Shocking! The Broke Campus Heartthrob Is My Child’s Father - Chapter 24
Early the next morning, Lu Yicheng gathered the prepared documents and brought his son Lu Siyan to the community police station’s ID processing hall.
He had called ahead to inquire about registering a household.
On a weekday morning, the processing hall wasn’t very crowded. After taking a number, he waited. When his turn came, he explained his intention as calmly as possible. Registering a child born out of wedlock wasn’t uncommon these days, happening almost daily. While Lu Yicheng’s situation was a bit unique, the staff were used to all sorts of circumstances. After glancing at Lu Yicheng and Lu Siyan, they proceeded according to regulations.
The required documents were all in order. After stamping, Lu Yicheng received the new household register booklet. On it, he was no longer alone. In this world, he once again had his own family. The booklet showed Lu Siyan as the son of the household owner Lu Yicheng.
Strangely, even though he had long confirmed Lu Siyan was his son, only in this moment did it finally feel real to him.
Lu Siyan was still called Lu Siyan. With a household registration, he now had his own place in this world. He could attend school like other children.
Lu Yicheng relayed this news to Jiang Ruoqiao as promised.
Jiang Ruoqiao was in the middle of a photoshoot for autumn hanfu when she received the text. Though modeling seemed lucrative, it was actually quite grueling. No job was truly easy and well-paid. Right now, the outdoor temperature was nearing 38-39°C. Standing outside felt like being steamed in a sauna, yet she had to wear autumn clothing. Once in shooting mode, it would last at least three hours non-stop. After finishing, she felt half dead.
During the break, Jiang Ruoqiao used handheld fans to survive. Her makeup had melted, so staff were retouching it.
Once the shoot ended, she had no appetite and sat on a small stool, sipping a cold drink, mentally calculating her savings.
She was always generous with herself.
Earning more meant spending more. Over the past few years, her savings had just surpassed six figures. Among her classmates, this was considered a lot. Without any unexpected events, she could have lived freely. But now, with just this amount to support herself plus a “gold-devouring beast”, it would likely be used up in less than a year. A year later she’d still be a student! No wonder people with spouses and children were so anxious these days. You had to be – raising a child was damn expensive!
Her contract with the hanfu shop owner was ending this year. She really didn’t want to continue in this line of work. She had made it clear to the owner that they’d part on good terms. If they renewed the contract, it would likely be for another two to three years.
Originally, her plan was to take next year to properly adjust herself. Ah, but now not earning money was not an option.
Jiang Ruoqiao furrowed her brows. The shop owner was more attentive to new developments recently and had some free time these past few days. Whenever she came by, she would always sit for a while. This time, when she walked over, she saw Jiang Ruoqiao sitting on a small stool, chin propped in her hand, looking pensive as if pondering some great cosmic question.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” she asked with concern. Wearing thick clothes in such weather, shooting under the scorching sun, it was indeed very taxing. This was the nature of the job. The pay was truly high, but it wasn’t easy.
Jiang Ruoqiao shook her head absently. “No, that’s not it.” She was just thinking about having to raise a child. The pressure made her want to hang herself, that’s all.
“Then what is it?” The shop owner couldn’t hide her care.
They had known each other for a long time. Their temperaments matched. There was no need to hide things. “Some things came up. I originally wanted to take junior year to properly adjust myself,” Jiang Ruoqiao explained, “but now there’s too much going on. I’m thinking whether I should find a part-time job. But just thinking about it makes my head really hurt.”
Both were frank by nature. The owner didn’t mention a contract renewal. She knew if Jiang Ruoqiao had that in mind, she would have brought it up long ago. Since Jiang Ruoqiao hadn’t even considered it during this difficult time, it was clear she didn’t want to stay in the business.
“A part-time job, huh.” The owner pondered for a moment. “I remember you’re an English major, right?”
“Mm.” Jiang Ruoqiao nodded. On second thought, she explained, “Big sis, I’m not like you. You truly love hanfu. Look, even after being around you all for so long, I still haven’t really gotten into it. I just think I’m not suited for work related to this. In the future, I still want a job somewhat related to my major…”
The owner laughed. “I get it. I understand. Don’t students in your major usually go on to become teachers or something?”
