Chapter 15
Han Meng sat down on the other side of the sofa and smiled, "You said it was a hypothetical, and besides, there's nothing to regret about you and my dad canceling the engagement."
Xu Ning's face stiffened, but she quickly masked it with a smile: "...Yes, the Prince treats me very well..."
Just then, Han Xianfei returned.
“Mengmeng, today is your birthday, but Dad has something to do and can’t be with you. I wanted to buy you a gift, but I don’t know what to buy. After thinking it over, I think it’s better to let you buy it yourself.”
Han Xianfei had just returned from withdrawing money from the bank, and he gave the small box of silver dollars he had withdrawn to Han Meng.
Xu Ning caught a glimpse of the gleaming silver coins and felt an intense jealousy: the Han family is truly wealthy; they even shower their daughter with money for her birthday presents. If only she hadn't broken off the engagement back then.
Although Xu Ning was the prince's favorite concubine, this was the Republic of China, not the Qing Dynasty. Her status as a member of the Manchu imperial family didn't earn her much money, and when it came down to her status as a concubine, it was even less.
Moreover, she came this time precisely because the Prince's mansion was short of money.
Prince Beile has been a gambler for years and has accumulated huge debts that he can't repay, so he had her come here to ask Han Xianfei for money.
The thought of missing out on such a promising cousin back then, only to have him end up benefiting someone else, filled her with unbearable regret!
Han Meng received a birthday gift and was very grateful to Han Xianfei: "Thank you, Dad. You're so good to me. But don't be too busy with business. Your health is important too."
Han Meng: Although we are not biological father and daughter, we should still say a few nice words since we received a gift from the God of Wealth!
Han Xianfei: "You need to spend this money yourself. It can't be transferred to the pharmacy's account; it won't count. I need to go check on the planting area for the next few days and won't be coming home. Can you take good care of yourself by yourself?"
To be honest, he was a little uneasy about making the decision to go on the business trip. He was afraid that, like the previous times, his daughter would die mysteriously if he wasn't careful.
However, when he asked several employees at the Chinese medicine pharmacy over the past few days, he found that Mengmeng was very brave and fearless, enthusiastic about learning new skills, and dared to innovate. Even compared with other promising young second-generation individuals in the industry, she was no less capable.
He was also afraid that if he controlled Han Meng too tightly, it would backfire.
So after a period of internal struggle, he felt that he still had to let his child get used to independence.
Xu Ning suddenly rushed over: "What do you mean 'alone'? I'm here, cousin. I'll take good care of Mengmeng."
"You..." Han Xianfei couldn't remember who the other person was. It took him a while to realize that he seemed to have a cousin. When they were young, the elders in his family had arranged a marriage between them. "Oh, it's my cousin! Long time no see."
"Hey, cousin!" Xu Ning smiled shyly, and for the sake of money, she flirted with Han Xianfei right in front of Han Meng.
Han Xianfei avoided their gaze and said, "I'm leaving right away, so don't bother seeing me off."
Xu Ning watched Han Xianfei leave with reluctance, and Han Meng almost got goosebumps all over when she saw this.
*
The days ahead of living in the same house with my eccentric cousin were going to be a bit tough.
Every time Han Meng went out and spent money, she would be scolded by Xu Ning:
"That's not how you behave. Your father works hard to earn money. Are you just going to squander the money he gives you like that?"
"Mature and outstanding men wouldn't be attracted to a girl like you."
Han Meng: "I'm sorry, Aunt, I'm already engaged."
"You're engaged? To whom?"
Han Meng felt that Xu Ning was being presumptuous, but fearing that the other party would continue to pester him with questions, he hesitated for a moment before finally saying, "...with...the third young master of the Lu family."
Xu Ning was shocked: "Ah? How can this be! I heard the Lu family is also in business. What's the point of business people marrying each other? You should find someone who is an official, or a second-generation official, or someone who has power even if they're not an official..."
Han Meng's lips twitched slightly: "Aunt, from what you're saying... you want me to become your sister?"
"What are you saying? I don't mean to make you confused about the generations. Hey, in a couple of days, your aunt will introduce you to a few! I'll bring them to your house for you to meet and see!"
Han Meng couldn't help but roll her eyes, slung her bag over her shoulder, and slammed the door shut as she left.
Before transmigrating into the book, she had rarely encountered annoying relatives like Xu Ning. This was the first time she had encountered such a situation. Even if she could win an argument with her, she would still feel unhappy afterward.
Why don't we go out and have some fun?
...
Traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy.
The first thing Lu Jinxian saw when he walked in was the interior decoration, which seemed to be a combination of the adjacent shops, opening up the two sides.
Chen Miaoyin had met Lu Jinxian before and knew who he was, so she stepped forward enthusiastically: "Young Master Lu, what kind of medicine would you like to buy?"
"Please get me some medicine for my cold and cough."
Yesterday, his younger sister accidentally fell into the water. She was fine, but she developed a fever today. Western medicine can certainly treat colds and fevers, but after discussing it with her brothers, they decided to give her some bitter Chinese medicine to try, as a way to teach her a lesson about not being so naughty in the future.
He pointed to the wall that was being broken down: "What's going on with your pharmacy?"
The accountant said, "We're renovating. Now everyone in the neighborhood knows about our Chinese medicine pharmacy. Our turnover has doubled since the first month, and Miss Han plans to expand further."
Lu Jinxian bought the medicine and was about to turn around and leave when he ran into Han Meng.
Han Meng hesitated for a moment, then took his hand and walked out: "I have something I'd like to ask you for a favor."
Lu Jinxian: ?
She led him to an alley, and after looking left and right and seeing that there was no one around, she stopped.
Han Meng: "Uh, you're here for a medical checkup, right?"
Lu Jinxian: "So what if it is?"
"Can you do me a favor?" Han Meng blinked. "Could you come to my house tomorrow to get some medicine? It's free, but you need to... put on a show for my relatives so they know I have a fiancé."
Seeing that the other person didn't speak, she thought there was no hope and said dejectedly, "I know this request is outrageous, but I never expected to encounter such an outrageous relative. I'm already engaged, and she still... I don't know what she's after!"
Lu Jinxian: "Sure."
I'm just idling around anyway.
Han Meng was taken aback for a moment, then quickly thanked her.
When those big eyes plead, they blink like a little rabbit wanting a carrot.
Lu Jinxian found her behavior quite amusing, so he couldn't help but tease her: "A verbal thank you is nothing. If I fulfill your request, you'll have to give me a gift!"
Han agreed without hesitation: "Okay!"
As for gifts, how could I, a daughter of a wealthy family, not be able to provide them?
With a solution found, Han Meng felt much more relaxed and even went to the theater to watch a play in the afternoon.
The opera was quite enjoyable. Although listening to opera has become a niche hobby in the 21st century, there were still many people who listened to opera in the Republic of China era, a time before the internet.
Cheers erupted from the audience from time to time, creating a lively atmosphere that she enjoyed.
The only thing that left her speechless was encountering a man who took the initiative to strike up a conversation.
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