Chapter 172: Suffocating to Death Without Consequences

“Besides, it’s just some no-name brand car. Let’s just say we’re unlucky,” Liu Yufeng said, wearing an expression as if she had been wronged.

“No-name brand? Do you even know how much this car costs?” Yu Wenjing replied with a stern face.

“Oh, don’t take advantage of me just because I haven’t had much schooling. I know cars, thank you very much,” Liu Yufeng responded sarcastically as soon as she spoke.

From a distance, Luo Yixia stood watching, feeling relieved that Song Chengyi was currently drunk and oblivious to everything.

A bright white sedan slowly drove into the village entrance.

People in rural areas were especially sensitive to BMW and Mercedes logos.

Seeing the BMW badge on the car meant it belonged to someone wealthy.

“Who bought a car again?” someone in the crowd asked.

The car stopped in front of the Luo family gate, and a young woman opened the door and stepped out.

“Mom, Dad, why are you here?” Luo Yun looked at her parents among the crowd.

“Uncle and aunt are back too? Is Xiaxia back as well?” Luo Yun smiled warmly.

“Yunyun, your father and I came to pick you up. Why did you let us leave first? Whose car is this?” Liu Yufeng immediately grabbed her daughter’s hand and peered inside the vehicle.

Amid the eager crowd, the driver’s door opened, and a man adjusted his suit jacket.

“Hello, uncle and aunt. I’m Luo Yun’s boyfriend, my name is Cao Jialei,” the man said, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and exuding a refined demeanor.

“Ah, Yun Yun has a boyfriend? Why didn’t you tell us beforehand?” Liu Yufeng’s eyes darted between the man and the luxurious BMW parked beside them. That car must be worth a fortune.

“I just wanted to surprise you all,” Luo Yun replied with a bright smile.

“Mom, Dad, why are you all gathered in front of Second Uncle’s house?” Luo Yun glanced around at the crowd.

“It’s just bad luck for your dad; he scratched Xiaxia’s boyfriend’s car. It’s just a small amount of money — family, you know — so we let it go,” Luo Hongde insisted he was blameless, acting all selfless and magnanimous, as if he were the one suffering a loss.

“The car got scratched? Just claim insurance for the paint repair,” Luo Yun said. She knew her uncle had a company in A City and the family was well-off, which was why she often visited here as a child and had a good relationship with Luo Yixia.

“See? A paint job can’t be that expensive, especially on some no-name brand car. How costly can it be? Your aunt is making such a fuss over nothing,” Liu Yufeng sneered.

Yu Wenjing stood silently nearby, arms crossed, smiling coldly.

“What car? I know someone at the insurance company. I can help file a claim—it’s very convenient,” Cao Jialei said with a smile.

“That’s great. You should check it out,” Liu Yufeng said even more approvingly of her new son-in-law, delighted he had connections at the insurance company.

Many people surrounded the area, some blocking Song Chengyi’s car parked in the courtyard. Upon hearing this, the crowd quickly made way.

Cao Jialei and Luo Yun approached, but their faces turned pale.

Gu Yun wanted to cry. “Mom, what are you talking about? Do you know how expensive this car is? A paint job costs millions!”

“What? You’re exaggerating,” Liu Yufeng’s eyes widened sharply.

“Uncle, aunt, it’s a Bugatti Veyron. The market price starts at twenty-five million; this one should be worth over seventy million,” Cao Jialei said without much expression, though inside he was panicking. Why did his arrival have to cause so much trouble?

At that moment, Liu Yufeng felt as if her face had been slapped twice—it hurt terribly.

“Jialei, can insurance cover this?” Luo Yun asked her boyfriend.

“It’s a bit difficult. Let me ask,” he said, pulling out his phone and stepping aside to make a call.

Luo Yun felt relieved that her boyfriend was at least willing to help, but she was also frustrated by her parents’ embarrassing behavior.

“Xiaxia,” she turned and saw Luo Yixia standing in the corner.

Luo Yixia knew she couldn’t avoid it and came over with an awkward smile, calling out, “Yun Yun.”

“I just heard from Auntie that Xiaxia has a boyfriend so soon?” Luo Yun asked.

“Yeah,” Luo Yixia nodded.

“Where is he? Why didn’t you bring him out for me to see?” She kept glancing toward the house.

“He’s resting upstairs. Had some drinks at noon.”

The onlookers snapped photos of Song Chengyi’s car, buzzing with chatter—some marveling at the expensive car and the wealthy connection to the Luo family, others mocking Luo Hongde’s household.

Cao Jialei’s phone call was agonizing. His friend said the car was too valuable; most insurance companies wouldn’t cover it. Ultimately, through his connections, they agreed to reimburse only about ten percent—which was still far too little.

He forced himself to return, saying, “My friend agreed to help, but the compensation might not be much.”

“Thanks for the trouble, Jialei,” Liu Yufeng was even more comfortable with this son-in-law now. “Hongtao, Wenjing, since we’re family, let’s just settle it this way. Our Jialei even helped contact the insurance company.”

