Chapter 143

Chapter 143: You Still Owe Me an Angel Investment!

When Xia Yuan’s father sold the restaurant “White Plum Home” he operated, it was when Mei Fang and they were 10 years old.

Although White Plum Home started as just a restaurant signboard, as Xia Xun’s business grew, the restaurant gradually turned into a hotel.

He chose the most prosperous area on the street to establish a new hotel address, here to rebuild the White Plum Home brand.

In 2005, he established a super 10-story high hotel in the small White Plum County, which was the peak of White Plum Home’s business.

But only Xia Xun knew that this was a signature he had struggled to build, and maintaining the normal operation of the hotel required a huge expenditure of manpower, resources, and finances.

To the point where during the hardest economic times, he even considered mortgaging his house for cash flow turnover.

Of course, his idea later fell apart because of Xia Yuan’s running away from home, which was arranged by Mei Fang’s clever plan.

Xia Xun then sold all the assets of the seemingly thriving White Plum Home at a relatively low price.

Mei Fang only knew in his previous life that Xia Xun’s hotel went bankrupt due to poor management, but who would have thought that the real reason White Plum Home Hotel went bankrupt was road construction.

Even a deity would find it hard to save them…

At that time, no one got their hands on the news about the road construction; neither Mei Fang nor Xia Xun had anticipated this happening.

As for transferring the hotel to Liu Xiaoyu’s father, it was just a normal commercial action, coincidentally involving Liu Xiaoyu’s father.

It was supposed to be like this.

However, Xia Yuan, with her one-track mind, did not think so.

Now burdened with immense psychological pressure, she became more delicate, sitting on the bed at home looking dejected.

“It’s all our family’s fault for causing such a tragedy to the Liu Xiaoyu family. If it weren’t for us, she would still be living a happy life…”

“There’s nothing to do with you! It’s just a pure commercial behavior.”

Mei Fang comforted Xia Yuan, saying, “If the Liu Xiaoyu family became wealthy because of White Plum Home, they wouldn’t give you any extra money; if they went bankrupt due to poor management, your family doesn’t need to take responsibility.”

“Afang is right, Yuan Yuan, it has nothing to do with you, you don’t need to blame yourself.”

Lin You Xi gently comforted her by putting a hand on her shoulder.

Usually, Mei Fang was very cautious about entering the girls’ bedrooms, but this time he clearly felt something happened to Yuan Yuan and entered the room to comfort her.

Out of trust in Mei Fang, Liang Mei Juan did not stop him and let the children encourage each other.

She knew that when these three kids helped each other, there was nothing they couldn’t accomplish.

Under the continuous comfort of Mei Fang and Lin You Xi, Xia Yuan’s mood gradually calmed down.

“Even if you say so… I still want to try my best to compensate her, be friends with her, invite her out more often… At least let her enjoy high school.”

“If you’re approaching her out of guilt, I suggest changing your mindset.”

Mei Fang said seriously, “If you approach Liu Xiaoyu out of guilt and become good friends with her, and one day she finds out that White Plum Home used to be your family’s business, she might think you’re not really fond of her but trying to make up for your guilt, which could make her dislike you.”

“This is the same logic as when you didn’t want us to help you during exams… Yuan Yuan should understand.”

Lin You Xi added.

“But… I have to do something… If I do nothing… Every time I think of Liu Xiaoyu, I—”

“You first calm down, find a good opportunity, and explain the situation to her in detail. But don’t apologize, because neither you nor your father are at fault. Just state what happened, and see her reaction afterward.”

Mei Fang explained, “If Liu Xiaoyu isn’t bothered, continue being friends with her and help her within your means; if she is bothered, that’s understandable, but you shouldn’t dwell on it anymore.”

“I support Afang’s idea.”

Lin You Xi nodded, “If you feel talking to her alone is too heavy, I can accompany you, Afang will also come. We’ll always stand together no matter what.”

With Lin You Xi and Mei Fang’s support, Xia Yuan finally approached Liu Xiaoyu and told her about the past.

Upon learning that White Plum Home was once Xia Yuan’s family’s hotel, Liu Xiaoyu naturally showed a shocked expression.

However, facing Xia Yuan’s sincere attitude, Liu Xiaoyu was quite open-minded. She could see Xia Yuan’s pressure and patted her shoulder to reassure her:

“This wasn’t anyone’s fault… If your father hadn’t sold the hotel back then, it would have been your family’s misfortune. It’s just bad luck… I don’t want to think about these things anymore, living in the present is most important.”

