Chapter 8: The Good Gentleman

Chapter 8: The Good Gentleman

Rong Shaoting saw that Fan Xiaoxiu was determined, and he did not wish to press her further, so he nodded in agreement. "Xiaoxiu, since you have your own ideas, Grandfather will let you have your way for now. Still, I hope you will find happiness that truly belongs to you."

Seeing that her grandfather had agreed, Fan Xiaoxiu happily stood up, threw her arms around Rong Shaoting, and kissed him on the cheek. "Grandpa, you’re the best! Don’t worry, I promise I’ll bring you a son-in-law you’ll be proud of!"

Just then, Fan Xiaoyang swaggered in, headphones around his neck, sporting a punk outfit with earrings and a rebellious style. He took off his headphones and looked teasingly at Fan Xiaoxiu. "Hey, sis, aren’t you shameless! Everyone knows you don’t even have the shadow of a boyfriend, yet you have the nerve to boast to Grandpa about bringing a brother-in-law back…"

Rong Jinfeng, seeing that Fan Xiaoyang had returned and was speaking so disrespectfully to Fan Xiaoxiu, hurriedly scolded him. "Xiaoyang, you’re getting more and more out of line. Apologize to your sister right now!"

To be fair, it wasn’t really Fan Xiaoyang’s fault; he truly knew nothing about the recent happenings at home. At Rong Jinfeng’s scolding, Fan Xiaoyang suddenly noticed there were more people in the house than usual. He joked, "Whoa, what’s going on today? Feels like New Year’s—everyone’s here."

But the moment his eyes landed on Rong Fenghua’s face, his heart skipped a beat and he lost his footing. Feeling guilty, he stammered, "Oh, Uncle’s here too. You all carry on…"

Fan Xiaoyang never understood why he always felt like a mouse before a cat when facing Rong Fenghua. In the entire Rong family, the only person who truly intimidated him was this uncle.

Rong Fenghua, spotting Fan Xiaoyang’s long hair, earrings, and ripped jeans, strode over and immediately began to lecture him. "Fan Xiaoyang, you’ve gotten bold, haven’t you? Who told you middle schoolers could get ear piercings and grow their hair long?"

Fan Xiaoyang gave a pleading look to Rong Shaoting, knowing that his grandfather was the one who indulged him the most. "Grandpa, Grandpa… help!"

Rong Shaoting coughed lightly, looked at Rong Fenghua, and stepped in to protect Fan Xiaoyang. "Fenghua, don’t be angry. Xiaoyang’s still young, just talk to him gently. Aren’t all middle schoolers obsessed with that Jay Chou fellow nowadays? It’s perfectly normal for young people to idolize celebrities."

With his back to Rong Fenghua, Fan Xiaoyang flashed Rong Shaoting a grateful thumbs-up.

Rong Fenghua let go of him and pulled Fan Xiaoyang aside, warning sternly, "Your high school entrance exams are coming soon. If you keep wasting your energy on these pointless fashions and chasing after idols, do you really think you’ll get into a good school?"

Fan Xiaoyang, abashed, replied, "Uncle, I know I was wrong. I’ll turn over a new leaf, I promise!"

With that, he sat down beside Rong Shaoting, still confused. "Grandpa, what’s with the family gathering today? Did something special happen?"

Rong Shaoting patted his back and finally spoke, "Xiaoyang, I called your uncle, your aunt, and everyone else back today because of your mother’s illness..."

Fan Xiaoyang glanced at Rong Jinfeng, whose eyes were red and swollen, then at his sister, whose tears still lingered on her cheeks. He grew anxious. "Grandpa, my sister just cried, and my mom’s eyes are all red too. What’s going on?"

Rong Shaoting wiped his eyes, his voice choked. "During a recent check-up, your mother tested positive for breast cancer indicators. I’m worried about her health, so I gathered everyone tonight to ensure you all can look after each other more in the future, and so your mother can focus on her recovery."

Fan Xiaoyang was no stranger to breast cancer. As a pop fan, he’d heard of female celebrities succumbing to it, but never imagined his own mother would fall ill with such a disease. When he asked the question, a heavy pain pressed at his chest. "Grandpa, can Mom’s breast cancer still be cured?"

Rong Shaoting comforted him, rubbing his back. "Thankfully, it was discovered early. The doctor says your mother’s condition is in the initial stage. As long as she cooperates with treatment, there’s a fifty percent chance of recovery."

Fan Xiaoyang fell silent, staring hard at his worn Converse sneakers. Tears slid down his cheeks, falling onto the toes of his shoes.

Seeing his son’s sorrowful sobs, Rong Jinfeng stood up and pulled Fan Xiaoyang into a tight embrace, wrapping one arm around him and the other around Fan Xiaoxiu. "Xiaoyang, Xiaoxiu, don’t be sad. Mom will do everything the doctors say. Don’t worry, I’m strong and blessed. I still have to live to see my grandchildren from you and your sister..."

The Rong family looked on in sorrow. In his heart, Rong Fenghua resolved that, no matter what, he would see to it that Fan Xiaoxiu found a good marriage.

The next morning after breakfast, Rong Jinhua’s family and Rong Yinfeng and his wife left first due to other commitments. Fan Xiaoyang had early morning classes and had already gone to school to study. Before leaving, Fan Xiaoxiu hugged Rong Jinfeng tightly. "Mom, take care of yourself. Don’t work too hard. Listen to the doctor and take good care of yourself."

Rong Jinfeng wiped away her tears and, looking at Fan Xiaoxiu, warned again and again, "Xiaoxiu, I only want you to be happy. Don’t force yourself for anyone. Don’t worry, I know my own health better than anyone. I’ll be fine!"

Rong Fenghua watched the tearful farewell between mother and daughter and shook his head, signaling Rong Kai, Yang Huahua, and Wu Jing to get in the car first.

When Fan Xiaoxiu got into the car, Wu Jing gripped her hand tightly and said with deep concern, "Girl, pull yourself together. Don’t be so sad!"

Leaning into her aunt’s arms, Fan Xiaoxiu replied with determination, "Auntie, I’ll do my best to find that person!"

Wu Jing stroked her hair and took a deep breath. "If you ever need my help, just ask!"

After dropping them off back in Kangcheng, Rong Fenghua called his old classmate Wei Lichuan.

"Lichuan, it’s Fenghua. I have a serious matter—do you know any eligible bachelors to introduce to my niece Xiaoxiu? The requirements: well-educated, good character, high academic credentials, outstanding appearance, filial, ambitious, diligent at work, thoughtful, talented, and of course, with a house and a car…"

Wei Lichuan, hearing Rong Fenghua’s exacting list over the phone, quickly cut him off.

He clicked his tongue and teased, "Old friend, are you sure these are requirements for your niece’s husband?"

"If you ask me, with everything you’ve just listed, anyone who fits could be a contender for World’s Best Gentleman. Your standards are too strict—there’s no such thing as the perfect man in this world."