Back then, the driving test was split into a written exam and a road test. Neither was much of a problem for Qin Jiao and Shen Yi. Acting in perfect concert, the two didn’t even glance at Chen Feng and Shen Zhengfeng as they walked straight inside.

Shen Zhengfeng’s brows drew together in displeasure.

Watching their backs grow more distant, Chen Feng spoke up. "Uncle Shen, I’ll go register by myself. After I’m done, I’ll just take the subway back." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Shen Zhengfeng frowned. "Xiao Feng, are you still not willing to call me Dad?"

Chen Feng said nothing.

Shen Zhengfeng sighed softly. "I know you and your mom have suffered a lot over the years, and that you resent me. But back then, I didn’t even know you existed. Never mind. In time, you’ll see. I’ll be good to you and your mother."

Chen Feng remained silent. The moment Shen Zhengfeng turned and left, saying he had other business to attend to, he immediately strode off in pursuit of Qin Jiao and Shen Yi.

**

The sweet fragrance of osmanthus flowers drifted through the quadrangle courtyard.

There was an osmanthus tree in the yard. It had been cut back before, but a few branches remained, laden with golden-yellow osmanthus blossoms.

Su Yun and Qin Zhonghui, the couple, were about to head out, but Du Liya stopped them.

"Don’t you two head out just yet. There’s something I need to ask for your help with."

Hearing this, Su Yun quickly replied, "What’s all this talk about asking for help? You’ve done so much for our family. If it’s something we can do, we’ll do it without a second thought."

Having known them for a while, Du Liya knew the couple were both straightforward, honest people.

This matter, however, was not simple.

She said, "Come on, let’s go back inside to talk. This is actually a bit complicated and troublesome."

The group turned back and went inside. Beidou was already brewing coffee for them. He and Qin Zhonghui had really hit it off, and he even wanted to learn carpentry from him!

He said, "Brother Qin, come try this coffee. I brought it back from Country Y."

Qin Zhonghui had never drunk coffee before. He took a hearty swig, and then... his entire face scrunched up.

"Why does this taste like Chinese medicine?" he asked, too polite to say outright that it was bitter.

Beside them, Du Liya reminded Beidou, "Did you put sugar in it?"

It dawned on Beidou. "Oh, right! This coffee needs sugar. Hang on, Brother Qin, I’ll add some for you!"

Qin Zhonghui: "..."

Fortunately, once sugar was added, the coffee became bittersweet and aromatic. As the fragrance of coffee filled the air, Du Liya slowly began to explain the situation with the clothing factory.

When Shen Zhengfeng’s name came up, she looked ready to curse. "That Shen Zhengfeng is a real piece of work! He’s insisting that since Xiao Yi hasn’t settled down and started a career yet, he’ll manage the clothing factory ’on his behalf’ for the next few years. He claims he’ll save the annual profits for Xiao Yi. But he’s nothing but a liar; he’ll definitely pocket all the money himself. What’s more, I suspect he’ll sabotage the factory during these years and end up handing Xiao Yi a business on the verge of bankruptcy!"

Qin Zhonghui and Su Yun exchanged a glance. They disliked Shen Zhengfeng as well, and knowing the backstory, they completely understood why Du Liya was so furious.

But...

Su Yun asked, "But we’re just newcomers to North City. We don’t have any special skills or connections. How could we possibly help you?"

Du Liya said, "You two can’t help me, but your Xiao Jiao can! If she marries Xiao Yi, the clothing factory can be saved! When that happens, I’ll have Xiao Yi give Xiao Jiao a cut of the profits! For every year they remain married, however much the factory makes, half of the profits go to Xiao Jiao!"