Chapter 9: It’s a Secret!

"A gift? Brother Ye Chen's gift for her?"

Gu Nianxi's pure thoughts lit up her eyes like stars. Holding the box in her hands, she asked, "Brother Ye Chen, what is it exactly?" The box wasn't heavy, but in her heart, it weighed as much as gold!

"You'll know once you open it," Ye Chen said with a smile.

This gift was something he bought on March 6th, the day he won the lottery. He had seen it while out with her, but in the rush to get home, he hadn't had the chance to give it to her. This moment felt perfect.

Although it wasn't expensive, he knew the little girl wouldn't mind. When he had more money in the future, he'd buy her even better things.

Gu Nianxi carefully opened the box like it was a treasure. When she saw what was inside, her eyes lit up.

Wasn't this the bunny hair clip she had her eyes on that day? And there was also a pearl bracelet!

It was too expensive, so she hadn't dared to buy it.

She remembered that when she had looked at it, Brother Ye Chen hadn't been nearby. How did he know she wanted this?

"Brother Ye Chen, how did you know I liked this?" Gu Nianxi clutched the box tightly, as if afraid someone might snatch it from her.

This was from Brother Ye Chen, and it would become her most precious possession!

Ye Chen gently patted her head. Silly girl, of course, I saw it with my own eyes.

"I just knew what you'd like, so I bought it. As long as you like it, that's all that matters."

Gu Nianxi was so excited she could jump for joy. "Brother Ye Chen, you're so good to me!"

Kids are simple creatures. When someone they like gives them something they love, their happiness knows no bounds. Overwhelmed with joy, she leaned in and planted a big kiss on Ye Chen's cheek.

Ye Chen's eyes were full of tenderness as he laughed along with her.

As long as she was happy, that was enough.

"What's in that box that you're holding so tightly, like it's a treasure?" Lin Wan asked with a smile as she noticed the scene.

Gu Nianxi beamed brightly. "It's a gift from Brother Ye Chen!"

"Oh? What kind of gift is so special?"

Gu Nianxi pouted and declared, "Hmph! I'm not telling you. It's a secret."

"Look at this little one, already keeping secrets," Shen Yuhua teased.

She couldn't be happier with her son's behavior today. At such a young age, he already knew how to woo a future wife—proof of her painstaking efforts paying off!

---

Half an hour later, the two men were still drinking.

"Ye Yuanfeng, can't you drink a little less?" Shen Yuhua scolded. "Have you forgotten how you ended up in the hospital for a stomach pump last time?"

Ye Yuanfeng had always had a sensitive stomach. A few months ago, after over-drinking with some old friends, he nearly drank himself to death. Ever since then, Shen Yuhua had forbidden him from drinking at all. Today was an exception, but it seemed he was taking it too far again.

Grinning sheepishly, Ye Yuanfeng said, "Honey, I'm just happy today. Let me have two more drinks. I know my limits—it'll be fine!"

But Shen Yuhua was firm on health matters. "No way. You and Lao Gu both need to stop. Drinking so much is bad for your health. Right, Wan?"

The two women teamed up, firmly opposing the two men.

"Lao Gu, you shouldn't drink anymore either," Lin Wan added. She remembered vividly how dangerous the hospital incident had been for Ye Yuanfeng.

"Alcohol isn't a good thing. A little is fine, but drinking so much is just harmful!"

With both women standing united, the two men had no choice but to stop.

---

After dinner, Lin Wan and Shen Yuhua cleaned up together and watched some TV. Later, the Gu family prepared to head home with Gu Nianxi.

Their homes were across from each other, so the distance was short.

When it was time to leave, Gu Nianxi looked reluctant, holding her box tightly while glancing back at Ye Chen with every step. She clearly didn't want to go and wished she could stay longer.

But Lin Wan "mercilessly" took her away.

---

The house quieted down.

After a shower, Ye Chen came out to find his parents sitting in the living room, seemingly discussing something—probably about the money.

Having deposited all the winnings, the couple was now debating whether to invest some of it in a business or leave it as it was to earn interest.

At first, they thought simply saving it was fine, as no one could touch it. But after considering it further, they realized investing in a business might generate more income.

This money was intended for their son's education—tuition, extracurricular classes, and so on. Everything costs money.

While they were deep in discussion, Ye Chen sat down beside them.

"Son, why aren't you asleep yet?" Shen Yuhua asked with a smile.

"I can't sleep. Dad, Mom, I have a suggestion," Ye Chen said.

"Oh? What suggestion?" Ye Yuanfeng asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ye Chen smiled. "We should use this money to buy a few properties!"

Properties would become more valuable in the future, with housing prices doubling!

His words shocked the couple. They exchanged glances before Shen Yuhua frowned. "Why would we buy so many houses? We're not going to live in them—it'd be a waste."

"It's not a waste," Ye Chen replied calmly. "You don't have to live in them. Housing prices will rise significantly in the future. If we buy now, we can sell them later for a huge profit. We'll regret it if we don't buy. And we can leave some money aside for a business."

His composed demeanor and logical explanation left his parents stunned.

Was this really their nine-year-old son?

But they couldn't deny that his words made sense.

Still, how did he know housing prices would increase?

"Son, how do you know so much?" Shen Yuhua asked, puzzled.

"I've learned a lot from watching TV," Ye Chen replied.

Shen Yuhua nodded, not overthinking it.

Then, as if recalling something, Ye Chen grinned. "Mom, since I won the prize, can you give me some pocket money?"

Shen Yuhua, in a good mood, asked casually, "How much do you want?"

"Not much, just 10,000 yuan."

As soon as the words left his mouth, a flick to his forehead followed.

"Ouch!" Ye Chen winced.

"10,000 yuan? You brat, what are you planning? This money is for your education, and we're saving it for you!" Shen Yuhua scolded.

Ye Chen looked thoroughly wronged.

"And you're not getting any either!" Shen Yuhua snapped at her husband, noticing his pleading gaze.

After a moment, she retrieved her wallet from the bedroom and handed Ye Chen 200 yuan. "Here, since you managed to woo yourself a wife, this is your pocket money. Don't waste it!"

Looking at the 200 yuan, Ye Chen sighed. In the future, this amount would barely buy anything. But in 2005, it was enough for a kid for a while.

To Shen Yuhua, this was already a huge sum for a child.

Feeling pitiful, Ye Yuanfeng asked, "Honey, you gave him 200 yuan. What about me?"

"You get nothing!" Shen Yuhua said with a cold laugh.