104 has fallen out

Luo Da dropped Li Wei off at her aunt's house in a newly built residential area in the city and then left.

He originally wanted to invite Li Wei to his house, but when Li Wei found out that Luo's aunt was at home, he decided to postpone it until she wasn't there.

My aunt's daughter, nicknamed Dingding, is only five or six months old. She's at the adorable and fun age, and it seems that she has inherited the best features of both her parents. She also looks a bit like her aunt, Ding Anni. She's sure to be a beauty in the future. Not only does the Ding family cherish her, but Li Wei also adores her.

Even more surprisingly, when Dingding turned one month old, she gave him a big gift—10% of Feifei Apparel's shares, making Dingding's grandmother beam with joy. This woman hadn't given Li Wei a kind look ever since she learned that Cheng Fei was just working for Li Wei.

Actually, Li Wei was quite wronged. When she and her aunt started the company, they originally wanted to have a joint-stock company. However, Cheng Fei wasn't truly settled at the time and couldn't be sure when she might find a stable job and leave this business. So, she only accepted a very high salary, which was quite high at the time.

Although Li Wei gave her aunt a considerable dividend every year afterward, Cheng Fei still refused the shares. She was content with just the dividends, which were essentially her salary; she was already quite wealthy and satisfied. Besides, almost all the investments and decisions were made by Li Wei; Cheng Fei was merely doing the actual work. It wasn't until she married Ding Anping and had a child that Cheng Fei felt truly settled. Therefore, she didn't refuse the shares Li Wei offered, not only for herself but also for her daughter's sake.

After their marriage, they didn't live with their parents, which was Ding Hong's idea. He knew his wife's personality very well and didn't want any unpleasantness between the two generations. So he bought the young couple a house in a good area of ​​the city, and they lived separately from then on.

Recently, Ding Hong saw an opportunity when his former company's lease on the compound was expiring in less than a year, coinciding with the liquidation of the Fifth Textile Factory, which was now up for sale. He asked his daughter-in-law, Cheng Fei, what they thought.

Cheng Fei was initially hesitant; after all, such a large factory in a good location couldn't be cheap. But after discussing it with Li Wei, who was preparing for her high school entrance exams at the time, Li Wei was thrilled to hear about this good opportunity. She vaguely remembered that commercial housing had been built in the area around Textile Factory No. 5, and the prices were ridiculously high. She refused to believe that prices could be higher now than they would be in ten years!

So without saying a word, he asked his aunt to allocate as much funds as possible, no matter how much it cost, to buy it, and if there wasn't enough money, to find a loan.

The result was better than expected, using up the company's entire net profit from the previous year. They successfully secured the land, and Ding Hong deserves much credit for it. Li Wei, grateful for Ding Hong's kindness and knowing his fondness for jade, specially asked her and her aunt to buy a foot-tall mutton-fat jade vase as a gift for him.

The new factory is currently under construction. While some of the existing factory buildings are still sturdy, they are somewhat dilapidated. Besides repairs, some equipment and basic infrastructure will also be needed.

Although Cheng Fei hired a few more people to use the land, she was still extremely busy. Despite her lack of experience, because of Ding Hong's connections, no one dared to mislead her. The renovation was progressing smoothly, and it was estimated to be ready for occupancy by autumn.

Little Dingding is still breastfeeding. Cheng Fei is busy with work. Li Wei discussed it with her aunt and decided to hire a driver and a nanny. They'll go with her aunt every day, taking care of the child without interfering with the little one's meals. Spending a little more money isn't a big deal.

To outsiders, this appears to be a show of saving face.

It's the weekend. Ding Anping and Cheng Fei are both home, playing with the kids. When Li Wei arrives, Ding Anping greets her with a smile, "Little rich girl's here! What would you like to drink? Aunt Zhang will get it for you."

Cheng Fei held her daughter and rocked her gently. She also looked at Li Wei and smiled, "Yes. You did well on the exam. I knew you'd be fine. You can relax a bit these days... I've never seen you nervous at all!"

Li Wei threw off her hat and ran over to see Dingding. Touching Dingding's rosy little face, she said, "It's just the first step of a long march, why be so nervous? It's no big deal."

Cheng Fei smiled enigmatically: "Look at how smug you are. Everyone around here knows how capable you are. Keep being arrogant. You'll realize there are always people better than you when you get to high school."

Li Wei took the iced cola her uncle handed her, took a sip, and looked into Dingding's bright, dark eyes as he looked at her. She said, "I've never been arrogant. I'm very humble, which is why I've always been improving. Now I have more than a month of vacation. Auntie, do you have any suggestions on how I should enjoy it?"

Li Wei leaned back on the large sofa, holding Dingding's small, tender hand in one hand and gently shaking it, making Dingding giggle.

