Chapter Thirteen: The Eccentric Boy

Unnoticed, night quietly descended.

Tong Yi had already called, saying she was heading to the restaurant and asking when Jiang An would arrive, then gave him the address.

Jiang An had just finished his work. He tidied up a bit and said to Tiger, "I'm heading out for a bit. You can wander around outside, just don't go too far. You know how to bathe yourself now, right? From tonight on, you're on your own."

"Woof woof!" Tiger nodded obediently.

He really doesn't treat his dog like a dog.

Satisfied, Jiang An took Tiger downstairs. After watching Tiger bound off, free as the wind, he found the Mercedes-Benz van Gao Chao had left for him. Even under the lights, its luxurious shine and imposing size made it stand out among the cars in the parking lot.

He walked over, opened the door, and started the engine. The deep, powerful roar filled the air, but he felt no anxiety about his driving skills. He'd gotten his license back in college, and although more than sixteen centuries had passed, his precise mastery over his own body made driving child's play.

Indeed, Jiang An was a bit clumsy at first, but muscle memory soon took over. Any awkwardness melted away. As he drove past the residential gate, a white sedan was just coming in. A black car out, a white car in—ordinarily, they'd just pass each other. But the owner of the white car suddenly rolled down the window, revealing the charming face of a woman. She glanced at Jiang An, but before she could react, he had already driven off.

"Why does he look so familiar? Where have I seen him before? Since when did someone in this community drive a Mercedes?" the woman muttered to herself in confusion.

...

Cool Page. That was the name of the upscale restaurant, specializing in European steaks, with star chefs brought in from Europe and ingredients of the finest quality. A single meal there cost an ordinary family's monthly income. Jiang An parked the car slowly, got out, and headed toward the entrance. As he reached the door, the doorman had already opened it for him, but just then, his phone rang.

"Mr. Jiang, have you arrived?" Tong Yi asked on the phone.

"I'm here, just about to go in."

"Don't go in! I'm not at Cool Page. I'm across the street at Ocean Hot Pot, just a few steps away. Come over, and I'll explain," Tong Yi said, sounding a bit embarrassed.

"Alright."

What to eat mattered little to Jiang An. After hanging up, he turned and walked to Ocean Hot Pot. Soon, he was on the second floor. Amid the crowd, by a window, Tong Yi stood up and waved him over.

"Hehe, Mr. Jiang, I'm sorry. I wanted to play the big shot and treat you to Cool Page, but while shopping earlier I saw a few outfits I couldn't resist, so now I'm a little short on cash..." As soon as Jiang An sat down, Tong Yi put her hands together, "sincerely" apologizing. "But this hot pot is really good, I come here all the time. It's perfect for cold weather, don't you think?"

"No worries, whatever you like," Jiang An replied, not one to get upset with a young girl.

"That's good." Tong Yi, in a turtleneck sweater and her hair in a bun, looked both sweet and bright. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Ah, here come the dishes I ordered! Mr. Jiang, take a look at the menu and add whatever you want—don't be shy!"

The mandarin duck hot pot was already set up. A waiter wheeled over a cart laden with their order—roughly twenty dishes, both meat and vegetables: pork belly, beef slices, pig brains, beef tripe, fish balls, greens, mushrooms... everything one could want. Eat as much as you like.

Quite the appetite, indeed... Jiang An added nothing more, and watched with interest as the beautiful woman across from him dug in with no concern for appearances. He thought to himself, being able to eat well was a blessing.

"Why aren't you eating, sir? Don't be polite! Come on," Tong Yi said, after a few bites of meat. Seeing that Jiang An hadn't picked up his chopsticks, she grabbed a big portion of meat and dropped it in his bowl. "Eat, eat!"

It was easy and pleasant being with this lively and lovely girl. Jiang An smiled, about to speak, when a figure suddenly dashed over, squeezed in next to Tong Yi, and exclaimed, "Well, well, sis! Having hot pot without inviting me? Caught you! Waiter, another set of chopsticks and a bowl!"

A boy of sixteen or seventeen, with delicate features and a roguish charm, had barged in without a trace of courtesy. Tong Yi immediately looked annoyed. "Go away, brat! Can't you see I'm treating a guest? Go play with your little friends!"

"You're only two years older than me!" the boy retorted, grabbing his chopsticks and taking a bite before continuing, mouth full, "And what's with the act? What guest? He's your boyfriend, isn't he? Gotta say, brother-in-law looks pretty cool. Nice haircut!"

Jiang An was speechless. What sort of character was this? Tong Yi's face flushed. She punched her brother. "Don't talk nonsense! He's our teacher!"

"Teacher?!" The boy's eyes widened. "Whoa, you guys are wild! Student-teacher romance!"

"You're dead!" Tong Yi stomped hard on his foot, furious. "Say one more word and see if I don't tear your mouth off!"

The boy raised his hands, conceding defeat. "Alright, I'll keep quiet. Can't say no to good food. Actually, I'm quite open-minded..." His voice trailed off as his sister's glare grew more menacing.

"Haha, let's eat," he said, covering up his embarrassment. Then he slid over next to Jiang An and whispered, "Brother-in-law, you and my sister are a great match! Don't worry, as her little brother, I'll help you cover for her, and I'll put in a good word with our parents. Seeing how understanding I am, how about slipping me a few hundred bucks for a rainy day?"

Jiang An was stunned. Was this a bribe? This kid was a little rascal—could talk even more than his sister.

"What did you just say?" Tong Yi, with perfect hearing, glared at him, her face frosty, gripping her chopsticks so tightly they creaked.

More murderous intent!

The boy shrank back, pretending nothing had happened as he fished food from the pot. The air was a bit awkward.

"Ahem, I'll use the restroom," Jiang An announced, giving the squabbling siblings some space to sort things out.

No sooner had Jiang An walked away than Tong Yi reached over and twisted the boy's ear. "Sit up! Still talking nonsense? You don't even know him and you're asking for money? Have some shame! If you won't, I still want to save face!"

"Ouch, ouch, let go!" the boy yelped exaggeratedly, batting away his sister’s hand. He grumbled, "You think I wanted to? I ran out of pocket money, and Dad and Mom have lost their minds with their whole 'raise boys poor, girls rich' philosophy. They've tormented me since I was little. Makes me want to die, honestly. My monthly allowance isn’t even enough for one of your shopping sprees. Tell me, is there any justice left in the world? Who would treat their own son like this?"

Tong Yi knew her brother too well. She sneered, "Hmph, would you dare say that to Dad’s face? He’d beat your butt! Besides, girls need new clothes and cosmetics, it’s only normal to get more allowance. You get plenty. Who told you to always play the big brother, treating friends to internet cafés or buying gifts for those little girlfriends of yours? You’re the one who spends recklessly!"

"What little girlfriends? Tong Yi, be careful—I'll sue you for slander!"

"Don't give me that, Tong Hao. Just go. Mr. Jiang will be back soon. Don’t bother us," she said flatly, showing him the door.

"Hmph, not a chance! Give me some pocket money and I’ll leave. Otherwise... heh heh," Tong Hao replied, clearly determined to stick around.

Tong Yi ground her teeth, realizing she’d better deal with him quickly—this little brat sure knew how to pick his moments! She opened her bag, pulled out a thousand yuan, and tossed it to him. "Take it, and get lost!"

Mission accomplished, Tong Hao grinned, stood up, and left. "As you wish! I’m going. Say hi to your boyfriend for me!"

"Get lost!"