Chapter 168: Daddy?

In April, during the Qingming Festival, the rain in Changsha was fine and persistent.

Ding Heng stood before his mother's tombstone, holding a long black umbrella. Raindrops pattered on the umbrella, making a soft, rhythmic sound.

Ding Wenjie stood beside his son, also holding a black umbrella. He had gained a little weight compared to before the Lunar New Year, but he looked to be in good spirits.

Neither of them spoke, and they remained silent for a long time.

Rain dripped down the edge of the umbrella, and Ding Wenjie suddenly asked, "Where are your grandparents? They always come every year."

Ding Heng responded, "I arranged for them to go on a trip."

Ding Wenjie turned his head, his expression slightly surprised.

"I left in mid-March, first to Hainan Island, then to Guangxi Province, and finally to southern Yunnan."

Ding Heng said calmly, "She just sent me photos the day before yesterday; the old lady was riding a bicycle by Erhai Lake."

Ding Wenjie didn't speak, but suddenly felt that his son seemed completely unfamiliar.

Ding Heng continued, "The two elders are getting old. They cry every time they come, and it takes them days to recover afterward. Rather than letting them come to see Mom and make her sad, it's better for them to go out for a walk and clear their heads. If my mom were here, she would definitely think the same way."

"You did the right thing."

After expressing his feelings, Ding Wenjie asked in confusion, "Heng Yazi, where did you get the money?"

Ding Heng feigned ignorance: "What money?"

"Give your grandparents the money for their trip. Also, your grandfather has mentioned to me several times that you bought them a new TV and a new refrigerator. The old lady tells everyone that her grandson is filial, and all the neighbors know it."

Ding Wenjie took the opportunity to ask all the questions at once: "You basically didn't ask me for money last semester, so I thought you were being frugal. But all of this adds up to quite a sum."

The rain was still falling, neither fast nor slow.

Ding Heng met his father's gaze: "Dad, do you believe it or not, your son is quite talented in finance?"

"finance?"

Ding Wenjie raised an eyebrow: "What do you know about finance?"

Ding Heng started making things up: "I wasn't busy in my freshman year, and I had nothing better to do than do some research. I never expected that I would actually make money from it."

"Stock trading?"

Ding Wenjie was skeptical: "What are you going to use to speculate? Where did you get the capital?"

Ding Heng remained expressionless: "I got the money for my coffin from my maternal grandparents. I was lucky; I caught a few waves of market activity."

"Hey! You think you can turn the world upside down, huh?!"

When Ding Wenjie heard that Ding Heng was asking the elderly couple for money to invest in stocks, he raised his hand to scold his son, but Ding Heng cleverly dodged it.

"Dad, don't worry, we've paid it all back!"

Ding Heng was both amused and exasperated: "We actually made quite a bit of money!"

Ding Wenjie was stunned for a long time.

"Are you serious?"

Why would I lie to you?

Ding Heng shrugged: "Otherwise, where would I get the money to support those two old folks?"

Ding Wenjie was both amused and exasperated: "Looks like I chose the wrong major for you."

"Then what should you study? Finance?"

"At least don't study journalism."

Ding Wenjie patted his son's shoulder, the force neither too light nor too heavy: "Your dad has spent most of his life without making any money, but you're doing well, making money in your freshman year of college."

"Hehe, may Mom's spirit protect us!"

"Alright, let's go. Your Aunt Quzhen is waiting."

The rain during Qingming Festival comes and goes quickly, and the sky clears up again in the blink of an eye.

At the foot of the mountain, a black van was parked on the side of the road, its hazard lights flashing on and off.

Qu Zhen, sitting in the back seat, saw the two of them come down the stone steps and opened the car door to greet them.

"Brother Ding, are you wet?"

She handed him the thermos and then took out a pack of tissues from her pocket.

Ding Wenjie took the cup, unscrewed it, and took a sip: "It's okay, there's an umbrella."

Qu Zhen didn't ask any more questions, and turned to Ding Heng: "Xiao Ding, get in the car, it's cold outside."

Ding Heng nodded, bent down, and got into the car.

Bai Ma was playing games in the last row with headphones on. Her fingers were tapping the screen rapidly. She would glance up at Ding Heng and wink, then look down and continue playing.

Qu Zhen took out a dry towel and handed it to Ding Wenjie.

"Dry your hair."

"Okay..."

Ding Wenjie took the towel and casually started talking about tomorrow's plans.

The two interacted naturally; an outsider might have mistaken them for an old married couple.

Ding Heng saw it all.

Qu Zhen's concern for Ding Wenjie is evident. Today, on Qingming Festival, she accompanied her father to sweep her mother's grave without any discomfort. She even took the initiative to prepare flowers and offerings.

