Passing by a jewelry store, Liang Yun said, "Teacher Jiang, there should be jewelry you like inside. I'll buy something for you."
"No need," Jiang Hu Xue refused curtly.
"This little money means nothing to me. You don't have to worry about it," Liang Yun put on a show of wealth, looking quite pleased with himself. He didn't realize that Jiang Hu Xue didn't buy into his act at all and was growing to dislike him more.
Liang Yun continued, "Teacher Jiang, actually, I like children too. I want them to have a good learning environment." "How about I donate to your school?"
Mentioning the school, Jiang Hu Xue felt a flicker of interest. The school's conditions were not good, and with more students coming, the expenses were mounting.
Lin Fan stepped forward and said, "Mr. Liang, you're a wealthy man. You can probably help dozens of schools, right?" "Do you need me to help you contact some places? As for our Hope Primary School, I'll do my best."
With that remark, Lin Fan completely deflated Liang Yun. Liang Yun had intended to use his donation to shorten the distance between himself and Jiang Hu Xue, but Lin Fan had nipped that possibility in the bud. Moreover, he had cornered Liang Yun; if Liang Yun refused, it would be an admission that he wasn't interested in donating to children. This Lin Fan was truly detestable!
Sun Qian pulled Jiang Hu Xue aside and whispered, "Xiao Xue, do you really think this person is good? Although he's kind, he's still from the countryside!" "You know we don't have much in common with people like him." "If you were to get together in the future, you'd have no common topics and nothing to do together." "You can't possibly spend your life with him farming, can you? And what about children? You don't want your children to farm in the future, do you?"
Jiang Hu Xue's face turned red. "What children are you talking about? You're thinking too far ahead." "I'm being realistic! People from the countryside and the city have different mindsets. You should know..."
The biggest difference between rural and urban people is that rural people have complex family relationships, like a spider's web. Distant aunts and uncles often interfere with things and gossip behind one's back. Sun Qian, although she hadn't experienced such torment, had heard similar stories, so she kept her distance from rural people and didn't date boyfriends from the countryside. However, for Jiang Hu Xue, Lin Fan was just a pretend boyfriend. She hadn't thought much about it and was somewhat confused.
"I think these are minor issues. As long as we like each other, that's what matters." "You like him that much?" Sun Qian glanced at Lin Fan, feeling a little displeased. She felt he was far from the ideal man she had imagined.
Jiang Hu Xue was annoyed. "Xiao Qian, I have class tomorrow. Let's stop here for today." "It's hard for me to come here, can't you take a day off?" Sun Qian said reluctantly.
"There are few teachers at school, so I really can't take leave," Jiang Hu Xue said evasively.
Different paths mean no common goals! Liang Yun did not give up. He had a strong sense of possession and had been with many women. For a beauty like Jiang Hu Xue, once he saw her, he wouldn't look at any other woman.
—
As they were heading back, Jiang Hu Xue said apologetically, "Xiao Fan, I'm really sorry. I didn't expect to run into such a disgusting person."
Lin Fan waved his hand indifferently. "Liang Yun is indeed annoying, but as you saw, he couldn't take advantage of me. Hehe."
"But he looks down on you!"
"Plenty of people look down on me. Who does he think he is?" "Alright, let's go back!"
As soon as Lin Fan finished speaking, his phone rang. It was Lin Qingshuang calling him for something. Lin Fan took Jiang Hu Xue to the Lin Corporation.
At that moment, several female employees were gossiping. "Hahaha... I'm definitely going to win the bet." A few days ago, Lin Fan and Lin Qingshuang had met several times, always at the Lin Corporation headquarters. Since Lin Qingshuang rarely entertained male guests there, they speculated that their relationship was unusual.
The receptionist pouted. "How did you win? I said I won!" "This man brought a beautiful woman with him. They must be a couple!" "They haven't publicly announced they're boyfriend and girlfriend, though..."
—
In the office, Lin Qingshuang's face showed surprise when she saw Jiang Hu Xue. Lin Fan introduced, "This is our village's volunteer teacher, Jiang Hu Xue." "And this is Lin Qingshuang, the president of Lin Corporation, who is in the hotel chain business."
"Hello, nice to meet you." "Me too..." The two women shook hands, officially introduced.
Lin Qingshuang looked at Lin Fan. "Xiao Fan, I asked you to come here in such a hurry to tell you that your therapeutic dishes have been a great success." "Also, I'd like you to provide some new dishes." "This time, it would be best if they could treat bone-related diseases. Many city dwellers, especially white-collar workers, sit all day, causing back pain and stiffness."
Lin Fan frowned slightly. "This isn't a problem with the bones, it's poor blood circulation. Stimulating metabolism is all that's needed." "It's a piece of cake. I'll write you a prescription right now, and it won't require too many medicinal ingredients."
He got paper and a pen and began writing. Lin Qingshuang's expression was complex as she tried her best not to show any weakness. Jiang Hu Xue was surprised, not expecting Lin Fan to know such a beautiful and capable woman. Talented, wealthy, and beautiful – she was a perfect woman! The two women sized each other up, their hostility undisguised. Lin Fan, engrossed in writing the prescription, didn't notice the tension in the air.
Soon, the prescription was finished. After a brief farewell, he left with Jiang Hu Xue. The two soon parted ways, and Lin Fan went straight home.
"Sister-in-law, look what I bought for you." As soon as he entered, Lin Fan placed bags of food, clothes, shoes, and a large amount of cosmetics on the table. No matter where he was, he never forgot Xia Xue. The cosmetics were clearly high-end. Regardless of their ingredients or efficacy, the bottles themselves looked exquisite.
Xia Xue frowned. "Xiao Fan, this must be very expensive. You can't waste money like this!" Lin Fan chuckled. "Sister-in-law, you're the village head now. You must pay attention to your appearance!" "These two bottles, one is for applying, and one is for washing. Use them once every morning for half a month, and I guarantee your skin will be whiter than it is now." "I've checked all the cosmetics; they're definitely not toxic!" Lin Fan knew very well that many cosmetics contained toxins, so he had meticulously inspected them before buying.
"Alright, just this once. Don't buy any more in the future." Since they were already bought, Xia Xue could only accept them with a sigh. In reality, she had a youthful, ageless face that made her look twenty at thirty, with fair, delicate, flawless skin that needed no makeup to enhance it.