SWTHTC - 31

Chapter 31: “A Thankless Task”

To say the relationship between the two families was a bit complicated would be an understatement.

Su Ruini and Zhang Min were college classmates who had lived in neighboring dorm rooms, so their bond was naturally close. Later, when Zhang Min married Yuan Jianxin, her husband suffered a broken leg after falling from a height during a site inspection just a year into their marriage. It was Hou Feng who performed the surgery, thus bringing all four individuals together.

Yuan Jianxin’s father had been a master of business, one of the earliest pioneers in China’s real estate industry. Unfortunately, he passed away at a young age due to heart disease, leaving the company in the hands of his only son, Yuan Jianxin.

At the time Yuan Jianxin took over, his company was at its peak, while Su Ruini’s Haoting was just starting out. He had helped her by investing in her fledgling business. However, over the years, fortunes reversed—Su Ruini’s business flourished, while Yuan’s Runyuan gradually declined, showing signs of waning influence.

Su Ruini was a loyal person. In gratitude for Yuan Jianxin’s past support, she consciously repaid the favor. She even allowed Runyuan to hold a 7% stake in Haoting—a clear gesture of goodwill meant to bring them along for the ride to success.

Yuan Jianxin understood Su Ruini’s intentions, and both parties tacitly acknowledged this arrangement, further strengthening their harmonious relationship.

The dinner table was filled with warmth and camaraderie. The two women immediately dove into conversations about fashion and lifestyle, leaving little room for the men to interject. They resorted to discussing leisure activities like golf and fishing.

Hou Feng was busier than Yuan Jianxin because he also had to keep an eye on Su Ruini’s diet. It was the season for fresh hairy crabs from the south—a delicacy Su Ruini, being from that region, adored. As she chatted animatedly with Zhang Min, she eagerly dug into the plate of crabs, munching away without restraint.

Hou Feng could do nothing but gently pull her back, repeatedly advising, “Eat less of these; they’re cold-natured.”

Su Ruini waved him off dismissively, saying, “I know, I know. Stop nagging like Tang Sanzang.”

Zhang Min couldn’t help but chuckle, teasing, “That’s enough, you two. You’re already an old married couple, yet you still act so lovey-dovey?”

Su Ruini rolled her eyes, complaining, “What lovey-dovey? You have no idea how annoying he is, always controlling what I eat and do.”

Her tone carried a hint of vanity, her eyes betraying a glimmer of happiness despite her words.

Zhang Min, unable to endure their playful bickering, teased them a bit before turning her attention to the unusually quiet teenagers at the table. Smiling, she asked, “Why aren’t you two talking? Is senior year too exhausting? Haven’t you been able to rest properly?”

Hou Zihao, who had been scrolling through his phone planning to text Zhou Leqi about lunch, was suddenly called out. His father, sitting beside him, gave him a light tap, signaling him to put the phone away and not appear rude.

Reluctantly pocketing his phone, Hou Zihao replied politely, “No, Auntie. Everything’s fine.”

Zhang Min, whose plump features made her look even kinder, smiled warmly and turned to Su Ruini, saying, “Zihao is growing more handsome every day, and he excels academically too. You’re truly blessed.”

Though flattered, Su Ruini outwardly feigned exasperation with her son, saying, “What blessing? Kids grow up and stop listening. Unlike your Huihui—she’s both beautiful and obedient. By the way, Huihui is class president now, right?”

Yuan Jiahui, suddenly addressed, straightened up and answered shyly, “…Yes, Auntie.”

“Wonderful,” Su Ruini grinned. “With you around, I can rest assured. Keep an eye on him for me.”

Everyone at the table laughed, except Yuan Jiahui, who felt incredibly awkward. She had indeed tried to “keep an eye” on him, but the outcome…

Meanwhile, Zhang Min’s eyes darted around thoughtfully before she abruptly turned to her husband. “Jianxin, did you order any fish?”

Yuan Jianxin blinked, then shook his head. “Oh no, I forgot, forgot completely. No fish.”

Zhang Min scolded him lightly, “You really are…”

Su Ruini interrupted, saying, “What’s there to order? Look at this feast—there’s more than enough food. Not ordering fish is just fine.”

“How can that be?” Zhang Min slapped the table playfully. “The kids are in their final year of high school—they need fish for brainpower. Huihui, take Zihao to pick a fish. You two decide how it should be prepared.”

Yuan Jiahui hesitated, stammering, “Mom…”

Zhang Min nudged her, “Go on, don’t be shy. You’re getting less confident as you grow older.”

The intention behind this maneuver was clear: Zhang Min was trying to play matchmaker, hoping to set up a future union between the two families.

This idea had been discussed beforehand. While Su Ruini and Hou Feng didn’t outright reject it, they generally followed a hands-off parenting approach, respecting Hou Zihao’s autonomy. Ultimately, they left the decision to the children themselves.

Su Ruini had long sensed that her son had no romantic feelings for Huihui, and Hou Feng, having met Zhou Leqi, was well aware of his son’s affections. Still, they didn’t want to embarrass Zhang Min in public, so Su Ruini casually said to Hou Zihao, “Go ahead, don’t let Uncle Yuan save money.”

Yuan Jianxin laughed heartily, adding, “Right, right. Don’t skimp—pick something expensive.”

Yuan Jiahui sat rooted in embarrassment, her face burning red. Seeing that she wasn’t making a move, Hou Zihao stood up first, saying, “Alright, thank you, Uncle and Auntie.”

