Chapter 299

Chapter 299: Repentance Fried Rice (Extra Chapter for the 10/10 Update for Silver Patron Meng Mingqianxiao)

Peng Xue left with a casual wave and a pat on the ass. Now, Xia Yuan and Mei Fang had to help clean up the mess she left behind.

On their way back to the neighborhood, Xia Yuan couldn’t help but sigh:

“I still think it’s a real pity that Xiao Xue didn’t finish high school… Shouldn’t we persuade her to go back?”

Mei Fang shook his head, “All I can say is that given Peng Xue’s character, she won’t back down now that she’s made up her mind.”

“Oh no—I’m really worried about Xiao Xue!”

“I’ll contact her cousin soon. They’re family, so they probably won’t lead her astray. But after that, we’ll be in trouble.”

“I’ve decided to wrap myself in a bag made by Ah Fang.”

Xia Yuan threw herself into Mei Fang’s arms, seeking comfort from the familiar “super Ah Fang energy” to alleviate her complex emotions. Then, the two of them went home to report the situation to Lin You Xi.

However, Lin You Xi wasn’t as conflicted as Xia Yuan after hearing the story. “From what you described, I think Peng Xue’s choice isn’t bad for her. Not everyone has to follow the path of studying, taking exams, and finding a job. We can still do well without going to college. But Peng Xue chose based on her own circumstances, which deserves respect.”

“But this should be a time for accumulating experience. Even though we’re over 18, we’re still young. How can we venture out without the protection of school and parents?”

“Because if she doesn’t, she’ll never catch up to you, right?”

Lin You Xi explained, “You are now a famous online singer on Penguin Music and a big figure on C Station. Your status is already at the top of the industry.”

“If Peng Xue puts down her bass and starts studying seriously, preparing for music theory for the art exam, how far will you have advanced in a year and a half when she finally gets into a good arts university?”

“And even if you were willing to accept her, her strong personality wouldn’t allow her to accept your charity.”

“But wouldn’t that mean I’m the reason she had to drop out?”

“You can’t say that. You are certainly part of the reason, but she also said she didn’t want to waste her youth in school.”

Lin You Xi smiled, “You should learn more from what Ah Fang usually says. Let go of your desire to help others and respect other people’s destinies.”

“It sounds like Ah Fang actually follows through with this…”

“Don’t suddenly start criticizing me again!”

Mei Fang, who was looking at his phone, was amused and frustrated, “I’m still explaining the situation to Yue Xinyi. After catching Peng Xue and letting her go, I think she might kill me. Later, I’ll have to face the wrath of Peng Xue’s parents.”

“I’ll talk with you. Xiao Xue is mainly my friend, so the responsibility is on me.”

Before talking to Peng Xue’s parents on the phone, Xia Yuan had never met them. When she answered the call, Peng Xue’s parents immediately started ranting, leaving Xia Yuan and Mei Fang with little room to respond, only able to explain once they paused.

After learning that Peng Xue had gone to pursue her cousin’s music career, Peng Xue’s mother continued to rant, “I knew she was just out having fun with Yanzi. That girl is corrupting her. Her older brother and sister-in-law don’t discipline her. She’s always doing these useless things, poisoning our daughter.”

Hearing Peng Xue’s mother criticize her passion for music, Xia Yuan felt deeply empathetic. She couldn’t help but interrupt, “Making music and pursuing dreams is a great thing. You shouldn’t say such harsh things.”

“Can dreams feed you? You girls always chase unrealistic things. Focus on studying. Otherwise, you should leave school early and work, sending money home each month to save for your brother’s new house.”

Seeing Xia Yuan getting angry, her face turning red, Mei Fang quickly interrupted, “Auntie, don’t say that. Our Yuan Yuan makes a lot of money from music. She’s one of the top ten network singers on Penguin Music. Check the name Yuanbao.”

“Oh… So you’re also in the music industry. No wonder Xiao Xue suddenly became interested in that instrument. Was she borrowing money from you? Without parental permission, you can’t expect repayment!”

“No need to repay, Auntie. Xiao Xue has paid us back,” Mei Fang explained. “She sang on the streets when she had free time and helped us with games, earning quite a bit.”

“Games? You make games? What kind of friends are you? Making music and games… You’re truly harmful friends!”

Just then, a boy’s voice came through the phone, “Yuanbao? Is that the Yuanbao who sings ‘Plain Face’? My sister knows you, but she never told me.”