“As if,” Jiang Ruoqiao said self-deprecatingly. “I used to tutor before too. I’m really not cut out for teaching and nurturing.”
The owner suddenly recalled something. “Then you could do translation, right?”
“Mm, I should be able to,” Jiang Ruoqiao said. She had already passed CET-4 and CET-6. TEM-8 would have to wait until senior year.
The owner smiled. “Seems I’ll have to accept being called your ‘benefactor’. Ruoqiao, it just so happens I have a friend who opened a translation company, with branches in Guangzhou and Shanghai. I’ll connect you. See if it suits you. If so, you can give it a try. This friend of mine is quite sincere, won’t take advantage of people. What do you think?”
Since the owner said they were sincere, Jiang Ruoqiao felt at ease. In reality, part-time job options for college students were quite limited. If you weren’t careful, it was easy to get scammed.
Jiang Ruoqiao nodded. “Thank you!”
The owner waved it off. “It’s nothing. Originally, companies are fighting over you A University students. It’s just that you haven’t graduated yet. If you had, maybe you wouldn’t even consider my friend’s company.”
Jiang Ruoqiao could completely envision her future working like an old ox. Other people could still enjoy romance under flowers and snow, but she, at the age of 20, had to shoulder the responsibility of raising a child. Talking more about it would just bring tears.
Lu Yicheng had the same worries. On the way home with Lu Siyan, they happened to pass the pedestrian street lined with many shops, including a Lego toy store.
Oh boy, Lu Siyan refused to keep walking. All of this used to fall into Lu Yicheng’s knowledge blind spot. He didn’t have these toys as a child. Even if he did, they wouldn’t have been something his family could afford.
He had heard of Lego before, knew the term existed, but wasn’t clear on what exactly they sold. After Lu Siyan came along, he gained a basic understanding – an understanding of the prices…
For him, they were very, very expensive. Not something he could buy. But Lu Siyan especially liked them.
Last time, to cheer him up, Lu Yicheng had ordered a small set online, less than two hundred yuan.
Before opening the package, Lu Siyan had been extremely excited. But after opening it, he deflated like frost-bitten eggplant.
Lu Yicheng: “…”
He wanted to say, this toy that Lu Siyan looked down on was the most expensive gift he had ever bought. Who knew the kid wouldn’t like it. After casually playing for a bit, assembling the little dinosaur, he lost interest.
Fortunately, Lu Siyan was a sensible child. Though disappointed, he didn’t make a fuss.
If this were before, seeing Lu Siyan’s expectant gaze, Lu Yicheng might have gritted his teeth and taken him in to buy it. But now, he couldn’t. Just thinking about future expenses made him want to skip meals. A toy at this price, at least for now, would definitely not make it onto his shopping list.
Lu Yicheng sighed lightly. “Let’s go home. I’ll make you something delicious.”
Lu Siyan: “Oh.” Reluctantly, he followed Lu Yicheng and continued forward, but couldn’t help glancing back. That yearning look was heartbreaking.
But no matter how pitiful he looked, he wasn’t as pitiful as Lu Yicheng.
After returning home, seeing there was still time, Lu Yicheng steamed rice. Then rummaging around the house, he found the previous packaging box. Under Lu Siyan’s “wow”-ing gaze, he made a tiger head with his own hands. It looked extremely fierce. Lu Yicheng thought of grandma. In the past, grandma had also made him toys like this.
In that future, Lu Siyan had been raised very well. Anyone could see at a glance that he hadn’t lacked for material things.
He had many toys.
But this was the first time he received a toy personally made by dad, and it was so cool!
Lu Siyan was thrilled. Wearing the tiger head, he charged around the living room. Even when his hair was soaked with sweat from the heat, he was still going strong.
He was especially happy. Seeing him like this, that feeling of inadequacy in Lu Yicheng’s heart also faded a lot.
He could only do his best to give the child what he could give. What was beyond his abilities, he had no way.
