Campus Ace Girl

Mr. Wang Senior looked at him with newfound respect after his speech and commented with a light snort, "Don’t just talk the talk; doing it is another story."

Wang Kefu patted his chest and promised emphatically, "If I slack off again, I’ll be nothing but a puppy."

The old man’s mood had been foul for several days, but now it shifted to a mix of sunshine and clouds. Yet, as always, he concealed his amusement. "If Kefu doesn’t deliver, I think he’ll be an old dog instead of a puppy."

Wang Kefu, though already quite mature, scratched his head with slight embarrassment and agreed, "The old man is right. As the eldest in the family, I should protect my younger siblings."

After saying that, he sincerely apologized to Wang Keru, "Keru, in the past, I failed you. I didn’t help convince the old man in your hardest times, but from now on, I’ll work hard to support the family. If you need money, just tell me, use as much as you need..."

Although those issues had long been settled and the wounds had healed, hearing these words still moved Wang Keru and made her feel a bit melancholic.

Her lips quivered as if she wanted to say something but ultimately was left speechless. The old man shot a glance at his son, "Alright, alright, why bring up old matters and make your sister want to cry?"

With a wink, Wang Kefu humbly said many pleasant things, and only then did Wang Keru calm down. She then said, "Even though we now have two bachelors in the house, at least my big brother is stepping up, and there’s nothing I can’t let go of."

Wang Kefu also became solemn and eventually spoke, "Keru, you’ve been wronged all these years, and it’s the men of the family who have failed in their responsibility."

As he spoke, his eyes grew warm.

Keru used to be the little princess of the family. Later, she married someone they didn’t approve of, and the family drifted away from her. Then, after Gu Yuntian’s incident, they refused to even see her, let alone help.

Remembering all of this, Wang Kefu wished he could slap himself hard.

Wang Keru shook her head, "Didn’t I say, it’s all in the past."

She looked toward the old man, "Dad, first, you have to trust big brother. Second, maybe in this lifetime, second brother only has Lin Shuang in his heart. He’s not young, and it’s not easy to find someone again. Why not fulfill him? Once their life stabilizes, if big brother can’t hold up, I believe he won’t leave things be. Besides, Lin Shuang has a knack for business. If second brother wants to teach, he can teach, and let Lin Shuang manage the company."

What she said made the old man half agree and half oppose, "Where has it been heard that a woman inherits her husband’s enterprise, aren’t you worried about people joking that our Wang Family lacks heirs?"

Wang Keru immediately replied, "Why not? Didn’t Anxi manage the Cloud He Group?"

The old man went silent and then spoke again, "How do I know what that girl’s capability is? If she’s only impressive in appearance but lacks substance, we’d lose out by bringing her back."

Wang Keru laughed, "Dad, you’re overthinking it. If Anxi sees her fit to manage An Pu, why wouldn’t she be able to handle our Wang Family’s business?"

Her reasoning was clear and step-by-step, finally convincing the old man, who even thought it was a good arrangement.

Yet, he had been ever-proud throughout his life, so how could he agree so quickly? He pretended to say he’d think it over, but his children knew his stubborn nature. Just seeing he didn’t hold on tightly meant it was settled...

Sure enough, when Wang Keru went downstairs, she met Wang Kegui, who hadn’t left but was waiting in the car.

Wang Keru got into the car, turned to look at him, and asked softly, "Why haven’t you gone home?"

Wang Kegui hesitated, "What did the old man say?"

Wang Keru slightly smiled, "He didn’t say much, just... he might agree. But second brother, be prepared for Lin Shuang to face some hardships. Dad’s face may not be pleasant, but he won’t oppose you either."

Wang Kegui was surprised, staring straight at Wang Keru.

Wang Keru laughed and asked, "What’s the matter, dumbfounded?"

"No..." Wang Kegui asked in a low voice, "Why would the old man agree?"

Wang Keru thought carefully before saying, "It’s because big brother spoke so well for you. Of course..."

She said softly, "If one day big brother can’t manage the company, you have to go back and help him, just as he did his best to speak for you today."

Wang Kegui immediately replied, "That’s certain."

Wang Keru smiled, "Alright, since dad has eased up, you should go see him."