“Hmph. I think even brothers keep accounts straight. Better to call the traffic police and let them handle it. Whoever’s at fault pays. It’s my son-in-law’s first time here; as a mother-in-law, I can’t let him take a loss, right?” Yu Wenjing said proudly, delighted to finally get the upper hand on Liu Yufeng.

“Your son-in-law driving this car around is just causing trouble. We’re ordinary folks. How are we supposed to afford these scratches?” Liu Yufeng switched tactics when force didn’t work.

Upstairs, Song Chengyi had slept for two hours and was finally somewhat clear-headed, though the noise downstairs gave him a headache. Normally, he didn’t get irritated easily, but even he was annoyed now.

He put on his clothes, rinsed his mouth in the bathroom, and upon stepping out, noticed this was Luo Yixia’s room—still as cute and tidy as ever. It seemed that living here for just a day transformed the place completely.

Usually, Luo Yixia’s things were scattered everywhere in her apartment, and Song Chengyi often had to cook and then clean up afterwards.

Though the room wasn’t large, it was fully furnished and even had a bookshelf.

The books on the shelf, however, were quite a story unto themselves...

They were mostly comics or romance novels.

The quarrel downstairs continued. Song Chengyi glanced out the window at the crowd gathered below.

He immediately spotted the person he wanted to see. Why stay cooped up when there was drama to watch?

A woman stood beside Luo Yixia, holding her hand and talking.

Song Chengyi stepped out and went downstairs.

The noise was still loud.

“Xiaxia,” Song Chengyi called from a distance.

Luo Yixia turned and jogged over. “Up already? Sobriety hit?”

“Yeah, I’m awake now,” Song Chengyi smiled faintly.

The crowd outside all turned their gaze to the new son-in-law of the Luo family.

Song Chengyi had many qualities, but one stood out: his striking good looks and long legs.

He always wore a cold, expressionless face when looking at others, making him seem even more aloof.

Luo Yun stared at Song Chengyi without blinking. Truly... he was handsome.

“You... you’re Xiaxia’s boyfriend?” someone asked.

Song Chengyi gave a faint glare, fully embracing his silent demeanor.

“Yeah, Yun Yun, this is Song Chengyi,” Luo Yixia said to ease the awkward atmosphere.

Liu Yufeng, seeing the car owner step out, scowled. “Since we’re all family and can afford such an expensive car, what’s the big deal about repainting it?”

“Hello, I’m Yun Yun’s boyfriend, Cao Jialei. I’ve contacted the insurance company for the car. My friend said we can file a claim, but the payout won’t be much,” Cao Jialei said, handing Song Chengyi his business card.

Luo Yixia didn’t take it. “The car’s fine. My dad already handled it. No trouble for you.”

Her refusal left Cao Jialei’s hand awkwardly extended.

Seeing the tense atmosphere, Luo Yixia quickly took the card.

She looked down at the company name and address. “Chengyi, isn’t this Dad’s company?”

Song Chengyi glanced sideways.

Vice Manager of Operations, Song Group.

“Yeah,” he replied.

Cao Jialei had originally wanted to boast about working at a big company, distinguishing himself from spoiled rich kids. Instead, it seemed he had accidentally stepped into someone else’s territory.

“What do you mean by that?” Cao Jialei’s smile faltered a bit.

“I mean this company belongs to my dad,” Song Chengyi said with a slight smirk, clearly challenging him.

Cao Jialei felt his head buzz. He knew the CEO of Song Group was Song Shaohui. The family had two sons, but neither had been to the company, and he didn’t know what they looked like. He’d heard one joined the military; the other was unknown.

Though reluctant to believe it, seeing someone who casually drove a Bugatti Veyron around made it all too plausible.

“So, you’re Mr. Song. Pleasure to meet you,” Cao Jialei hastily smiled.

“The company belongs to my dad. No need to cozy up to me,” Song Chengyi lost interest in further conversation and said to Luo Yixia, “I’m thirsty. Is there hot water?”

“Yes, I’ll take you.”

The two disappeared through the door.

The Luo family, feeling at fault, quietly left while the crowd gradually dispersed.

After more than an hour, the argument finally ended.

At this moment, grandmother, having circled the car several times, murmured, “How can this iron lump be so expensive?”

Yu Wenjing seldom argued with the second sister-in-law’s family; there was no reasoning with them.

Over the years, they had suffered many losses because of them.

But today, it was immensely satisfying. Chengyi truly was a treasure.

Grandfather’s impression of Song Chengyi improved as well.

Looking at this grandson-in-law, he seemed decent—good-looking, well-matched with their Xiaxia.

His family was also quite well-off; Xiaxia wouldn’t be mistreated.

Most importantly, their little granddaughter liked him, her eyes glued to him, and it was clear he cared for her in return.

“Chengyi and Xia are from the same school. Now that they’ve graduated, what do they plan to do?” During dinner, grandfather refrained from pouring more wine and instead began asking about everyday matters.

“Doctor. Soon I’ll start my hospital internship,” Song Chengyi answered respectfully.