Chapter Forty-Eight: The Golden Son-in-Law

With a ten-thousand yuan tip, the sales manager quickly and cheerfully handled all the paperwork for Mr. Yang, guiding him through the purchase without a hitch. Even as he gripped the steering wheel of his brand-new car, Mr. Yang could scarcely believe it, his excitement palpable.

Afterward, under Yang Xiaofan’s lead, the family embarked on a spree throughout town. They bought several new outfits for everyone, a set of gold jewelry for Mrs. Yang, and even Longines watches for Xiaoyun and Xiaoqing. In their small county, this was the highest standard of luxury available; to buy anything finer, they would have to venture to the exclusive counters in a big city.

But for the Yang family, what mattered most was Yang Xiaofan’s success—far more precious than any material gift. The presents themselves were secondary, almost an afterthought.

...

Elsewhere, around four or five in the afternoon, Qin Nuanyu returned home, her arms laden with shopping bags. Her mother was chatting with neighbors at the entrance to their residential complex. On seeing her daughter, she broke into a wide smile and hurried over.

“My darling girl, you’re finally home,” she exclaimed.

Nuanyu, barely slowing down, ran forward and threw herself into her mother’s arms, nuzzling her head into her mother’s embrace, unable to hide her affection.

“Mom, didn’t I tell you to wait for me at home?”

“I got too anxious waiting, so I came outside to look for you. But honestly, I only just got here.”

Nuanyu shot her mother a knowing look. “As if I don’t know you—you’ve probably been out here waiting since you got my call, haven’t you?”

Her mother pinched her nose fondly. “What can I say? You’re the apple of my eye, my sweetest treasure.”

Nuanyu made a face. “I’m so lucky to have a mom as wonderful as you. Come on, let’s head home. I bought lots of gifts for you and Dad. Let’s go.”

“You silly girl, your being home is gift enough. Why buy so many things?”

Even as she protested, Mrs. Qin took the bags from her daughter. But when she caught sight of the brand names on the packages, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes. Still, she said nothing, only smiling as they walked home together.

No sooner had they set foot inside than Nuanyu eagerly pulled out the gifts for her mother. “Try this dress on, Mom—it’s the latest style and looks beautiful. And this handbag is for you too. And this watch...”

The sight of these gifts made Mrs. Qin’s heart skip a beat. “Nuanyu, these must have cost a fortune. Where did you get so many designer items?”

“Um... they’re not real brands, just good imitations—very cheap,” Nuanyu replied hurriedly, still not daring to tell her mother about Yang Xiaofan. This was her first time falling in love, and the thought of confessing it left her anxious and vaguely fearful.

But Mrs. Qin gazed steadily into her daughter’s eyes. “Do you think your mother can't tell the difference? I may not buy luxury goods often, but I know genuine quality when I see it. The workmanship and materials are flawless. I bet if I scan the QR codes, I’ll find their serial numbers on the official websites.”

As her mother moved to check the authenticity, Nuanyu panicked and grabbed her hand. “Mom, don’t! There’s no need to check.”

“So they’re all real, then?” Mrs. Qin pressed. The innocent Nuanyu could only nod.

“Who gave them to you? Don’t tell me you’ve found yourself a sugar daddy.”

“Mom! What do you take me for? I’m just dating a normal boyfriend.”

Mrs. Qin sighed softly. “Of course I trust your character. But I also know how naive you are. I just worry you’ll get tricked by some bad man.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. He’s my classmate—the one who was all over Douyin last night, the artist from Northern Jiangsu University.”

“So it’s him,” Mrs. Qin said. She often followed news about the university and, after last night’s buzz on Douyin, it was no surprise she knew of Yang Xiaofan.

“Still, even if he’s talented, you need to look into his background and character. Men like him—if they’re not decent—will leave you sooner or later.”

She paused, then asked more quietly, “And... have you two... done that?”

Nuanyu’s face turned scarlet and she buried her head in her chest, too embarrassed to answer.

Seeing her daughter’s reaction, Mrs. Qin smacked her forehead, her heart sinking with a chill. There was no need to ask further; her foolish girl had already been won over by that boy. What was done was done, and seeing her daughter so shy, she knew there was no stopping it now.

“How will you tell your father?” Mrs. Qin asked after a long pause. At the question, worry flickered across Nuanyu’s eyes.

“I don’t know. If Dad finds out, he’ll be furious.”

“He’ll be more than furious. You know how high his hopes are for you. Now that some brat’s taken you away, he’ll be beside himself with anger.”

“What should I do?” Nuanyu fretted.

Mrs. Qin let out a long sigh. “What can we do? Don’t worry. I’ll speak with him first, so he can prepare himself.”

“Oh, Mom, you’re the best!” Nuanyu hugged her, only to have her mother tweak her nose and tease, “You only know how to butter me up! All these years raising you, and now you’re running off with that boy.”

“Don’t say that, Mom. Xiaofan’s a really good person. And he even asked me to bring gifts for both of you. See? Here’s the latest Gucci handbag, and the newest Longines watch. He spent over a hundred thousand just on gifts for you two.”

“So much?” Mrs. Qin was taken aback. She knew luxury goods were expensive, but the real figure still sent a shiver through her.

Yet she felt a certain warmth—after all, anyone willing to spend so much on her family must truly care for her daughter.

She glanced at the watch on Nuanyu’s wrist, curiosity getting the better of her. “That watch—isn’t it a Cartier?”

Nuanyu nodded.

“How much was it?”

“Eight hundred and eighty thousand.”

“How much... eight... eight hundred and eighty thousand?” Mrs. Qin was so shocked she could barely speak.

She had thought Yang Xiaofan was generous enough with the gifts for the parents, but hadn’t expected he would be even more extravagant with her daughter.

A single watch costing eight hundred and eighty thousand!

What kind of golden son-in-law had her daughter found?