What Ding Heng found strange was that Qu Zhen never mentioned her ex-husband, nor did he see her show any sign of mourning in any situation.

Her attitude towards her ex-husband was as if the marriage had never existed.

The car drove onto the main road and headed west of the city.

"Aunt Quzhen."

Ding Heng spoke naturally, "There's something I'd like to ask you."

Qu Zhen put down the towel in her hand and said kindly, "Xiao Ding, if you need anything, just say so. Don't be shy."

Ding Heng cut to the chase: "I've been investing in stocks lately, and the returns have been pretty good. I'm thinking of scaling it up a bit. But I don't really understand the ins and outs of it, so I'd like to ask for your opinion."

Qu Zhen didn't rush to answer, but first asked, "How much profit did you make?"

Ding Heng announced a number.

The carriage was silent for a moment.

Ding Wenjie turned to look at his son, his expression one of disbelief.

He had thought his son could make money, but he never imagined he could make this much!

Qu Zhen was equally surprised, but much calmer: "It's really good."

"So I was thinking, could we take another step forward?"

Ding Heng phrased it tactfully, but his meaning was clear.

He wants to earn more and needs a legitimate investment channel.

However, as a college student, he found it difficult to navigate the complex procedures and network of contacts, so he wanted to leverage Qu Zhen's connections.

Qu Zhen pondered for a moment: "Xiao Ding, let me ask you something... Is your current success due to luck? Skill? Or guidance from a master?"

Ding Heng asked confidently, "If I said it was my skill, would you believe me, Auntie?"

"letter!"

Qu Zhen said decisively, "Since you're so sure, then Auntie will help you! How about this... you and Secretary Huang go to Hong Kong together another day."

Ding Heng raised an eyebrow slightly: "HK?"

"Registering an investment company in Hong Kong is simpler in terms of procedures and more flexible in terms of policies."

Qu Zhen arranged, "I have a few acquaintances who can help set up a framework. Don't worry about the money; you pay what you're supposed to pay, and I'll pay what I'm supposed to pay. I'll have 49% of the shares, and you can have 51%, okay?"

"Thank you, Auntie..."

Ding Heng was a little surprised.

He had assumed that Qu Zhen would take the lion's share, or at least have more than half the say.

"However, let me make this clear from the start: you're responsible for how the company operates. I'll just pave the way for you; I won't interfere."

Qu Zhen continued, "I'm a businessman, I don't know much about financial games. Helping you start a company is just a matter of lending a hand, it won't cost much."

For Quzhen, this amount of investment is really nothing.

But if Ding Heng can really make a name for himself, it will benefit both families.

Several masters initially said that her and her daughter's lucky star was in Xingcheng, but Qu Zhen was skeptical.

But ever since I met Ding Wenjie, everything in my life has gone smoothly.

Looking at Ding Heng now, I have an increasingly strong intuition.

"but."

Qu Zhen then changed the subject, her tone carrying a deeper meaning: "Making money is one thing, but we must not forget our roots. There are some things that are more important than money."

"Don't worry, Auntie, I understand."

Ding Heng had reviewed Qu Zhen's information and had a clear understanding of the situation.

Quzhen's achievements today, including being named a March 8th Red Banner Pacesetter and enjoying such high prestige in Tibet, are not solely due to her business acumen.

There are also the three words "never forget your roots".

Even if the business suffers losses, they still give back to the pastoral areas every year, helping Tibetans find employment, sponsoring impoverished students, and leading their fellow villagers out of poverty.

These things may only be a few lines on a resume, but in reality, they represent more than a decade of perseverance.

That is precisely why she was able to receive those honors and policy support.

Otherwise, no matter how much money you have, it's just a number and could easily disappear overnight.

"That's fine then."

Qu Zhen nodded in satisfaction and said nothing more.

The nanny van returned to the villa's garage and came to a stop.

Ding Wenjie and Qu Zhen got out of the car first, followed by Bai Ma, who jumped out, turned around, opened the passenger door of the Chang'an, and plopped down inside.

Quzhen looked displeased: "Bai Ma, where are you going?"

Pema pressed her face against the car window and pleaded, "Mom, I'm going out for a walk with my brother. We'll be back later."

Qu Zhen frowned: "It's raining outside, what's there to see?"

"It's just a light rain, it won't matter... My brother has come all this way, I'll have a meal with him and I'll be back soon."

As Baima spoke, she secretly gave Ding Heng a wink.

Ding Heng received the signal and sighed, "Auntie, I'll take her out for a walk and bring her back later."

Qu Zhen looked at her daughter, then at Ding Heng, and finally gave up insisting: "Okay, but don't stay up too late."

