Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Old Class Monitor
Qin Tuo was about to explain, but Qin Hongguo just waved his hand dismissively, completely unconcerned.
"Don’t worry, son. This is a sure thing! With my relationship with your Uncle Haide, arranging two positions for you and Zilin in his company will be no problem at all. You and that Zilin girl just need to focus on living a good life together!"
Beside him, Luo Xianglan nodded eagerly.
Seeing her son finally able to start a family and career, she, as a mother, could finally be at ease.
Qin Tuo was speechless. He could swear to the heavens that he only saw Han Zilin as a little sister.
But he knew it was useless to say anything more. His parents just wouldn’t listen.
"Alright, Mom, Dad, you can make the arrangements."
Qin Tuo could only agree for now, resigned to taking things one step at a time.
The family of three returned home, and the night passed peacefully.
Early the next morning, the family got an early start. They bought a large assortment of fruit and gifts and went to a high-end residential community in the suburbs.
’Oh, Rose Garden?’
Qin Tuo looked up at the community’s name.
He knew this was a well-known, upscale community in Ming City. The houses here were incredibly expensive.
The people living here might not have been the absolute cream of the crop in Ming City, but they were definitely part of the upper class.
The three of them greeted the security guard, picked up their things, and walked into the complex.
Luo Xianglan suddenly said,
"Son, when we get to your Uncle Haide’s house, remember to be on your best behavior and be extra polite."
Qin Tuo nodded.
"I know, Mom."
Seemingly still worried, Luo Xianglan added,
"You just got out of prison, after all. Very few companies will hire someone who’s served time, so you have to be especially careful about this."
Qin Tuo nodded again with a resigned, wry smile.
’Mom’s habit of nagging and worrying hasn’t changed one bit!’
Up ahead, Qin Hongguo glanced back and reminded her,
"That’s enough. So what if he was in prison? You know what kind of person our son is!"
Luo Xianglan retorted irritably,
"I’m just worried about our son! What if he can’t seize this opportunity?"
Qin Hongguo huffed,
"Besides, our son was framed in the first place. And with the bond I share with Dahai, a small thing like finding a job is no problem at all. Stop overthinking it."
But Luo Xianglan grew stubborn and said resentfully,
"Don’t be so sure of yourself. If your bond is really so deep, how come he hasn’t invited you out for a meal in all these years?"
Qin Hongguo’s expression froze. He was stunned, unsure how to respond.
Luo Xianglan pressed on,
"And look at the state our family has been in for the past two years. We haven’t seen this Zhou Dahai of yours step up to help one bit!"
Qin Hongguo looked embarrassed and hastily replied.
"We don’t need anyone’s charity! Besides, how can you blame Dahai for that? I never asked him for anything!"
Listening to his parents’ argument, Qin Tuo felt a pang in his heart.
He knew just how proud a man his father was.
For the two years he was in prison, his parents had struggled so much, yet his father, Qin Hongguo, had never once stooped to ask his old classmate for help.
But now that he was out and struggling to find a job, his father didn’t hesitate for a moment to ask that same classmate for a favor.
Qin Tuo’s resolve hardened. ’From now on, I have to listen to my parents more and do everything I can to stop them from worrying.’
With that thought, Qin Tuo spoke up.
"Mom, Dad, don’t worry. I’ll be on my best behavior when we get there. And once I get a job and start earning money, I’ll work hard to give you a good life!"
His bickering parents fell silent at once, and a glimmer of tears appeared in both their eyes.
"Son, have you finally grown up? Mom is so, so happy!"
Luo Xianglan said, deeply moved, as if all their sacrifices had been worth it.
Qin Hongguo remained silent, but his eyes shone with deep gratification.
Meanwhile, inside a small villa within the complex.
Zhou Dahai stood before a full-length mirror, adjusting his suit. He looked sharp and full of energy.
On the sofa, a girl in pink pajamas lounged about. The loose clothing couldn’t hide her sexy figure, and her wavy, wine-red hair cascaded over her shoulders, giving her a languid air.
The girl put down her game console and couldn’t help but tease him.
"Dad, you’re all dressed up. Don’t tell me you’re going to see an old flame?"
Zhou Dahai shot her an annoyed glance.
"You brat, is that any way to talk to your father?"
His daughter, Zhou Kexin, laughed.
"Well, you’re the one who’s dressed so formally. I rarely see you like this."
A nostalgic look appeared in Zhou Dahai’s eyes as he explained,
"No, I’m going to see my old dorm leader, who was also our class monitor. He treated me like a brother—no, he was closer to me than my own brother."
Just then, his wife, Wu Qingmei, who had been busy in the kitchen, came out carrying a platter of fruit.
Hearing Zhou Dahai’s words, her eyes lit up.
"Oh, Dahai, is this the old class monitor you mentioned? The one who became a civil servant right after graduation?"
Zhou Dahai smiled and replied,
"Who else? He and I go way back—we have a life-and-death bond. Back in school, I pissed off a group of young gangsters. If he hadn’t dragged me away for dear life, they would’ve hacked me to death. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for him!"
Wu Qingmei’s eyes gleamed, but she hadn’t really been listening to the story.
She asked quickly,
"Right, so your old class monitor became a civil servant right after graduation. After all these years, he must be a high-ranking official by now, right?"
Zhou Dahai shook his head earnestly.
"I’m not actually sure about that."
Wu Qingmei muttered to herself,
"Your company is so lifeless right now, it’s about to go under. If you ask this old class monitor for a lifeline, maybe your luck will finally turn around!"
Zhou Dahai waved his hand impatiently.
"I haven’t seen him in years, who knows what he’s like now? Besides, our friendship isn’t about business or favors."
Wu Qingmei, however, looked unconvinced. She quickly turned to Zhou Kexin and began issuing orders.
"Sweetheart, go change into some decent clothes, quickly. It sounds like your dad’s old friend is bringing his son. Maybe I can play matchmaker and set up a perfect match for you two."
Zhou Kexin rolled her eyes, speechless.
"Mom, I already have a boyfriend!"
Wu Qingmei’s face hardened as she scolded,
"You silly girl, you just don’t get it. Your boyfriend is just some sales manager. How can he possibly compare to the son of a high-ranking official?"
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