They are still close to me today despite their negative feelings

Of course—most of the time.

There is one absolute exception.

That is.

……

"Police incident commentary: Don't let good intentions be tarnished."

When these simple, unremarkable topics, devoid of any sensationalism or grand pronouncements, suddenly became trending topics, I could almost hear the internet fall silent.

The reason is simple. The police have denied the rumors about Qiu Luxi.

Alright, now the Six Arts of a Gentleman are no longer applicable, since no one would be crazy enough to comment under a police announcement, "Hey, he's panicking, he's panicking!"

It's like ice melting in water; all the teasing and sarcasm have vanished, replaced by a uniform online response of "Promoting positive energy!", "Protecting exemplary idols!", and "Thumbs up for Qiu Luxi, a beautiful and kind-hearted new generation!"

It's as if all the past insults were just a dream, a facade of peace and harmony, so hypocritical that I want to laugh.

The bullying and the illegitimate daughter allegations have all been quickly dismissed by those who stirred up the uproar, while the netizens, who are always passionate, always moved to tears, and always manipulated, have either apologized, remained silent, or offered hindsight advice.

Only ordinary bystanders remained, neither commenting nor speaking, and could only manage a helpless, bitter smile upon seeing the mess and the occasional ripples.

"I was wondering before why you deliberately kept that guy who talks extreme and stirs up trouble. Now it seems you were prepared to have him play that role back then."

During the daytime of the holiday, Uncle Gold Tooth and I sat down at that familiar coffee shop again.

"The previous discussions were only about character and personal matters, and could not touch on Bai Fang's business. So we deliberately induced and implied that guy to stir up trouble at the amusement park, and after generating buzz, we forced Bai Fang to get involved by bringing his child."

"Once the White side has given its assessment, and with that as its endorsement, all the rumors about the young lady will have no room for discussion—although it is better to guide than to block, blocking the source directly like this will completely solve the problem."

The man with the gold teeth frowned. "But Brother Ning, isn't it a bit inappropriate to use a child like this?"

"What is this bastard who laid a hand on a minor saying?"

I took a sip of coffee. I was forced to get up early on Saturday morning, and I was feeling a bit irritable.

But at least I didn't pay for this coffee.

"I simply chose the most effective method."

"So, if that little girl disagrees, or the police don't react, you can still stir up other trouble, right?"

"The amusement park has surveillance cameras, so we can let them speak out. They'll also get positive publicity and celebrity endorsement. The legendary leader of the Jiang family won't pass up this opportunity for cooperation."

"Of course, the effect won't be that good, but after all, there's solid evidence. The amusement park itself is also in the eye of the storm. For that chairman, it's just a matter of whether it's a timely help or an added bonus." I idly flicked my straw.

"I learned a lesson at school: most people in this world are incapable of remaining pragmatic and rational, so it's always better to be prepared. In case someone breaks into the broadcasting room."

"?...You really downplay it. To be honest, it feels like you deliberately exposed Qiu Luxi and me to surveillance at the amusement park. It even felt like you glanced at the camera during the fireworks and the farewell scenes."

The man with the gold teeth laughed, then opened his phone in front of me and tapped on the surveillance footage posted by the amusement park.

"Even when he's playing games, he's running around and seems to be constantly looking out for the facilities."

"It's just a matter of being prepared. It would be too frustrating if kindness couldn't be proven."

I ignored the video he was playing.

"I can't stand stories as stupid as the Little Mermaid. If it were me, I would livestream the whole process of rescuing the prince and post it online, and make a hundred backups, hiding them all over the seven continents and four oceans. Not only would the prince know, but his dad, his neighbor aunt, and his mom would all know."

“You can do good deeds without expecting anything in return, but at least there should be some evidence to let people know.” I shrugged. “For someone as snobbish and selfish as me, this is the bare minimum.”

"As for whether it can be put to use, it's just a coincidence."

"Okay, okay, this isn't quite perfect, is it?"

The man with the gold teeth placed a stack of documents in front of me.

"The Qiu family will cover all living expenses for Su Qiqi until she reaches adulthood and starts working, and will act as her guardian—Su Qiqi's terrible mother has already signed her name here."

"That guy probably wanted to lose custody of her anyway. It's a win-win situation." I glanced at the document indifferently. "It wasn't for nothing that we spent so much time looking for her."

"Yes, but I didn't expect that everything you asked me to do would come in handy—I thought you just wanted me to infiltrate Old Master Qiu's place and occasionally leak some secrets to you."

"Uncle Gold Tooth said with a smile."

"...It seems that Old Master Qiu has finally found out, otherwise you wouldn't have said it so bluntly, Mr. Undercover Agent."

I knew it! Why was he so willing to pay for my coffee this time?

"You exposed yourself when you revealed your plan. After all, the old man knew about some of the things I was doing, and he connected the dots instantly. Although I didn't betray him in the end, I still received some blame."

"The fact that they're willing to publicly reprimand you means they're prepared to forgive you."

"Old Master Qiu was once a legendary figure in our area, and his magnanimity is naturally astounding. However, this time it involves his most beloved granddaughter, so he seems a bit agitated," Uncle Gold Tooth said with a smile.

“I haven’t crossed any lines, and the person I’m talking about is you—Brother Ning. You’re a very important guest in the Qiu family’s eyes now, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that you’re their prospective son-in-law. We’re all family here, so if I help you, it’s the same as helping the young lady.”

...I'm not willing to argue with this guy anymore.

When we were chatting at the coffee shop, he inexplicably started the conversation by mentioning university and high school, and then when we were chatting about our personal relationship via text message, he emphasized that he was the one who found the part-time job.