Cheng Fei was annoyed by Li Wei's lazy demeanor. This girl was always so sluggish, yet she seemed to have everything she needed. She said irritably, "I suggest you take this opportunity to enjoy the fun of work. Go to the company for some social practice and experience the joys of work. What do you think?"

Li Wei quickly straightened her back: "Let's forget it. I still trust my aunt. If I go, I'll just be causing you trouble. I'll just go occasionally, like before, hehe..."

Cheng Fei didn't expect anything from her. Every time she asked Li Weiqin to go over during the holidays, she would use the same excuse. She was used to it. Anyway, this girl would come to take over sooner or later, so she let her have a few years of freedom. So she didn't press the issue: "You're about to go to high school. What are your plans? Will you live at school or commute?"

Li Wei had long considered this matter. She had seen the conditions of the dormitory at No. 1 High School when her aunt was in high school. Having been pampered all these years, she naturally did not want to live in that crowded dormitory with eight people. So she said without hesitation, "Of course I'll be a day student. Living in a dormitory means poor food and rest. Do you want me to go in plump and come out thin and dark?"

Li Wei's answer was exactly what Cheng Fei expected: "What about Xiao Lin and Xiao Hui? What are your parents' plans for them?"

Li Wei also asked her mother, "They have poor self-discipline. My mom and dad say they have to live at school. I can arrange my own time. Can they compare to me? I give them so much more peace of mind."

Sitting on the opposite sofa, Ding Anping listened to Li Wei boasting again and couldn't help but laugh, "Your parents are really worried about you. You run away from home whenever you're unhappy, and they're terrified! But I've talked to your aunt, and we've decided you can stay at my house. It's only two stops away from your high school. We'll feel more at ease."

Li Wei immediately shook her head: "How can that be? I'm such a pure and beautiful girl. If you two do something inappropriate for children, wouldn't you corrupt me? No way!"

As soon as she finished speaking, her aunt slapped her: "What nonsense are you talking about? Do you think you can move out on your own? Even if your mother agrees, we won't. Don't think we don't know what you're thinking. Don't even dream about it! I said no, and that's final."

Li Wei really had a dream come true: to buy a house, renovate it nicely, and live there during high school and college. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Seeing her aunt's firm attitude, and glancing at her uncle, Ding Anping looked at her with a half-smile: "Looking at me won't help. I'll listen to your aunt. We're really worried about you, a girl all alone. Anyway, our house has three bedrooms and a living room. There's always a place for you to stay. You can choose whichever room you want."

There's plenty of time, and Li Wei wasn't in a hurry. She put the matter aside and started playing with the child, but her mind was already wandering. Perhaps she could take advantage of the few days she had free to look around the area near the high school and see if there were any suitable houses, so she could start preparing early?

When something's on her mind, she can't stay still. While her aunt and uncle were busy preparing lunch, Li Wei secretly called Luo's family. It turned out to be Luo's third aunt who answered the phone. Li Wei had no choice but to pretend to be Luo's classmate. After being interrogated by Luo's third aunt like a census taker, she was finally allowed to listen to her son's angelic voice.

While on the phone, Li Wei also had to be careful not to be discovered by her aunt and uncle. So she didn't dare to say much, just said she was going out for a walk. Fortunately, Luo Da didn't ask any questions. After they set a time, Li Wei hung up the phone, but when she turned her head, she was shocked to find her uncle holding Dingding, and all four pairs of eyes staring at her!

Li Wei was startled, but quickly regained her composure. She grinned foolishly at the two of them, then made a face and ran to the kitchen to see how her aunt was preparing lunch.

Didn't hear Ding Anping muttering to his daughter, "Sweetie, we can't be like your older cousin, saying one thing to your face and another behind your back. We have to be good girls, little darlings."

Ding Anping is currently enjoying a successful career and a happy family life. Her father is also at the height of his power, so she is truly content with her daughter and is riding high on her success.

He knew Li Wei very well. Despite his wife's seemingly decisive and strong-willed nature, it was actually little Li Xiaoming who truly had the guts and could make decisions. Both his father and he believed that, in terms of decisiveness, most men couldn't match Li Wei. Therefore, apart from Ding Anping's mother, no one objected to his wife working for Li Wei.

Moreover, it's obvious to anyone with eyes that the company has a bright future. Even if Ding Anping has a respectable job, what good is it? His income can't even keep up with his wife's; economic base determines the superstructure.

After finishing lunch, Li Wei, eager to embark on her new life of freedom, happily arrived at her aunt's apartment complex and got into Luo Da's car. This time, she was more confident in Luo Da's driving skills and sat directly in the passenger seat. She excitedly told Luo Da about accompanying her to find an apartment, but without a word, Luo Da turned off the engine, turned around, and said firmly, "No way!"

