Tan Zhen and Song Feiyu were montarily stunned seeing Song Zhenyu’s tear-streaked face. For a fleeting second, a trace of guilt flashed through their hearts.
But it vanished just as quickly.
Tan Zhen sighed and said, “I know things haven’t been easy for you… but your brother is getting married. As his older sister, you can’t just not help with the bride price. That wouldn’t look good.”
Song Zhenyu’s voice trembled with restrained anger. “Haven’t I given enough already? I had barely worked for half a year when you ca asking to buy him a car. Twenty thousand yuan — and I gave it. Do you know how I got the money? I borrowed it from soone, and it took over a year to pay it all back.”
She continued, “And after buying the car, he kept asking for three thousand yuan every month as living expenses. I still gave it. Wasn’t that enough?”
Tan Zhen waved it off. “Buying a car is one thing. Bride price is another. You can’t lump them together. And besides, he’s not working right now. You, as his sister, should support him a bit. It’s only right.”
Song Feiyu scoffed, “It was just a twenty-thousand-yuan dostic car, and you’re still complaining this much? There’s a woman in our village who gave her younger brother an Audi A6 and even bought him a house in the city. Sa role, sa title — big sister — and yet such a huge difference.”
Tan Zhen added sharply, “Exactly. That girl didn’t even go to college. And look at you — even after university, you’re still not as ‘successful’ as her.”
Song Zhenyu knew exactly who they were talking about. That girl had beco the mistress of so sixty-year-old sugar daddy and turned herself into a low-tier trophy wife. If that was considered “making it,” then Song Zhenyu wanted no part of it.
Wiping her tears, her voice turned ice cold. “Say whatever you want. I don’t have the money for a bride price. I won’t give it, and I can’t.”
Song Feiyu panicked and tugged at his mother’s sleeve.
Tan Zhen thought for a mont, then said, “Didn’t you borrow twenty thousand before to buy the car? Just borrow more. Put together the eighty thousand your brother needs.”
The ntion of that loan made Song Zhenyu clench her fists. “I should really thank you both. Because of that loan, I don’t even have a single friend left.”
Song Feiyu suddenly brightened with an idea. “Sis, you’re so pretty — you must have tons of guys chasing you. You must have a boyfriend by now, right? Just ask your boyfriend for the money.”
Song Zhenyu looked at them with disbelief. “With a family like this, it’s already a miracle I haven’t dragged anyone else down with . How could I dare to find a boyfriend?”
Tan Zhen snapped, “Listen to yourself! We’re just asking for a bride price, and you’re acting like we’re trying to kill you!”
Song Feiyu sighed dramatically. “With a sister like this… what bad luck I’ve got.”
Just then, a hotel staff mber appeared at the door and knocked. “Mr. Song, Ms. Tan — your paynt is overdue. If it’s not settled, we’ll have to take legal action.”
Tan Zhen didn’t even blink. She pointed at Song Zhenyu and said casually, “My daughter’s here. She’ll take care of the bill.”
A terrible premonition crept up on Song Zhenyu. She turned to the staff mber and asked, “Excuse … how much do they owe?”
The hotel worker smiled professionally. “A total of 31,205 yuan.” He handed her a printed bill.
Song Zhenyu scanned it — and her face paled. “Why… why did you book two deluxe double rooms for just the two of you?”
“What’s wrong with two rooms for two people?” Song Feiyu asked as if it were common sense.
“Two rooms aren’t the problem — but why double rooms? Why not single?”
“They’re more spacious.”
“Fine, you want space — but what about standard rooms? Or premium rooms? Why go straight to deluxe? Do you think I’m made of money?”
Song Feiyu shrugged. “I was being considerate of your finances. Otherwise, I would’ve booked the luxury suite — maybe even the presidential.”
“And what about food? Two people… and you ordered six dishes for one al?!”
“Three per person. One at, one veggie, one soup — totally standard.”
“If you think it’s so standard,” Song Zhenyu snapped, “then you can pay for it yourself.”
“I only get three thousand a month from you,” Song Feiyu said, acting aggrieved. “That barely covers anything. How could I afford this?”
“Then why are you staying in expensive hotels like this if you’re broke?”
“That’s what I have you for,” he said, as if it were the most logical thing in the world.
Song Zhenyu was shaking now, dizzy with anger. “I—I can’t do this anymore. Settle it with Mom yourself.”
If the bill had been around ten thousand, she might’ve grit her teeth and paid with a credit card. But over thirty thousand? That exceeded her credit limit. There was no way.
Song Feiyu glared. “Didn’t you hear what the guy said? If we don’t pay, they’ll sue! You’re just going to sit back and let us get arrested? You’re heartless!”
Tan Zhen suddenly dropped to the floor, wailing theatrically. “Oh heavens, what kind of world is this? I raised a daughter for over twenty years, and now she turns her back on her own mother. Where is the justice? Where is the conscience? Everyone co and see — look at this ungrateful child!”
She wasn’t faking. After years of village life and constant arguing, she’d developed a loud, sharp voice that could carry for blocks. Her wails instantly attracted a crowd at the door.
Most of the onlookers didn’t know what was going on — they just ca for the drama.
At that mont, Wang Haoran arrived. He had gotten directions from the front desk, and now pushed his way through the crowd into the room.
He imdiately noticed the tear stains on Song Zhenyu’s cheeks — clearly she’d been wronged. His heart tightened.
“Don’t worry,” he said softly, walking up beside her and gently placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’m here.”
Song Zhenyu blinked in surprise, staring blankly at him for a mont.
【Ding! Female lead Song Zhenyu’s Favorability 5. Current total: 45 (Very Friendly)】
【Ding! Host has altered the plot trajectory. 200 Villain Points!】
Feeling the warmth of his palm resting on her shoulder, Song Zhenyu’s heart suddenly softened. “You… why are you here?”
“Muyan called ,” Wang Haoran explained. “She told what happened, and I was worried they might be giving you a hard ti. Took a while because of traffic, but I’m here now.”
“You—you’re my sister’s boyfriend, right?” Song Feiyu asked, seeing how close they seed.
Song Zhenyu hesitated, but before she could speak, Wang Haoran answered calmly, “That’s right. What do you want to say?”
“She told she wasn’t dating anyone… so she was lying!” Song Feiyu was briefly stunned, then his gaze swept over Wang Haoran from head to toe. The guy was dressed sharp, radiated money and confidence — a total rich second-gen.
Without any sha, Song Feiyu bead and called out enthusiastically, “Hi there, brother-in-law!”
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