Volume One, Chapter Nine: The Peach Picker

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Liu Chunrong nodded with satisfaction, completely pleased with her son-in-law.
“You work hard, and I see that. I may not handle big matters, but running errands I can manage. A person has to be useful in some way.”

Through her mother-in-law, Chengxu saw a simple value system—people must have purpose, must keep moving.

From the kitchen came the sound of water splashing, like rain falling on pots and pans, followed by the sharp noise of live fish hitting the floor. Sister Zhao let out a shriek.

Chengxu furrowed his brow. “I’ll go help.”

“Don’t bother. She can handle it. Don’t you know why she’s working so hard today?”

Liu Chunrong had just told Sister Zhao about Xiang Zheng’s pregnancy and that buying a house was now on the agenda.

Sister Zhao panicked.

If they bought a house and had a baby, where would she live in the family?

Moreover, if Chengxu stayed home, their roles would overlap. Could she still keep her cushy job?

The more anxious she got, the more mistakes happened.

Chengxu understood immediately and smiled at his mother-in-law. “When a woman’s pregnant, her appetite gets more particular. Let me handle it.”

Sister Zhao came out of the kitchen, casting a pleading look at Liu Chunrong.

Liu sighed. “He just loves Zhengzhen so much. Zhengzhen only likes the meals he makes.”

Sister Zhao was dumbfounded. Her cooking skills needed serious improvement.

Was it too late to enroll at Lanxiang Technical School now?

*

Xiang Zheng posted on social media before heading to work. By the time she reached the project site, her post had received over a hundred likes. Several colleagues playfully cornered her in the break room, eager for gossip.

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“Zheng Jie, how come you suddenly have such deep insights about relationships today? Did your man upset you? Should you consider me instead?”

They called her “Jie” not because they were younger, but because the sales department at Shian Real Estate strictly ranked by seniority—and seniority was measured by sales performance.

Sales figures changed monthly to motivate everyone to excel.

But Xiang Zheng almost always topped the seniority list.

The male salespeople grumbled but frequently shot her flirtatious glances, hoping to win her over with charm.

As soon as one spoke, another burst into song, playing the tragic lover’s role, “What a painful realization, you were my everything!”

The third male guest added, “Zheng Jie, someone as emotionally stable and financially independent as you is rare to find. What man wouldn’t be satisfied?”

Xiang Zheng’s lips curled with a sly, wicked gleam as her gaze swept over them. Several men crossed their arms, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

“None of you can behave yourselves? Thanks for the concern. I’m great—my relationship is so good that I have no worries. If you want to challenge me next month, keep trying!”

Her pale fist clenched, a clear message to the male sales team.

They all pleaded, “Zheng Jie, give us some dignity. You’re like a mountain pressing down on us—we’re struggling to breathe!”

Xiang Zheng tapped her temple, feigning thoughtfulness. “When I’m on my honeymoon, I’ll definitely give you all a chance!”

Ah!

The male salespeople were devastated. Their department’s star was getting married and would no longer be available for their mischief.

Wait, someone caught on. “Zheng Jie, are you getting married?”

Xiang Zheng pulled a small red booklet from her bag. “Not getting married—I’m already registered. Today’s post was taken at the Civil Affairs Bureau. Honestly, this gives us even more reason to sell houses.”

She was thinking about sales even when registering her marriage.

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No wonder you’re the sales champion.

“So sudden! Zheng Jie, when’s the wedding? I want to give you a gift.”

“Not set yet, but don’t worry—it’ll be either September or October, guaranteed to hit your wallets when they’re fullest.”

Ah?

That means it’s coming soon.

The male salesmen clutched their pockets and slinked out of the break room, leaving behind a young woman who looked slightly younger than Xiang Zheng.

“Wandi, what’s up?”

The girl was shy, biting her nails and mumbling, “Zheng Jie, I’ve been following a client—a big lawyer named Xiao Yu. He seems satisfied with everything except he hasn’t signed the contract. I want you to come with me today and help seal the deal.”

The girl’s name was Wang Wandi. Her family had strong connections, and she was placed in sales to gain experience.

Three years ago, Xiang Zheng had been negotiating a major client, nearly closing the contract, when the client was reassigned to Wang Wandi by higher-ups.

Wang Wandi took the high commission that should have belonged to Xiang Zheng.

Normally, the sales department operated on a “first contact” rule, making such behavior unacceptable if Xiang Zheng had protested.

But she hadn’t.

Because of this, she earned Wang Wandi’s friendship.

Today, Wang Wandi was asking for her help again.

Xiang Zheng paused for a moment, then agreed.