Era: Starting with the struggle to refuse being taken advantage of

Chapter 45 I Don't Like the Bicycle You Bought
Thump, thump, thump...

Filled with resentment, Liu Yanran knocked on the door with extreme force, almost to the point of smashing it, making the makeshift door in Wang Chengpeng's house clang loudly.

Hearing the commotion, Wang Chengpeng opened the gate to the courtyard and looked at the furious Liu Yanran standing there, asking with a puzzled expression:
"Yanran, didn't you say we shouldn't contact each other before our official wedding? What's with this sudden visit?"

Liu Yanran, who was used to being arrogant in front of Wang Chengpeng, didn't even bother to reply to him.
The moment the gate opened, I looked around the yard and quickly spotted a brand-new bicycle by the wall.

Holding her breath, Liu Yanran remained silent and walked straight to the bicycle to examine it.

It must be said that the Forever 28 model bicycle is not only stylish and imposing, but also quite practical.

However, it still doesn't quite fit the aesthetic preferences of girls.

However, people in this era mostly consider practicality and few people excessively pursue aesthetics.

But Liu Yanran was clearly different. After seeing the bicycle clearly, her heart finally settled, and she immediately questioned it angrily:

"Cheng Peng, why didn't you discuss such a big thing as buying a bicycle with me?"

I don't like the bicycle you bought!

After saying that, Liu Yanran looked at Wang Chengpeng with a leisurely air, seemingly waiting for him to admit his mistake or promise to take it back and replace it with another one.

Having lost the filter of true love from his past life, Wang Chengpeng's anger towards Liu Yanran was simply inexplicable.

Why should I consult you when I'm buying my own bicycle? You're not even married into the family yet, what right do you have to interfere in my affairs with such righteous indignation?
And that line, "I don't like the bicycle you bought," completely stunned Wang Chengpeng.
I bought this bicycle because I like it myself, why should you like it too? What kind of bizarre thought process do you have?
Thinking of this, Wang Chengpeng subconsciously said, "Yanran, didn't you tell me not to come see you before our official wedding?"

Wang Chengpeng's move of refuting himself with his own words infuriated Liu Yanran. To maintain her image, she could only whisper:

“Cheng Peng, I did say something similar.”

“But this is different. You should have discussed such an important matter as buying a car with me.”

"I think the Phoenix 26-138 women's bicycle is pretty good. It has a compact and exquisite appearance, and it is also very easy to ride, which is perfect for me."

"Cheng Peng, all I need is your attitude, an attitude that's good to me."

“But your attitude of not consulting me about buying a car is really making me uncomfortable, and my family can hardly accept a used car as a dowry.”

If it weren't for maintaining his public image, Wang Chengpeng would have rolled his eyes.

If you like something, why don't you buy it yourself? Why come over here and tell me?
What's wrong with me, a grown man, riding a woman's bicycle?
And attitude? Screw attitude, it popped up again. Things that can't be reasoned with can be blamed on one's bad attitude.

Wait a little longer. On April 1st, I will definitely teach Liu Yanran a lesson.

Suppressing his anger, Wang Chengpeng put on a friendly demeanor and said:

"I admit that I did something wrong in this matter. Even if I were to buy the bicycle myself, I would still need to discuss it with you first."

"But that's not important. We can just buy you a bicycle you like as a dowry later."

For a moment, Liu Yanran was also shocked by Wang Chengpeng's audacity in buying a luxury car so casually.

It's as if the person standing in front of you isn't some country bumpkin, but rather a super-rich tycoon.

If Wang Chengpeng is really super rich and likes her that much, then it's not impossible for her to be with him.

Although I'm pregnant now and it's impossible for me to have an abortion because of this, I can have another child with him. I believe he would be extremely grateful.

However, Liu Yanran quickly abandoned this ridiculous idea. They were all villagers; everyone knew each other's family situations inside and out. Wang Chengpeng's pretentious act, lacking any real substance, was nothing but a joke.

He could indeed buy another bicycle, or borrow money to buy another one, but the borrowed money wouldn't be his own; it would just be a case of putting on a show of wealth when he's not.

Because of the other party's lack of common sense, her life after marriage might be very difficult.

Thinking this, Liu Yanran quietly moved a step away from Wang Chengpeng, secretly resolving that once she had used Wang Chengpeng to raise the child a little, she would definitely find an excuse to divorce him, so as not to be burdened by such heavy debts.

Although she was scheming in her heart, Liu Yanran remained outwardly calm and even feigned concern for Wang Chengpeng, saying:
"We already have one bicycle at home, isn't buying another one a bit too extravagant?"

Since you're going to pretend, I'll play along!

Wang Chengpeng feigned delight and said, "Yanran, it's so good that you understand."

"From what you're saying, it seems I don't need to buy a bicycle as part of the bride price?"

"That's wonderful! Saving this money will make our lives much better after you marry into the family."

You're too kind. Don't you know what being polite means? Are you really going to take advantage of this situation?
Liu Yanran pouted and said, "Of course I wouldn't mind using a second-hand bicycle as a bride price."

“But that won’t show your attitude, and my parents will naturally not agree, so the bride price still has to be prepared according to the original agreement.”

At this point, Liu Yanran unexpectedly turned the tables on Wang Chengpeng, saying:
"Cheng Peng, this is a promise you made to my parents back then. As a man, you wouldn't go back on your word, would you?"

"And now that we've already bought this bicycle, we should make the most of it."

"How about this, you give me the bicycle and the purchase invoice first, so I can use it for now."

"Although it doesn't quite suit my aesthetic, I can still do my best to help you by keeping it safe for you."

Wang Chengpeng: ? ? ?

He felt that he had been blind in his past life, failing to realize that Liu Yanran was actually so skilled and that her words were so outrageous.

If it were simply a matter of helping with safekeeping, why would they need to ask Wang Chengpeng for the purchase invoice?

If Wang Chengpeng dares to give these things to Liu Yanran today, she will dare to take them to the vehicle management office tomorrow to register the bicycle under her own name.

Not only that, the bicycle that was agreed upon as part of the betrothal gifts cannot be missing. This cunning plan is so elaborate that it could be heard even in the United States.

Wang Chengpeng naturally couldn't hand over the bicycle and purchase receipt to Liu Yanran. Although he could easily use the excuse that he had already registered it, he now had a better way to stop Liu Yanran's antics. He immediately spoke up:

"Yanran, I really want to give you the bicycle and the purchase invoice, but I can't do that."

Under Liu Yanran's questioning gaze, Wang Chengpeng solemnly said, "We are not married yet, not even engaged."

"In this situation, what if other people misunderstand you as a materialistic woman because you're keeping my bicycle safe?"

"If someone dares to accept such an expensive gift from the man before the woman officially marries into the family, they will be gossiped about behind their backs."

"Yanran, although I really want to give you the bicycle and the purchase invoice, I can't do something so foolish for the sake of your reputation."

"Just wait a little longer. Once you're officially married into the family, you can ride this bicycle however you want, right?"

(End of this chapter)