CHAPTER 544: CHAPTER 327: SWITCH

"Dad, this is my girlfriend Zhu Mingli, Mingli, this is my dad." Xu Bin, having come back to reality, saw his father’s face darkening as he fixated on the notebook. He hurried over to Old Xu’s side to make introductions and stealthily pinched him.

"Hello, uncle." Zhu Mingli greeted promptly.

Old Xu sized her up and thought she was beautiful, but unfortunately, he disliked girls who wore makeup the most. He snorted, "Who’s paying for this meal?"

"Dad!" Xu Bin’s face said it all; even though he had hinted, couldn’t the old man give him some face?

Old Xu remained unshaken, "What dad? I’m asking you, who’s paying?"

Han Leming walked in, pushing Old Xu towards the exit, "Old Xu, it’s just a meal for the kids, stop causing trouble. We still have things to discuss when we go back, let’s leave."

Li Xiaoting took the opportunity to quietly slip away.

Old Xu stepped away from Han Leming’s push and said, "You saw him earlier, that’s why you left so quickly after the meal ended, right?"

Old Chu to the child’s matters, we should interfere less, alright?" Han Leming signaled Xu Bin with his eyes as he became more stern-looking, "Xiao Bin, your dad drank a bit too much today, don’t anger him."

"I just drank one cup of liquor..."

"Old Xu!" Han Leming interrupted Old Xu who was still trying to argue, forcefully dragging him away, "Stop it, do you want your child to end up not caring about you at all?"

"I’d rather he ignore me than let him go down the wrong path," Old Xu sighed heavily, "Just think about our family’s financial situation. You can tell from his behavior just now that he’s the one who paid for the meal. Where did the money come from?"

Han Leming looked around and lowered his voice, "Old Xu, listen to me, don’t be stubborn now. Let’s talk downstairs so outsiders don’t get a chance to laugh at us."

Old Xu hesitated for a bit, then nodded in agreement.

Once outside the hotel, Han Leming patted his shoulder, "Old Xu, no matter how many doubts you have, you should ask after the fact. Making a scene here only embarrasses the child and makes your relationship more rigid, driving the child to be more rebellious. There’s no benefit in it."

Old Xu looked all around and suddenly asked, "Where are the others?"

"I told them to go home. The more people there are, the harder it is for the child to save face. What can I say about you?" Han Leming sighed, "Us folks, when our kids were young, we were too busy working to care for them. Now they’re grown up, we’re still too busy with work and neglect their growth, yet we fall into the habit of using a lecturing tone on them. We should reflect on ourselves first."

"Old Han, after so many years as comrades-in-arms and partners, you should understand me. I’m worried my lifetime reputation could be ruined by my child!"

"Think about your initial impression of Yu Wen, and the conclusions you drew about him. What happened? They ordered expensive wine, but they paid for it themselves!

As for treatment, indeed, he is envied by many at our school. But on the international stage, there are plenty of people competing for him, offering several times more than what we offer. If he were someone who sought out pleasure, he would not choose to come to our school.

Old Xu, times are advancing, and we need to keep up with the times. We can’t expect the new generation to be like the old ones—working hard without concern for consumption.

Wealth is created to serve people. Haven’t our generation worked hard in hopes that the next can live better?

Of course, I am not saying that their extravagances are right, but we need to understand some behaviors.

In regard to Xu Bin’s actions today, I don’t think you should jump to conclusions. Ask him properly when he gets home, and then talk. Maybe it’s not what you’re worried about, right?"

"I hope so..."

...

Upstairs in the private room, after Han Leming and Old Xu left, Xu Bin grabbed the bottle and chugged, "Xu Bin, what are you doing!" Zhu Mingli quickly snatched the bottle away, "Isn’t your body yours?"

Xu Bin held his head in silence for a moment, took a heavy breath, and managed a bitter smile, "You saw for yourself, my father is just like that. In his heart, reputation and status are the most important thing.

My mom and I have to live according to his demands. Leftovers at home must be completely cleaned out, even if it means getting a stomach ache; not a single scrap can be wasted.

Before I started working, we could only wear the cheapest street stall clothes. It’s not that we couldn’t afford decent clothes, but my dad believes clothes are just to cover the body, no need to waste money.

His army uniform, he’d wear them until they turned white with washing and were worn through before he’d retire them. My mom has been used to following him her whole life, but my life is just starting. I don’t want to struggle like he did.

Mingli, this is what my family is like. Even if I resist, it’s unlikely to change much in the end. If you don’t like it, I won’t blame you."

"Pfft!"

Under Xu Bin’s puzzled gaze, Zhu Mingli stopped her laughter, "Don’t misunderstand. I’m not laughing at you; it’s just that I suddenly came to realize something.

I have a good friend whose parents were very strict with her, supervising everything from her studies to her social life. She always obeyed and was well-behaved.

But during her second year of high school, she did something that shocked everyone—she got pregnant, was expelled from school, but insisted on having the baby.

