Chapter 166: It's a Joke
Ji Xueyao noticed Zhao Dong was somewhat distracted and stopped in her tracks. "Zhao Dong, what's wrong?"
Zhao Dong snapped back to reality, took another glance at Ding Lan's car, and then smiled. "It's nothing. Let's go."
The two of them entered the restaurant. Just as they stepped into the lobby, they saw a few people. When Zhao Dong's gaze fell upon them, he was momentarily taken aback.
It was Ding Lan, and with her were her parents.
Ding Lan's parents were beaming, dressed like wealthy socialites. Her father, Ding Xingteng, had been nothing more than a factory worker in his early years, while her mother, Tian Fangmei, was a clerk at the same factory. Back then, Ding Lan's family was just an average household.
However, by a stroke of luck, Ding Xingteng met Zhang Shaowen's father, Zhang Wei. He took on a small, casual job from Zhang Shaowen and managed to save up a bit of money, which he used to start a small business. Over time, because Zhang Shaowen had always liked and pursued Ding Lan, he introduced Ding Xingteng to numerous business deals through the Zhang Family, hoping to curry favor with his future father-in-law.
As a result, Ding Xingteng's business steadily improved, and he now owned a small factory. While not a tycoon, earning around a million yuan a year was no problem for him.
As for Tian Fangmei, Zhang Shaowen pulled some strings to get her a position as a contract worker at a branch of the East Sea Bank. After some money was gifted, she became a permanent employee. Tian Fangmei then paid her own way up the ladder, and with the Zhang Family's influence, she eventually rose to the position of deputy manager of the branch.
Thus, a once-ordinary family rode the coattails of the Zhang Family's connections, soaring to prominence and joining the ranks of East Sea's wealthy elite. This was why Ding Xingteng and Tian Fangmei were so exceptionally pleased with Zhang Shaowen and had done everything in their power to force Ding Lan to break up with Zhao Dong and date him instead.
At this moment, Ding Lan's family also looked over. Her parents didn't recognize Zhao Dong at first glance, but Ding Lan saw him immediately and exclaimed in surprise, "Zhao Dong?"
Hearing this, Ding Xingteng and Tian Fangmei both turned to look at Zhao Dong, their expressions shifting instantly.
Seeing the family of three staring at him, Zhao Dong rubbed his nose. He hadn't planned on greeting them, as he held no fondness for Ding Lan's parents. In the past, they had never been short on cutting remarks or scornful looks. But since Ding Lan had already called his name, it would be improper to ignore them, so he had no choice but to walk over.
At his side, Ji Xueyao's beautiful eyes flickered. She knew Ding Lan was Zhao Dong's ex-girlfriend. After a moment's thought, she followed behind him.
Zhao Dong approached the family and said to Ding Xingteng and Tian Fangmei, "Uncle, Auntie, long time no see."
He offered a smile. After all, everything was in the past. Although their words had once been harsh, to him, it was all water under the bridge. He had let it go.
With this thought, Zhao Dong extended his hand, preparing to shake Ding Xingteng's.
However, Ding Xingteng merely glanced at him and frowned, making no move to return the gesture. Instead, with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, he said, "Well, look who it is. If it isn't Zhao Dong. It's been a few years, I almost didn't recognize you."
Zhao Dong simply smiled and withdrew his hand.
At his side, Tian Fangmei sized up Zhao Dong from head to toe, her face devoid of any warmth. "Zhao Dong, when were you discharged from the army?" she asked coolly.
"I've been home for almost a month, Auntie," Zhao Dong replied.
"Oh! So what are you doing now? What's your job?"
Zhao Dong smiled. "I haven't found a specific job yet. I'm just doing my own thing for now."
Tian Fangmei's brow immediately furrowed. She looked him over again, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "So that means you're unemployed?"
Zhao Dong scratched his head. "I guess you could say that."
He truly didn't have a job, but he didn't need one. Earning money was laughably simple for him. With tens of millions in his account, he could make a hundred million in a single afternoon if he really wanted to. He didn't bother to correct her.
Tian Fangmei's frown deepened, her expression a clear mixture of displeasure and disdain. "Zhao Dong, I'm not trying to criticize you, but you're a grown man, over twenty and at an age where you should be getting married, yet you don't even have a job? That's just unacceptable! Do you realize no one will respect a man like you?"
Zhao Dong gave a noncommittal smile. "I'm aware, Auntie."
Tian Fangmei snorted. "You don't know a thing! If you did, you'd find a decent job instead of idling your days away. Your family's situation is so poor; your parents can barely take care of themselves, let alone help you. If you don't make something of yourself now, do you plan on being a bachelor for the rest of your life?"
Ding Lan frowned. "Mom, that's enough. Why do you have to be so harsh?"
Tian Fangmei huffed. "Harsh? Am I wrong? He was just like this when I saw him years ago, and he's still the same now! It's a good thing you two broke up, otherwise..."
"Mom!" Ding Lan bit her lip, her expression clearly upset.