Lu Yicheng also checked his bank balance. He had always been frugal, not spending a single unnecessary cent. So before Lu Siyan’s arrival, his daily expenses were minimal. Phone bills were kept under 50 yuan per month. Daily living costs never exceeded 30 yuan. He didn’t smoke or drink, and rarely even played games, let alone paid for in-game purchases. For transportation, he mostly rode his own bike, at most taking the bus or subway. Extravagances like taxis weren’t for him.
He had two students he tutored. The monthly income was quite stable.
But from now on, monthly expenses would exceed income.
Lu Yicheng felt rather heavy-hearted. Occasionally glancing at the carefree Lu Siyan only made this feeling grow heavier.
After much thought, he felt things had to change. Even if he couldn’t save a fixed amount each month like before, at the very least, he had to break even.
That night, Lu Yicheng still couldn’t fall asleep, tossing and turning. Finally having made up his mind, he sent a message to his senior schoolmate: 「Bro Li, does your company still need people?」
“Bro Li” was Lu Yicheng’s senior from the same major, but had already graduated.
He had been an outstanding student. Even before graduating, he had partnered with a few like-minded people to start a company. Entrepreneurship was tough these days. A group of former “proud sons of heaven” couldn’t manage to stand out in the overall market.
Bro Li’s team was understaffed. He had talked with Lu Yicheng a few times, hoping he could help out. Lu Yicheng was pretty much the most outstanding student in their year. It could be anticipated that after graduating, Lu Yicheng could definitely get an offer from a major company. He was absolutely going to become a top talent in the industry.
Lu Yicheng had declined Bro Li’s invitations several times. He had his own plans and had always been following them step by step.
But now, life had deviated… To raise the legendary “banknote-shredding gold-devouring beast”, his pockets were truly too shallow.
Lu Yicheng wasn’t the only one unable to sleep. Jiang Ruoqiao was the same. Thinking of future monthly expenses, who could fall asleep??
She was currently calculating expenses with pen and paper.
Skincare products couldn’t be skimped on. This was her last stubbornness, her bottom line.
She was used to ordering light takeout meals. A random one cost over 30 yuan. Was it too extravagant?
She also drank coffee at least 3-4 times a week. A cup was also 20-30 yuan…
The more she calculated, the more Jiang Ruoqiao felt sorry for herself. Who had she provoked? What heaven-defying, principle-harming thing had she done?? Otherwise, why did she have to bear such a big matter??
Right now, her mood could probably only be understood by Lu Yicheng.
No. Jiang Ruoqiao shook her head, tearing off that page, crumpling it into a ball and throwing it in the trash can.
She couldn’t degenerate!! She wasn’t even married yet!!
Jiang Ruoqiao, you have to cheer up. If you compromise, if you yield, then you’ll lose your soul. You’ll no longer be yourself. Then it’ll be over! She absolutely wouldn’t allow herself to become like that.
Early the next morning, Jiang Ruoqiao and Lu Yicheng had agreed to go look at kindergartens.
Jiang Ruoqiao also hadn’t eaten breakfast. Right in front of Lu Yicheng, she entered a coffee shop. Maybe last night’s self-whipping had taken effect. As usual, she ordered herself a coffee and bought a croissant. This kind of breakfast combination was common among office workers. But this commonplace pairing cost 20-30 yuan, equivalent to Lu Yicheng’s food budget for a day.
Lu Yicheng and Lu Siyan had no other reaction. Lu Siyan had been influenced by his environment from a young age: Mom should use the best!
As for Lu Yicheng… He was frugal, but wouldn’t demand the same of others. Even when gathering for dorm meals, if they chose a restaurant with a poor price/quality ratio, he wouldn’t say anything. He was always the easiest to talk to.
He knew Jiang Ruoqiao was particular, judging by her dress and consumption, by the clothes she bought for Lu Siyan. It’s just that as students, how much money did they have. Lu Yicheng was just thinking, in the future, it was best not to split costs with her. Her expenses were high. Raising a child, she’d have a harder time than him to begin with. He should cover the larger share.
Jiang Ruoqiao didn’t know that her act of buying breakfast would make Lu Yicheng go from originally planning to split child-raising costs 50/50 with her to deciding on 60/40, or even 70/30.
Lu Yicheng received a reply from Bro Li. He’d go to the company when he had time. In this field, as long as you had a computer, you could work anywhere.
