Chapter Fifty-One: The Contest of Wealth (Part One)

The results of the placement exam were revealed in less than a week. For me, there was almost no suspense, but the outcome took everyone else by complete surprise. When our homeroom teacher stared at me with wide eyes and announced that I had taken first place in the entire grade, Su Xin was dumbfounded, and so was everyone in the class. Although I had once shown a glimpse of my abilities in math class, no one had ever naively believed I was truly a genius. But this time, I could feel the awe and genuine admiration in everyone’s eyes. Of course, among those gazes, there was still that cold, hateful look as well.

Golden October was about to arrive, and soon President Zhang Zihua of Weisoft, after meeting with me a few days earlier to confirm the perfection of the SX chat software, had officially launched it. The SX chat software quickly became a global sensation, with usage numbers rising at a geometric rate. The SX mobile operating system was also formally licensed to major phone companies like Nokia and Motorola by Baoyiang Corporation for their new models. Not only did the remaining fifty million dollars from Weisoft land in my account, but the real profits came from our fifty-fifty profit-sharing agreement. I had Zhang Jing help me open an account at a Swiss bank, and the money in it changed daily, growing so fast and so much that I became numb, caring little for the actual sum. I knew, after all, that this was only a small profit—the real windfall was yet to come...

Recently, Chu Qitong was truly deflated. Not only had her relationship with Su Xin soured, but after losing twice in a row, her last shred of dignity was pinned on the upcoming National Day singing competition. She had been practicing constantly, her voice already hoarse. With two losses out of three, she had already lost the bet. From the moment she chose the singing contest as the third challenge, I knew this was just a way to let her save face. Once it was over, she would have to apologize in person to my honorary sister, Siya, for her pride and stubbornness.

My relationship with Su Xin grew closer by the day; we had truly entered the throes of young love. Sometimes at night, she would call to whisper sweet nothings, and even in the middle of my busy research, I would take the time to chat with her for hours on the phone. After all, women need to be coaxed and cherished. Yet, we hadn’t truly spent any time alone together—not because I wasn’t eager to be with this lovely girl, but because she was always watched by classmates at school, required to return to her dorm after classes, and on weekends her parents kept a close eye on her. I simply hadn’t had the chance...

But today was Saturday. Her father had gone to a conference in the provincial capital, and her mother had gone with him. The house was left to her alone. After much gentle persuasion over the phone, she finally agreed, blushing, to go out shopping with me.

As I watched her cross the street toward me—a vision in a white floral dress and a purple sleeveless top, her long, jet-black hair flowing behind her, a beautiful fairy radiating happiness as she ran to my side and warmly took my arm—I couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: “Damn, at this moment I must be the happiest man alive!”

Unable to resist, I planted a kiss on her rosy, tender cheek. Seeing her shy expression, I laughed and led her toward our first stop of the day: C City’s amusement park! I knew Su Xin seldom went out to play, so I was determined to let her have a wonderful time today. Though the amusement park’s facilities in 1997 weren’t as advanced as they would be after 2013, there was still plenty to enjoy: spinning airplanes, high-bridge trains, water slides, bumper cars, bumper boats—whatever she wanted to try, I went with her. Watching her joyful smile filled my heart with happiness. What a wonderful woman—why had I been so foolish in the past, too timid to confess my feelings? Only now did I realize Su Xin wasn’t a vain girl, nor someone obsessed with whether I was worthy of her. My past self was stupid and naïve; I would never make such a mistake again in this life.

After a whole morning of fun, Su Xin clung affectionately to my arm as we left the amusement park. Walking down the street, her beautiful figure drew all eyes, filling me with pride. Such a beautiful girl was my girlfriend—what man wouldn’t be overjoyed?

“Wow… how beautiful…” As I was enjoying the feel of her soft, full figure pressed against my arm, Su Xin suddenly cried out in excitement, her eyes lighting up as she gazed across the street. I followed her gaze and saw a pink dress in a lavishly decorated boutique that had captured her attention. I smiled and pointed at the dress, “Su Xin, do you like that dress?”

“Yes, I really do. That boutique is a French luxury brand—whenever there’s a new French fashion show, the styles are sent here for sale. I love that dress, but it’s so expensive; my mom won’t buy it for me.” Su Xin pouted, her soft lips forming a delicate pout. “Dad never keeps his word. He said that if I could score in the top ten on this placement exam, he’d buy it for me. I got eighth, but now he says I have to get fifth. Hmph, and he calls himself an official—never keeps his promises.”

I couldn’t help but smile at the beauty in my arms, complaining about her father. I gently tapped her delicate, translucent nose and laughed, “You shouldn’t talk about your father like that. After all, he’s one of our city’s leaders. Anyway, if your dad won’t buy it, your husband will!”

“Who’s your husband? Don’t talk nonsense…” Su Xin scolded me playfully, her face glowing with happiness as she stopped me from going ahead, then leaned close to my ear and whispered, “Husband… never mind, let’s not buy it. It’s too expensive. Better to save for the future. I know you’ve made a million now, but you still need to buy a house, and that takes money. It’s better to be frugal.”

I was truly moved by the sweet girl before me—she genuinely loved me, willing to give up her favorite dress just to help me save money. Where could I ever find a better girl? In my heart, I longed to tell her, “Xin Xin, buy it. Not only can I afford one, I could buy a hundred or a thousand.” But the words stayed on my lips. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to share everything with her; it just didn’t feel like the right time. So I joked, “What’s this? You want to play the frugal wife before you’ve even married into the Xiao family?”

“Who… who wants to be a frugal wife? You’re so annoying, Xiao Qiang, you’re the worst…” she said, burying her blushing face into my chest. Laughing heartily, I hugged her tighter and said, “Money can always be earned again. If I can’t buy what my wife likes, I don’t deserve to be your man!”

Hearing my unabashed declaration, Su Xin responded with a shy nod. With my arm around her, we quickly crossed the street and entered that French boutique together.

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