"It's only natural for merchants to prioritize profit. With your explanations, my next steps will be much smoother. I’ll create an opportunity to get acquainted with this Giralde heir and build a relationship. For now, let’s pretend we’re not too familiar with each other to avoid raising suspicions."
Setting traps was Boss Huo’s specialty, especially with capable people by his side.
On break, Hu Zhenghao was taken away by Hu Jun. The gifted youth program had no holidays—they were busy applying what they’d learned.
"Li Wen, you’ve always been very interested in computers, and your mother was quite accomplished in computer research. Our university is collaborating with her former research team on a mini-supercomputer project. Would you like to take a look?"
"Really?" Li Wen was thrilled.
"Of course."
Back in the familiar compound, Li Wen returned to his mother’s old lab.
"Hello, uncles."
Li Wen greeted them warmly.
"Haven’t seen you in a while—you’ve grown taller and look more like your mother now."
The research team members tousled Li Wen’s hair, and he quickly settled in, feeling right at home.
Yang Yufen managed to slip back for a visit. Gui Xiang immediately pulled her aside into the house, leaving the shop to her husband.
"Yufen, help me figure this out. Why on earth has Xiao Liu taken a liking to Ershun? Not that there’s anything wrong with Ershun, but given his condition and Qingqing still being so young, I’m at a loss. If Ershun wasn’t interested, I could’ve just turned her down, but he…"
Gui Xiang sighed deeply.
"I remember Xiao Liu came to the shop herself looking for work. She’s a pretty girl with a round, cheerful face and quick hands. What conditions did she set for liking Ershun?"
Yang Yufen could tell her friend was torn.
"She didn’t set any conditions—that’s exactly what worries me! When she first started working here, I was afraid she wouldn’t last. She’s got soft hands and a pampered look, and sure enough, her family showed up not long after…"
Xiao Liu had gone out with a friend to the countryside for some sightseeing. Spotting a field of beautifully grown watermelons, they decided to buy a few and went looking for the owner.
The melon field was vast, with a small shed nearby. As the two girls approached, they ran into a local troublemaker who, seeing them alone and pretty, got some nasty ideas.
The man suddenly jumped out, blocking their path and startling them.
"Get lost!"
"Go ahead and scream. No one’s coming to save you. Might as well play along—otherwise, I’ll just tell everyone you came onto me. I’m already a nobody, but your reputations? Heh~"
The troublemaker grinned, thrilled at his luck. Licking his lips, he moved closer.
The girls weren’t about to stand still. They turned to run, but Xiao Liu’s friend tripped over a melon, dragging Xiao Liu down with her.
The man laughed.
"Even heaven’s on my side. You’re not getting away."
Just as he lunged, a sharp pain exploded in his head. He barely had time to turn before everything went black, and he collapsed face-first into the melons.
"My melons! Ah! You jerk!"
Ershun stared in dismay at the ruined fruit. Couldn’t this idiot have fallen anywhere else? Heartbroken, he nearly cried inspecting the smashed melons.
"Um… thank you. We’ll pay for the melons. If you hadn’t saved us…"
Xiao Liu spoke shakily, shuddering at what might’ve happened.
"Not your fault. Don’t worry about it."
Seeing the melons were beyond saving, Ershun tied up the unconscious troublemaker, tossed him onto his tricycle, and pedaled off without another word.
Xiao Liu stood frozen, watching him leave before helping her friend up. They gathered their things and headed home.
When Ershun dumped the troublemaker at the police station, the officers were startled. After confirming the red stains were just watermelon juice and that the guy had been stealing, they locked him up and reimbursed Ershun from the troublemaker’s pockets.
That night, Xiao Liu had nightmares—then dreamed of Ershun. Smitten, she secretly looked him up, found the noodle shop where he delivered produce, and boldly took a job there when they were hiring.
At first, Ershun didn’t recognize her. But Xiao Liu made sure to chat with him every time he came by with his tricycle of watermelons and vegetables. Slowly, they grew closer.
Through careful probing, she learned about Ershun’s condition. Yet, seeing his bright smile, she couldn’t help her feelings.
When her family found out, Xiao Liu confessed right in front of Gui Xiang and her parents: she loved Ershun and wanted to be with him.
The Liu family was furious. Gui Xiang was stunned.
Ershun wasn’t there. When he came by days later and noticed Xiao Liu’s absence, he kept asking about her. His growing gloom didn’t escape Gui Xiang’s notice, leaving her torn.
Someone liking Ershun was a good thing, but Gui Xiang hadn’t used his heroics to pressure anyone. The problem was Xiao Liu’s privileged background—her family would never agree, and the Shuns, despite their savings, couldn’t afford to hope for such a match.
After hearing everything, Yang Yufen hesitated too. This was tricky. Her heart sided with Ershun—of course she wanted him happy.
"Don’t overthink it. Keep Ershun away for now with some excuse. At his mental age, he won’t dwell on it. The melon vines need clearing anyway—have him prep the field for the next crop."
Yang Yufen wouldn’t condone anything unethical. She comforted Gui Xiang gently.
"The girl’s family circumstances are obvious. A fleeting crush versus a lifetime commitment—no parent would agree lightly."
Her practical words dashed Gui Xiang’s faint hopes. She sighed again.
"You’re right. We can’t do anything shady. I was just being selfish, worrying about Qingqing too. Xiao Liu’s still young—her and Ershun really aren’t suited."
Gui Xiang resigned herself to the truth.
But Xiao Liu, locked up at home, had started a hunger strike.
