Chapter 78: Is Sincerity Truly Worthless?

After exchanging some polite words, Mother Ni went into the kitchen, and Xiaoxiao finally seized the chance to speak with Xi Mintang privately. “Had I known you’d bring so many gifts, I should’ve told my mother to buy dragon meat to honor you.”

“I’m here to mooch a meal, not to pay for one.”

“What kind of guest brings gifts to mooch a meal? Now look what you’ve done—my mother is bound to think you’re visiting your future mother-in-law.”

He made a sound of protest, correcting her, “If I were seeing my future mother-in-law, there’d be no need for all these packages.”

“So what would you bring?”

“Of course, a bank account.”

She found this amusing and asked with a smile, “If you give your savings to your mother-in-law, what do you give your wife?”

Xi Mintang replied, “Isn’t my sincerity worth anything?”

She was speechless.

“Xiaoxiao…” her mother called from the kitchen, and Xiaoxiao gladly took the opportunity to leave. But as soon as her mother spoke, she asked, “When did it start?”

“Mom, what are you talking about? There’s nothing going on!”

“Have you told your father?”

She grew anxious and declared firmly, “If I had to consider every man, wouldn’t I have nothing else to do? Mom, please don’t make things difficult for me.”

Her mother pursed her lips. “If it’s not true, so be it. But the way you’re reacting really makes me wonder.”

“Fine, he did mention he had feelings, but that doesn’t mean we’ll actually be together.” She was a bit annoyed and turned on the tap full force, hoping Xi Mintang wouldn’t hear their conversation.

“Xiaoxiao,” her mother sighed, “He seems like a good boy. I hope you think things through and don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

“If we were truly together, that's when I’d regret it. He’s got excellent prospects, and what do I have? It makes no sense to drag him down.” She felt that no matter how difficult things were at home, it was her own burden; most people would run for the hills upon hearing about her situation. The fact that Xi Mintang was willing to stay made her grateful, and her conscience wouldn’t allow her to pull him into her troubles.

“Xiaoxiao, someone’s at the door,” Xi Mintang called from the living room. She dried her hands and opened the door, astonished.

“Heng, what are you doing here?”

Heng smiled, just as kindly as ever. “Am I not welcome?”

“No, no, please come in.”

Mother Ni and Xi Mintang were both puzzled. Mother Ni asked, “And this is…?”

Xiaoxiao was so excited she almost forgot her manners, quickly introducing them. Then she returned to the main topic, “Are you here just to see me, Heng? Where’s Ying? And how did you know my address?”

A barrage of questions left Heng unsure where to begin, so he explained, “Actually, I’m here to talk business with you.”

“Business?” Xiaoxiao was surprised, and so was Mother Ni. Only Xi Mintang seemed to react appropriately, taking the initiative to help Mother Ni. “Auntie, why don’t you show me your secret recipes?” Mother Ni understood his intent and, disregarding the fact that it was his first visit, led him into the kitchen, instructing Xiaoxiao, “Don’t neglect your guest.”

Xiaoxiao brewed the best tea they had at home—it couldn’t compare to Heng’s private collection, but it was the best she could offer. Heng got straight to the point. “Chenggong has developed rapidly these past two years. Many government agencies from Kunming have relocated here, and it’s bound to become the new city center. So I’m thinking about acquiring a plot of land to build residential units.”

“Wait a minute.” Xiaoxiao already had an inkling and frowned, questioning him, “I heard another group came to discuss the flower garden land. Was that you?”