BXBX NOVEL Chapter 298 - 298: Disrupting Relationship
Xia Wan’s inability to control her expression was evident as she gazed at Li Jin, her eyes conveying a mixture of disbelief and amusement, as if she were acting foolishly.
She couldn’t help but notice the transformation in Li Jin and the others. Previously merciless due to their haughty demeanor, they had now adapted a smarter approach. Li Jin, in particular, had taken up the guise of being pitiable.
On the surface, it seemed like Li Jin had humbled herself, offering to pay rent. But… Ten yuan a month? Might as well have said it was free!
Considering the current market rate for their rented house, it should have cost at least 300 yuan a month, equivalent to Xia Hai’s monthly salary. Li Jin’s request for a mere ten yuan was an audacious attempt to exploit the situation while trying to preserve her reputation.
Xia Wan’s expression turned frosty. “Grandma, if you’re considering renting it together, that’s acceptable. I won’t charge exorbitant rent. Just a nominal 100 yuan a month. Remember, when we initially rented this place, we had to put down a three yuan deposit. That means you’d need to give me 400 yuan now, and you can move in right away.”
Li Jin’s eyes widened, and she even sat up straight. ‘What? A hundred yuan a month? This is daylight robbery!”
Chen Lian chimed in sarcastically. “I’ve heard that wealth can sometimes fuel greed, causing people to take advantage of others. Wanwan, I believed you were different. Unfortunately, it seems the ‘affluenza’ has gotten to you too.
You’re belittling others just because you have some money.”
“Xia Wan, your family might be doing well now, but can you guarantee perpetual prosperity? If something befalls your family, wouldn’t we offer help?”
“We’ve let you off the hook for getting us involved with the police. Now that your grandmother proposes to live with you, it’s a gesture of goodwill. It’s okay if gratitude eludes you, but to then ask your grandmother for such a sum…”
“Xia Wan, aren’t you afraid of karma catching up?”
Xia Wan shot Chen Lian a half-smile. Her tone bore sincerity. “Aunt Chen, feel free to inquire around. Our current rental rate is accurate.”
“In that case, how do you afford such an expensive place?” Chen Lian promptly retorted.
Xia Wan addressed her directly. “The owner helped us secure it. They offered us a lower salary but compensated with other perks.”
“For instance, the rent gets covered, and they give us special coupons for shopping. Many malls now accept these coupons.”
Their shopping habits were no longer a secret. Rather than leaving an opening for Li Jin and the others to exploit in the future, it was prudent to clarify now.
In recent times, certain factories rewarded exemplary employees with shopping coupons during holidays. This arrangement benefited both factory and mall.
Chen Lian was unaware of this practice. She turned to Song Yan and asked, “Is that true, sister-in-law?”
Song Yan, more informed than Chen Lian, due to her past employment in the county, nodded. “Indeed, some larger factories employ such a reward system.”
She then scrutinized Xia Wan. “But Xia Wan, you’re running a shop. Could it be that the owner behind you went out of her way to get you these coupons?”
Her skepticism lingered, doubting Xia Wan’s authenticity.
Unfazed, Xia Wan answered honestly. “Our boss isn’t confined to a single store here. Haven’t you noticed her absence? She oversees several shops.”
Seeing Xia Wan’s earnestness, Song Yan began to believe her claims.
Seizing the moment, Xia Wan checked Li Jin’s pulse, her demeanor growing grave.
Puzzled, Li Jin inquired, “What’s with your expression? Is something wrong with my health?”