Chapter 5 January 10 Million_1

Yang Hanqing didn't reply, and Xiao Ming didn't wait, boarding a nearby bus instead.

Returning to the "long-separated" neighborhood, everything felt so familiar yet estranged. As he climbed the stairs, Xiao Ming was unexpectedly overcome by a sense of trepidation about being so close to home.

Third floor, Unit 302, was the old apartment left to him by his parents. He had spent his childhood and student days here, welcomed Jiang Xue as his bride within these walls, experienced sweetness, degeneration, outbursts, until he ended up in prison after taking revenge on his enemy.

Now, looking at the peeling paint on the security door, he couldn't help but feel a sourness in his nose.

In his previous life, by the time he was released from prison, the apartment had long been demolished, and even though he was wealthy enough to rival a nation and owned countless mansions, deep inside he felt like a ship without direction, with no harbor to call home.

Click!

Just as Xiao Ming was drowning in a torrent of emotions, the apartment door suddenly opened, and a middle-aged woman stepped out.

He was stunned for a moment but quickly mustered a smile, "Mom, what brings you here?"

The woman was Jiang Xue's mother, his mother-in-law, Zhou Aifeng.

"Don't call me that! I don't have a cursed son-in-law like you."

Zhou Aifeng glanced at him with disgust, turned towards the staircase, then looked back, "Xiao, if you're still human, don't keep holding my daughter back. Divorce her quickly!"

When Xiao Ming was courting Jiang Xue, Zhou Aifeng was not satisfied with him as he was always picking faults, mainly because he was poor.

Later, when he started his business and began to make some money, his mother-in-law's attitude softened somewhat.

Unfortunately, the good times didn't last. He was betrayed by a brother, his company went bankrupt, and he started to drink and gamble. Then he was completely cast out, getting lambasted and cursed at every meeting. The demand for a divorce had become a regular part of their routine, as common as dining at home.

"Mom, I love Xue. I'll never divorce her, no matter what."

Those words were like water poured into boiling oil, causing Zhou Aifeng to explode instantly.

"What did you say? Love her? Pah!

Xue was deceived by your bullshit that year, and after all these years, you still have the face to mention it?

My daughter is beautiful and had a line of talented young men chasing her back then, people who could line up down the street. These men are now either public servants or executives at big companies, and even the least successful among them earns over ten thousand a month. But you? Since Xue married you, has she lived a single good day?

For a man to end up being supported by his wife, if I were you, I'd have smashed my head in and died a long time ago to avoid such shame!"

Covered in spit, Xiao Ming endured the overpowering smell of garlic, trying to explain, "Mom, I've already promised Xue that I won't gamble anymore.

I will work hard to make money, a lot of money, and I'll make sure both she and you live a good life."

"Spouting nonsense!" Zhou Aifeng cursed aloud.

"I saw right through you the first moment. A dog can't change its habit of eating shit, and you can't make a wall out of mud. You were born a poor devil.

Make a lot of money? Not even in your next life!"

Her voice was loud, attracting the attention of neighbors on either side, but none came out to intervene, obviously used to such scenes.

Xiao Ming, now losing his patience as well. His love was for Jiang Xue, and respect and tolerance for Zhou Aifeng as an elder had its limits.

"Ten million!"

He suddenly raised his voice, startling Zhou Aifeng into silence.

"If I don't make ten million within the next month, I will divorce Xue as you wish.

But, if I do manage it, I hope from then on you will just peacefully enjoy our support without interfering in our lives."

Zhou Aifeng stared blankly at Xiao Ming, then burst out laughing.

"Ha ha ha ha... Xiao Ming, oh Xiao Ming, you really dare to talk big!

Make ten million in a month? Do you think you're a goose that lays golden eggs? You can't even see what you really are, it's hilarious!

The whole neighborhood heard you. You might not be ashamed, but I have to go out and greet people!"

"If you don't believe it, then forget it."

Xiao Ming turned to enter the apartment.

Having once reached the pinnacle of the world, his psychological resilience was naturally robust, and he didn't mind what others thought of him.

"Stop right there!"

Zhou Aifeng called him back, "Xiao Ming, do you stand by your word?"

Xiao Ming nodded, "I swear on my late mother's honor."

"Fine! I'll believe you one more time.

If you can really make ten million within a month, not only will I never force Xue to divorce you, but I'll also apologize to you in front of all the neighbors.

Otherwise, you leave with nothing, get as far away as possible, and never let us see your face again."

"Neighbors bear witness, agreed!"

Zhou Aifeng left, Xiao Ming entered the apartment, looking around at the modest but cozy home, and his displeasure quickly dissipated.

At the end of the day, although Zhou Aifeng's words were harsh, the root cause lay with him.

He had failed to bear the responsibilities of a husband and had let his wife down too much.

After some reflection, Xiao Ming rolled up his sleeves and thoroughly cleaned the apartment inside and out. After showering and changing into fresh clothes, a notification for a deposit of a hundred thousand arrived on his phone.

Then Yang Hanqing called.

"Mr. Xiao, I need to see you."

Her voice was deep and hoarse, obviously having just cried.

Xiao Ming felt no impulse to comfort her and responded with a twist of his mouth, "I'm busy today, let's talk tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, he immediately left and headed straight for the antique market by car.