CHAPTER 192: CHAPTER 192: KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES

Tian Xiang tilted her head and caught sight of Lu Feng, their eyes locking directly.

Seeing that it was him, Tian Xiang frowned slightly, immediately letting go of her bag. Her peripheral vision caught sight of Chang Wan not far away, and she instantly lost the mood to shop, turning to leave.

Tang Aiqun looked at Lu Feng with some confusion and quickly followed Tian Xiang’s steps.

At this time, Chang Wan, who was looking at bags elsewhere, walked over to Lu Feng and asked, "What are you doing with that bag?"

"It’s nothing."

Lu Feng put down the bag he was holding.

In fact, he was just dazed for a moment, still not recovered from the surprise and excitement of unexpectedly running into Tian Xiang.

Even though she was wearing a mask and hat, he recognized her instantly.

Chang Wan, also a sensitive person, glanced towards the door and saw Tian Xiang, who had already gone outside.

Having been classmates for so long, she naturally recognized her too.

Chang Wan: "Why were you staring at her?"

Lu Feng: "No reason, I just thought it was a coincidence."

"Coincidence?" Chang Wan smiled, "You recognized her?"

Lu Feng was slightly taken aback, "Having acted in so many TV shows and movies, how could I not recognize her?"

He spoke candidly, and Chang Wan didn’t think much of it, muttering under her breath, "Annoying."

On the other side, Tian Xiang also felt very frustrated.

Usually, seeing them at school was already annoying, and now, shopping and still encountering them, especially both Chang Wan and Lu Zazha.

In the past two years, Tian Xiang mainly encountered Lu Feng through Chang Wan.

After that incident involving Chang Wan, they were officially in a relationship. When acting together before, they would meet; during holidays, Lu Feng would visit the Chang Family at the Military and Political Institute, and occasionally they would run into each other.

It wasn’t frequent, and they would pretend not to know each other, but he was like an annoying fly, disturbing one’s mood and making people nauseous.

Tian Xiang didn’t even feel like continuing to shop. She hurriedly glanced through two stores and left, deciding to wait for Meng Cheng’an to return to deal with buying gifts since there was still time.

But when she reached outside the mall, she coincidentally ran into those two in the parking lot.

These two seemed to be waiting for someone to pick them up, standing in a very inconvenient spot, directly blocking the exit.

Chang Wan had also put on a mask and hat, making her look somewhat similar to Tian Xiang, both wearing light yellow lace hats.

Tian Xiang’s mood further dimmed. She ignored the two and got into her car.

Tang Aiqun turned the car around, honking as they reached the exit to signal the two to make way.

Lu Feng, carrying his things, stepped aside.

Chang Wan was already annoyed that the taxi she had arranged hadn’t arrived. Hearing the honking, her temper flared, and she was about to turn around and curse, but seeing it was Tian Xiang’s car, she kept quiet and silently stepped aside.

Tian Xiang’s car soon turned onto the main road.

Watching the car drive away, Chang Wan cursed after all, "Who does she think she is, showing off like that..."

Tian Xiang had a chauffeur service for over half a year now, and every time Chang Wan saw it, she would curse. After all, she didn’t have one, and while Mr. Chang’s work unit did provide him with a car, Chang Ziliang also needed it for commuting, and occasionally giving his daughter a ride was okay, but long term, it was definitely not feasible.

As for Tian Xiang’s car, it was said to belong to Meng Cheng’an, but she was almost always the one using it.

How could Chang Wan not be envious? Buying a car now is not easy. The salary she earns from acting wouldn’t even purchase a car door.

Chang Wan muttered irritably while Lu Feng silently watched beside her.

After a while, finding it boring, Chang Wan turned to Lu Feng and asked, "Why aren’t you saying anything?"

Lu Feng smiled, pulling her hand over, "Stop talking about her, it affects your mood."

Before this, after a bout of cursing, Chang Wan would probably just let it go.

But today, she felt extremely irritated and forcefully shook off Lu Feng’s hand, saying, "You know it affects my mood, it’s not just because of her. Standing here waiting is incredibly obnoxious, you know?"

Chang Wan’s tone was a bit harsh, finding Lu Feng increasingly displeasing.

She used to think he looked nice, pleasing to the eye.

But looks can’t be eaten. He has good grades and works hard; this past year, he earned the recognition of his unit, becoming an outstanding employee, and made significant achievements in poetry, winning two national awards.

But so what? It’s just a flashy surface; in reality, he’s still just a small office clerk, living in a single dorm room arranged by the unit. Their dates had to be sneaky in guesthouses.

When their relationship was not public, their sneaky rendezvous excited Chang Wan. She had someone when needed yet could enjoy the single life and the admiration of surrounding suitors.

However, now, those single-life privileges are gone, binding her to this man. At first, it didn’t matter, but over time, she felt tired and gradually looked down on him.

Looks and so-called talent aren’t everything, especially when witnessing Tian Xiang having personal assistants and cars; the imbalance in Chang Wan’s heart grew.

In reality, her life was pretty good. Though she didn’t have a personal car, she could schedule with familiar taxi drivers who were prompt in picking her up. She bought luxury imports, ate, and lived well. Her family background meant the Chang Family wouldn’t let her go short on these aspects.

But Chang Wan wasn’t satisfied because Tian Xiang lived better.

Facing the undisguised disdain on her face, Lu Feng’s eyes darkened, yet he smiled and embraced Chang Wan’s shoulder, "Don’t be mad, I’ll contact them again about the car later."

Chang Wan, still irritated, wasn’t listening and shook off Lu Feng’s hand.

An annoyed Lu Feng stared sullenly at Chang Wan.

Chang Wan: "What, you have the nerve to be angry with me?"

Chang Wan believed that her inability to match Tian Xiang was all Lu Feng’s fault.

If he were as capable as Meng Cheng’an, she would have a car today and wouldn’t have to wait stupidly outside.

Lu Feng took a deep breath and said helplessly, "Didn’t I tell you, just wait one more year, I’ll have something to show you. Don’t worry, for you, I’ll make a place for myself."

Chang Wan lacked that patience, but the car arrived later, and the two didn’t discuss it further.

...

On Saturday afternoon, Tian Xiang finished her music practice and was getting ready to pack up and leave when Meng Cheng’an arrived.

Just returned and came to pick her up, Tian Xiang was very happy and took his arm as they left.

In the car, Tian Xiang told Meng Cheng’an about her second brother’s wedding.

Meng Cheng’an: "Is the sister-in-law the one from before?"

Tian Xiang nodded.

Her second brother, Tian Chenhui, had graduated two years ago and returned to his original unit.

Though a vocational degree hadn’t changed much, having a diploma in hand was still somewhat different from before.

Tian Chenhui dated someone in college; they were in a long-distance relationship for over a year. At the end of last year, his partner transferred to work in the city, and the two families met and started preparing for the wedding.

Tian Chenhui was three years older than Tian Xiang, making him quite mature now.

In mid-April, Meng Cheng’an accompanied Tian Xiang to the mall, bought two wallets, and also brought gifts for the family, preparing to attend the wedding.