Chapter 70: Chapter 71: Buying a Skirt for Aunt Fang
The mere thought of Li Zhiyan warmed Fang Zhiyuan's heart.
This world could be cruel at times.
But the appearance of Li Zhiyan seemed to patch up those cold and unfeeling corners of her life. Yet, he was just an 18-year-old child. Asking him for money felt inappropriate.
As she wrestled with her conflicting emotions, the familiar chime of her QQ notification rang out.
Fang Zhiyuan's QQ contact list had only one person—Li Zhiyan. So when she heard the notification, she knew it was him reaching out.
Li Zhiyan: "Aunt Fang, how have you been since the divorce?"
Fang Zhiyuan: "I'm fine. Don't worry about me, dear."
Li Zhiyan: "I'll come visit you. Are you still setting up your stall in the same place?"
Fang Zhiyuan: "Yes, I am."
After chatting with Li Zhiyan for a while, a sense of anticipation filled Fang Zhiyuan. She was genuinely looking forward to his visit.
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It wasn't long before Li Zhiyan appeared in front of her stall.
"Aunt Fang, long time no see! You've gotten even more beautiful."
"You sweet-talker, you're always flattering me."
"Aunt Fang, I only speak the truth."
Li Zhiyan glanced at the nearly empty stall and asked, "Aunt Fang, is something bothering you? You seem like you've got something weighing on your mind."
Fang Zhiyuan hid her emotions well and didn't want to burden the young man with her troubles.
But Li Zhiyan, with the help of his system, already knew everything—her financial struggles, her desperation, and even her hesitation about asking for help.
"It's nothing, really. You're overthinking it, child," she said, trying to brush it off.
"Aunt Fang, I can tell something's wrong. Is it money? If you need it, I can lend you some. I have a bit saved up."
"How did you know I need money?" The words escaped her before she could stop them.
Realizing her slip, embarrassment washed over her. Borrowing money from a child, no matter how much he had, felt wrong.
"If you need money, just tell me," Li Zhiyan said firmly. "I know you're someone who keeps her promises."
Her hesitation cracked as she thought about her son, Yao Long, and his supposed need for a prep class. Blushing, she confessed, "Yao Long says he needs 10,000 yuan for some advanced class to help him win scholarships after school starts. I've been trying to borrow the money, but no one will lend it to me. If you have it, could you lend me 10,000 yuan? I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I earn it from my stall."
Li Zhiyan knew full well that Yao Long's excuse was a lie. The money wasn't for any class, but for frivolous indulgences. Still, he didn't expose it—this was his mission, after all.
"I'll lend it to you, Aunt Fang. I'll transfer it to your account later today."
"Thank you, Zhiyan…" Fang Zhiyuan said, her voice filled with emotion. "I don't even know how to repay you. I already owe you so much."
Li Zhiyan smiled gently. "Aunt Fang, is your back still hurting?"
The mention of her back brought a faint blush to her cheeks. Memories of him massaging her back with his hands—and even a wooden stick—flooded her mind. His earnest efforts to relieve her pain had left her deeply flustered.
"My back doesn't hurt anymore, dear. Don't worry about me."
"Good to hear. By the way, Aunt Fang, I have a small request. Can you promise me something?"
The sudden seriousness in his tone surprised her. Considering all the help he'd given her, how could she possibly refuse?
"Of course, Zhiyan. Tell me what you need. If I can do it, I will."
Li Zhiyan straightened up, his expression solemn. "Aunt Fang, you know, I've never touched a woman's leg before. I've never even seen one up close. I was wondering… could you let me see your legs? Maybe touch them, just to know what it feels like. Would that be okay?"
For a moment, Fang Zhiyuan was utterly stunned.
This child wanted to touch her legs?!
But then she thought about it—he was 18, the age when curiosity about the opposite gender peaked. Such a request wasn't entirely unexpected, was it?
Her cheeks flushed as she stammered, "Zhiyan… this isn't appropriate. I'm a woman, and you're still young. Touching my legs… it's not right."
"I understand, Aunt Fang. I got carried away. Forget I said anything."
He stood up quickly. "I'll go grab a bowl of mung bean soup over there."
Watching his retreating figure, Fang Zhiyuan felt a pang of guilt.
The boy had been through so much, and while his peers were out exploring relationships, he hadn't even touched a girl's hand.
Memories of the last time he touched her hand surfaced—how shy and nervous he'd been.
Maybe fulfilling his curiosity wasn't such a bad thing. If this innocent desire went unsatisfied, who knew what trouble he might get into later?
When Li Zhiyan returned from finishing his soup, Fang Zhiyuan approached him, her face redder than before.
"Zhiyan… Auntie has thought about it. When we go home later, I'll let you see my legs. You can touch them if you want, but only my lower legs. My thighs are off-limits—they're too private."
Her voice was soft but firm. "And you must treat me as your elder, not as a woman. Do you understand?"
Li Zhiyan's heart raced, but he nodded earnestly. "Thank you, Aunt Fang. I'll make sure to respect you."
"Also, there's one problem," she added hesitantly. "I don't have any shorts or skirts at home. It might be inconvenient for you to see my legs."
"In that case, when we pass the night market, I'll buy you a skirt," Li Zhiyan suggested with a smile. "I've never seen you wear anything that shows your legs. I bet you'll look amazing."
Fang Zhiyuan's hands trembled slightly at his words, but she nodded.
"Alright. Let's pack up and head home. Business is slow today anyway."
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