In these kinds of negotiations, people rarely chat about trivial matters or everyday things, especially when it comes to repeating or emphasizing the implied meaning. So I naturally realized that the man with the gold teeth had something to say about the topic he was discussing.

Among the part-time jobs, the only people to be wary of are Qiu Luxi or Chu Qingya, and judging from their age, Chu Qingya is the most likely one to have any connection with him from high school and university.

It was around that time that the reason why Uncle Gold Tooth recommended me to work part-time at Qingyin Cat House, which had been buried in my heart for so long, began to surface.

"Although I recommended the young lady, I was worried that the related shady business would involve my senior from high school who I had a crush on since college, so I indirectly asked me for a private commission. Uncle, you really are a complicated guy."

"I didn't ask you to do anything," the middle-aged man said, a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. "And I don't intend to disturb your life, senior."

"I'm about to cry," I exclaimed in amazement. "But now it seems the landlady really holds a grudge against you."

"Brother Ning, I have a small request, you..."

"I don't know what you're going to say, but I apologize in advance, but this is the only area where I can't help." I shrugged. "Although the boss's wife is your senior, she's still my senior's mother. At work, I'm her employee, but in life, I'm her junior. You wouldn't expect someone like me, whose status is -2, to speak up for you, would you?"

"...Never mind, it's good that she can live a quiet life."

"Oh my god, I'm so upset! Do you want another coffee? I can keep you company for a while, as long as you pay."

……

After saying goodbye to the visibly disappointed uncle, I turned a corner and ran into Qiu Luxi, who was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and denim skirt, and was leaning against the wall playing on her phone while wearing a mask.

"Didn't we agree to come over in five minutes?"

I took out the spare non-prescription glasses I had prepared for her from my fanny pack, but she shook her head, moved closer to me, and as if asking for a hug, gently took off my glasses and put them on her own face.

Even if my glasses are just accessories, you can't just blatantly steal them like that!

"How about it!"

She gently shook her head, her long hair swaying in the wind, giving the impression that she was shedding starlight.

I said approvingly.

"Like Harry Potter in the attic."

"?!"

She seems a little unhappy.

"Honestly, this topic is going to continue for a while, so you'd better be extra careful on the road."

I sighed and gently wiped her face with a cotton pad.

"The landlady said she would go back with you, and then she would also have to take 'Miss' home."

She picked up the cat carrier that was on the ground, and "Miss" was yawning loudly through the transparent cover.

"That's true. But now that your family doesn't object to you having a cat, why not spend more time with it? You really like 'Miss' too, right?"

I looked at Qiu Luxi, whose eyes held a lingering affection, and said with a wry smile.

"It's okay, it's just that once 'Miss' is sent home, I can still see her in the future."

Qiu Luxi looked at me and said earnestly.

Then she took my hand.

"Moreover, I am no longer alone."

She spoke softly, then smiled shyly at me.

"So I'm not afraid anymore."

[Next chapter preview: Look, this is professionalism.jpg]

"Is this a rip-off shop?!"

...No, I really can't drink this coffee anymore, I'm going to get acid reflux.

"You're so good at touching people's hearts and comforting others; it's obvious you've spent a long time with no one to rely on, only able to silently reconcile with yourself."

Chapter 89: All Rich Women Are Not Simple

"Then why don't you be scared?"

I offered my suggestion tactfully and kindly, and politely withdrew my hand.

Qiu Luxi pouted unhappily, lowered her eyes and made a few empty clawing motions in the air, like a reluctant cat.

These days, being honest is something that girls will hate. On my way to the cat cafe, I felt the cruelty of society.

When will honest men be able to stand up for themselves?

"We're not open for business yet, please wait... Oh my god, boss lady!! Xiao Ning and Xiao Qiu are back! Come out quickly, I'm going to close the shop!!!"

"Is this a rip-off shop?!"

I stared in disbelief as the college student surnamed Li at the front desk smoothly and effortlessly called for someone to close the door and moved a chair, marveling at his skill.

Look, this is professionalism.jpg

"!"

Chu Qingya, who was walking down the second floor with hurried steps, showed a relieved expression when she saw us.

But he quickly put on a stern face.

"Honestly, coming back so late, if you do this again next time, I'll dock your pay."

She joked.

...It must be a joke, right?

"Deduct...deduct wages?"

Qiu Luxi, standing beside her, looked very shaken.

Aren't you the eldest daughter of the Qiu family?! Why are you more flustered than me, an ordinary student who has to earn my own living?

"What should I do, Ning Ruoyu? I've never had my salary deducted before..."

Qiu Luxi asked me a question, feeling both excited and sad.

Wow, what an amazing language! It's clearly written in the Jiuhua Kingdom script, but I just can't understand it. I'm a complete stranger here. Is this cat language?

"Oh dear, you two kids really can't even tell the difference between a joke and a joke?"

The proprietress, who was smiling and waving at us, seemed rather helpless.

"Don't just stand there like an idiot. The store will be opening late today. Why don't you come over and have some drinks to welcome us?"

I just had three cups of coffee with that gold-toothed guy over there...

Since the man with the gold teeth was paying, I didn't refuse at all. But now, when I heard that I had to drink coffee again, my face showed the greatest fear I'd been in a long time.

"Hmm!" Qiu Luxi next to me didn't consider my feelings at all; she just wanted to put down "Young Miss" and play with the cats!

"Before Xiao Zhang arrives, I'll make coffee for everyone. Be sure to drink plenty!"

The proprietress was also in high spirits.

I hate it.

……

"Xiao Ning, is it not to your liking?"

The proprietress's somewhat doubtful tone sounded like a death knell to me.

"No, I haven't had a chance to drink coffee for a while. Now that I can drink coffee made by the proprietress herself, I feel a sense of relief and that life is wonderful - I want to savor it a little longer."