Wang Kegui naturally thanked her and went to see Mr. Wang Senior. Of course, the old man didn’t give him a good face but didn’t explicitly allow it either, nor did he kick him out.

After staying until the old man went to bed, Wang Kegui summoned his brothers outside, but as soon as he wanted to speak, Wang Kefu waved him off, "All’s good between brothers, no need for formalities. You should think I’m trying to seize the family property, knowing that staying in Beicheng means having nothing."

Wang Kegui shook his head, "I know you’re not thinking that way."

With that, Wang Kefu patted his shoulder and sighed, "I used to think like that, but ever since... when did I stop? Let me think, when... Oh right, after Anxi came, I dared not think that way. I realized that just relying on myself wouldn’t run the company well. I thought you’d work hard like a beast of burden, and I’d take shares. But now, that Anxi kid has outsmarted me."

Wang Kegui wasn’t sure how to console him, so he smiled in exasperation.

At that moment, Wang Kefu patted his brother’s shoulder again and softly said, "I’m not that magnanimous. I’ve never liked anyone much in my life. But seeing you and Xiao Lin have a tough time, I thought I’d support you."

He added, "When you get married, have Xiao Lin toast me and call me big brother. I’ve done lots of chaotic things in my life, but I’ve treated you two well."

"Of course," Wang Kegui smiled.

Wang Kefu thought a bit, "The old man’s health isn’t good, so he can’t leave Beicheng for now. I can’t let go of Jiangcheng either. As there’s nothing major, I’ll leave first thing tomorrow."

Naturally, Wang Kegui felt reluctant.

Wang Kefu smiled, "What is there to be reluctant about? It’s just a few hours’ flight. When you and Xiao Lin settle down, come to Jiangcheng. There’s no reason a bride shouldn’t step into her marital home. Don’t secretly arrange this."

Traditionally reckless, his words now were touching, and Wang Kegui noted each one.

Wang Kefu placed his hand on his shoulder, "Alright, go back and rest, then reassure Xiao Lin. Come over tomorrow morning to take care of the old man."

Wang Kegui agreed and headed back to Si Garden.

As luck would have it, Lin Shuang was also in the study at Si Garden, discussing business with Gu Anxi. When he arrived, the air fell silent.

Wang Kegui poured himself a cup of tea and said softly, "You two continue."

Gu Anxi closed the file, "We’re done talking."

She had already learned about the situation from her mother, and seeing her second uncle’s relaxed demeanor, she tactfully said, "I’ll go check on Boxin and An An."

Lin Shuang stood up, "I’ll head back to the company then."

Wang Kegui stopped her, "Wait a moment."

Lin Shuang looked at him, actually, she didn’t feel very confident inside—

A person who has been abandoned once will subconsciously protect themselves and be ready to be abandoned again, so she... doesn’t ask questions, just waits for him to give an answer.

After Gu Anxi left, Wang Kegui softly said, "The old man no longer opposes."

Lin Shuang’s lips moved slightly.

He continued, "I will stay in Beicheng. The company at home is managed by my big brother. I might not have a lot of money to support you. The salary of a professor is not much, but I have some savings that I’ll give to you. We can buy a nice house and the rest is for you to manage. As for the children... I hope to bring them to Beicheng to live with us. Regarding our children...you decide when to have them, I will cooperate no matter when."

Lin Shuang’s face felt a bit hot, she said nothing, and simply walked towards the door.

Wang Kegui became anxious and suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist. He was thin but surprisingly strong. He held her tightly, making her unable to break free.

Wang Kegui had never been so bold before. His face buried in her neck, his warm breath sprayed on her soft earlobe, "Don’t leave."

Lin Shuang’s body stiffened slightly, she lowered her eyelids, "Have you thought it through?"

"I figured it out," he said in a low voice, "Big brother said he hasn’t really liked anyone before. He said we’re different and it’s not easy for us... If we miss out, there’s no chance anymore. I don’t want to miss this opportunity either."

There was a glimmer of light at the corner of Lin Shuang’s eyes, she didn’t want him to see it, and reached out to wipe it away.

Wang Kegui turned her around, carefully examined the corner of her eyes, feeling a bit heartbroken, and slowly went closer to kiss it away...

Lin Shuang stood, her body stiff.

They had such things happen in the past, but... it had been many years, they were unfamiliar.

