Having successfully recruited the father and son duo from the Song family, Cheng Su was utterly delighted. Instead of calling Mr. Song, who was actually named Song Cheng, "Mr. Song"—as it made him sound old—she decided simply to call him Old Song.
After finalizing the work schedule and remuneration with Old Song, Cheng Su rode her bicycle back to the compound, in high spirits.
"Well, well, did you strike gold or come into some fortune? Look at sister-in-law beaming like a blooming flower."
Upon entering the building, she ran into Hualing, who prided herself on her aloofness. Seeing Cheng Su’s glowing cheeks, Hualing couldn’t hold back her jealousy.
Cheng Su stopped in her tracks, smiled, and said, "Us folks drawn to the scent of copper must be this happy because we’re about to strike it rich."
With that, she brushed past Hualing, leaving her fuming.
Cheng Su took out her keys, turned back, and said, "What’s with you these past few days? Haven’t slept well, or what? Those dark circles are almost as prominent as a national treasure’s eyes."
Hualing was stunned, and before she could respond, Cheng Su had already entered her room. It was only then that Hualing, belatedly realizing, thought to herself, "The national treasure, isn’t that the giant panda?"
Touching the area around her eyes and thinking of Cheng Su’s radiant face, Hualing lost her composure and rushed into the bathroom. She looked in the mirror hanging on the wall and saw that her dark circles were indeed quite pronounced.
She dropped the vegetables she was holding and hurried back to the room to vigorously shake Chen Shouwang, who was sitting in a daze.
"Cheng Su just said my eyes look like a panda’s eyes. Take a look. Do they, or don’t they?" Hualing asked, pointing at the dark circles under her eyes.
Chen Shouwang looked up and forced a smile, saying, "Not at all, she got it wrong. You’re naturally beautiful and very pretty. No one’s more beautiful than my wife."
Hualing playfully spat at him and said, "Sweet talker. But I really think these circles are too dark. Honey, buy me some good cosmetics."
She held out her palm, and Chen Shouwang paused, "What?"
"Money!" Hualing glared at him. "How am I supposed to buy anything without money?"
A feeling of irritation and anger welled up in Chen Shouwang, but seeing her pouting lips, he suppressed his temper and patiently said, "Baby, I give you my allowance usually, and we’ve just bought a fan. Where would I get the money now? Honey, use your salary to buy for now, and I’ll buy you more later, okay?"
Hualing’s face darkened, "In a few days, it’ll be time for the allowance."
Seeing her displeasure, Chen Shouwang said, "I got a call from home the other day. Dad fell and hurt his leg, and I’m planning to send some money back. Plus, I also have to pay Xiao Fen’s tuition fees. You see..."
"Chen Shouwang, are you trying to say that this month’s allowance won’t give any money for household expenses?" Hualing pushed him aside, stood up abruptly, and asked in a high-pitched voice.

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