Tian Fangmei snorted again. "Fine, I won't say any more." She shot another glance at Zhao Dong. "You should be well aware of our family's status, and Ding Lan's. Don't blame me for being blunt. Even though you two have broken up, you might still have ideas about our Lanlan. Let me be frank: you're nowhere near good enough for her. You're simply out of your league. Besides, you know she's dating Zhang Shaowen now, don't you?"
Ding Lan put a hand to her forehead, sighing in exasperation. "Mom, can you please just stop talking?"
Ding Xingteng, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. "Alright, Fangmei, that's enough. The kids have already broken up. Why are you nagging so much?"
Tian Fangmei rolled her eyes and fell silent, but her gaze toward Zhao Dong was thick with contempt.
Ding Xingteng then looked at Zhao Dong. His tone was indifferent, but his words weren't quite as scathing. "Zhao Dong, you're a good kid, really, but you and our Lanlan just weren't meant to be. Seeing you now, you're still the same as before. To be honest, I'm a little disappointed. You haven't made much progress over the years. But I understand. Your family's circumstances are difficult and they can't help you. How about this: if you're really struggling, you can come work as a laborer at my factory. It pays six or seven thousand a month. If you're interested, contact me later."
Zhao Dong looked at the man before him and suddenly wanted to laugh. Ding Xingteng's words weren't overly harsh, but they reeked of condescension.
He finally shook his head and said softly, "Thanks for the offer, Uncle, but I don't need it."
Ding Xingteng gave Zhao Dong a look of disappointment and cold indifference, then shook his head and turned to leave.
Just then, Ji Xueyao, who was standing behind Zhao Dong, couldn't help but let out a laugh.
She had been holding it in, trying not to laugh at the ridiculous display from Ding Lan's parents. In her eyes, they were acting like clowns, haggling over a few thousand yuan. If Zhao Dong wanted to, she had no doubt he could make tens of millions in minutes. Not only was he skilled in medicine, but he also knew Feng Shui! A man like that would be revered anywhere he went. Even her own father showed Zhao Dong nothing but respect, never putting on airs. Besides, Zhao Dong owned a Bentley worth six or seven million. While she wasn't sure exactly how much money he had, she had a hunch he could easily produce tens of millions. He was just being low-key, a master hiding his true abilities. And now, Ding Xingteng, with his paltry few million in assets, and a deputy branch manager, dared to look down on Zhao Dong like this? She truly found it hilarious.
Hearing Ji Xueyao's laughter, Ding Lan frowned slightly. She didn't know the specifics of Ji Xueyao's background, only that her family was quite wealthy. She hadn't even noticed her until now, and the sound of her laughter came as a surprise.
Ding Xingteng and Tian Fangmei's faces immediately clouded over with displeasure. Tian Fangmei glared at Ji Xueyao. "Hey, what are you laughing at? And who are you?"
At that, Ji Xueyao stepped forward to stand beside Zhao Dong and affectionately took his hand. Zhao Dong felt a stir in his heart as he glanced at her.
Ji Xueyao smiled faintly. "Uncle, Auntie, I'm a friend of Zhao Dong's. I think what you're saying is completely out of line. Zhao Dong doesn't lack for work, nor does he lack for money. And as for him becoming a bachelor, that's a complete insult. If every other man on earth became a bachelor, Zhao Dong still wouldn't be one."
Tian Fangmei scoffed. "Oh, look what we have here, a sharp-tongued little girl. Sticking up for Zhao Dong? Fine, keep deluding yourselves. A guy like him is destined to be a security guard. Doesn't lack work or money? What a joke!"
Ding Lan frowned and looked at Ji Xueyao. "Ji Xueyao, why are you with Zhao Dong?"
Ji Xueyao glanced back at her coolly. "Zhao Dong and I are friends. Is there any reason we can't be together?"
Ding Lan's brow furrowed tightly. She took a long look at Zhao Dong and Ji Xueyao, and an unexpected thought took root in her mind.
Could it be... that Zhao Dong and Ji Xueyao are together? For some reason, the thought left her feeling hollow, an inexplicable sense of discomfort and loss settling in.
"Alright, Lanlan, let's go. Don't waste any more time on these two. It's pointless. Let them delude themselves. At the end of the day, isn't he still just a poor kid?" Tian Fangmei said, shooting a final, disdainful look at Zhao Dong before pulling Ding Lan toward the elevator.
Ding Xingteng paused to look at Zhao Dong one last time and shook his head. "Zhao Dong, a man needs to be down-to-earth and face reality. You're not in the same world as us anymore. Still, I'm willing to offer you a job. You should think carefully about this opportunity."
After delivering his parting shot, Ding Xingteng walked away with a self-important stride.
Zhao Dong watched them leave and shrugged. Beside him, Ji Xueyao smiled. "I never imagined Ding Lan's family was like this. If they knew your real status and identity, I can only imagine their expressions."
Zhao Dong gave a faint smile. "It's all in the past. Just think of it as a joke."
Ji Xueyao smiled, took his hand again, and led him into the elevator. They quickly arrived at the private room Ji Xiong had reserved.