"Your dad?"
Never having learned about Ah Zhong's family relationships, Zhou Jinbei's interest was suddenly piqued when the topic shifted.
"How is your dad good? Can you tell me about him?"
Ah Zhong shrugged his shoulders. "There's nothing much to talk about. My dad is just an ordinary man who's been divorced."
"But after his divorce, for my sake, he never remarried."
"He works an ordinary job. Lives an ordinary life. That's all."
Zhou Jinbei blinked her big eyes at him, her curiosity bubbling as she pressed on.
"What kind of ordinary job, what kind of ordinary life? Can you tell me more specifically?"
Ah Zhong smiled. "My dad is from the countryside, with limited education. He's fifty-six this year."
"When I was little, I knew he worked as a bricklayer on construction sites. Later, as I grew up, he learned to start a small business to support my education."
"He just opened a farm and raised some cattle and sheep. His entire fortune is less than a million yuan. A down-to-earth farmer, there's really nothing special to say."
She hadn't expected Ah Zhong's family background to be like this.
His dad was actually a cattle farmer, no wonder his girlfriend left him.
But Zhou Jinbei didn't mind. Perhaps not having experienced hardship in life, she found it rather interesting.
"You work in Nancheng and are away most of the year. He hasn't remarried, isn't he lonely by himself?"
Ah Zhong said, "He must be lonely. So I've been encouraging him to find a companion in recent years."
"But my dad is rather old-fashioned. He thinks remarrying at his age might not be good for my reputation, and he worries about my future daughter-in-law's feelings, so he's never remarried."
"I've told him many times that I don't mind, but he just won't listen. I'm also very troubled by this."
To think there could be such a simple and honest father in the world.
For his son's happiness, he was willing to suffer his whole life.
Zhou Jinbei sighed, realizing that good men were indeed always someone else's.
"Happiness has nothing to do with being rich or poor. Your dad, though poor, has a heart truer than gold. And us?"
Ah Zhong understood her meaning.
Since becoming Zhan Beijue's special assistant, he had interacted with many people from high society.
He had witnessed too many dramas and knew well that happiness index was not directly proportional to wealth.
The wealthier people were, the more treacherous their hearts became.
Filial affection became a luxury, let alone love.
It seemed Zhou Jinbei had indeed encountered relationship problems.
"So, Miss Zhou, why are you asking so much? Do you have someone you like?"
Zhou Jinbei turned her head to look at him and answered truthfully.
"I'm a normal person too, with emotions and desires. Of course, I'd be moved by someone."
"Isn't that good? You're so outstanding, surely someone will notice you. Wouldn't that be mutual affection?"
Zhou Jinbei shook her head.
"You don't understand. I don't like men who chase after me aggressively. I prefer men who act indifferent towards me. I like unrequited love."
"..."
It was true that the beautiful, wealthy, and intelligent Ms. Zhou had a way of acting that was different from ordinary people.
She actually liked unrequited love?
Ah Zhong shook his head in disbelief.
"I can't comprehend the thought processes of you young people anymore. Whatever you want to do, do it."
"However, I can tell you one thing clearly. Whether it's overt or covert love, if anyone bullies you, and you need me, you can call me anytime."
He felt that these words should have been spoken by his elder brother, Zhou Jinxiu.
But that guy was always immersed in his own world, neglecting his family.
Moreover, even if he were to inquire, with his impulsive nature, he wouldn't be able to do anything good.
Zhou Jinbei stared at the road ahead, thinking for a moment, and couldn't help but sigh again.
"Can I trust your words one hundred percent, Brother Zhong?"
"Whenever I need you, whatever I ask of you, you will help me?"
"Of course." Seeing her troubled expression, Ah Zhong tried to cheer her up with a joke.
"Don't look so dejected. Are you worried about future exams and assignments?"
"Coincidentally, we're studying the same major. If it's too much trouble, you can send your assignments to me, and I'll help you write them."
That would be wonderful.
Actually, Zhou Jinbei hadn't intended to ask him for this. It was more of a bonus.
"Okay. But besides writing assignments, there's something else I need your help with."
What significant matter had caused her to hesitate?
Ah Zhong looked at her earnestly. "What trouble have you encountered?"
Zhou Jinbei finally spoke. "You must keep this a secret, Brother Zhong. My dad is having an affair."
"..." The steering wheel swerved slightly.
Ah Zhong turned his head to glance at her. "When did this happen?"
Zhou Jinbei leaned back in her seat listlessly.
"Over a year ago. I don't know how many times this has happened, but it's been over a year with this woman."
"That woman is pregnant and wants to keep the baby. My dad agreed."
"How did you find out?"
"A few days ago, I went to my dad's company, and his phone was on the desk. That woman sent him a message, and I saw it."
No wonder she was so moody today.
Anyone would feel uncomfortable facing such a situation.
Ah Zhong understood her completely.
"So, are you the only one who knows about this?"
Zhou Jinbei said, "My mother is superficial and has never earned a penny except for giving birth to two children for my dad. If she finds out, besides crying, she probably won't be able to do anything."
"My brother, I don't know what he's up to all day, but he's completely oblivious to the family."
"And my dad has a lot of opinions about him. They start arguing within three sentences. If he finds out, this family might fall apart even faster."
"..."
He hadn't expected that this young girl would be bearing so much for her family.
"So, what do you plan to do now?"
Speaking of Ah San, Zhou Jinbei lost her previous listlessness.
"I definitely can't let her give birth to the child."
"Our family's business is declining year by year. My dad is getting old, and my brother hasn't found his footing yet."
"With another child to divide the family assets, how are we supposed to live?"
"So, you plan to go find her?"
Zhou Jinbei shook her head.
"I'm not that foolish. What's the point of going to her directly?"
"The root of this problem lies with my dad. As long as he doesn't change his ways, even if I drive this woman away today, there will be a Xiao Si, Xiao Wu, Xiao Liu in the future."
With different ways of thinking between men and women, Ah Zhong couldn't guess her intentions.
"So, what exactly do you want to do?"
Zhou Jinbei turned her head, her gaze fixed on him with determination.
"I want you to step in."
"Me? I'm just an assistant to Mr. Zhan. I have no connection with your dad, and I don't know that woman. What can I do by stepping in?"
Zhou Jinbei explained.
"I've already come up with a plan in my mind, but I need to find someone I trust implicitly to cooperate."
"I've been worrying about who would be a good choice lately. Brother Zhong..."
"You just said that as long as I need you, you'll help me anytime I call you."
"..." He had bragged too soon.