This time, seeing the Liang family finally find someone decent, Zhao Guizhen genuinely felt happy for the mother and daughter.
"What? Wait—Zhu Sis has a boyfriend now?"
Doug Feng blinked in surprise.
"That's right! Your Auntie Liang even asked me to help take a look at the guy this morning. He seems pretty solid—sales manager at a factory, pulling in about five grand a month plus commission. His family's doing okay too, he's an only child, and his parents already bought him a 100-square-meter apartment downtown. Word is, they're planning to get him a car soon."
As she spoke, Zhao Guizhen shot her husband a meaningful glare and muttered, "Unlike some people I know. Working yourself to the bone for a couple thousand a month, and the three of us are still crammed in this shoebox."
"Oh, you women always love to compare," grumbled Du Changsheng. "How could I compete with someone like this 'Young Yang'? But if Zhu really ends up marrying him, maybe she'll have a good life. That mother and daughter… they've been through a lot, and without a man in the house to help out…"
To Doug's parents, Yang Weicheng—decent salary, apartment downtown, only child—seemed like the ideal future son-in-law.
But Doug knew better.
Thanks to his memories from his previous life, he was crystal clear about Yang Weicheng's true colors. Sure, the guy looked great on paper right now—clean-cut, courteous, generous before marriage. But once he locked things down, he showed his real face.
A gambling addict. Blew money like water. Lost his job. Drove his parents to the brink. Neglected his kid. Drank like a fish. Worst of all—he almost sold Zhu Sis off to a nightclub to pay off his debts.
"No way. I'm not letting Zhu Sis fall into that trap again. Not on my watch."
He shoveled down a few more mouthfuls of rice, then glanced out the window—and there she was. Zhu Sis, walking in the courtyard with a guy he didn't recognize. Doug stood up immediately.
"I'm full, Mom. Gotta go."
"Eh? You barely ate anything, why are you always in such a rush—"
Zhao Guizhen started to nag, but Doug was already out the door.
He headed straight for the courtyard.
"Zhu Sis! Did you already have dinner?"
He said it cheerfully, but Doug was fully ready to be the world's most annoying third wheel.
"This is…"
The cozy little chat between Zhu and the man was promptly interrupted. Yang Weicheng's expression darkened.
"This is just the neighbor's kid. We've been close since he was little. What's up, little punk? Don't you have exams coming up? Shouldn't you be studying?"
Zhu Sis chuckled and reached out to pinch Doug's cheek—like she always used to. It was her trademark move.
"It's just the high school entrance exam, nothing I can't handle. Don't worry, Zhu Sis. I'll get into a top college, just you wait."
While chatting with Zhu, Doug was secretly sizing up Yang Weicheng. The guy was dressed sharp and had a polished smile—on the surface, everything checked out. But Doug knew what was hiding under that mask. So naturally, he wasn't about to play nice.
He tilted his head and asked Zhu, "So… this guy's your cousin or something?"
"Cousin?" Yang Weicheng scoffed. "I'm her boyfriend, kid. Technically, you should be calling me brother-in-law. Go on, say it."
He'd been holding back for a while, but now that he had an excuse, he puffed himself up proudly.
"Yang Weicheng, who said I'm your girlfriend? I only agreed to meet you because my mom insisted. It's only been two days!"
Zhu Sis frowned, annoyed, and gave him a sharp look.
"Okay, okay, I get it. I'll behave. I'll show you I'm serious."
Doug held back a smirk. Good—Zhu didn't like this guy yet. Two days in and she was already irritated. He hadn't missed his chance to intervene.
Don't worry, Zhu Sis. I'm gonna change your fate. You're not marrying that scumbag if I have anything to say about it.
"Doug! Quit messing around in the yard! Go study!"
His mom's voice cut across the courtyard.
Doug had no choice but to retreat. Still, from Zhu's reaction, he could tell—she wasn't into Yang Weicheng. Not yet, anyway.
But that just raised a more disturbing question.
If she doesn't even like the guy… then how did she end up marrying him later on?
Something must've happened. Something serious that pushed her into it…
Back inside, Doug was greeted by a glare from his mother.
"Why'd you go sticking your nose into your Zhu Sis's dating business? You do that again and I'll smack you. Stay out of grown-up affairs."
"Come on, Mom. I was just helping Zhu Sis vet the guy."
"Oh really? And what'd you find out, Sherlock? You're just a kid—what do you know?"
"I just… don't think he's a good guy. If Zhu Sis ends up with him, she'll suffer."
Doug crossed his arms and rolled his eyes.
Zhao Guizhen rolled hers right back.
"Well, I like him. He seems nice, respectful, and his job pays well. If you ever manage to become a sales manager earning five grand a month like him, I'll light incense at the temple and thank the gods myself."
She shoved Doug toward his room.
"Now get in there and hit the books. You've got your mock exams tomorrow. If I have to sit in the back row at another parent-teacher meeting, I swear I'll beat you until you can't sit down."
Doug shrugged. "Wow, Mom. Guess I'll just have to show you what I'm really made of."
He entered his tiny bedroom and plopped down at his desk, flipping open an English book for show—but his mind was elsewhere.
Tomorrow's the big city-wide mock exam. I've got 25 favor points total, 22 of them usable. According to the system rules, I regain 3 per day, which means I'll be full again by midnight.
Perfect. I'll just wait till morning and redeem a basic Intelligence Boost. That should be more than enough to crush the exam.
With his plan in place, Doug felt more relaxed. After all, this mock exam wasn't just about grades—it was the first step in his comeback.