Such keen powers of observation and judgment—what does he do, and what does he want to do?

Evan Ford countered, “Big brother, are you here to buy subscription certificates too?”

The man shook his head, stubbed out his cigarette, then took out another and offered it to Evan Ford. Evan Ford didn’t take it, so he lit it himself, took a drag, and said, “No, my elderly father is hospitalized here. I’m just here to keep him company. I happened to step out for a walk and saw you by chance…”

“Oh.”

“I’ve never been involved in this line of work. I just saw it and suddenly got a little interested, so I followed along without really thinking. Don’t mind me, young man.”

“It’s fine.”

“All right then, thank you, young man. I’ll go back and think it over.”

The man gave a somewhat old-fashioned cupped-fist salute to express his thanks, then turned and walked away.

As for the question he’d just asked, there was no need to ask it anymore.

Because, after Evan Ford’s reaction just now—even after being told he was gambling his entire fortune, he remained calm and composed, didn’t try to hide or deny it, nor did he try to boost his own confidence by insisting on anything…

In short, all the usual reactions people might have, Evan Ford had none of them.

So, he already had his answer.

Chapter 11: Everyone Practices Qigong Together

“Che’er’s dad, the child just called home.”

After buying the subscription certificate, Evan Ford called the small shop near home. He’d specially asked for the number again before leaving this time. Mrs. Miller, who ran the shop, enthusiastically helped call over Mrs. Ford.

After telling such a big lie and causing so much trouble for his parents, he had to hurry and reassure them. But Evan Ford still didn’t dare admit to lying on the phone, let alone say he’d spent the money on stock subscription certificates.

At the time, Mr. Ford wasn’t home, so at lunchtime, as soon as he returned, Mrs. Ford eagerly reported the news.

“Mrs. Miller said the call was from Paul Reed.”

“The girl is from Paul Reed?” Mr. Ford thought for a moment and said, “That’s a big city family. This could get complicated.”

“What’s so complicated about it?” Mrs. Ford took off her apron, and for the first time in two days, managed a relaxed smile. She continued, “Let me tell you, I asked directly on the phone.”

“Ah, wouldn’t the child feel embarrassed knowing we know?”

“He was stunned for a while, and only came to his senses when I reminded him that phone calls are expensive. But Che’er said it didn’t really look like the other side wanted that much money, and he should be able to bring some back.”

“Really? That’s good, that’s good… Seems like they’re honest people, not really trying to extort us.” Mr. Ford smiled too, his heartache easing a bit. After all, it was six thousand yuan. If it weren’t for the fact that their son had wronged the girl and was at fault, and if he weren’t afraid Evan Ford would be expelled and lose his soon-to-be iron rice bowl government job, Mr. Ford wouldn’t have agreed to pay the six thousand, knowing it was extortion.

Now, hearing that some money might come back, he was genuinely happy.

“Exactly. I figure, first, the in-laws were angry at the time, and second, maybe they wanted to test our character… We handled things well this time—paid the six thousand decisively, which shows we’re a good family… So I think, we might just have a daughter-in-law.”

Mrs. Ford happily imagined the future.

“You…” Honest Mr. Ford shook his head with a smile, then added, “But we still have to give some money, and all the other expenses should be covered by us. So, if Che’er calls again, tell him the money he brings back can’t be more than three thousand.”

Mrs. Ford nodded, her eyes lighting up: “Three thousand—do you think I could talk to my second sister and niece’s husband, and see if we can pool in three thousand for a share?”

“…Forget it, better not ask,” Mr. Ford thought for a moment and said, “Didn’t you hear what your sister said yesterday when we talked? I’ll think about it myself and see what we can do with three thousand.”

“By the way, did Che’er say when he’ll be back?” Afraid Mrs. Ford would keep harping on the investment, Mr. Ford quickly changed the subject.

“He said it probably won’t be soon. If he can make it back after the New Year, that’d be good.” As Mrs. Ford set the dried vegetable soup on the table, she said, “Whatever, as long as he has food and a place to stay. Maybe he’ll even bring back a daughter-in-law… Oh, I’d better save those old hens of mine, so when the daughter-in-law comes after the New Year, I can make her something nourishing.”

In this family, Mrs. Ford was relatively carefree, muddleheaded, and fun.

“Oh no…” she suddenly cried out.

“What’s wrong?” Mr. Ford asked anxiously.

“Mrs. Miller—when I was on the phone with Che’er just now, Mrs. Miller was right there, grabbing a handful of pumpkin seeds and listening in… Oh no, with her big mouth, this is bound to get out.”

“Oh, Che’er’s reputation! I have to go stop her.”

With a slap on her thigh, Mrs. Ford rushed out in a panic.

……

……

“I only made up half the story, and my parents could already guess the rest… What a reasonable deduction and interpretation. Impressive, I’m convinced.”

On the phone earlier, after Mrs. Ford asked directly, Evan Ford chose to admit it and went along with her story.

Since there was already a reasonable “explanation,” there was no rush to clarify things. Besides, if Evan Ford had denied it at the time, he’d have had to make up another lie and keep it going for a while.

So it was better to just admit it.