Ning Ge pulled Ying Xiaoya out of Liao Shifa’s doorstep, his face beaming with energy, and even started humming a tune.
Ying Xiaoya, on the other hand, was in a hurry, tugging at Ning Ge to ask what was going on and why they had started extorting money.
Indeed, as soon as Ying Xiaoya’s father’s name was brought up, Liao Shifa turned timid, almost treating them like lords—offering profuse apologies and talking about compensating their mental anguish.
As for the so-called mental anguish, Ning Ge only asked for the money for the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall dish, and as for the other items they ordered, they just left without paying.
His intention was to teach Liao Shifa a lesson and to stand up for Cheng Su.
When Ying Xiaoya asked about it, Ning Ge explained the incident involving Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.
Ying Xiaoya was a person with a chivalrous heart; upon hearing this, she grew angry and said, "You should have told me earlier, so I could have done something too, to stand up for Susu."
"It’s enough the way it is. Let’s go, I’ll take you home," Ning Ge said.
After seeing Ying Xiaoya home, Ning Ge was about to say good-bye when a voice stopped Ying Xiaoya.
The comer was Zhang Yujun. Ying Xiaoya’s expression changed slightly and without thinking, she wrapped her arms around Ning Ge’s arm and gave him a warning look when he turned to see her, signaling that just moments ago she was his "girlfriend."
Zhang Yujun’s face darken when he saw their intimate demeanor.
"What are you doing at my house again? Haven’t I told you I’m not interested in you? Oh, this is my boyfriend, you’ve met him before!" Ying Xiaoya nudged Ning Ge.
"Hi!" Ning Ge raised a hand in greeting.
Zhang Yujun forced a smile and said, "I came to talk to you about hosting that cultural performance."
"It’s so late. Let’s discuss it tomorrow at the factory," Ying Xiaoya frowned.
"Yeah, it’s late; women should go to bed early. Comrade Zhang, you should head back first!" Ning Ge cooperated very well.
Zhang Yujun, feeling infuriated, could only say, "Then I’ll wait for you at the factory tomorrow!"
With that, he turned and walked away.
Ning Ge waited until he was far away before saying to Ying Xiaoya, "I think this manager of yours has some ulterior motives. You’ve got to be careful not to let anyone take advantage of you without realizing it!"
"You and Susu say the same thing. Do I look like a fool to you?" Ying Xiaoya pinched his arm.
"Ow, ow, look at you. I just helped you out, and you’re turning on me?" Ning Ge dodged away.
"I helped you too! We’re even!" Xiao Ya chased after him.
"Ahem, is that you, Xiao Ya?"
The familiar call was excessively affectionate, and Ying Xiaoya stiffened, cursing her bad luck in her mind.
Turning her head, she saw, sure enough, her parents coming back from a walk in the little garden.
They didn’t seem to care about her, instead looking at Ning Ge with great interest, as if he were a lamb ready for slaughter. Ying Xiaoya sensed trouble and hurriedly urged Ning Ge to leave.
However, Director Ying had already approached and, under the light, looked at Ning Ge with a face full of warmth, saying, "And who is this? Xiao Ya, aren’t you going to introduce him to me and your father?"
Ning Ge didn’t seem to mind, and smiled broadly: "Hello uncle, auntie, my name is Ning Ge, I’m Xiao Ya’s friend."
"Mom..."
"Friend, huh? That’s great. Xiao Ya said she wouldn’t be back for dinner tonight; did she go out with you?" Director Ying squeezed past his daughter and said with a smile, "It’s good to walk a bit after a meal to help digestion. Why don’t you come upstairs for some tea before you leave?"
At this, Ning Ge suddenly felt something was off. He looked at Ying Xiaoya, saw her frantically signaling to him, and then said, "Auntie, I’m sorry, but I live far away, and if I don’t leave now, I’ll miss the last bus. How about I come visit you and uncle another day?"
Director Ying was even happier upon hearing this, repeatedly saying that it was a good idea, and watched Ning Ge leave. Then she took Ying Xiaoya by the hand to "execute"