Damn it, I'm gonna kill him sooner or later

There's a saying in later generations:

If she's inexperienced in the world, take her to see its dazzling splendor.

If she's weathered life's storms, then take her for a ride on a merry-go-round!

Cao Cheng understood this principle well.

So,

If they were wealthy young women, he would take them to immerse in the raw, bustling charm of everyday life.

After breakfast—today it was noodles—

they headed to a large, chaotic, and somewhat grimy wet market.

The place was alive with noise and activity, a vibrant scene.

Neither of the sisters had ever experienced anything like this.

Everything felt fresh and exciting.

Though the filth was undeniable—black grime coating the ground, the mingled scents of blood and pungent odors—

neither of them was overly pampered. Despite occasional frowns or covering their noses, they refrained from uttering a single pretentious complaint.

This was already impressive.

Far exceeding Cao Cheng's expectations.

Before coming, he had half-expected Ren Yuege to start cursing.

To his surprise, she was the most enthusiastic.

And she adapted quickly—perhaps because of her outgoing nature. After watching Cao Cheng haggle a few times, she picked it up herself.

Half an hour later,

the three of them left the market, bags in hand.

Ren Yuege’s nose glistened with a faint sheen of sweat, but her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Did you see that? I haggled so much off the price! The vegetable vendor even said I was pretty and wanted to set me up with some guy. Hmph!"

She was bragging to Cao Cheng.

She never lacked suitors, and usually found such offers annoying.

But bargaining in the street, chatting with a stranger, being complimented, and even matchmade—it all felt thrillingly new.

However,

this taste of ordinary life was soon disrupted.

They had barely taken a few steps from the market

when four men suddenly appeared—burly, sunglasses-wearing, unmistakably bodyguards.

Their presence shattered the down-to-earth atmosphere like a boulder crashing into a still lake.

"Yushang, how could you come to such a filthy place? And carry your own groceries? This is unacceptable!"

Wang Haodong looked pained, even a little exasperated. "Let my bodyguards take those. What are you all standing around for? Take the bags!"

As the bodyguards stepped forward,

Ren Yuege hid the groceries behind her and snapped, "Wang Haodong, are you insane? What does our shopping have to do with you? Who asked for your help? Do you think we don’t have our own bodyguards? Oh, wait, you’re the only one who flaunts them?"

The sisters did have security when traveling far—just not as conspicuously as Wang Haodong.

Theirs were discreet.

Otherwise, the drive here wouldn’t have been safe.

Roadside robberies weren’t unheard of these days; many small gangs were getting bold.

Wang Haodong forced an awkward smile. "I just wanted to help."

"We don’t need it. Get lost—you’re embarrassing yourself." A small crowd was starting to gather, curious about the commotion.

The sisters, their hands full, couldn’t pull Cao Cheng along, so they nudged him with their elbows, urging him to move.

The three of them squeezed past the onlookers.

The sight of their closeness made Wang Haodong grit his teeth, but he still trailed after them.

"Yushang, let me carry those for you."

"No, thanks."

"Heh, no problem. I just don’t want you to tire yourself."

"…"

"Yuege, how about I take yours?"

"Get lost."

"I’m just worried you’ll strain yourself."

"!!"

"Hey, you—" Wang Haodong turned to Cao Cheng.

Cao Cheng held out a bag. "Want to carry this for me?"

Wang Haodong’s eye twitched, irritation flaring. "In your dreams."

"Then why’d you call me?" Cao Cheng asked, baffled.

"Who the hell do you think you are? Want me to beat you up? Bodyguards! Get over here—" Wang Haodong nearly hopped in rage.

Ren Yuege cut in sharply, "Wang Haodong, if you dare call them, I swear you’ll be carried to the hospital. Try me."

Wang Haodong faltered.

With a wave, he shooed the approaching bodyguards away. "Never mind. Scram."

The bodyguards cursed inwardly. This job was hell.

"Hey, hey!"

After a few steps, Wang Haodong flagged down his car. "Take the car! Why walk with all these heavy bags?"

Most of the groceries were in Cao Cheng’s hands; the sisters carried lighter items like vegetables and seasonings.

But they felt bad for Cao Cheng.

After a brief hesitation, they glanced at him.

Cao Cheng understood and nodded slightly.

A free ride? Why not?

Seeing no refusal, Wang Haodong brightened. He pulled open the van’s door with a flourish, tossing his hair back in what he thought was a dashing gesture. "After you!"

The three got in.

Ren Yuege held up a hand. "You stay out."

"??" Wang Haodong blinked. "This is my car!"

"Consider it rented. We’ll pay you back."

The door slid shut.

Wang Haodong yelped, "Do I look like I need money? Hey! Driver! You dare drive off? Who pays your salary?"

As the van rolled away, he scrambled for his bodyguards’ car. His butler hurried over.

"Young Master, why aren’t you in the car?"

"Are you blind? I got kicked out! That little bastard—I’ll kill him one day."

The butler sighed. "Young Master, didn’t we agree? Even if you can’t win them over, don’t make enemies. Brother-in-law and brother-in-law-to-be shouldn’t be at each other’s throats. Especially when you’re still trying to woo her."

"…"

Wang Haodong paused. "I forgot. But damn it, every time I see that smug face, I just want to punch him!"

"Young Master, patience."

"I’ll try."

He took deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down—until he pictured Cao Cheng’s infuriating smirk and how close he was with Ren Yushang and Ren Yuege. His temper flared again.

"Screw it. I’m going to beat him to a pulp one day."

The butler: "…"

Back at the apartment complex,

Ren Yuege tossed twenty yuan onto the seat—more than enough for the short ride.

Not a cent more.

As they got out,

Wang Haodong’s car pulled up right behind.

He jumped out, grinning obsequiously. "Let me carry these. The stairs are a pain."

"Wang Haodong…" Ren Yushang frowned, though her voice remained gentle.

He waved her off. "I know, I know. You’re rejecting me. But our families are old friends, right? Can’t friends help each other?"

Ren Yushang fell silent.

Ren Yuege, however, spoke up. "If you’re so eager, help my little brother here."

"…" Wang Haodong grimaced but swallowed his pride. "Fine. I’ll help our little brother."

Cao Cheng chuckled and handed over the bags of meat, poultry, and fish.

Wang Haodong staggered under the weight.

"Damn, this is heavy—!"