Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten-Chapter 173: So-Called Weaknesses

Around ten in the morning, Fang Meng checked in on Lin Xiaoli again, asking how she was feeling and helping her wipe her face and massage her.

Lin Xiaoli felt a little embarrassed by all the attention.

Afterward, Fang Meng went to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

She planned to make a nourishing soup with corn, carrots, and pork ribs. Though she was used to cooking, she still wasn’t very skilled at peeling, cutting, and chopping the ingredients.

Lin Zhengran walked into the kitchen, puzzled. “Why are you making lunch? And why so early?”

Fang Meng glanced at him.

“Cooking now means it’ll be ready by eleven—perfect timing. And I thought about what you said. You’re right. Sitting around and overthinking is pointless. If I want to reconcile with Qianqian, I have to talk to her. Whether we end up as friends again or not, I’ll accept the outcome.”

Lin Zhengran let out a relieved breath. “It’s great that you figured it out so quickly. And don’t be too pessimistic—I think she wants to make up with you too.”

That was exactly what Fang Meng wanted to hear. “You really think so?”

He nodded. “Of course. You both see this as a big deal, but to others, it probably just looks like a typical argument between best friends. Everyone probably assumes you’ll patch things up by next week.”

Fang Meng held his gaze for a while before lowering her head and continuing to chop vegetables. In a calm voice, she said, “I finally understand why so many girls like you. Even Qianqian and Jiang Jingshi were drawn to you. Lin Zhengran, you have a unique charm—the way you talk makes girls’ hearts flutter.”

He remained completely unfazed. “Oh, really?”

“Mhm.” Fang Meng admitted, “Even I feel a bit of it now. But it’s just a passing fondness, nothing close to real feelings.”

Lin Zhengran blinked.

“So… is that why you’re still here making lunch? Are you planning to stay the whole day?”

“Are you not happy to have me here?”

“It’s not about being happy or not. I just don’t see why you’re staying. I mean, what kind of girl spends the entire day taking care of another guy’s mom? Especially while he’s still at home. My dad’s coming back for lunch too.”

“Hmm, good point.” She started boiling the soup. “But I do have a reason. Like I said, overthinking won’t help, but… I still don’t have the courage to be completely honest with Qianqian. I figured after your dad gets back, you could come sing karaoke and have a drink with me—to hype me up.”

Lin Zhengran groaned. “You’re still stuck on that? Can I say no?”

Fang Meng stirred the soup and added the ribs as the broth bubbled.

“You can… but you won’t. Because now I know your weakness—if I treat you or your family well, you’ll help me out. And this isn’t even a big favor.”

“You really think that’s my weakness?” He watched as she carefully tended to the soup. “Even if it is, now that you’ve said it out loud, why would I agree? It’s too obvious.”

“Why don’t you test it out?” she said casually. “I’ve been observing you for over a year and a half. I might not know everything, but I understand you just as well as I understand Qianqian.”

“That’s some detailed observation.”

“Not really. You’re just an interesting person. You stand out. Among guys, you’re the first one I’ve met with this kind of presence. Girls are naturally drawn to guys like you.”

Lin Zhengran noted how steady her tone was. “I honestly never noticed.”

Fang Meng didn’t respond and simply focused on making the soup. Once it was ready, she carried it to Lin Xiaoli’s room, gently helping her sit up.

“Auntie, it’s time for some soup. I made this especially for you.”

Lin Xiaoli was overwhelmed by her care.

Touched, she said, “Xiaomeng, it’s just a cold, and your uncle will be back soon. You don’t have to go to all this trouble.”

Fang Meng sat beside her with the bowl in hand.

Lin Zhengran entered the room too, but at this point, he felt completely unnecessary.

Fang Meng scooped up some soup, blew on it gently, and said, “Of course I have to. If we were living in ancient times, and I had an arranged marriage, I’d already be your future daughter-in-law. Taking care of my mother-in-law would be my duty.”

She lifted the spoon to Lin Xiaoli’s lips. “Say ‘ahh,’ Auntie.”

Both Lin Xiaoli and Lin Zhengran were stunned.

What the hell did she just say?

Lin Xiaoli’s face turned red. “D-Daughter-in-law?”

“I’m not saying I’ll definitely end up with Lin Zhengran, but I want to give it my best shot—even if there’s only a slim chance.” Her voice softened. “Please, have some soup.”

Lin Xiaoli sipped a little. Deep down, she already suspected Fang Meng liked Zhengran. After all, she had been coming over frequently for over a year. But hearing her say it outright was unexpected.

Then, Fang Meng spoke her real request. “Auntie, once Uncle gets back, can I ask Lin Zhengran to come sing karaoke with me? Today is really important to me. I hope he can be there, even just for a little while. Please put in a good word for me?”

“Huh? Today is important to you?”

“Mhm. I can’t explain, but it really means a lot.”

Lin Xiaoli knew her son was always surrounded by admirers, so she hesitated. “Well, that’s not really my decision…”

She turned to look at Lin Zhengran, who stood by the door, looking completely lost.

“Zhengran… what do you think?”

Sweat formed on Lin Zhengran’s forehead.

His mother looked like she truly felt bad for Fang Meng, and Fang Meng herself was giving him the most pitiful look ever.

She spoke sincerely.

“I know using Auntie as leverage to get you to help me is a bit manipulative, but… you know how much this means to me. I just need a little encouragement.” Her voice cracked, and she even teared up. “Please, help me. I’ll do anything in return.”

Lin Xiaoli patted her back to comfort her, then looked at Lin Zhengran. “Zhengran…”

At that moment, he realized—when a woman wants to act dramatic, no one can outdo her.

Especially when she’s being genuine about it.

Fine. He had already helped her this much. Might as well go all the way.

Lin Zhengran slowly nodded. “Alright. I’ll go with you this morning.”

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Tears still in her eyes, Fang Meng’s face lit up with a smile. “Thank you, Lin Zhengran! Really, thank you!”

Not long after, Lin Yingjun returned home.

Lin Zhengran and Fang Meng headed downstairs together.

As they reached the street, he was about to ask which karaoke place they were going to when Fang Meng suddenly stopped, turned to him, and bowed deeply.

“I’m sorry for using such a sneaky method to get your help. I know it wasn’t really effective—you’re just a good person, and that’s why you agreed. It wasn’t because I found your weakness or tricked you.”

She took a deep breath.

“In the future, even if I take care of Auntie again, I won’t do something like this. This will be the last time. And as for repayment, I’ll do anything you ask—except sleeping with you. Anything else, I swear.”

Lin Zhengran stared at the girl bowing at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

“You really have a way with words. I’ll remember this favor, then. Someday, I’ll use it.”

Fang Meng straightened up, watching him with a small smile. “Alright. Thank you. You really are the most handsome guy I’ve ever met.”

“The last part was so fake, you didn’t need to say it.”

She didn’t reply.

Because, in truth, she meant every word.

And now, she was starting to understand why Qianqian cared so much about Lin Zhengran’s future plans.

A guy like him—strong yet kind—it was only natural she’d want the best for him.