"Don't worry, I promise I'll be home before 10 PM!"

Bai Ma obediently gave his assurance, and as soon as Qu Zhen turned to go upstairs, he immediately shrank back into his seat.

"Phew! I was suffocating!"

She unbuttoned her coat, ripped it off, and threw it onto the back seat. She straightened her short legs, her previous docile demeanor completely gone.

Then she began to complain to Ding Heng: "Brother, how long has it been since you last contacted me? Have you forgotten about me?"

"I'm busy."

Ding Heng started the car and drove out of the underground parking garage.

"What are you so busy with?"

Baima pouted in dissatisfaction: "You have time to spend with your sisters-in-law, but not with your sister?"

Ding Heng chuckled: "With so many sisters-in-law to deal with, I don't have time to deal with you."

Baima exclaimed "Eh!" and suddenly sighed, "It's a good thing I'm not your biological sister."

"What do you mean?"

"If I were your own sister... wouldn't I be dying of jealousy from my sisters-in-law growing up?"

"Why is my sister jealous of my sister-in-law?"

Baima chuckled twice, ignoring the previous question, and instead asked another one.

"Brother, what are we going to eat later?"

"Pick up one person first."

"Who are you picking up? Which sister-in-law?"

"Not yet."

"You've found a new sister-in-law?"

A fierce flame of gossip ignited in Baima's eyes.

Ding Heng glanced at her: "Not new, you know her."

"Do I know him?"

Just as Baima was about to ask further questions, the car had already stopped in front of the upscale apartment building.

Ding Heng picked up his phone, opened a chat window, and pressed voice command: "I've arrived, come down."

A few seconds later, a voice reply popped up.

Lin Hu led the way: "Wait a little longer, she's putting on makeup~ She'll be done soon!"

【Lin Hu Leads the Way】：[)

Ding Heng tossed his phone onto the center console and leaned back in his seat, waiting idly.

Baima's expression was subtle: "Sister Man?"

"Um."

"What exactly is your relationship with her?"

"Don't ask so many questions, kid."

"Huh?"

Baima chuckled, "I didn't say anything, brother, what are you feeling guilty about?"

Ding Heng was too lazy to argue with her and turned to look out the window.

The rain, which had just stopped, started drizzling again, and then it became increasingly heavy.

"Pema".

"Um?"

"What kind of person is your father?"

Bai Ma was taken aback, and the smile on her face slowly faded.

"Why are you suddenly asking this?"

"Nothing, just curious."

Ding Heng spoke casually.

"Does Aunt Quzhen usually go to pay her respects to him?"

"Won't."

Why?

"My dad... how should I put it?"

Baima silently organized her thoughts.

"He was not very knowledgeable and had a bad temper. When he was young, he was a good worker in the pastoral area, but that was his only advantage. My mother wanted to learn Chinese, but he thought she was too independent and would hit her at the drop of a hat."

Her thoughts drifted into memories.

"My mom has a scar on her waist, it's this long..."

Baima gestured to her waist: "I saw it when I was little. I asked her how she got it, and she said she fell. Later I found out that my dad hit her with a fire poker."

"Do you have feelings for him?"

"I?"

Baima smiled bitterly.

"I can't say... He was quite good to me, his daughter. He never hit or scolded me, and he always gave me the best food first. But if he were still alive, I might be married by now."

"What do you mean?"

"It's common for girls in pastoral areas to get married at seventeen or eighteen. If my dad were still alive, he would have found me a husband much earlier."

Finally, Baima added emotionlessly, "So, for me and my mother, it was a relief when he was killed by a bear in his early years."

The rain shower outside stopped again, and Lin Man walked out of the apartment lobby.

The misty gray plush cardigan has a relaxed silhouette, while the black and gray plaid scarf casually draped around the neck adds a touch of layering to the cool color scheme.

She wore sheer black stockings on her lower body, paired with dark gray platform sneakers.

"Boss."

Lin Man opened the car door, sat in the back seat, and called out cheerfully.

"Sister Man, it's been a long time!"

Baima turned around from the passenger seat: "Who are you calling 'boss'?"

Lin Man grinned mischievously: "What, didn't your brother tell you? Now I'm working for him."

"What kind of work?"

"A personal secretary."

"Personal secretary...?"

Baima drawled out, her tone ambiguous: "How private?"

"Cough! Cough! Cough!"

Ding Heng coughed as a warning, and gave Lin Man a look to tell her not to corrupt the children.

Lin Man received the signal and smiled knowingly.

Baima didn't press further, taking it as just a little playful exchange between the two, and instead asked, "Sister Man, where are we going today?"

