Going home for the Chinese New Year with a year-end bonus of 100 million

Soon, the group arrived at the hot pot restaurant.

When ordering, Lin Xiaoyu kept saying "That's enough, that's enough," and when Yang Ya wanted to order more meat dishes, she quickly stopped her.

"Don't order too much, it'll be a waste if we can't finish it."

After the dishes were served, she took the initiative to help put the dishes in and pick them out, and even served food to Yang Fan and Yang Ya.

"Xiaoyu, don't bother, eat by yourself," Yang Fan said.

"It's okay, brother." Lin Xiaoyu smiled. "I often take care of my younger siblings at home, I'm used to it."

Yang Ya seized the opportunity to say, "Brother, look how sensible Xiaoyu is. After her father injured his leg, her mother was the sole breadwinner for the family. She sends most of the money she earns working outside home every month."

Lin Xiaoyu lowered her head: "It's only right... My parents raised me, it wasn't easy for them."

Yang Fan sighed inwardly.

This girl is so much like Xiaoya; they're both so sensible that it breaks your heart.

It was a pleasant meal.

After dinner, Yang Fan offered to take Lin Xiaoyu back to her place, but she waved her hand repeatedly, saying, "No need, no need, I can take the bus back, it's very convenient."

"It's on my way," Yang Fan insisted.

After dropping Lin Xiaoyu off at the entrance of her rented old apartment complex and watching her walk into the building, Yang Fan turned the car around.

On the way back to the hotel, Yang Ya suddenly asked, "Brother, what do you think of Xiaoyu?"

"She's a really good girl," Yang Fan said. "She's sensible, down-to-earth, and a good kid."

"Just a good girl?" Yang Ya blinked. "Brother, don't you think she's quite pretty?"

Yang Fan glanced at her: "What are you trying to say?"

"I just think... Little Rain Man is really good." Yang Ya carefully chose her words:

"Look at her, she's hardworking, sensible, kind, and pretty. Plus, she's only a year older than me, twenty-two this year, which is a good age for you..."

"Stop!" Yang Fan said, both amused and exasperated. "What are you thinking, you silly girl?"

"I want you to find me a sister-in-law!" Yang Ya said matter-of-factly. "Brother, you're twenty-five already, it's time you started dating. A girl like Xiaoyu is perfect for settling down. If you're interested, I can help you set her up!"

"They're still in school," Yang Fan said.

"What's wrong with going to school? She's an adult, it's normal for her to date," Yang Ya retorted. "Besides, she'll graduate next year."

Yang Fan shook his head and didn't reply.

He admitted that Lin Xiaoyu was indeed a good girl, but when it came to matters of the heart... he really didn't have the mind to think about it right now.

Having just escaped the quagmire of Su Wanrou, even though it was an act, he still felt somewhat tired.

So let's put matters of the heart aside for now.

Seeing that her brother was silent, Yang Ya wisely didn't bring it up again.

And so, the two siblings quickly returned to the hotel parking lot, parked their car, and went back to their room.

Yang Fan had just sat down when his phone rang.

It seems the telegraph shows Wang Lei.

This is his childhood friend; they're from the same village.

Yang Fan came to the provincial capital to deliver food, introduced by Wang Lei.

"Hey, Lei Zi." Yang Fan answered the phone.

"Fanzi, why haven't you come to work these past two days?" Wang Lei's voice came through the receiver. "The team leader asked me about it, and I told him you took leave."

"Yeah, something came up," Yang Fan said. "I probably won't be going back before the New Year."

"Oh? Then you should at least ask for a day off!"

"Lei Zi, I'm not planning on delivering food anymore..."

Wang Lei asked, "Have you thought it through?"

"Um!"

"That's good too. You did graduate with a bachelor's degree, after all. I advised you to find a good job before. Now that you've thought it through, that's fine."

"Unlike me, I didn't even finish high school..."

Yang Fan could tell that Wang Lei was somewhat disheartened, but he didn't know how to comfort him, so he changed the subject:

"By the way, Lei Zi, what did you want to see me about?"

Wang Lei paused, his tone hesitant, "Um... Fanzi, could you... lend me some money?"

"How many?"

"Five hundred will do," Wang Lei said even more softly. "I'll pay you back next month when I get my salary."

Yang Fan remained silent for a few seconds.

He was aware of Wang Lei's situation.

His buddy is just like him, a "simp"—the difference is that Yang Fan is acting, while Wang Lei is genuine.

Wang Lei has a girlfriend who is studying at a junior college in the provincial capital.

The girl's family was of average means, but she spent a lot of money on cosmetics, clothes, dinners... she wanted the best of everything.

Wang Lei spent most of the money he earned from delivering food on her.

"Did Xiaoyun take the money again?" Yang Fan asked.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Wang Lei's somewhat awkward laughter:

"She's still in school, and she needs to spend money a lot... Recently, her department is having an event and needs to buy dresses, so she can't wear her old one anymore..."

"Lei Zi," Yang Fan interrupted him, "there are some things I don't know whether I should say or not."

"you say."

Do you think Xiaoyun and you have a future together?

Wang Lei fell silent.

Yang Fan continued, "I'm not trying to sow discord between you."

"But think about it, you've been working away from home for three years, while she's been in school for three years."

"How much money have you spent on her in these three years? What has she done for you?"

"She...she's been really good to me too." Wang Lei's voice sounded a little weak.

"How good is it? Is it buying you a gift for your birthday, or taking care of you when you're sick?" Yang Fan asked directly.

"Lei Zi, we're brothers, that's why I'm saying this. There are some things you actually understand in your heart, you just don't want to admit it."

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a long time.

Yang Fan sighed: "I can lend you the money, five hundred, right? I'll transfer it to you via WeChat now."

"But Lei Zi, think about it carefully, is it worth it?"

After hanging up the phone, Yang Fan transferred 500 yuan to Wang Lei.

He could actually transfer more—five thousand, fifty thousand, he can afford it now.

After all, Lei Zi had helped him a lot, so even if Lei Zi didn't pay him back, he wouldn't complain.

But he knew that no matter how many times he transferred the money, it would all end up in the pocket of that girl named Xiaoyun.

Provide emergency relief, not long-term support.

More importantly, it saves hearts.

If Wang Lei cannot realize his mistake, no amount of help from others will be of any use.

"Brother, is this Brother Lei?" Yang Ya asked.

"Okay." Yang Fan put away his phone. "Borrow money."

"Is it for his girlfriend again?" Yang Ya frowned. "Brother Lei is just too..."

"When it comes to matters of the heart, those involved are often blinded," Yang Fan shook his head. "He'll only be truly free when he figures things out for himself."