.

At the beginning of the year, ‘Blue Phoenix’ had expanded to eight branches.

Among them, five specialized in women’s clothing, one in men’s clothing, and two focused on children’s wear.

The family planning policy had been implemented for several years, transforming families from having multiple children to just one. Children became increasingly precious to families, and while buying new clothes for several children was difficult, it wasn’t challenging for dual-income families with only one child.

That’s why Liu Fen’s children’s clothing stores were perfectly timed.

As the owner of eight clothing stores, Liu Fen had such confidence!

Since Xia Xiaolan no longer needed her financial support, the money she earned remained firmly in her hands. Most store operations were now managed by Min Xiaoju and Wang Lin, who had been promoted from the Xiushui Street branch. Since the branches couldn’t expand indefinitely, Liu Fen had accumulated quite a bit of cash.

How to spend the money earned?

Liu Fen felt that Old Tang had done so much for her and Xiaolan, so she was willing to lend money to Ji Jiangyuan.

This is why they say women should have their careers, especially in remarried families. When you’re financially stable, there’s less penny-pinching, naturally reducing family conflicts!

If Liu Fen had truly been a burden, with mother and daughter depending on Tang Hongen’s support, and Tang Hongen only earning a fixed salary, every cent spent on his son would mean one less cent for Liu Fen and Xiaolan… At that point, only women with exceptionally positive mindsets wouldn’t feel psychologically imbalanced, right?

Where there are stepmothers, there are stepfathers – this old saying holds some truth.

After all, isn’t it all about interests?

The existence of stepchildren infringes upon the stepmother’s interests.

But in Liu Fen’s case, this wasn’t an issue – she had more money than Old Tang!

This was something Tang Hongen could easily figure out in his head.

Having money was one thing, but why spend it on a stepson? It wasn’t about having feelings for the stepson, but rather not wanting him to struggle – Tang Hongen put down his chopsticks, ignoring both Xia Xiaolan and Ji Jiangyuan still at the table, and held Liu Fen’s hand:

“This money shouldn’t come from you at all. It’s enough that you have the thought – keep your money saved.”

Ji Jiangyuan felt somewhat happy for Old Tang.

Old Tang’s marriage had transitioned from one extreme with his ex-wife to another.

One was extremely selfish, while this one was very selfless.

“Aunt Liu, thank you for your kindness. Don’t worry about my mother’s treatment costs for now. She has some savings, and I’ll continue earning money. I’ve been managing both studies and part-time work for over a year now, and it shouldn’t be a problem… If I need help, I’ll ask you!”

Ji Jiangyuan’s last sentence was meant to reassure Liu Fen.

He certainly wouldn’t borrow money from her.

The order for handling medical expenses was: first use Ji Ya’s savings, then rely on Ji Jiangyuan’s earnings.

If Ji Jiangyuan couldn’t earn enough, the Ji family would step in.

If that still wasn’t sufficient, they’d have to consider transferring Ji Ya from HK Qingshan Hospital to a cheaper mainland hospital.

There was no scenario where they’d borrow money from Liu Fen – she had no obligation.

Even Tang Hongen had no such obligation. After ending a marriage of over a decade, should he still pay for his ex-wife’s medical treatment? Those willing to pay were truly honorable… Given how difficult Ji Ya had been, who could demand Tang Hongen show such honor?

No one could do that!

Ji Jiangyuan said these words knowing they would please Liu Fen, so why not say them?

When others show him kindness, why shouldn’t he respond in kind?

“Mom, don’t worry about this. Classmate Ji Jiangyuan is quite capable. He’s been working at the golf course for the Wilson family purely because of his abilities. This project should open to the public this year, and he’ll probably receive a significant bonus!”

Whether Ji Ya and George divorced wouldn’t affect Ji Jiangyuan’s work for Harold.

If Harold wouldn’t give a face to George’s family, why would he extend courtesy to Ji Jiangyuan?

Ji Jiangyuan’s continued employment at the golf course could only mean his workability had been recognized!

Distributing bonuses to key project participants upon completion was standard practice, and the golf course was ready to open for business!

Liu Fen suddenly asked, “Xiaolan, who’s older between you and Jiangyuan?”

Huh?

Xia Xiaolan looked at Ji Jiangyuan, “We’re the same age?”

Tang Hongen immediately understood, “Jiangyuan was born in May 1965, the same year as Xiaolan, just a few months older.”

So he should be called brother, not classmate.

Xia Xiaolan had been using that term teasingly, but after Liu Fen and Tang Hongen’s correction, and with Ji Jiangyuan not objecting, she immediately changed her address:

“Big Brother, please take care of me in the future!”

Ji Jiangyuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Who could take care of Xia Xiaolan? At least with his current capabilities, that possibility seemed remote. However, they were indeed step-siblings, a fact that couldn’t be changed… No, they should have become friends – they had gotten along well at the Huaqing opening ceremony, but that friendship opportunity had been destroyed by Ji Ya.

It was a strange feeling.

From not even being able to be friends to becoming step-siblings.

Now he had a sister.

Although his sister wasn’t soft and cute, but rather strong-willed – well, thinking of Tina, Ji Jiangyuan preferred having a sister like Xia Xiaolan, independent and worry-free, who wouldn’t cause her brother to worry until his hair turned white.

“I’m very happy tonight, and the food suited my taste… Thank you all.”

Liu Fen immediately said:

“If you like the food, then come back to eat often!”

Take it step by step – eating together regularly would make the atmosphere increasingly harmonious. What awkwardness? Two meals might feel awkward, but would 200 meals still feel strange?

Xia Xiaolan barely held back her laughter.

Comrade Liu Fen had such an honest face that was hard to refuse.

…

After dinner, Xia Xiaolan offered to drive Ji Jiangyuan home. Liu Fen and Tang Hongen just reminded her to drive safely at night, not stopping her.

Ji Jiangyuan had no intention of staying at the house – forcing him to stay would be too rushed, everyone wanted things to develop naturally.

Ji Jiangyuan was still staying at the South Sea Hotel.

He hadn’t checked out yet, though these days he spent most of his time at the hospital, rarely returning to rest.

As Xia Xiaolan started the car, she asked him:

“Are you going back to the hotel or the hospital?”

Ji Jiangyuan rubbed his eyes, “Back to the hotel. Uncle George is at the hospital, I’ll go back and handle some work matters.”

Harold had long said he would come to China, but his schedule kept getting delayed.

However, this had given Ji Jiangyuan time to smooth things over.

This time, with Ivan Wilson arriving in China, Harold’s schedule was finally confirmed.

If Ji Jiangyuan gave up his work, he might truly be unable to afford Ji Ya’s treatment costs in the future! Life isn’t easy, everyone needs to strive and work hard.

Xia Xiaolan didn’t say anything else, directly driving Ji Jiangyuan back to the South Sea Hotel.

She seemed destined to visit the South Sea Hotel today, making two trips.

As the car stopped and Ji Jiangyuan got out, Xia Xiaolan had just said she wouldn’t disturb his work when someone rushed out from the hotel entrance.

Ji Jiangyuan grabbed their arm:

“Tina, where are you running to so late?”