Outside the door, Song Jianren’s face was deathly pale. His fists were clenched so tightly they trembled, and Song Qiaoan’s words from earlier kept echoing in his mind.
This house really wasn’t his it belonged to his father-in-law.
As a live-in son-in-law, it was understandable that the house wasn’t in his name at first. But after Song Qiaoan’s mother died, that old man still refused to transfer the property to him!
Even now, he didn’t know who held the property deed.
Song Jianren was shaking with anger. How did Song Qiaoan know about this? This wasn’t the first time she had brought up the house.
Could it be that the deed was in her hands, or that she knew where it was?
With just a casual remark, she stirred up the anxiety that had plagued him day and night. Although nothing had gone wrong after living there for so many years, and in name he was the homeowner, without that piece of paper he never felt at ease as if he were a thief.
Song Jiabao was still sulking, blaming his mother for stepping in at a critical moment.
Zhang Meilan’s eyes darted as she thought of something. “Doesn’t she just want money? At worst, we’ll give it to her.”
“She wants that study-abroad fund. Where would we get that kind of money?” Song Jianren said irritably.
“Isn’t there still the Wang family? We can borrow from Wang Shichang. Anyway, once Song Qiaoan marries into their family, the money will belong to them.”
The idea seemed workable.
Right now, both the exam substitution and transferring Song Weiwei’s job required that girl’s agreement. They couldn’t fall out with her yet. Song Jianren had been thinking of finding a chance to talk to Wang Shichang but unexpectedly, the other party came to him first.
Not knowing why he was suddenly being summoned, Song Jianren felt uneasy, but didn’t dare neglect it and arrived on time.
When he pushed open the private room door, the man was already there.
“Uncle Song.”
Wang Shichang poured him a cup of tea. Song Jianren was flattered it was the first time the man had called him “uncle.”
Such obvious friendliness suggested it wasn’t bad news, and he relaxed slightly.
“Young Master Wang, did you need something from me?”
“You’re too formal, Uncle. We’ll soon be family just call me Shichang.”
“Ah, alright, alright.” Song Jianren agreed, though his posture bent slightly without realizing it.
“I invited you here to ask does Qiaoan have some issue with me? Or… does she not want to marry me anymore?” Wang Shichang said with a troubled expression.
“How could that be! She already agreed to the engagement what problem could there be?” Song Jianren hurried to reply. “Did she do something wrong? I’ll go back and teach her a lesson!”
“It’s not that serious.” Wang Shichang waved his hand. “I just feel she’s too cold toward me, as if she resists being close.”
“I thought that after the engagement, we could interact like a normal married couple. Seems I was being wishful.”
He lowered his gaze, deliberately emphasizing the words “normal married couple.” Song Jianren immediately understood the hint.
“Once engaged, you’re as good as married. Whatever a couple should do is only right! It’s Song Qiaoan who doesn’t know her place. I’ll definitely talk to her properly when I get back!”
Song Jianren was fuming inside angry at Song Qiaoan for causing trouble, yet worried about how to persuade her.
The man clearly wanted to sleep with her. But that girl was stubborn if she refused to the end, would they have to tie her up and throw her onto the bed?
“There’s no need to trouble yourself, Uncle.” Wang Shichang smiled knowingly, took out a small bottle, and pushed it toward him.
“I wonder if you’d be willing to do me this small favor? This medicine isn’t exactly legal, but Qiaoan is my fiancée. A little ‘spice’ between husband and wife shouldn’t be too much, right?”
He wore a gentle smile, looking every bit the refined gentleman.
Drugging someone wasn’t new to Song Jianren. The last time he drugged Fu Chen and Song Qiaoan, he had even used something meant for livestock breeding. He hadn’t expected something this “professional” to exist.
He shouldn’t have hesitated but remembering his purpose for coming, he paused and put on a troubled look.
“I’d like to help, but to be honest, I’ve been at odds with Qiaoan lately over the dowry. She hasn’t been home for days.”
“Oh?” Wang Shichang frowned.
“Sigh, it’s embarrassing to say.” Song Jianren sighed. “That girl insists on a dowry of one hundred thousand. Where am I supposed to get that kind of money? She argues with me about it every day, making the whole household restless.”
“She even says she won’t marry if she doesn’t get the money drives me mad!”
He deliberately steered the conversation elsewhere, but Wang Shichang only listened calmly without responding.
Seeing that the bait didn’t work, Song Jianren had no choice but to say bluntly, “So… could Young Master Wang lend me some money first? I’ll stabilize that girl, and it’ll also make things… easier.”
“As for the money since it’s a dowry, once Qiao’an marries over, it’ll return to its rightful owner anyway.”
Wang Shichang said nothing. His dark eyes fixed on him, making Song Jianren break out in cold sweat and sit uncomfortably.
After a long while, he finally nodded and wrote out a check, handing it over.
“I hope you won’t keep me waiting too long, Uncle.”
“Of course, of course! Don’t worry, I’ll definitely satisfy you!” Song Jianren nodded and bowed, utterly obsequious.
After successfully getting the money, Song Jianren immediately told Zhang Meilan when he returned home.
“This is wonderful! The Wang family is really rich just handing over one hundred thousand like that.” Zhang Meilan examined the check over and over, delighted.
“Now Jiabao’s exam substitution is settled, and Song Qiaoan won’t be able to go back on her word!”
“Don’t celebrate too soon,” Song Jianren lowered his voice. “Wang Shichang has given us a task this time. If the drugging doesn’t satisfy him, we won’t be able to explain ourselves.”
This time was different from their scheme against Fu Chen before. The other party had requested it directly and was pressing for results. Song Jianren felt real pressure.
“Don’t worry, leave it to me I have experience.” Zhang Meilan smiled meaningfully. “It’s just drugging someone, not like it’s the first time. If she refuses to drink it, I’ll force it down her throat!”
“Next month is Wang Shichang’s birthday might be a good opportunity.”
He would definitely like this “gift.”
“A birthday banquet really is a good chance. With so many people and the noise, a few drinks… Song Qiaoan won’t dare refuse. With everyone watching, if she doesn’t want to make a scene, she’ll have no choice but to obey.” Song Jianren sneered.
“I’ll find time to discuss the plan with Wang Shichang. Tonight, give the money to Song Qiaoan, and while you’re at it, bring up the job transfer again. That girl is greedy maybe she’ll agree.”
While the two plotted in secret, Song Qiaoan was shopping in the black market.
In this era, private business wasn’t allowed, yet the black market was still crowded. Most people were cautious, covering themselves with headscarves or veils. Some didn’t even speak transactions were done purely through hand signals.
She had twenty thousand in savings, so for now, money wasn’t a problem.