The Marquis Mansion’s Elite Class

Chapter 143

He had always come from humble beginnings, so his expectations for life weren't particularly high, and neither were his desires.

The little troublemaker was stunned.

What he considered a normal, even somewhat impoverished life, was something his older brother couldn't even dream of.

Was this the difference in mindset caused by different living environments?

He turned to the side and asked, "But don't you think it's bad for our relatives not to have a house of their own? Rented houses aren't ours, and we could be kicked out at any time. It feels so insecure."

Zong Wenxiu chuckled softly and replied, "Renting a house comes with a contract; they won't just kick us out randomly. You're overthinking it. Even if something happens with the landlord, we can communicate properly. If needed, we'll just rent another place. My aunt and the others don't ask for much—just a clean place to live. Fancy places attract too much attention and aren't suitable for them."

Zong Wenxiu also turned to face him and said earnestly, "I really appreciate that you want to help me, but please don't try to get money for me anymore. My aunt and grandmother are both very kind people, and I don't want to trouble them."

The little troublemaker looked at his brother, confused. "Is that really troubling them?"

"Yes, even if they refuse you, they'll have to think of many excuses. Especially since you're so adorable—anyone would have to wrestle with their conscience before they could bring themselves to reject you." Zong Wenxiu thought to himself that his aunt was somewhat experienced, but his grandmother must have struggled a lot.

The little troublemaker quickly caught the key point and asked excitedly, "So even though they rejected me, they had to wrestle with their conscience for a long time because I'm adorable?"

Zong Wenxiu choked for a moment, then reluctantly admitted, "Yes, because you're very hard to refuse."

Even though he knew saying this would make his brother proud and smug, it was the truth.

"Hahaha, I knew it! I just knew it! Because I'm adorable, right? Grandmother can't resist me, Grandfather can't resist me, and even Xu Wan can't resist me!" The little brat immediately puffed up with pride, wagging his imaginary tail.

Zong Wenxiu smiled helplessly. "Yes, and me too. I can't resist you either. You're so adorable, Jin Cheng, I want to give you all the best things I have."

"Hehe, I know! Brother, you're the best to me!" The little troublemaker was so happy he started kicking his legs and tossing the blanket around.

Zong Wenxiu pulled the blanket back over him and patted him gently. "Go to sleep now. Tomorrow's your birthday."

"Okay!"

In the dark of the night, the two children gradually drifted off to sleep.

Half-asleep, the little troublemaker mumbled, "I wonder if we'll ever find that person. If we do, I'll give him lots and lots of coarse rice porridge."

Zong Wenxiu was too sleepy to respond.

But he thought to himself, even if they found him, it probably wouldn't matter. The coarse rice porridge was just a lingering obsession, a longing from his past that could never be fulfilled. Late-arriving porridge couldn't heal the regrets of the past.

On Jin Cheng's birthday, the Marquis Manor was decorated with lanterns and banners, filled with joy and festivity.

As soon as Xu Wan stepped outside and saw the sea of red, she asked Cui Zhi in disbelief, "Are you sure this is for Jin Cheng's birthday and not his wedding?"

The decorations were way too extravagant!

It was just a birthday!

But then again, this was the grandson of the wealthiest family in the land.

Cui ?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????Zhi smiled and said, "Yes, this is how Young Master Jin Cheng's birthday has always been celebrated. The entire manor treats it as a very important occasion. The Old Marquis and Old Marchioness even had several outfits tailored for him days in advance—at least four or five sets for him to wear today."

"Four or five outfits in one day??"

Poverty had truly limited Xu Wan's imagination. Rich people really lived out a real-life version of "Miracle Nikki" every day.

She swallowed hard and tried to find someone to share her astonishment with.

But it wasn't easy to find a companion. Baili Weihong was already sitting in the front hall, smiling like a skincare brand ambassador.

Xu Wan walked over and greeted her, "You seem so used to this kind of scene. Do other families celebrate birthdays so extravagantly too?"

Baili Weihong smiled and shook her head. "I've never seen anything like this either, but since I'm about to become an etiquette teacher, I should set a good example, right?"

Xu Wan: "..."

Alright, alright, she was really committed to her role, always staying in character.

Xu Wan took a deep breath, put on her professional smile, and prepared to greet the two "chairpersons" of the manor.

Jin Cheng's birthday celebration was neither too complicated nor too simple.

Xu Wan watched as a nanny came over, patted his head, and then swept something over his head while chanting, "Dispel bad luck, welcome a new year of life."

Xu Wan raised an eyebrow. Warding off bad luck? That was a good idea. Maybe it would make this mischievous kid behave better and stop causing her so much trouble.

A maid then brought over a tray with two red eggs. The nanny cracked the eggs, had Jin Cheng take a bite of each, and then chanted, "May you be blessed with good fortune and grow up healthy."

Zong Wenxiu, standing nearby, also smiled.

More maids entered, and finally, the most important dish arrived—a steaming bowl of longevity noodles. After Jin Cheng ate some, the nanny chanted again, "May you have peace and long life, with endless blessings."

Finally, the Old Marquis and Old Marchioness stood up, and a maid brought over a new tray with a golden lock pendant.

The Old Marchioness picked up the pendant and placed it around Jin Cheng's neck, smiling warmly. "I hope my dear grandson Jin Cheng will overcome all obstacles, excel in his studies, and be healthy and happy every day this new year."

Jin Cheng held the golden pendant, his eyes nearly disappearing from how wide he was smiling. He replied, "Thank you, Grandfather and Grandmother! I'll definitely be even better this year than last!"

The Old Marchioness laughed heartily. "Good, good! My dear grandson is so ambitious. Come now, let's eat. I've asked the kitchen to prepare all your favorite dishes."

Everyone else also took their seats, and Xu Wan sat down as well.

Watching all of this, Xu Wan couldn't help but notice how much the Old Marchioness doted on the little troublemaker. But it wasn't surprising—for the first eight years of his life, they had believed he was the only heir to the Marquis Manor, so of course they spoiled him rotten.

Looking at the little devil surrounded by his brother and grandmother, Xu Wan had to admit that when he wasn't causing trouble, he really did look like a little angel—beautiful and well-behaved, the kind of child anyone would want to praise.

"Jin Cheng, I also wish you health and happiness in the new year."

Jin Cheng, who had been busy showing off his golden pendant to his brother, was startled when he heard Xu Wan's words, as if he'd seen a ghost.

But after a few glances, he realized she was genuinely smiling and offering him blessings. He mumbled awkwardly, "Thank you."

His voice was so soft it was almost inaudible, but Xu Wan understood him perfectly and nodded in satisfaction.

Seeing her accept his thanks so naturally, the little troublemaker suddenly felt that his own reaction had been too awkward. Hmph, this bad woman always made him look bad!