In Lu Yanbei’s absence, Su He’s days were peaceful and comfortable.
She ate well, slept well, drew drafts when she had time, or went shopping with her girlfriends. She was incredibly carefree.
What she didn’t know was that Zhou Yue, that crazy woman, upset with her husband, actually spread rumors in the high school alumni group, accusing Su He of being a mistress, being kept by a rich man, and dating multiple men at once. The things she said were utterly demeaning.
Alumnus A: Su He is really being kept? Wasn't she just divorced? Found a new sugar daddy so quickly?
Zhou Yue: I saw it with my own eyes. Could it be fake? Dropped off by luxury cars every day, a bouquet of flowers every day, if she’s not being kept, what else could it be?
Alumnus A (muttering): Can’t it be a relationship?
Alumnus B: How did she get involved with your husband again?
Zhou Yue: My husband used to dote on me so much, but after Su He appeared, he changed. He became indifferent to me and often mentioned Su He in front of me. If I said something unpleasant, he’d even make me apologize to Su He? On what grounds!
Alumnus B: …….All speculation without evidence?
Alumnus C: What about juggling multiple men?
Zhou Yue: I saw her shopping with different men several times, acting intimately!
Alumnus C: …….
Despite the many rumors, only a minority believed Zhou Yue.
In a small group chat, classmates were fiercely complaining.
“Heard Zhou Yue’s husband filed for divorce, is that true?”
“Ah? Wasn’t her husband crazy about her? He didn’t let her work after they got married, let her be a full-time wife, buying her whatever she wanted. Why divorce all of a sudden?”
“You probably don’t know what happened on Li Li’s wedding day. Let me tell you, here’s what happened……”
“She’s always suspicious, thinking this person is having an affair with her husband, that one is a mistress. Her husband is almost driven crazy!”
“I also heard that Zhou Yue offended Su He, and her husband’s company is about to go under.”
“What’s Su He’s background? How is she so capable? Could she really be kept by a sugar daddy?”
“Although Su He divorced Lu Jingyang, Old Master Lu has always doted on her like a granddaughter. I think Old Master Lu is backing her up.”
“Didn’t they say that luxury car belonged to Lu Yanbei?”
“How is that possible! Lu Yanbei is notoriously uninterested in women! He must have been unable to refuse Old Master Lu’s request and helped Su He out.”
“Exactly! Lu family doesn’t only have one luxury car. Young Master Yan might not be using that particular one.”
When a classmate sent the chat screenshots to Jiang Xiaoxiao, and Jiang Xiaoxiao then showed them to Su He, Su He managed to blurt out after a long pause, “Does Zhou Yue have mental issues?”
“I think so,” Jiang Xiaoxiao laughed, leaning back. “But, are you really not angry at all?”
“What’s the use of being angry?” Su He pursed her lips. “Whether I’m angry or not, they’ll gossip behind my back. Why should I waste my energy on these things? It’s not worth it.”
“You have such a big heart!” Jiang Xiaoxiao gave her a thumbs-up in admiration.
“Don’t just talk about me. Have you thought about what I mentioned last time?” Su He shared half of her sweet potato with her.
“What was it?” Jiang Xiaoxiao couldn’t recall for a moment.
Su He glanced at her and said, “It’s about my mom, asking to introduce someone to you.”
“Ah, this… maybe not. I’m quite content being alone,” Jiang Xiaoxiao chuckled dryly and decisively refused.
“Didn’t you say your family is urging you to get married? Do you already have someone in mind?” Su He couldn’t think of any other reason.
“Not at all,” Jiang Xiaoxiao falsely denied. “Oh, I just don’t want to enter the grave of marriage too early. I want to have more fun for a few more years.”
“It’s just dating, not getting married immediately,” Su He found herself unable to understand her best friend.
“You’re no different,” Jiang Xiaoxiao retorted.
Su He opened her mouth, unable to refute.
That was true!
She had never intended to get married, yet she had been dragged to the registry twice, neither of which was her intention. She felt like her marriage was too much of a child’s play.
“Fine, I’ll think of a reason to decline for you.” Su He deeply understood the principle of not doing to others what you don’t want done to yourself.
Coincidentally, her adoptive mother, Tang Jiaojiao, called as if she had a premonition. “Honey, didn’t you say you wanted to go apartment hunting last time? I happen to have some free time today…”
Su He gasped. She had been busy lately and had indeed forgotten about it.
After asking for Tang Jiaojiao’s location, Su He immediately pulled Jiang Xiaoxiao into a taxi to go there.
“Why are you dragging me along to look at apartments?” Jiang Xiaoxiao was afraid that her godmother, Tang Jiaojiao, would introduce her to someone.
“You’ll need to buy one in the future too. If you look together, you’ll be more motivated to earn money,” Su He’s reason was quite convincing.
Jiang Xiaoxiao was the second child in her family, with an older brother and a younger sister. Jiang’s parents were traditional and favored sons over daughters, causing Jiang Xiaoxiao to suffer a lot of grievances since childhood.
When she graduated from high school, Jiang’s father didn’t plan to support her education anymore, wanting her to go out and earn money to alleviate the family’s burden. Jiang Xiaoxiao naturally refused, so she ran away from home in a fit of anger. She worked several jobs during the summer vacation to earn enough for tuition and attended college.
For four years of college, she lived outside and never returned home. She even changed her phone number for fear they would force her to drop out.
Because of this, her family members often called her an ungrateful wretch.
After graduating from college, she found a good job as a nine-to-five office worker. Due to her excellent business acumen, she had already been promoted to manager. Her next goal was vice president. If she was rated outstanding at the end of the year, her salary would increase significantly. At that time, buying an apartment wouldn’t be a problem.
In recent years, Jiang Xiaoxiao’s mother fell seriously ill, and her relationship with her family gradually improved. However, the damage caused could never be undone, so they maintained a superficial relationship.
Having been best friends for so many years, Su He knew a bit about the Jiang family’s situation, which was why she was trying to motivate her.
Once Jiang Xiaoxiao understood, she no longer refused.
After meeting up with Tang Jiaojiao, the two of them went to a popular property development nearby.
There weren't many people in the sales office, not because the houses weren't selling. On the contrary, it was too popular, and most units were sold out, with only a few large units remaining.
Led by the sales representative, they toured the model apartments and were quite satisfied with the layout.
However, upon hearing the price, Su He immediately felt a pang of pain.
“Fifty thousand per square meter, the full payment would be over 8 million. In her mind, she estimated, and her eyes immediately dimmed.
Jiang Xiaoxiao also felt it was unaffordable.
At this price, she couldn’t afford it even after ten years of not eating or sleeping.
Tang Jiaojiao propped her chin, not expressing an opinion. Well, it was a bit expensive, but the location was excellent, the surrounding facilities were complete, the lighting was good, and the floor was also decent. The crucial part was the low common area percentage, a complimentary terrace, and a very reasonable room layout. If it were well-decorated, it would definitely be comfortable to live in.
Perhaps she should clean out her handbags another day and get a new apartment for her precious daughter?
Handbags could be bought again, but a good house, once missed, might not be available again.