Li Wei felt like she'd been doused with cold water. She shrank back, but then, not wanting to lose face, she slammed her hand on the center console: "This is my business! Who gets to decide? Why are you yelling like that? Who are you trying to scare? If you're not going to help, fine, I can do it myself!"

"The child has really grown up and become disobedient, daring to raise his voice at her!" Li Wei became angrier the more she thought about it. "I'm not going to ride in this beat-up car of yours that you're driving without a license!" She opened the car door and was about to get out when Luo Da grabbed her.

"Why are you holding my hand? I have things to do! Humph! Who was just saying they wanted to repay me? How come they changed their tune so quickly? I only asked you for such a small favor and you turn on me like that. I'm not counting on you anymore. I really don't believe there's anything I can't do..."

"Are you done talking?" Luo Da couldn't hold back any longer. If Li Wei continued, he felt it would never end until dark, so he couldn't help but ask.

Li Wei was interrupted. This kid has really grown up; he even dares to be impatient with her. She got even angrier and started struggling: "Let me go! I'm not going to argue with you anymore. This city is such a tiny place. I could walk with my eyes closed and still not get lost. I don't need you anymore. Let go!"

Seeing Li Wei struggling fiercely, and not daring to use force for fear of hurting her, Luo Da could only use both hands to hold Li Wei's arms at her sides to prevent her from moving. Even though he thought he was being quite gentle, Li Wei still felt as if she were being clamped by two iron pincers, which was very uncomfortable.

This is outrageous! How dare they lay a hand on her! Li Wei was furious and raised her voice: "I'm warning you, you brat, let me go, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

Luo Da meant well, but now that his good intentions have backfired, and Li Wei has been rambling on and on as if she has a grudge against him, he can't help but get angry: "Quiet down and let me finish."

Li Wei twisted and turned but couldn't move. Helpless, she decided to listen to this kid first and see what he had to say. She'd give him a good whack when he wasn't looking. Don't think he can act recklessly just because he's strong and healthy; this old lady isn't someone to be trifled with.

Li Wei was quite pleased with her plan, so she stopped struggling and glared at Luo Da without saying a word.

Luo Da breathed a sigh of relief, but didn't dare to relax his grip. He knew Li Xiaoming's character very well, and tried to sound as sincere as possible, saying, "You've been living in town and don't know what's going on in the city. It's dangerous for you to live alone, especially since you're a girl. I don't believe your mom will really let you live alone! If they all agree, I'll help you find a place. Otherwise, don't even think about it. Even if you secretly find a place, we're all in the same school, so you can try and see if you can find a place to live there."

"You dare threaten me!"

Li Wei was always the one lecturing others, but now she was being lectured by someone she had once lectured. Li Wei simply couldn't accept this reality. And what's more, she was being threatened, all for the trivial matter of finding a place to live off-campus!

Li Wei wasn't completely deaf to advice, but the problem was that Luo Dake wasn't good at gentle persuasion, nor did he have the experience or the inclination. He just said whatever came to mind, and when Li Wei asked, even though he knew her tone was unfriendly, he still nodded.

Without a second thought, Li Wei leaned back slightly, raised her legs from under the seat, and kicked out. She knew she couldn't possibly defeat Luo Da with her strength, but she wanted to vent her anger first. From now on, she wouldn't bother with this ungrateful wretch.

Unfortunately, she never had a clear and objective understanding of Luo Da's kung fu. As soon as her leg went over the gear shift, Luo Da grabbed her with his arm and she couldn't move. Suddenly, it felt like she was being held in someone's arms.

Li Wei was so angry that she almost cried. What kind of world is this? The apprentice gets rich while the master starves. With her hands and feet tied up, she couldn't even get close to this guy if she wanted to take a bite!

She had always bullied others since she was a child. For so many years, she had never suffered such grievances in her smooth-sailing life. She felt a lump in her throat and knew that this was bad. Before the tears fell, she quickly lowered her head. If this brat saw her crying, it would be too embarrassing. How could she ever hold her head up again?

Luo Da noticed something was wrong with Li Wei as soon as he restrained her. He saw her head bowed low and a tear fall onto his bare arm. His anger subsided and he was at a loss. He wondered if he had used too much force and quickly said, "Why are you crying? I didn't use any force. Okay... okay, stop crying. I'll let go, alright?"

After saying that, he slowly released Li Wei, until he had completely let go. Li Wei still didn't move, but tears kept falling. Luo Da panicked a little: "Um..."

Li Wei was in no mood to pay him any attention. She felt incredibly embarrassed and secretly resented him. She decided to cut ties with Luo Da and pretend she never knew him.

Thinking of this, she wiped away her tears, pushed open the car door and got out, running towards the bus stop not far from the entrance of the community. From now on, she would sever all ties with unlicensed driving!