To find the baby a home, her mother tried everything, but she wouldn’t budge. Now, she lives alone with her child. I asked her many times, and she always says she doesn’t regret her decision and is satisfied with her current life.

Initially, I couldn’t understand where she got the courage to rebel. Today, having witnessed Uncle’s actions, it suddenly makes sense to me—all things have their limits."

"Hmph, he’s never cared about my face," Xu Bin murmured, downing another gulp of wine gloomily. "One day, he’ll regret it."

"He’s doing it for your own good," Zhu Mingli paused. "Your uncle is a very responsible man. When your aunt was diagnosed with renal tuberculosis, they had just confirmed their relationship.

Everyone thought he would give up on her, but he proved them wrong with his actions and won respect. He took care of your aunt for four years, and as soon as they were of age, they immediately filed their marriage report.

At that time, his marriage baffled many, including leaders who subtly advised him to think it over carefully. Xu Bin, with such a father, you should be proud. Of course, I also admit that he’s been a bit too harsh on you."

Xu Bin stared at Zhu Mingli, dumbfounded: "How... how do you know all this?"

"My mother used to admire your father. After I told my parents about your situation, my dad revealed my mom’s old feelings," Zhu Mingli said with a smile. "Otherwise, with the way you showed off today, I would have left long ago."

"Mingli..." Xu Bin really didn’t know what to say.

"Silly, let’s eat, the leftovers need to be packed, we can’t waste them!"

"Alright! Alright!" Xu Bin nodded again and again.

...

Dorm 301 was also a lively scene.

Yu Na’s departure in the morning resulted in Ji Sisi being transferred over. The reason was sound: Luo Ye, Yu Na, Yan Xingnong, and Ji Sisi had all been selected for Team A, and it would be better to live together.

Luo Ye was racking his brain but couldn’t understand Coach Hang’s decision. After all, Ji Sisi’s relationship with Yu Na wasn’t any better than her own with Yu Na. Could it be that Hang Menglin wanted to teach Yu Na a lesson through adversity?

And crucially, Yu Na seemed as if nothing had happened, still occasionally conversing with Ji Sisi—though Ji Sisi was noncommittal.

Xing Nong whispered into Luo Ye’s ear: "Luoluo, I suspect the female Yama has started to succumb to early dementia."

Luo Ye snuggled up to her ear, giggling: "It’s fine, as long as we’re not the demented ones."

"Sigh, it’s 9 o’clock, and we still have to practice the chorus," Xing Nong leaned on Luo Ye’s shoulder, listlessly: "Luoluo, it’s a good thing she didn’t ask you to audit; have a good early night."

Luo Ye patted her forehead: "Just hang on for one more week; once the performance is over, we’ll be free."

Yaoguang peeked over: "Do you think Coach Hang might get addicted to it and make us practice even after the performance?"

"Shut up!" Xing Nong punched her: "No room for such speculation!"

Yaoguang pouted: "I’m just preparing you mentally."

"You three, what are you whispering about?" Ji Sisi approached them: "Luoluo, we’ve fought side by side before; if you ignore me, I won’t let you off!"

Luo Ye chuckled: "Who’s ignoring you? We saw you were busy and didn’t want to disturb you."

Xing Nong nodded earnestly: "Yeah, we didn’t want to distract you and cause you to put socks in the food cabinet."

"You guys are bullying me," Ji Sisi inspected Xing Nong: "But hearing you say that, you’ve probably done it before; I will never eat anything you give me from now on."

Xing Kai didn’t care: "That saves me the trouble."

Luo Ye observed Yu Na’s expression, which hadn’t changed at all, clicking her tongue in wonder; what was the master and disciple duo really up to?

"Peep, peep..."

The whistle blew, and everyone quickly ran downstairs!

In a blink of an eye, only Luo Ye was left in the dormitory. After a moment’s thought, she took her toiletries to the washroom. Returning, she began to read the computer materials Luo Shui had sent her.

Sensing faint footsteps approaching, Luo Ye quickly stood up while looking up, "Hello, Coach Hang!"

"I must say, you have quite high vigilance," Hang Menglin rarely showed a trace of approval in her eyes, as Luo Ye’s recent move was very thoughtful. If an opponent had come, she would be unhurt.

Luo Ye didn’t pick up the conversation but silently watched her, waiting for her to state her purpose.

Hang Menglin pointed to a small stool: "Sit down."

"Yes!" Luo Ye followed her instructions.

"I admit now, you really have the potential of a soldier," Hang Menglin sat down opposite Luo Ye, "Are you wondering why I transferred Ji Sisi over here?"

"Yes!" Luo Ye honestly admitted.

"Do you suspect I have some ulterior motive?" Hang Menglin continued to ask.

"Yes!" Luo Ye looked straight at her, her eyes clear.

I’ve been dealing with backend errors, and I finally managed to get this through. I even cried tears of struggling. There’s one more update to come; as always, check it in the morning. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)