Lin Man replied, "It's raining, so it's not good to be outdoors. I've made an appointment with Tony to get a new hair color. Bai Ma, do you want to come along?"

Baima's eyes lit up: "Great! Great!"

Ding Heng said sternly, "Why are you dyeing your hair, you high school student?"

"You're graduating soon!"

Pema retorted confidently, "Besides, my mother doesn't care about this!"

"Really?"

"Brother, you don't think I still have a chance at studying, do you?"

"Alright..."

Ding Heng reluctantly agreed and drove out of the apartment area.

Baima cheered and turned to Lin Man to seriously discuss hair color.

Half an hour later, the three of them walked into a luxuriously decorated hair salon.

Lin Man was clearly a regular customer. As soon as she pushed open the door, the receptionist greeted her respectfully, "Miss Lin!"

The stylist she booked, Tony, was the salon's chief creative director. He was in his early thirties, tall and thin, spoke with a strong Cantonese accent, and liked to mix in a few English words when he spoke.

"Hi, Ms. Lin, long time no see!"

Tony, the hairstylist, greeted us warmly with a smile: "What kind of hairstyle would you like today?"

Lin Man sat down in the swivel chair: "Let's change the color. I'm getting a little tired of this hair color lately."

"What kind of feeling do you want?"

"Something a bit more sophisticated, but not too flashy, something that will stand the test of time."

Tony gestured a couple of times, took out a color chart, and the two began to discuss.

Baima sat to the side, her two short legs swinging back and forth, occasionally chiming in with a few words.

Ding Heng slumped onto the sofa and started scrolling through his phone, utterly bored.

While adjusting colors, Tony chatted with Lin Man, glancing at Ding Heng on the sofa out of the corner of his eye, and took the initiative to start a conversation.

"Miss Lin, it's been a long time. Was the last time you came before the Lunar New Year?"

"Yeah, I've been busy lately."

"What are you busy with? Dating?"

Lin Man smiled but didn't reply.

Tony sectioned and clipped her hair, mixed the dye, and quickly began applying it.

"To be honest, this is the first time I've seen Miss Lin with a man by her side."

"What, can't I have a man?"

"No, no..."

Tony stirred the paint in the bowl with a brush and asked curiously, "Your Hubby?"

Lin Man remained noncommittal, but deliberately said, "Guess again, and if you guess right, I'll give you a credit card today."

Tony's eyes lit up, and he began to think seriously: "Hmm... it's not quite there yet, so it's like a boyfriend?"

"wrong."

"younger brother?"

"no."

"assistant?"

"That's not right either..."

Lin Man raised an eyebrow: "Go ahead and guess!"

Tony scratched his head and turned to examine Ding Heng closely.

Because of the system's enhancement, outsiders always find it difficult to accurately determine Ding Heng's actual age.

You could say he's in his early twenties, or you could say he's around thirty and people would believe you.

Tony lowered his voice: "It can't be your Daddy, can it?"

Lin Man chuckled. "You think I'm that kind of woman?"

"Sorry for being so forward."

Tony, the hairdresser, wisely kept quiet and focused on dyeing Lin Man's hair.

Daddy refers to a sugar daddy. Many of his clients are kept women, and after getting to know them well, he doesn't shy away from discussing such topics.

But Lin Man is completely different from those canaries. Teacher Tony was worried because he had spoken without thinking.

If you offend a major client, you'll have nowhere to turn for help.

The hair dyeing process was quite lengthy, and it wasn't until night fell outside that the two of them finally finished dyeing their hair.

Lin Man's color is a sophisticated gradient silver-gray, while Bai Ma's is a less eye-catching mint beige-brown; both belong to the cool color family.

Lin Man, who usually goes for a mature and sophisticated style, can naturally pull it off, but Bai Ma's appearance is just too cute, like a little girl who has stolen adult clothes, trying to look cool but being adorable.

Baima looked at herself in the mirror from left to right: "Something feels off..."

"It looks pretty good."

Lin Man leaned closer, took out her phone, and pointed it at the mirror.

"Click."

The image freezes.

One is tall and the other is short; one is a mature woman and the other is a cute girl—the contrast is striking.

Putting her phone away, Lin Man went to the front desk to pay the bill.

Tony was tidying up his tools when he looked up and smiled, "Ms. Lin, you still have money on your card, just deduct it directly."

"Let's top up another 10,000."

Lin Man took out her phone, ready to show the QR code.

Tony asked, puzzled, "You don't have any events planned lately, Miss Lin...?"

"Didn't we agree on that?"

Lin Man clicked to confirm payment, her smile alluring.

"If you guessed right, I'll top up your card today!"