My Online Lover Lives Next Door (GL) - Chapter 56
Before He Qing could answer, Jian Fanmao continued on his own, “Actually, my sister had a tough life. Our family wasn’t well off before, and we couldn’t afford to send two kids to school at the same time. But to our parents, both of us were equally important—they couldn’t bear to let either of us drop out. And since my sister was such a good student, when she found out about our situation, she told our parents not to worry about her tuition, that she could handle it herself.”
“The way she handled it was by studying as hard as she could. She studied during the day, studied at night, and every year, she was among the top students. Because of that, the school waived her tuition and even gave her scholarships. That’s how she managed to put herself through college.”
“After she went to university, she stopped relying on our family even more. She would even send money back home to support my studies. I knew that money came from her scholarships and the part-time jobs she took. Thanks to my sister’s help, our family’s situation gradually improved. By the time she graduated, we had finally escaped our financial struggles. We weren’t rich, but at least we didn’t have to worry about affording school anymore.”
“Sister He, my sister is really, really amazing. So even if you only like her a little bit, please keep liking her forever, okay?” Jian Xiaofeng looked at He Qing, his young eyes filled with a pleading sincerity.
At this moment, he only wanted his sister to be happy, for the smile on her face to always be this bright.
He Qing had already learned about Jian Fanxing’s past when she looked into her background. She had lived such a hard life, yet she remained so warm and full of light. That was exactly why He Qing loved her so much.
He Qing herself had faced many hardships, but unlike Jian Fanxing, she hadn’t been able to face them with such ease.
Jian Fanxing had thrived despite adversity. Back when He Qing felt like she couldn’t see the sun, Jian Fanxing was the one who brought her back to life.
Little Star was her salvation. How could she ever stop loving her?
He Qing didn’t see Jian Xiaofeng as just a child. She nodded at him seriously, her expression firm. “Don’t worry.”
Those three unwavering words made Jian Xiaofeng break into a big smile. He nodded back just as firmly. “Sister He, I believe you.”
Watching Jian Xiaofeng run off to help Jian Fanxing, He Qing smiled slightly and followed him.
As soon as He Qing got close, Jian Fanxing leaned in beside her.
“Sister, what were you and Xiaofeng whispering about just now?” Jian Fanxing had seen them talking from afar, and judging by her brother’s serious expression, she doubted it was anything good.
Seeing Jian Fanxing’s curious expression, He Qing chuckled softly. She leaned in close and whispered in her ear, “ Xiaofeng just told me all about your flaws. He said his sister has a bad temper, isn’t as pretty as me, and is super stingy. He asked me to—”
“What?! That’s not true at all!” Jian Fanxing’s eyes widened in protest.
Seriously, what was Xiaofeng thinking? Why would he say those things about his own sister? Couldn’t he say something nice instead?!
“Little Star, Xiaofeng is a really good little brother,” He Qing said with a smile. Seeing that Jian Fanxing had misunderstood, she explained seriously, “He was actually warning me not to bully you.”
Hearing that, Jian Fanxing’s eyes turned red with emotion.
That little brat.
“Sister, Xiaofeng doesn’t know how to talk properly. Don’t be mad at him, okay?” Afraid He Qing would take offense, Jian Fanxing hurriedly spoke up for her brother.
He Qing sighed helplessly. “Little Star, do you really think I’m that petty?”
“Little Star, I’m not mad. Xiaofeng is great, and he treats you even better.”
“Little Star, you have a wonderful brother.”
He Qing had no siblings—she was an only child. She had never experienced what it felt like to have someone worry about her like this. She had always been alone. That’s why she was so glad that Little Star had someone who cared for her so deeply.
Before long, all the dishes were set on the table. He Jun and He Qing were invited to sit down first.
He Qing wanted to help, but before she could reach the kitchen, Jian Fanxing stopped her and pushed her back to her seat.
Jian’s father sat down as well, just like He Jun and He Qing.
Soon, Jian’s mother and her two children also joined them. As everyone settled around the table, He Jun picked up a glass of liquor that Jian’s father had just filled for him.
“In-laws, it was quite abrupt of Xiao Qing and me to visit today. I must apologize for the sudden intrusion, so I’ll drink this as my way of saying sorry,” He Jun said before downing the entire glass in one go.
His sincerity was evident—so much so that Jian’s father was startled watching him drink it all at once.
That was high-proof sorghum liquor! Downing it in one gulp—was his throat even okay?!
As soon as He Jun put down his glass, Jian’s father quickly turned to Jian Fanxing and said, “Xingxing, hurry and get… uh, your Uncle He a bowl of soup.”
Jian Fanxing hadn’t expected He Jun to drink so suddenly either. Hearing her father’s words, she quickly ladled a bowl of soup and placed it in front of He Jun.
“Uncle He, have some soup first.”
“Alright.” He Jun didn’t refuse. He smiled at Jian Fanxing before scooping up a spoonful and drinking it.
He Jun used to be quite the drinker, but after stepping away from business meetings, he hadn’t been drinking much. That one glass burned his throat more than he expected.