Once he stood, Yuan Jiahui reluctantly rose under Zhang Min’s urging. The two walked out of the private dining room several meters apart, one trailing behind the other.

The private clubhouse owned by the Yuan family was among the most luxurious in City A. After setbacks in real estate, Runyuan had shifted focus to hospitality services. Though labeled “private,” the venue often hosted prominent politicians and wealthy businessmen, many of whom were regular patrons.

On the basement level, a massive aquarium wall displayed various exotic fish. Hou Zihao asked Yuan Jiahui, “What kind of fish do Uncle and Auntie like?”

Since leaving the dining room, Yuan Jiahui had kept her head down, avoiding eye contact. Startled by his question, she replied softly, “…Anything is fine.”

Hou Zihao acknowledged her response, asking, “How about grouper?”

Yuan Jiahui nodded.

“And the preparation?” he continued. “Steamed?”

She nodded again.

“Got it,” he said, then placed the order with the attendant who had been following them. Once done, he prepared to return to the dining room.

Yuan Jiahui trailed behind, watching his tall, upright figure from afar. Her heart ached with a familiar bitterness: she genuinely liked him, but he clearly liked someone else…

Her previous actions had been rash. Would he ever forgive her?

“Monkey…” Yuan Jiahui finally couldn’t hold back and called out to Hou Zihao.

His steps seemed to pause, though she didn’t dare look up to see if he turned around. Nervously, she managed to ask, “…Are we still friends?”

This was the first meaningful conversation they’d had since the incident where she reported him.

She was tense, waiting not so much for his answer as for a verdict.

“Of course,” he replied. “We’ll always be friends.”

Though the words were what she wanted to hear, his tone betrayed no sincerity or warmth.

He resumed walking.

Meanwhile, the adults had begun discussing work matters in the children’s absence.

Yuan Jianxin asked Su Ruini, “Ruini, how long has Haoting owned the Fengyuan plot?”

At the mention of Fengyuan, Su Ruini sighed in frustration.

She set down her crab, saying, “A year and a half. It’ll be nearly two years in a few months.”

Yuan Jianxin raised an eyebrow. “Have you started construction yet?”

“No,” Su Ruini frowned. “There are still a few stubborn holdouts refusing to move unless we pay exorbitant prices. It’s driving me crazy.”

Yuan Jianxin took a bite of his dish, commenting, “You’d better hurry. Didn’t the policy change earlier this year? The government won’t allow land hoarding anymore. If you don’t start construction by the deadline, the state will reclaim the land.”

“Tell me about it,” Su Ruini agreed. “We’re in negotiations to resolve this as soon as possible.”

Yuan Jianxin nodded approvingly. “You really struck gold with the Fengyuan plot. Once developed, its value will skyrocket. Completing this project will elevate Haoting to new heights.”

“Thanks to your good wishes, President Yuan,” Su Ruini smiled. “And thanks to Runyuan’s generosity during the bidding process.”

This was polite talk. Runyuan had competed against Haoting for the Fengyuan plot, but its declining strength meant it couldn’t compete. There was no “generosity” involved.

Yuan Jianxin knew Su Ruini was being courteous and laughed heartily, unfazed. “It doesn’t matter. Whether Runyuan or Haoting develops it, I’ll profit either way!”

True enough, with a 7% stake in Haoting, Yuan Jianxin would benefit significantly from Su Ruini’s success.

The atmosphere at the table remained pleasant, with laughter and conversation flowing freely. Just then, Hou Zihao and Yuan Jiahui returned. Hou Zihao informed the elders that they had ordered steamed grouper.

Zhang Min watched Hou Zihao with growing fondness. She found him perfect in every way, and with Haoting’s rapid growth, having her daughter marry into such a family would be advantageous for both businesses. Moreover, the families were already close, so Su Ruini wouldn’t mistreat Huihui. This seemed like an ideal match.

Zhang Min was eager for the two to get together soon. After some more eating, she brought up university plans, asking, “Zihao, where do you plan to study after high school? We’re considering sending Huihui abroad—it’s better for the environment and resources. If Zihao could accompany her, her father and I would feel much more at ease.”

This matchmaking attempt was rather blatant. Hou Zihao furrowed his brow slightly, feeling it necessary to clarify his stance early on. Calmly but firmly, he responded, “Thank you for your concern, Auntie, but I prefer studying domestically. I don’t plan to go abroad.”

Though his tone was mild, his resolve was unmistakable. Su Ruini and Hou Feng exchanged glances, sensing the awkwardness.

Especially Su Ruini, who now fully realized her son had no intention of pursuing a relationship with Huihui, nor any plans to study overseas.

She felt a pang of resignation. Initially, she had hoped Hou Zihao would study abroad, given the intense competition domestically, and she didn’t want her child burdened. But since he was determined, she respected his decision.

She stepped in to smooth things over, telling Zhang Min, “Come now, there’s still a year before university decisions are finalized. There’s no rush. These kids have strong opinions—we can’t force them. Stop worrying so much; it’s a thankless task.”

As she spoke, she proactively handed Zhang Min another crab.

Zhang Min accepted it with a smile, and the table resumed its lively chatter. Yet, Hou Zihao’s gentle rejection lingered in Zhang Min and Yuan Jianxin’s minds, leaving a faint sting.

It was as if they had been pricked unexpectedly, ever so lightly.