Chapter 25: It's Her (Part 2)

**

"What's there to explain?" Ji Feng huffed. "If Tong Lei hadn't spilled the beans, I wouldn't even know you're her brother. You're the worst!"

Zhang Lei gave a wry smile. "I had to hide my identity. No choice, man. You don't get my family's deal. My dad's all about 'poor boys, rich girls' and made me keep my name under wraps."

"What? That's rough!" Ji Feng chuckled, familiar with the saying.

In Mangshi County, the phrase "poor boys, rich girls" was well-known. "Poor boys" meant raising sons strictly, avoiding luxury to prevent spoiling them. A pampered son, like a greenhouse flower, couldn't weather life's storms and would struggle to succeed. Conversely, "rich girls" meant giving daughters a comfortable, nurturing environment so they wouldn't be swayed by the temptations of the outside world when they grew up.

Many girls from poor backgrounds, craving luxury, strayed into unsavory paths—frequenting entertainment venues, becoming mistresses to the wealthy, or even turning to crime, despite their outward polish. This was the wisdom behind "poor boys, rich girls," a tradition long upheld in Mangshi County.

But in practice, few followed it, especially with sons. Most parents doted on their boys, fearing hardship for them, which birthed the spoiled "rich second generation" so common in society. "Rich girls," however, was more widely embraced—parents with means ensured their daughters lacked for nothing.

Yet Zhang Lei's father, Tong Kaide, the county party secretary and a powerful figure, enforced this principle rigorously, even hiding Zhang Lei's identity. If Zhang Lei wasn't too weak-willed, his future was bound to be bright.

Ji Feng gained newfound respect for Tong Kaide. Regardless of his political performance, as a father, he was exemplary.

"Props to your dad!" Ji Feng said, giving a thumbs-up.

Zhang Lei groaned. "Get outta here! You're mocking me now. Honestly, my life's a mess. Dad dotes on my sister, giving her everything, but with me? He's all stern, glaring like I owe him money. I barely breathe around him! To keep my identity secret, he even made me take my mom's surname!"

"Stop whining!" Ji Feng teased, though a pang of sadness hit him. Others had fathers—good or bad—but him? He didn't even know what his father looked like. No photos, no stories. His mother, usually gentle, grew sad or angry whenever Ji Feng asked about him, so he stopped, unwilling to hurt her. To this day, he knew nothing.

Unaware of Ji Feng's family situation, Zhang Lei didn't notice his friend's fleeting melancholy. He laughed, "Crazy, I'd rather be born in a normal family than be the secretary's son! Dad and Grandpa have such high expectations, it's suffocating. I act like a delinquent just to rebel, to breathe a little."

Ji Feng blinked, confused. "Grandpa? Old man and *old* old man?"

Zhang Lei grinned. "Yeah, 'old man' is my dad, the family tyrant. 'Old old man' is my grandpa, the *real* tyrant. But Grandpa's only tough on Dad—he spoils me. Dad's the one who's strict with me. Too bad he's stuck here as secretary, so I can't see Grandpa much."

Ji Feng nodded, piecing it together. Zhang Lei's background was deeper than just a county secretary father—his family likely had greater influence. He probably only came to Mangshi County because his father was posted here.

"Be grateful, man," Ji Feng said, patting Zhang Lei's shoulder. "One day, you might realize having a strict dad is a blessing."

"I'm good," Zhang Lei boasted shamelessly. "Aside from messing with Dad now and then, I'm a saint!"

Ji Feng rolled his eyes, ignoring the braggart.

"Yo, Madman!" Zhang Lei leaned in again. "Heard the new English teacher's here today—a total stunner. Got any plans?"

"Plans?" Ji Feng raised an eyebrow, smirking as he nodded toward Tong Lei up ahead. "Leizi, your sister's right there. If you're scheming, she might catch wind!"

"How would she—wait, you're not gonna snitch, are you?" Zhang Lei said, suddenly nervous. "I know you're not that low!"