God's Descent in the Magical City

Chapter 45: The Nanny's Reprimand

Li Xiuqin suspiciously asked, "Are you refusing my money because you think it's tainted?"

A Lai firmly replied, "Don't overthink it, that's not what I meant."

Li Xiuqin softened her tone, saying, "Your grandfather's salary is barely enough, most of it goes to the repairs at the village school. Take the money; there's no need to be so formal with me. Even though I live in the city now, we used to be neighbors."

A Lai thought to himself, "Ever since that incident at the hospital, your words and actions have left me cold. I'll never use your money again. Where was this generosity before? It seems like there's more to your intentions than meets the eye."

He glanced at Fang Fang before politely declining, "Thank you, but I can't take your money. I can go up the mountain to collect honey and sell it at the market. I can earn over 500 yuan a month."

Li Xiuqin, irritated by his refusal, snapped, "Stop showing off! Lying without even blushing. Do you think I don't know what you're up to? You're out there pulling tricks on the streets, setting up a stall, learning to scam people like a street hustler. Where's your focus on studying?"

"What?" A Lai was shocked. "You've been following me?"

He realized that Li Xiuqin's investigation wasn't just about holding him accountable—there might be other motives behind it. He decided to play along, defending himself and letting her reveal her true intentions before he struck back.

Li Xiuqin, adjusting her emotions, said coldly, "I don't have time for that. I just happened to see it. A young girl often visits your stall. You conjure up little trinkets for her, ask her to buy them, then you make a flower appear and give it to her. You even ate together at the stall. Am I wrong?"

A Lai held back his response, thinking, "If you weren't following me, how do you know so much? Damn! Lying through your teeth. No wonder Grandpa got angry and secretly burned my magic books—it was you who ratted me out, pretending to be righteous while stirring up trouble..."

Seeing that A Lai remained silent, Li Xiuqin continued coldly, "I'll be honest with you. I found out by accident. That girl, Hanh Hanh, is a top student at an elite high school."

"And you! With your current grades at a regular high school, it's hard enough to get into a third-rate college. Do you really think she'd be interested in you? If you're going to try and impress a girl, at least know your place. You're delusional!"

"And now you've set your sights on my daughter, Fang Fang? Don't you know that rabbits don't eat the grass near their burrow? You're two-timing, you little scoundrel!"

What nonsense is she spouting? A Lai couldn't hold back any longer and angrily retorted, "I'm self-reliant, selling things at a street stall, learning a few tricks to attract business, making some money to support myself. Who am I bothering? I'm studying in the city, and the expenses are huge. Is it easy for me?"

Fang Fang watched A Lai intently.

A Lai suddenly realized that Li Xiuqin was trying to drive a wedge between him and Fang Fang, so he quickly added, "Aunt Li, don't make baseless accusations and try to humiliate me in different ways."

"Heh heh..."

Li Xiuqin let out a few cold laughs, "I'm just kindly warning my Fang Fang not to waste her time on someone who two-times and is a total loser."

"Haha..."

A Lai laughed wildly, "Thank you for your concern. Thank you for the warning."

Then, shifting his tone, he said, "Life is long; we'll see who comes out on top."