CHAPTER 168: CHAPTER 168 ACCIDENT (MASS RELEASE 4/5)

She’s better looking than me. As for figure, I probably only have an edge in my bust and height. A complete defeat in every other aspect!

"Sigh..."

Although they were unwilling to admit it, the group of flight attendants gave up on the idea of anything happening with Xia Liang.

Even by plane, Qingyun City was a two-hour flight from Shangluo City, to say nothing of driving. Luckily, first class was equipped with tablets. Even without an internet connection, they were preloaded with plenty of TV shows and movies. The service was very attentive, so it was far from boring.

Luu Qi was off to the side, watching a Korean drama with great interest. Glancing over and seeing that Xia Liang was also watching something, she asked curiously, "Bro, what are you watching?"

Xia Liang replied without turning his head. "I’m catching up on a show. Be quiet."

"Oh." Luu Qi said no more.

But the nearby flight attendants heard her loud and clear.

Bro? So they aren’t a couple!

At that thought, the eyes of the first-class attendants lit up.

"Sir, may I get you anything?"

"Sir, please let me know if you need anything at all."

Looking at the two flight attendants who had approached, Xia Liang thought for a moment. "Just a glass of water, thanks."

"Of course!"

The two flight attendants scrambled to get Xia Liang a glass of water. One of them even slipped him a small card with a phone number on it.

However, no one else came forward to complain about the special attention. No one said, "Why are you serving him and not me?" This was because Xia Liang and Luu Qi were the only two passengers in the entire first-class cabin. It was only because today was the 30th; had it been the 1st, the cabin would have surely been packed.

"Sir, would you like some fruit?"

"Sir, we have some snacks here. Would you like any?"

...

Watching the two flight attendants so "diligently" fawning over Xia Liang, Luu Qi found it amusing, especially when she saw his somewhat helpless expression.

An idea sparked in Luu Qi’s eyes.

"Hey, ladies. I have to say, isn’t it a bit inappropriate to flirt with my boyfriend right in front of me?"

The two flight attendants were momentarily stunned. "Boyfriend?"

They exchanged a glance, both clearly confused.

Didn’t she just call him ’bro’? Aren’t they siblings? What’s going on?

But then they seemed to realize something and hurriedly apologized in a panic.

"I’m sorry, ma’am. We understand."

"Our apologies."

Only then did Luu Qi nod. "Yes, it’s alright. Just try not to be so quick to judge next time."

"Yes, of course!"

Seeing that Luu Qi wasn’t going to press the issue, the two breathed a sigh of relief and returned to their seats, internally cursing themselves.

Why didn’t I think of that? Nowadays, there are all sorts of games people play. Forget ’brother,’ some women even call their boyfriends ’daddy.’

Thanks to Luu Qi’s interjection, the rest of the flight was uneventful.

After landing, Xia Liang and Luu Qi took a taxi home. After all, Xia Liang hadn’t been home since the start of the year. He only called home once a month, and only because his mother called him first. He had no idea what kind of mood she would be in. Returning home only to get an earful just wasn’t worth it.

So Xia Liang led Luu Qi into the house as quietly as possible. However, as soon as he walked in, Xia Liang sensed an unusual atmosphere.

His father, Xia Weiguo, was sitting on the sofa, silently watching TV. His mother, Luu Juan, was stir-frying in the kitchen. Hearing the commotion outside, she poked her head out and smiled at the sight of Xia Liang and Luu Qi sneaking in.

"Son, Xiao Qi, you’re back! Go sit down, dinner will be ready in a moment."

"Okay, Mom."

"Okay, Aunt."

The two came in, changed into slippers, and sat down on the sofa.

Luu Juan brought the dishes to the table, calling for them to eat, but completely ignored Xia Weiguo.

Watching his mother go back into the kitchen, Xia Liang couldn’t help but ask, "Dad? Did you two have a fight?"

It was just an offhand question, but to his surprise, Xia Weiguo nodded.

"Huh?"

Seeing his father nod, Xia Liang was puzzled.

His parents’ relationship had always been great. What was going on today? Could it be...

Struck by a thought, Xia Liang looked at his father in shock. "Dad! You didn’t cheat on her, did you?"

PFFT!

COUGH, COUGH, COUGH...

It wasn’t just Luu Qi; even Xia Weiguo almost choked. He raised a hand as if he were about to smack him. "What nonsense are you spouting? Your mother and I are true love!" he said, casting a wary glance toward the kitchen.

"If it’s not that, then what is there to fight about? You’re an old married couple. Just kiss and make up already."

"Tch! You’re so improper," Luu Juan said, giving Xia Liang an annoyed glare as she came out with a pot of soup. "Is that any way to talk to your parents?"

"Hehe!" Xia Liang wasn’t fazed. He simply picked up his bowl and started eating. "I’m just saying, tell me what happened. Maybe I can help you figure something out."

Beside him, Luu Qi nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Aunt. My cousin is really capable now."

"Is that so?" Luu Juan was curious. For the past two years, Xia Liang had never told them what he was doing for work, always just saying things were going well. He even sent money home every month, so over time, Luu Juan stopped prying.

After all, if her son could send home one point a month, his income had to be at least two points, right?

"It’s about your father. He’s planning to lend out the money we’ve saved for your wedding."

Hearing this, Xia Liang was completely baffled.

Luu Juan went on to explain. It turns out they hadn’t used any of the money Xia Liang sent home. Instead, they had saved it all. By now, they had accumulated Two Cents, all of it set aside for when Xia Liang gets married.

At this point, Luu Juan shot a glare at Xia Weiguo. "He’s always thinking about other people’s children, but never his own, even when he’s about to get married."

Faced with this accusation, Xia Weiguo couldn’t help but retort, "But he’s your elder brother’s son!"

"What’s going on exactly, Aunt?" Luu Qi asked, getting more and more confused.

Luu Juan finally clarified. "Your cousin, Luu Hua, is getting married. His fiancée’s family raised the bride price to Five Cents, but his family can only scrape together Two Cents. They’re still short, so they want to borrow from us."

Luu Juan was the second child in her family. She had an older brother, Luu Lin, who was Luu Hua’s father, and a younger brother, Luu Wei, who was Luu Qi’s father.

Hearing this, Xia Liang blinked. "Then just lend it to them?"

"Lend it, lend it, lend it! If we had extra money, do you think I wouldn’t?" Luu Juan shot Xia Liang an exasperated glare. "If we lend them the money, what about you? What if Qingxue gets pregnant one day and you two have to get married? Where are you going to get the money for her bride price? And don’t weddings cost money?"

As she spoke, Luu Juan started counting on her fingers. "You’re not getting any younger, and Qingxue is such a good girl. It would be best if you two got married soon. I did a little asking around about Qingxue’s family. She’s their only precious daughter, so the bride price will be at least Eight Cents. True, the money you’ve been sending home, plus our own savings, is enough for that... but you still need to buy a house and a car!"