Chapter Forty-One: Holiday

"You should really find out how much one of my paintings is worth." Zhang Shengshui and General Yun exchanged a glance, while General Jin, who had come with Elder Chen, offered a faint smile and explained from the side, "Master Yang’s paintings now fetch upwards of twenty million apiece. And at his private auction house, about ten paintings are auctioned off daily."

Zhang Shengshui and General Yun looked at each other, utterly dumbfounded. Was this some kind of joke? Twenty million for a single painting, ten paintings a day—after taxes, Yang Xiaofan was earning at least a hundred million a day, hundreds of billions a year! The profits were staggering. No wonder he had no interest in signing with the two major streaming platforms, not even tempted by a sky-high signing fee of a hundred million. With his level of success, what was a hundred million to him?

At that moment, the two men could only smile awkwardly, wishing the floor would open and swallow them whole. Yet Yang Xiaofan graciously offered them a way out. "Although I’m not interested in streaming, both of you came to see me today, which shows you value me. From now on, we’re friends. If you ever need anything, just ask."

The two shook hands with Yang Xiaofan, smiling. "You’re absolutely right, Master Yang. If you ever want to stream on our platforms, just say the word. The top headlines are yours, and all streaming income will be returned to you, one hundred percent."

Yang Xiaofan nodded. After some pleasant conversation, they took their leave.

Meanwhile, the principal had become thoroughly humbled, treating Yang Xiaofan with utmost respect. After all, he was now connected to Elder Chen; how could the principal dare show even the slightest disrespect? Yang Xiaofan, for his part, ignored this sycophant. He despised people like that—talking to them was a waste of breath. Better to go back and find his darling class president for a private sporting event.

It was past eight in the evening when Yang Xiaofan left the office. As he stepped out, Qin Nuanyu hurried over, nervously grabbing his hand. "Xiaofan, are you okay?"

"I’m fine. I just painted something on the wall. He can’t exactly eat me, can he?"

"I heard he never follows the rules here and likes to bully people."

"Don’t worry. You should know who your husband is—he wouldn’t dare mess with me."

Hearing the word ‘husband,’ Qin Nuanyu’s cheeks flushed pink, making Yang Xiaofan’s heart flutter. He pinched her soft cheek with a mischievous smile. "Tomorrow starts the National Day holiday. Tonight, let’s not go back to the dorm. Let’s get a room somewhere."

Qin Nuanyu lowered her head, nearly burying it in her chest, and whispered, "Okay."

Her shy demeanor made Yang Xiaofan’s heart stir even more. "By the way, Xiaofan, I... I want to discuss something with you."

"Go ahead."

"I want to tell my parents about you when I go home. I’ve never been in a relationship before, and if I keep hiding it from them, they won’t be happy."

Yang Xiaofan nodded, moved by her sincerity. Qin Nuanyu’s willingness to tell her parents about him proved how important he was in her heart.

"Don’t worry. I’ll tell my parents about us when I get home, too."

"Thank you."

Yang Xiaofan pinched her nose affectionately. "Silly girl, don’t thank me. It’s what I should do. Since you’re going home, let’s go shopping first. I’ll buy some gifts for your parents."

"Alright."

Yang Xiaofan took Qin Nuanyu to the mall, buying numerous gifts for his future father- and mother-in-law. After all, marrying someone’s cherished daughter required showing heartfelt intentions in advance—how else could he win her safely home?

He bought a Versace suit, Prada belt and shoes, and a Rolex watch for her father. For her mother, a Chanel dress, Gucci handbag, and a Longines watch. It all cost over a hundred thousand. But for Yang Xiaofan, this was mere pocket change, no different than an ordinary person spending a few hundred.

He didn’t buy anything for his own parents yet, planning to take them shopping himself when he returned home. Unlike Qin Nuanyu, who was flying home with checked luggage, Yang Xiaofan planned to drive.

His hometown was poor; from childhood, Yang Xiaofan had suffered many slights, as had his parents. Now, he intended to repay all of it. He wanted his parents to enjoy supreme honor, to be admired by all, never bullied again.

Yes, Yang Xiaofan was that kind of man.

That night, the two soon-to-be-separated lovers barely slept at all. They only got up around eleven the next morning. Yang Xiaofan ordered a fine breakfast from the hotel, ate with Qin Nuanyu, and then reluctantly drove her to the airport.

"When you get home, send me a message first thing. If you need anything these days, video call me anytime."

"Okay."

"I opened a bank card for you using your ID. There’s a million in it—spend it as you like, and if it’s not enough, just ask me."

"No need, I won’t spend much at home. You keep it."

Qin Nuanyu tried to return the card, but Yang Xiaofan glared, feigning displeasure. "Your husband gives you money, and you return it? Do you still not see me as your man?"

"No, no!" Qin Nuanyu shook her head anxiously, afraid he’d misunderstand. She loved him dearly, but because of that, she didn’t want to spend his money. Yesterday, she only wanted to buy her parents gifts worth a few hundred, but Yang Xiaofan insisted on getting brand names.

"If that’s not the case, then take it. Spend your husband’s money without any guilt. If there’s any left after seven days, I’ll punish you for the remainder."

Yang Xiaofan made a mischievous gesture. Qin Nuanyu felt both shy and warmed, eyes growing red. Yang Xiaofan was her whole world now—being apart from him even a minute was agony. If he asked her to go home with him right now, she wouldn’t hesitate.

But Yang Xiaofan wouldn’t do that. It would be disrespectful to her parents. He loved Qin Nuanyu and wanted to show her parents due respect—the bare minimum.

"Dear passengers, Flight 7418 is now boarding. Please..."

The airport announcement signaled the beginning of their farewell. Qin Nuanyu suddenly stood on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around Yang Xiaofan, and kissed him deeply, then fled with a blush like a newlywed bride.