Chapter 4

Chapter 4: I Have a Little Secret

Originally, according to Mei Fang’s plan, even if his father was unwilling to give money, by flattering this man and adding his own passion for football, he could trick him into buying lottery tickets.

Now that his father had lost his value and his mother, Xiao Xia, absolutely forbade anyone in the family from getting involved with gambling, Mei Fang had to find another way.

Of course, he did keep one last card up his sleeve.

Mei Fang found out Xia Yuan’s address from his father and went downstairs to find her to play.

Although Mei Fang and Xia Yuan lived in the same neighborhood, their homes were quite different—Mei Fang’s was a common layout, while Xia Yuan’s was a two-story single-family house, similar to a Japanese detached house.

Standing at the main door, Mei Fang heard the melodious sound of piano music coming from inside the house.

In this era, families who could afford pianos—

She must be a young lady?

Mei Fang tiptoed and pressed the doorbell of Xia Yuan’s house. Soon after, a gentle adult female voice came through the intercom.

“Hello, may I ask whom you’re looking for? Oh, no one seems to be home…”

…Is this Xia Yuan’s mother?

Mei Fang frantically waved at the intercom.

“Auntie, hello! I’m Mei Fang, Xia Yuan’s classmate from kindergarten, and I also live in this neighborhood.”

“Mei Fang… I often hear Yuanyuan mention you. Are you here to play with her?”

“Is that okay?”

Mei Fang tried to sound innocent, “Yuanyuan and I made plans to go to the children’s playground in the neighborhood today.”

“Yuanyuan’s piano lesson is almost over. Would you like to come in and wait? I’ll open the door for you.”

“Sure!”

As soon as Mei Fang finished speaking, the gate to the courtyard opened slowly. Following the path, Mei Fang walked a few steps before Xia Yuan’s mother came out to greet him warmly.

Xia Yuan’s mother exuded an elegant, cultured aura. Her long, smooth hair was tied to one side, and her delicate makeup highlighted her clear, sparkling eyes, like the warm spring sun.

“Ah, Auntie, good day!”

To Mei Fang’s surprise, Xia Yuan’s mother was such a beautiful woman. He felt somewhat awkward.

But somehow, he felt like he had seen her somewhere before…

“What a polite child! Come in and sit down!”

Mei Fang followed Xia Yuan’s mother into the living room. The piano music upstairs could be heard clearly, with its gentle, romantic melody, making him feel immersed in a joyful atmosphere.

Seeing Mei Fang absorbed in the music, Xia Yuan’s mother couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Do you like this piece?”

Due to his previous work experience, Mei Fang had some knowledge of music, “If I remember correctly, the piece being played now should be Mendelssohn’s ‘Spring Song.'”

“How impressive! It’s not often you see a boy who likes music… No wonder Yuanyuan always talks about you. Watch TV for a bit, I’ll get you some juice.”

“Thank you, Auntie.”

The decoration of Xia Yuan’s living room was quite sophisticated, hinting at her family’s wealth. Luckily, Bai Mei County was a small city without any elite schools; otherwise, he might not have had the chance to go to kindergarten with Xia Yuan.

While waiting for Xia Yuan’s piano lesson to end, Mei Fang chatted with Xia Yuan’s mother, who showed a strong interest in him. Mei Fang was very pleased.

It seemed his proper manners and mature demeanor won her favor.

As the piano music gradually faded, quick footsteps could be heard on the stairs.

“Yuanyuan, your friend is waiting for you to go out and play.”

“Huh? Mei Fang, why are you here?”

“I came to play with you!” Mei Fang reminded her, “Didn’t I tell you when school ended…”

“Oh… I almost forgot. I have a piano lesson today, I’m really sorry.”

Xia Yuan looked at her mother and said, “Mom, can I go to the children’s playground with Mei Fang? We won’t run around.”

“Sure, but remember not to talk to strangers.”

“Okay!”

Xia Yuan took her bag, grabbed Mei Fang’s hand, and rushed outside, “Let’s go play!”

“Remember to change your shoes, you little rascal… Why do you get so excited just talking about playing?”

Since it was her first time playing outside of kindergarten, Xia Yuan was very happy and hummed a nursery rhyme unconsciously.

“By the way, Xia Yuan, what did you tell your mom about me?” Mei Fang pretended to be calm, “I’m a bit… curious.”

This little girl liked him so much; she must have told her mom something embarrassing like she wanted to marry him. Otherwise, her mother wouldn’t be so interested in him, it sounded like the tone of a mother-in-law scrutinizing a son-in-law!

“I think I mentioned… you wetting the bed, taking off your clothes to wash your bottom in front of everyone, and…”

Mei Fang blushed and scolded Xia Yuan, “Are these things you can just spread around! Don’t you have any brains?”

“I, I only told my mom!” Xia Yuan looked aggrieved, “Why are you so mean… and even scolding me.”

“Ahhhhh!”

Now, Mei Fang wished he could find a hole to hide in, “When you talk about me to your mom next time, can you focus more on my cool side?”

“Okay, I also told my mom about how good you are at math today.”

“You really tell her everything…”

“Mom said that sharing both happy and sad things with others will bring more joy.”

“But even so, we should still have our own little secrets, right?”

Mei Fang smiled, looking at Xia Yuan’s pink little purse, “For example, a secret that only you and I know…”

“Only you and I know…”

Xia Yuan was excited, “What kind of secret?”

Mei Fang reached out, “Lend me ten yuan first, and I’ll share the secret with you.”

“Sure, but remember to pay me back.”

“That’s a given.” Mei Fang patted his chest, “My dad taught me to be trustworthy and never owe anyone money.”

Xia Yuan always carried a pink purse, which had been on Mei Fang’s mind ever since he learned it contained some pocket money.

Xia Yuan rummaged through her purse and handed Mei Fang a ten-yuan bill.

“Here you go, can you share your little secret now?”

“Not yet, follow me first.”

Mei Fang dragged Xia Yuan towards the neighborhood entrance, which made her a bit scared.

“Aren’t we going to the slide at the children’s playground?”

“There’s nothing fun there. We’re about to become elementary school students, shouldn’t we go somewhere more exciting?”

“But… I promised Mom I wouldn’t run around.”

“If you don’t tell your mom and I don’t tell my mom, then your mom won’t know, right?”

Mei Fang approached Xia Yuan and continued persuading her, “That would make it a secret between just us, known only to the two of us, right?”

Little secret… little secret…

Just like the nursery rhyme says,

“I have a little secret, I won’t tell you, I won’t tell you—”

Ever since she could remember, Xia Yuan had always been a well-behaved and sensible child in her parents’ eyes. She had never thought of hiding anything from them. Therefore, facing Mei Fang’s tempting new experience, Xia Yuan hardly had any resistance and finally nodded slightly.

Congratulations to myself! This morning, when I opened the book, I discovered that I received a private message from the editor! It’s my first time receiving a PM, and I’m really happy! Now everyone can continue reading this novel with peace of mind. I promise to finish it! So, could you all give me more recommendation votes so I know you’re reading? Please, please! Love you all! Also, remember to invest in this book to claim the rewards. Starting today, I’ll be updating twice daily to repay your support!

(End of Chapter 4)