Chapter Forty-Two: Great Confidence in Sister-in-law

Xiaoyu was furious at Chu Dong’s behavior; he actually pretended to be dead to deceive her pure heart and managed to steal kisses from both her and Teacher Xiao. He was, without a doubt, the greatest scoundrel under heaven. Now, she finally understood why her elder sister was so opposed to falling in love with Chu Dong.

While chasing after Xiao Rou, Xiaoyu dialed her sister’s number. “Sis, I strongly support you ignoring that bastard of a brother-in-law. Don’t ask why; just know I support you.”

The little girl had grown used to calling him brother-in-law and couldn’t change it, no matter how often Tan Xue corrected her. In the end, when she called him brother-in-law, Tan Xue, who doted on her younger sister, stopped protesting and tacitly accepted Xiaoyu’s name for Chu Dong.

Today, Tan Xue was puzzled to receive a call from her sister. Usually, Xiaoyu would defend Chu Dong in front of her, but why the sudden change of heart?

Thinking of Chu Dong’s usual antics as a child, Tan Xue grew uneasy. If that scoundrel dared take advantage of her little sister, she’d fight him tooth and nail. She grabbed her phone and called Chu Dong directly.

“Hello, this is the Love Overflowing Service Center. Press 1 for a kiss, 2 for a hug, 3 for gentle bed service, and please wait for a human operator…” The ringtone made Tan Xue’s face flush crimson. Thankfully, as the assistant to the chairman, she had her own office. Otherwise, her radiant cheeks would surely have charmed countless passersby.

“Hey, Xiao Xue? How come you have time to call me?” Chu Dong was surprised; Tan Xue rarely initiated calls herself.

“You bastard! If you dare bully Xiaoyu, I won’t forgive you!” With just that, she hung up abruptly. Tan Xue had long given up hope for Chu Dong. Although his behavior in front of their parents seemed proper, behind their backs, he was a different person, unable to shake his rogue spirit. Even the ringtone was proof.

Chu Dong glanced around, feeling a bit guilty. Was something supernatural at work in broad daylight? How did Tan Xue know something had just happened? He’d just saved Xiaoyu, and instead of praise, he’d received a scolding.

He was unaware that his ringtone had been changed—an elaborate prank by Qiangzi and Mouse. Chu Dong had no clue.

A bold life needs no explanation; that was Chu Dong’s motto. Without a care, he pocketed his phone and called Qiangzi, who had just made friends with a few girls, to come back and start the barbecue.

At noon, the students had their own barbecue on the beach. These inexperienced children, after an arduous struggle, finally managed to light the fire and ignite the charcoal they’d brought. Under Teacher Xiao’s guidance, they slowly roasted skewers of meat edible enough to swallow. Their sense of accomplishment had them cheering as they ate lunch.

Yet their skills were lacking; in the end, they relied on snacks to fill their bellies.

Chu Dong and Qiangzi, however, were well prepared and far more skilled. But Xiaoyu was still angry, and Zhu Dawei and Four Eyes didn’t dare cross her. From a distance, they could only drool. Despite the abundance of delicious food, only Qiangzi and Chu Dong enjoyed it, feeling something was missing.

In the afternoon, they set out for Tongniu Ridge. Two large buses wound their way up the mountain road, but Xiaoyu, still sulking, refused to ride in any vehicle. She carried her little backpack and walked, fuming, with Teacher Xiao accompanying her out of concern. Their two followers trailed behind, not daring to make a sound.

Qiangzi’s day had been rough; he’d finally gotten close to a few girls, only for Chu Dong’s booming voice to ruin everything. Ignored by the others, he drove the flower-decorated car, following the four ahead.

“Let’s just head back. No one’s talking to you, so why follow them? It’s humiliating,” Qiangzi grumbled suddenly.

“So unambitious! Did you forget how those girls smiled at you earlier? You have to persevere—I believe in you.” Chu Dong rolled up the divider glass between the cab and the back, holding a can of beer and staring at the four wobbling ahead.

“I don’t believe in you,” Qiangzi retorted, not turning his head, flipping him the finger. “For a man to sink as low as you… I used to idolize you, thinking your theories rivaled the legendary Thief King Chu. Turns out, you’re just a namesake. Your practical skills are… well, never mind.”

“You’re short-sighted, utterly short-sighted,” Chu Dong gestured with his fingers, indicating a tiny gap. “If a woman doesn’t get angry with you, it means you have no appeal to her—she’s not interested at all. On the other hand, regardless of her reaction—anger or joy—if you leave a mark in her heart, your actions will trigger certain glands to secrete, causing emotional fluctuations. So, don’t focus on how she treats you, but whether she has any feelings for you.”

Excited, Chu Dong took a swig of beer, tossed the empty can precisely into a roadside trash bin, and continued his lecture. “Have you heard the saying ‘the deeper the love, the harsher the rebuke’? When a woman stops hating you, it means she no longer loves you. Whether you make her eyes sparkle and smile or grind her teeth in fury, it shows you matter to her. Qiangzi, not to boast, but you still have a lot to learn in this area.” Chu Dong waved his little finger dismissively.

“Dong, you never used to say that,” Qiangzi stopped the car, turning to look at Chu Dong. “You said the highest level of a romance master is to make every beauty fall for you at first sight—their expressions should be full of affection, gazing tenderly, words unsaid, hearts blooming. Today’s argument is completely different. Are you just messing with me?”

“Different times, places, people, and situations can’t be judged by the same standard,” Chu Dong replied, shaking his head. “Dong has plenty of wisdom; you’ve only scratched the surface. Be humble when seeking advice, and never lack confidence before beautiful women. No matter the circumstances, charging forward is the only way. How else will you know your limits? Kid, just learn from Dong—I won’t lead you astray.”

“We must try?” Qiangzi asked cautiously.

“Absolutely. Practice is the only test of truth,” Chu Dong nodded repeatedly, looking like a teacher encouraging a promising student.

“That’s true—if you don’t try, how can you know?” Qiangzi leaned in so far he’d have climbed through the window if it were bigger. “Actually, Dong, I really like your wife. You see…”

“Pfft…” Chu Dong sprayed beer all over Qiangzi and started scolding him, “You brat, stay put and behave, or you’ll never learn a single trick from me!”