Chapter 70: Capital Map Unlocked, a Rival?

Chapter 70: The Capital Map Unfolds—A Love Rival?

"Xia Xiaoyuan, don’t you dare cause trouble!"

Xia Xian watched him with a warning gaze, unsure what new mischief he was brewing.

"Don’t worry, Sis! I just want to give him a few pointers. I promise I won’t say anything out of line!"

Could Xia Yuan’s promises be trusted? Xia Xian was highly skeptical. But with Xia Yuan’s firm resolve and Quan Ruifeng’s willingness, she had no choice but to let the two step aside for a private chat.

As it turned out, children’s words truly couldn’t be taken seriously—Xia Yuan’s opening line was explosive.

"Do you want to be my brother-in-law?"

He had already discussed it seriously with his friends and concluded that Quan Ruifeng must like his sister. Otherwise, why would he go to such lengths to bring her all the way to the capital? It had to be because he couldn’t bear to be without her!

Xia Yuan crossed his arms, looking disdainfully at Quan Ruifeng. However, his attempt to stare him down was utterly ruined by his short stature, making him look rather pathetic and lacking any real presence.

Amused by his attempt to act grown-up, Quan Ruifeng nevertheless gave him a serious answer.

He nodded with a faint smile.

"Yes, I like your sister and want to be your brother-in-law. Future brother-in-law, do you have any advice for me?"

"Hmph!"

He knew all men were up to no good. Keeping his arms crossed, he circled Quan Ruifeng twice, scrutinizing him as if evaluating whether he was worthy of his sister.

In the end, he reluctantly approved. Dropping his arms, he put on a solemn little face and instructed him.

"You’re decent-looking. A bit pale, but not like one of those useless pretty boys—you should be able to provide for my sister.

"Once you get to the capital, treat her well. Help her out more. She’ll be lonely and scared all by herself there. If you’re extra nice to her during this time, she’ll definitely fall for you. My sister’s heart is really soft!

"But she won’t say what she likes outright. You have to pay attention. If her eyes linger on something for more than ten seconds, it means she really wants it. You have to buy it for her! Even if she refuses, force it on her anyway!

"When she’s upset, she presses her lips together and stays quiet. When she’s uncomfortable, she hunches over and doesn’t want to move. As a man, you have to notice these little things and take care of her. Otherwise, what right do you have to be my brother-in-law? My sister would never like you!"

Xia Yuan declared with swagger, convinced his sister was the most beautiful and wonderful person in the world, deserving only the best man. Whether Quan Ruifeng qualified as the best man remained up for debate—it needed more observation.

Quan Ruifeng hadn’t expected Xia Yuan to know Xia Xian so well. It seemed the two really were close. Nodding thoughtfully, he replied,

"I’ll take your advice to heart. I’ll do my best not to disappoint you—and to make Xia Xian happy."

"So you can call me ‘brother-in-law’ as soon as possible."

His deadpan delivery would’ve earned him a beating from Xia Xian if she’d heard.

Though she had no idea what the two were whispering about, Xia Xian was growing impatient. If they didn’t leave soon, they’d miss the train. She hurried over to hurry them along.

"Are you done yet? Real men shouldn’t dawdle like this. If you’ve said your piece, let’s go!"

"We’re done, Sis! Take good care of yourself, okay? I’ll come find you in the capital!"

The moment Xia Yuan saw Xia Xian, his fierce expression melted into teary-eyed concern. Xia Xian couldn’t help but laugh.

"I know, I know! How many times are you going to say that? Don’t worry, I’ll live a long, healthy life—and so will you, Xia Xiaoyuan. Stay out of trouble at home, or when I come back, you’ll regret it!"

She cupped his little face and planted a firm kiss on his forehead, a sister’s loving blessing for her brother.

"We really have to go now."

Without another word, Xia Xian grabbed Quan Ruifeng’s hand and pulled him away. Quan Ruifeng glanced back at Xia Yuan, who immediately snorted and mouthed a silent warning: *Remember what I said.*

Quan Ruifeng nodded. A man’s agreement had been reached.

Under Xia Yuan’s tearful gaze, Xia Xian and Quan Ruifeng disappeared around the street corner, making it to the train station just in time.

Once aboard, Xia Xian asked Quan Ruifeng what Xia Yuan had told him. Quan Ruifeng only smiled mysteriously.

"I promised him I wouldn’t tell you."

"You’re taking a kid’s words seriously?"

"Even children have rights. A promise is a promise."

Well, Quan Ruifeng was surprisingly principled.

Xia Xian dropped the subject. Whatever nonsense Xia Yuan had spouted, it couldn’t have been important. If Quan Ruifeng didn’t want to share, fine—she wasn’t that curious anyway.

Instead, she asked about the capital.

"What’s the capital like? Can you tell me a bit about it first?"

"Once we arrive, where are you planning to take me? Straight to the house you mentioned?"

"Could you sketch a simple map for me? Mark out the supply and marketing cooperative, the house, and other key spots. Otherwise, I might get lost like a headless fly when I first get there."

Excited about her new life in the capital, Xia Xian wanted to be as prepared as possible to avoid any mishaps.

"My friend will pick us up at the station. The old house has already been cleaned, but it’s not fully furnished yet. It’s better if you stay with me for a few meals and a night first—no need to rush moving in. I’ll show you around the area first."

"My family has plenty of people. You staying with us won’t raise eyebrows—no one will gossip about us being alone together. Don’t worry about that."

"Besides, you’re still injured. I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving you on your own so soon. Since I brought you to the capital, I’ll take responsibility for you."

Quan Ruifeng wasn’t usually talkative, but when he had a goal in mind, he would automatically switch to talkative mode, speaking endlessly to persuade whoever he needed.

And he wouldn’t stop until he succeeded.

Xia Xian couldn’t get a word in edgewise and finally relented.

"Alright, we’ll do it your way."

Being new to the city, it was better to have Quan Ruifeng looking out for her. There was no need to be overly cautious. Besides, their relationship was still undefined.

Having lived a second life, Xia Xian had learned to be straightforward—do what was most beneficial without overthinking the minor details. If Quan Ruifeng’s family didn’t like her, she could always move out later.

The thought settled easily in her mind.

"Lie down and rest for a while. Your injury needs time to heal. Sleep well—we’ll arrive in the capital by morning."

Pleased with her agreement, Quan Ruifeng urged her to rest with a smile. He had booked a soft sleeper for comfort, perfect for Xia Xian in her condition.

"Okay."

Xia Xian hadn’t slept well the night before and was genuinely tired. Without another word, she lay down to rest.

The day passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, they arrived at the capital’s train station.

Quan Ruifeng was responsible for carrying the luggage and protecting Xia Xian, keeping her safe from the crowd so her wound wouldn’t reopen. He carefully escorted her out of the train station, where Zhou Xingshi and the others had already arrived by car and were waiting at the entrance. Spotting the two, Zhou Xingshi’s heart leaped—he waved and shouted.

"Ruifeng, we're here!"

Shen You was so excited she kept pinching Zhou Xingshi’s arm, squealing uncontrollably.

"Ahhh! So this is the girl Ruifeng likes? She’s gorgeous—way to go, Ruifeng!"

"Yeah…"

Chen Wenwen, standing nearby, forced a stiff agreement, but her expression was grim. Her fists clenched tighter and tighter, as if she could barely contain her anger.

Her? A widow who’s already been married twice? She thinks she’s good enough for Quan Ruifeng?

What a joke!