Chapter 5

Shu Pan started the car and drove towards her parents’ house.

The Shu Family lived in the outskirts of Bin City in their own small two-story house.

Shu Pan’s father, Shu Laide, was in charge of a medium-sized enterprise that mainly dealt with building materials. A few years ago, during the real estate boom, he made a substantial profit. However, in recent years, the competition intensified, and the business suffered a downturn.

Shu Pan’s mother passed away a long time ago, and his current wife, Lu Lifen, was Shu Laide’s second wife. Since she didn’t have children of her own, she treated Shu Pan as her own.

“Panpan, come on, have a seat. Auntie Lu made breakfast for you. Where’s Shaoting?” Lu Lifen warmly greeted her.

“Auntie Lu, don’t bother. I’m not hungry. Shaoting has already gone to work.” In fact, in the few years since their marriage, Gu Shaoting rarely visited Shu Family. He always seemed disinterested, so Shu Pan usually came back alone. “Where’s Dad?”

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“Your dad is in the study making a phone call. He knew you were coming back today, so he didn’t go to the company.” Lu Lifen glanced at her, a smile playing on her lips.

“Panpan is here?” Shu Laide’s voice could be heard through the study door.

Shu Pan looked and realized that she hadn’t visited her father in just half a month, and his sideburns had suddenly turned white.

“Dad, what’s wrong? You look so tired.” Shu Pan asked with concern.

“I’m fine. How are you and Shaoting recently?” Shu Laide had only one daughter, and he usually doted on her. He was afraid she would suffer.

“We’re doing well, don’t worry.” Shu Pan quickly replied.

“Ah, I’m getting old. I was planning to leave you some family property, but business has been tough lately. We’re having some cash flow problems, and the banks won’t approve our loans. I want you to talk to Shaoting and see if he can help.” Shu Laide was truly at his wit’s end. They couldn’t collect payments from clients, suppliers were pressuring them for payments, and their cash flow was in a dire situation.

“Dad, take care of your health. I don’t want any family property. I have a job, and I can take care of myself. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to Shaoting when I go back.” Shu Pan reassured him and took out a bank card from her wallet.

“Dad, here’s some money. Take it for now, and we’ll figure out the rest slowly.”

Shu Laide hesitated and refused a few times before reluctantly accepting it.

After having lunch, Shu Pan left the Shu Family. She felt a heavy burden in her chest, and now she really wanted to talk to someone.

She took out her phone and called Ye Xiaomeng. The call connected quickly, and she heard Ye Xiaomeng suddenly speaking in broken English. The intonation was prolonged and somewhat unsuitable for her sweet young age. She always seemed to be in a good mood, cheerful and lively like a little sun. Shu Pan felt a bit envious and jealous.

“What are you saying?” Shu Pan said impatiently.

“I’ve been studying English intensively recently. I plan to go on a honeymoon with my Cheng to Hawaii.” Lin Xiaomeng said happily.

“There are so many beautiful foreign girls there. Be careful that your Cheng doesn’t get stolen.” Shu Pan said mischievously.

“Get lost! My Cheng has always been loyal to me. He doesn’t have a wandering eye.” Lin Xiaomeng replied and then asked beside her, “Right, Cheng?”

Shu Pan could vaguely hear Cheng Yang’s response. Lin Xiaomeng proudly said, “See, did you hear that?”

“I heard it. Your Cheng is devoted to you.” Shu Pan replied with a playful tone.

Seeing her good friend so happy, Shu Pan felt much better. She wasn’t as frustrated anymore.

But when she thought about the banquet tonight, Shu Pan felt a headache coming on. She quickly hung up the phone and started preparing.