“Yes… Yes, I am Yuanbao.”

Xia Yuan, who was already angry, seized the opportunity to show off.

The boy on the other end became excited, “Mom! This lady is amazing! She’s a big star!”

“A… A star?”

“The biggest star recently. Everyone in my class knows her songs.”

Peng Xue’s mother, who was nearly driven mad by Mei Fang and Xia Yuan, unexpectedly learned that her daughter’s close friend was a big star. Her tone softened, “Why didn’t she tell me about this? Well, since she’s with a money-making star, it’s different—”

“There’s nothing different. I too have been through what Xiao Xue has, and she was already a well-known bassist back home. I hope you can respect her passion. She’s a talented girl!”

“Yes… We know… But parents certainly don’t want their children to take risks… The situation is different now.”

Xia Yuan, who had been holding back her anger, was uncomfortable with Peng Xue’s mother’s sudden change in attitude.

Mei Fang took over, saying he would help communicate with Peng Xue and persuade her to call her family to report her safety.

Regarding the issue of dropping out, Mei Fang suggested first putting Peng Xue on leave to keep her school enrollment, as she might only stay with her cousin’s band for a year. Keeping an option open for college is beneficial, as it allows for the accumulation of cultural depth and experience. Most famous folk singers have a college education.

Peng Xue could pursue her musical dream fearlessly, but those around her needed to consider her future more.

After communicating with Peng Xue’s family, Xia Yuan collapsed into Mei Fang’s arms, “Now I understand why Xiao Xue was eager to escape from home. I never imagined such a mother. If it were me, I’d run away too.”

Lin You Xi nodded, “A sister-stealing brother, gender discrimination, materialism—such an upbringing is truly tormenting.”

Mei Fang couldn’t help but recall that in the past life, Peng Xue grew up in such an environment. When she was expelled for fighting with Huang Lian, Mei Fang hadn’t even seen her parents at school to support her.

Growing up in a family that didn’t value her, seeing her as a tool for making money, lacking understanding, respect, and communication, coupled with a terrible teacher, it was hard for Peng Xue not to become a “troubled teenager.”

Finally, she dropped out of junior high and went south to work, a fate similar to many others.

But meeting Mei Fang and Xia Yuan in this life changed her fate completely.

Mei Fang suddenly remembered Peng Xue’s deliberate cheek rub and her confession in the taxi.

For some reason, there was a sense of youthful sentiment.

Or perhaps, a regret of youth.

If he had interacted more with Peng Xue in the past, could he have brought about some changes?

This was now unknown.

And this was not something he wanted to make up for.

At this moment, Lin You Xi quietly said while propping her chin, “After all this, no one ate the meal I prepared for Peng Xue. How should I handle this? I’m so sad.”

“I’ll eat it! Since Xiao Xue won’t get any, I’ll take care of it! I’m hungry from all the stress.”

Xia Yuan quickly raised her hand, “Youxi, what did you make?”

“I made fried rice, specially for Peng Xue. I named it ‘Repentance Fried Rice.'”

“What does ‘repentance fried rice’ mean? It sounds interesting.”

“It means you’ll regret what you did after eating it. It’s meant for confession.”

Lin You Xi looked at Mei Fang, “If Ah Fang ever cheats or becomes fickle, let him taste this.”

“What nonsense… I’ll see how repentant your ‘repentance fried rice’ can make someone feel.”

Lin You Xi brought the fried rice over, its fragrant aroma making Xia Yuan and Mei Fang drool uncontrollably.

“This isn’t repentance fried rice at all; it’s so delicious! I want more!”

“Let me try some too.”

Xia Yuan and Mei Fang enjoyed it thoroughly, but as they ate, they started sticking out their tongues and grimacing.

“What kind of fried rice is this? It’s so spicy! I didn’t see any chili peppers—just a little red.”

“I finely chopped the bird’s eye chili and added a hint of wasabi.”

Xia Yuan and Mei Fang couldn’t stop crying from the spiciness of Lin You Xi’s repentance fried rice, instantly feeling remorseful.

Finally, I’ve settled the debt for the first silver patron! Now, I’ll settle the debt for the second silver patron. Hopefully, I can clear all debts this month.

Tonight’s update of 4000 words is my daily routine. Today’s update counts as extra.

(End of Chapter)