She was awkward, while he acted like a passionate young man, even the kiss was clumsy...

After a long time, he finally let go, but the next second, Wang Family’s second brother was in an awkward situation.

Because he just lifted his eyes to see Old Wang poking his head around the door, and definitely caught a glimpse.

Wang Kegui’s face was burning, but Old Wang shamelessly walked over, chuckling, "I came to ask how the old fellow is doing."

Wang Kegui lowered his head and patted Lin Shuang, "You should head back to the company first."

"No, come on! It’s almost lunchtime, letting Xiao Lin leave, what’s the meaning? Aren’t we family?" Old Wang grabbed Lin Shuang’s hand affectionately and warmly, "Xiao Lin, stay for lunch. Brother Kegui might not invite you, but I do."

Lin Shuang’s face turned red, she broke free and whispered, "The company has urgent business."

After finishing, she ran away.

Old Wang watched her retreating figure, soon said again, "Is the girl embarrassed?"

He scratched his chin, "Nah, shouldn’t be, you all are old acquaintances, wouldn’t be..."

Wang Kegui’s face turned suspiciously red again, and Old Wang widened his eyes, "No way, so innocent."

The old man mumbled as he walked away, "I can’t believe this."

Wang Kegui chased after, naturally, he was chasing Lin Shuang.

Reaching the parking lot, he politely said a few words, "How’s your old man doing?"

"Hmm, he’s fine now, tomorrow Big Brother is returning to Jiang City, I’ll take care for a few days." Wang Kegui softly said again, "If you have time, why don’t you visit the hospital? It doesn’t have to be a check-in, just a visit."

Lin Shuang hesitated for a moment, "Let’s talk about it later."

He didn’t force her but instead opened the car door for her, supporting the roof for her to get in.

Lin Shuang sat down, lifted her gaze to him, thought for a moment, then said, "Let’s seriously discuss it again, after all, we’re not young anymore. I don’t want to do anything impulsive."

He totally understood, didn’t get upset, just smiled as he closed the car door for her.

As the car drove off, Old Wang appeared out of nowhere, eerily saying, "The young lady seems not to care much about you, Brother Kegui. Look, you’ve fallen out with your family, made your father angry enough to spit blood, and she didn’t respond to you, is it because... you’re not up to par."

Wang Kegui frowned, "Thinking it through more clearly is rather a good thing."

He finally returned to his senses, and said again, "Old Man, aren’t you visiting Bo Xin and An An?"

Old Wang shamelessly said, ’Those kids are cute, but I find you, Brother Kegui, more interesting.’

Wang Kegui: ...

Now she finally somewhat understood, why sometimes Mrs. Bo would rant, saying it would be more peaceful if Old Wang stayed on the mountain, he was really too much.

Old Wang never felt he was unnecessary, wherever there was a commotion, he joined in, during meals, he inevitably teased, Gu Anxi ate until full, patted her little belly, and couldn’t help but say, "If you keep talking like this, my Second Uncle might not stay."

She then added, "Just an old house on fire, middle-aged man having a romance, Old Man, you’re paying too much attention."

Wang Kegui became uncomfortable again, one direct jab, one subtle jab.

He decided to move out.

He didn’t have much luggage, packed and re-packed was just a couple of clothes and some books, once packed, he could leave.

As he was leaving, Mrs. Bo was naturally reluctant, fiercely scolding Old Wang, "Why on earth do you keep teasing him and Lin Shuang? Lin Shuang is shy and avoids you, Brother Kegui isn’t thick-skinned, he’s not like his big brother, and now thanks to you, he’s uncomfortable at home, you deal with it."

Old Wang was scolded, feeling wronged and softly resisting, "Even Anxi the little rascal said it."

"Anxi has merit, you have none." Mrs. Bo obviously defended him.

At this moment, Wang Kegui finally said with a smile, "It’s nothing to do with Old Man, it’s just that I have to go take care of the old father, it’s inconvenient to stay here anymore."

Old Wang inserted, "Isn’t it to take care of the old father, but you want some alone time, think we’re light bulbs, Brother Kegui, you’re honest alright, but also good at burning bridges once crossing the river."

Mrs. Bo wished to sew his mouth shut with a needle, could he say anything kindly at all?