It wasn’t until the warm soup went down that his throat finally felt better.
Afraid that He Jun might try to down another glass, Jian’s father quickly said, “Uh… alcohol is just for setting the mood. You don’t need to drink like that—it’s bad for your health.”
He Jun chuckled lightly. “Ah, it’s just a habit. Before I handed the company over to Xiao Qing, I had my fair share of drinking at business dinners. After I stepped down, she banned me from drinking. Looks like I’m out of practice—I nearly embarrassed myself just now.”
Jian’s mother couldn’t help but look at He Qing after hearing those words.
Fathers had to drink for business deals, but did that mean daughters had to do the same…?
Noticing the concern in Jian’s mother’s eyes, He Qing smiled happily. “At first, when I took over the company from my dad, I had to attend a lot of social gatherings, and drinking was unavoidable. But now, I don’t need to anymore. Auntie, you don’t have to worry.”
He Corporation had grown strong enough that they didn’t have to rely on anyone, so naturally, no one could force He Qing to drink.
Hearing this, Jian’s mother finally felt relieved. However, remembering how concerned she looked earlier, she coughed twice and said, “Drinking is bad for your health. It’s good to drink less.”
“Xiaoxing, from now on… keep an eye on her.”
No one expected Jian’s mother to say that. The people at the table froze for a moment.
Jian’s mother had been the most opposed to Jian Fanxing and He Qing’s relationship. Did this mean… she approved?
Noticing the surprised looks from everyone, Jian’s mother huffed. “What? Do you all think I’m some stubborn old woman?”
She had indeed opposed their relationship before. In her understanding, she had never even heard of two women being together.
But He Qing had shown her sincerity. And her father—why else would he rush over in such a hurry if not to make sure their family agreed?
Before she got to know He Qing, she was against it. But after understanding her better, Jian’s mother realized that the He family didn’t even need their approval for this relationship.
Looking at everything He Qing and He Jun had brought, the He family’s wealth was far beyond theirs. With He Qing’s status, she could have chosen anyone.
And considering He Qing and He Jun’s attitude—if they didn’t truly treasure her daughter, would they go to such lengths?
“The younger generation will have their own blessings.” This was a saying often heard in the village. Once she understood it, Jian’s mother simply applied it to her own daughter.
Thinking this way, she no longer had any complaints about He Qing. That was why her attitude changed.
As for the gossiping villagers—if anyone dared to badmouth her daughter, she’d go and shut them up herself.
Jian Fanxing felt like crying. Ever since she brought her sister home, their family had not treated them coldly. But now, her love was being blessed by her family—how wonderful was that?
She had learned a lot about this path and knew that many people couldn’t make it to the end.
She had been afraid. Afraid that she and He Qing might drift apart because of her family’s disapproval or because of outsiders’ gossip. But now, she wasn’t afraid anymore.
“Mom, thank you.” Jian Fanxing looked at Jian’s mother with teary eyes, choking up.
“Why are you thanking me? You chose this path yourself. I just hope you won’t regret it one day.” Jian’s mother kept a serious face and spoke in a firm tone. But when her gaze shifted to He Qing, she accidentally met He Qing’s eyes.
She coughed and said, “Xiao Qing, if one day you stop loving Little Star, I only hope you part ways peacefully. Don’t hurt each other.”
He Qing nodded solemnly. “Auntie, that day will never come.”
The atmosphere at the dinner table became heavy after Jian’s mother’s words. Seeing this, He Jun quickly tried to lighten the mood.
“Well then, since both families agree to Little Star and Xiao Qing’s marriage, let’s talk about the bride price, the wedding, and the date. We can eat while we discuss.”
As he spoke, he reached for his wine, but before the glass touched his lips, someone snatched it away.
He turned around and met his daughter’s serious expression. He Jun coughed awkwardly. “I’m happy today. Can’t I have a few more drinks?”
He Qing remained expressionless and said firmly, “No.”
He Jun immediately looked displeased. “Xiao Qing, give your dad some face. Our in-laws are here.”
He Qing shook her head again, completely unmoved.
He Jun glared. “He Qing, I’m your father. If you keep controlling me like this, do you even act like a daughter?”
He Qing was clearly used to this. She snorted coldly and said calmly, “The doctor said you shouldn’t drink. You already had one glass.”
Her meaning was clear—enough was enough.
He Jun understood, but he was happy today, and he wanted to drink!
If force wouldn’t work, he decided to beg. He looked at his daughter with pitiful eyes. “Xiao Qing, today is your engagement with Xiaoxing. It’s such a joyful occasion. Let me have just one more glass. Just one.”
Seeing that He Qing was still unmoved, He Jun turned to Jian Fanxing for help. “Xiaoxing, say something for me.”
Jian Fanxing glanced at He Qing, then shook her head. “Uncle He, you should listen to my sister.”
“If you really want to drink, why not wait until our wedding day?” Jian Fanxing blushed, forcing herself to say it despite her shyness.