Dashing Student

Chapter 138 - 138, You Hurt Me

Nie Yunyan had a sincere expression on her face, giving off an impartial and empathetic aura.

This earned her the fondness and added respect from Nie Xiaoyu and Chen Nan.

Just then,

Zhang Wei’s voice rose, "Mom, I know you want what’s best for Chen Nan and my cousin; if it were me, I wouldn’t ask Chen Nan for a dowry either."

"But..."

"It’s really not possible to forgo it."

Seeing his mother about to explode, Zhang Wei quickly added, "But in traditional customs, the dowry symbolizes the respect and value for the bride. How can Xiaoyu be an exception?"

"It’s not only about her dignity but also about shielding her from unnecessary public criticism and disdain."

"Just imagine, if the villagers knew about this, what would they think? How would they talk about Xiaoyu?"

"They would definitely say Xiaoyu climbed up the social ladder in the city and married someone without asking for a single penny in dowry."

"That’s unfair to her and people would ridicule her behind her back."

Nie Yunyan’s anger faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

Zhang Wei continued, "I believe even if my aunt and uncle in heaven were watching, they certainly wouldn’t want Xiaoyu to suffer any inconvenience because of your kindness."

"Thus, even if a million in dowry is not acceptable, Chen Nan should still express something appropriate."

Chen Nan said, "Aunt, my cousin makes sense. Xiaoyu and I truly love each other, and I don’t want her to suffer any inconvenience over the dowry."

Nie Yunyan sighed, her face filled with helplessness, then said, "Well, let’s choose a lucky sum: one hundred eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty-eight."

"Okay," Chen Nan readily agreed, saying, "Shall I transfer the dowry to you now?"

Nie Yunyan was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly, "You child, you’re too eager. The dowry money should be handed over during the engagement ceremony, not transferred privately."

Chen Nan exhibited a sheepish grin, "I just lack experience!"

Nie Yunyan laughed heartily, "Young people, it’s normal not to know these things. Now, why don’t you two chat while I go cook."

She hadn’t planned on preparing dinner earlier because if Nie Xiaoyu’s man couldn’t satisfy her, she would have simply kicked him out.

But seeing how excellent Chen Nan was, she decided to cook dinner after all.

Facade polite, Chen Nan said, "Aunt, it’s getting late. Please don’t trouble yourself. I’ve reserved a table at the restaurant downstairs; let’s eat out instead!"

Nie Yunyan replied, "That’s fine, let’s go out to eat!"

Thus, Chen Nan took Nie Xiaoyu’s hand for the first time and left the house with Nie Yunyan’s family of three, heading towards the restaurant downstairs.

Throughout the process, Nie Xiaoyu didn’t say a word, head bowed, face flush with a shy blush.

For it was the first time Chen Nan had held her hand.

Though her heart fluttered,

she felt an inexplicable sense of peace, as if she feared nothing, not even the end of the world!

Nine in the evening.

After dinner, Chen Nan and Nie Xiaoyu rode off in a black Mercedes rideshare, leaving Nie Yunyan’s family out of sight.

Watching them leave, Zhang Lei muttered through his cigarette, "Wife, why were you so angry earlier? Why not demand a million for the dowry but just one hundred eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty-eight?"

"The dowry you demanded is too small. I feel like even if you asked for two million, Chen Nan would agree!"

"You’re useless!" Nie Yunyan snorted discontentedly, "I know Chen Nan would agree to two million for a dowry, but what would happen afterward?"

"Do you really think if we took that two million dowry, the money would be ours to keep?"

"Chen Nan isn’t as naive as Xiaoyu. If we held back that two million, it would undoubtedly cause Chen Nan’s displeasure and anger."

"In that case, we would certainly be the losers."

"Instead, it’s better to leave him with a good impression."

"You have to shear the sheep over and over again."

"As long as we can make a good impression on him, our family will be set for life!" he said, his eyes flashing with greed.

Zhang Wei grinned, "Mom, once we’re on good terms with Chen Nan, if I ask him for a house in Jade City, he should give it to us, right?"

Nie Yunyan smiled slyly, "You can’t just ask outright—that would rub people the wrong way."

"However, if you suggest staying there temporarily, Chen Nan probably won’t refuse."

"Once you move in, how could he possibly kick you out?"

Zhang Wei hummed a response and changed the subject with a smile, "Mom and Dad, you guys head back first. I’m going to find a place to have some fun."

Nie Yunyan, knowing her son enjoyed gambling, immediately warned, "A little gambling is fun, just don’t overdo it."

Zhang Wei laughed heartily, "I’ve already decided. Tonight, I’m starting with two thousand yuan, and I’m going to turn this bike into a motorcycle."

"I feel like Chen Nan is our family’s lucky star. Tonight, I’m definitely going to hit the jackpot."

------

In the Mercedes-Benz.

Nie Xiaoyu broke the silence, "You’re too strong; you hurt me."

"Huh?" Chen Nan paused, quickly letting go of the girl’s hand, and said awkwardly, "Sorry, I didn’t mean to."

Nie Xiaoyu, her face flushing, mustered up the courage to ask, "Are you serious?"

Chen Nan looked a bit embarrassed, given that he had previously pretended to be Nie Xiaoyu’s boyfriend. However, the earlier discussion about the bridal price implied he might actually be serious.

Nevertheless.

He was not a good man,, unable to give Nie Xiaoyu the depth of love and companionship she desired.

Seeing Chen Nan’s hesitation, Nie Xiaoyu already had her answer. Although she felt somewhat disappointed, she still forced a smile, "Actually, this relationship is pretty good as it is!"

Chen Nan did not respond, turning to look out the window instead.

His heart was filled with confusion.

Because he did not know how to maintain his relationship with Nie Xiaoyu.

Ten minutes later.

The Mercedes-Benz stopped at the entrance of Jinxiu Qiancheng District. Chen Nan didn’t get out of the car but said to Nie Xiaoyu, "You go home and rest. I have a patient I promised to see tonight."

He hadn’t visited Liu Hanyan to treat her for two consecutive nights. Rather than waiting for her to call, he decided to proactively go and treat her illness.

Nie Xiaoyu hummed a reply, reminding Chen Nan to come back soon.

After watching Chen Nan’s car drive away, she turned and entered the district.

She really, really wanted to start a family with Chen Nan.

But she also knew that Chen Nan had endured too much humiliation.

Whether it was being coerced into a relationship by Zhu Keren or that woman named Lu Anran.

These two must have left a mark on him, making him feel insecure deep inside.

Perhaps that’s why Chen Nan couldn’t express his feelings freely in front of her.

Half an hour later.

Chen Nan arrived at Liu Hanyan’s villa.

Even though it was already ten o’clock at night.

The light in the master bedroom on the second floor was still on; it was clear Liu Hanyan hadn’t gone to sleep.

He didn’t ring the doorbell.

Instead, he climbed over the wall to enter the villa, agile as a nimble cat, emerging on the second-floor balcony, ready to surprise Liu Hanyan.

But just as he reached the second floor and peered through a gap in the curtains, the provocative scene before his eyes made his blood race and his breathing quicken...