“Though… it seems presumptuous to say this now, I still hope we can be friends.”

“Of course! It’s definitely not because of guilt… Before knowing this, we got along well, and I genuinely like you!”

“However, if you don’t want to see me, I can understand… I’ll stay away and not disturb your life—”

Seeing Xia Yuan stammering a lot and finally giggling, Liu Xiaoyu said:

“Xia Yuan, you’re really cute!”

“I didn’t say I dislike you… If both of us aren’t bothered, forget about it and get along well.”

“To be honest, it should be me relying on you guys… Now I’m studying alone here, feeling a bit safer if I can hang out with fellow townspeople.”

Liu Xiaoyu, as expected, was a kind and easy-going girl.

When she was well-off, she never discriminated against any classmates; now that her family had declined, she did not harbor hatred but sought positive solutions.

Her appearance at Jiangcheng Shi No.1 High School was also due to her proactive search for change.

After clarifying things with Liu Xiaoyu, Xia Yuan’s mood became much better.

In subsequent studies and life, she and Liu Xiaoyu became closer.

However, Lin You Xi was no longer as worried as before about Xia Yuan getting too close to other friends.

Firstly, she was Xia Yuan’s deskmate. Regardless of whom Xia Yuan chatted with, Lin You Xi’s position remained unshaken.

Moreover, this way she could fully enjoy Mei Fang’s company during break times.

Of course, sometimes this would end early if Xia Yuan discovered them promptly.

Despite Mei Fang’s earlier advice to Xia Yuan not to approach Liu Xiaoyu out of guilt, Xia Yuan’s wish to take care of Liu Xiaoyu never stopped.

One day, during a routine conversation, Xia Yuan brought up the issue of salary at the Ximilu Studio.

“Afang… how much do you pay everyone at the studio every month? For example, Yue Xinyi, Zhang Ming, and Guo Yun…”

“What salary? I can’t let them think making money is easy.”

“Nothing at all? Afang, you’re too stingy!”

“It’s not about being stingy; some money can’t be given immediately. Young people easily become arrogant if they earn too much too soon. I’ll naturally pay them when the time is right…”

Mei Fang then released Xia Yuan from his embrace.

“Isn’t this question about your middle school friends?”

Xia Yuan nodded, “Actually… I found out that Xiao Yu is interested in games. I was thinking, if you agree, can we invite her to join the studio? Someone to help, and her living expenses would be lower.”

“The studio doesn’t need so many people, C Station could consider it…”

Xia Yuan shook her head, “I asked You Xi about this, but she said she didn’t want high school students knowing about our C Station project, so we gave up…”

To be frank, Mei Fang’s studio did lack people, but Liu Xiaoyu’s identity was sensitive. Mei Fang preferred she just get closer to Xia Yuan rather than himself.

Whether it was to avoid suspicion or his own uncertainty, this mattered greatly to Mei Fang.

“Or… you’re short-handed in music production now? Ask her if she’s interested in music creation.”

“Sure, I’ll ask her.”

Without asking, she must be interested.

Mei Fang continued, “Technically, she can be a member of the Ximilu Studio, but you need to pay her yourself.”

“That’s fine… I have no problem with that!”

“Don’t pay her too much per month. No more than 1000; over that, she’ll suspect something. Use her properly, give her training and growth opportunities, so she won’t feel like she’s working for free.”

“Got it… So I have to go to the bank every month? That’s a bit troublesome.”

“How about this… Just ask me, I have plenty of cash, and I’ll reimburse you directly.”

Mei Fang paused, “After all, you’ve worked for me for so long, and I haven’t paid you anything.”

“I don’t want your money!”

Xia Yuan knew herself well: “If I accept your money, wouldn’t I just become your tool?”

“What else could you be then?”

Mei Fang patted Xia Yuan’s head, and Xia Yuan immediately put her hands on her hips and said:

“We’re childhood sweethearts; at least, we’re like high-level executives, right? Don’t forget, you still owe me an angel investment.”

Seeing Mei Fang didn’t refute, Xia Yuan was happy and snuggled into his embrace again.

Today’s updates are back to normal. Updates will be at noon and 6:30 PM.

I’ve seen that everyone starts voting for me at noon, and you all really love me.

Next year on January 1st, I’ll have a recommendation slot and will update more chapters to thank you all.

(End of Chapter)