He’d definitely be busier than last semester, but this way, his income would also increase. If he had to work a bit harder, no problem.
Both father and son were quiet as chickens. Never mind Lu Siyan, even Lu Yicheng, who didn’t really understand Jiang Ruoqiao, didn’t realize he also thought this deep down: Jiang Ruoqiao’s spending was completely fine.
That’s how she should be.
There were several kindergartens near A University. Public ones weren’t considered because they weren’t enrolling from the junior level. This time, Lu Siyan was entering kindergarten directly as a senior. In this situation, private kindergartens were easier to get into. They really didn’t have much time left. It was only a little while until school started. Only private kindergartens could still try to squeeze them in.
Private kindergarten tuition varied. Among the ones they were choosing from, the cheapest still cost over 3,000 yuan a month.
The three of them all had high “face value”. Standing together, they naturally attracted many turning heads.
Jiang Ruoqiao and Lu Yicheng were both meticulous in handling matters. After inspecting the cheapest kindergarten, they glanced at each other and saw dissatisfaction in the other’s eyes.
They looked at three kindergartens that morning…
When it was time to eat, Lu Yicheng suggested eating out. Considering Jiang Ruoqiao’s tastes, he didn’t choose a cheap fast food shop, but a proper restaurant.
All three of them were very tired. Lu Siyan lay on the table.
“Did any catch your eye?” Lu Yicheng asked Jiang Ruoqiao.
Jiang Ruoqiao was taking out disinfectant wipes from her bag. She meticulously wiped the table once over. Hearing him, she looked up. “No, you?”
Lu Yicheng also shook his head.
The two had similar thoughts.
Before checking kindergartens, their thinking had been: Just pick the cheapest one, there’s no expectation for the child to actually learn anything at kindergarten, as long as he’s happy playing, it’ll be fine!
But when they went to see for themselves, their pickiness kicked in and they found fault everywhere. This place wasn’t satisfactory, that place wasn’t either.
When it came down to it, they were simply too poor.
“This won’t do,” Jiang Ruoqiao said. “Kindergarten starts in just a few days. We have to decide today.”
Lu Yicheng was thinking the same. He gritted his teeth. “Let’s go with Windmill Kindergarten then.”
Jiang Ruoqiao was surprised. “Over 5,000 a month.”
If they hadn’t inspected in person, she wouldn’t have known kindergarten tuition was so expensive these days.
Lu Yicheng analyzed it for her. “I looked at their meal plans. The nutrition is balanced. Breakfast and afternoon snacks are good. Lunch guarantees two meat dishes, one vegetable, and soup. The facilities are decent too. The playground equipment is new. The teachers are qualified. There’s also a school bus for pick-up and drop-off.” He paused. “Most importantly, parents can watch the classroom surveillance in real-time.”
This last point was crucial. He had read many news stories. Too many things happened at kindergartens. Though there would still be blind spots, being able to see the classroom was pretty good.
Jiang Ruoqiao really liked this kindergarten too. It just exceeded their budget somewhat.
As if knowing what she was hesitating about, Lu Yicheng steeled himself and said, “You don’t need to worry too much about the tuition. I’ll take care of it. You pay 2,000. How’s that?”
Jiang Ruoqiao looked at him. Was Lu Yicheng really a reincarnated Buddha?? No, wait, where was he getting this much money? Wasn’t he very poor? Wasn’t he the guy who never ordered takeout to save cash? The rare breed of guy who hand washed clothes whenever possible to avoid using the laundry machine??
Just as Jiang Ruoqiao was about to ask why, her phone rang. It was Jiang Yan calling.
She hesitated for a moment before silencing it without answering.
She glanced at Lu Yicheng. Lu Yicheng seemed to have guessed something and averted his gaze to tear open a plastic seal on the condiments.
Then his phone started ringing.
Glancing down, he saw it was Jiang Yan calling.
Lu Yicheng: “…”
So he also chose not to answer and silenced it.
*
Jiang Yan, who had changed his return flight to come back early, sat in the car feeling a bit puzzled. What was going on? Neither of them were picking up. What were they busy with?