Chapter 44: Frequent Slip-Ups

After learning that Fang Qiong bought the apartment next door simply because she wanted someone to talk to when she was bored, Meng Ning was even more surprised.

While they chatted, the movers had already moved all the furniture inside, and Fang Qiong invited Meng Ning to come in and sit.

Unable to refuse such hospitality, Meng Ning said, "Auntie, let me put the groceries away first."

Meng Ning had bought quite a few groceries, including a large watermelon. She put the groceries away and then cut half of the watermelon to bring to Fang Qiong.

Fang Qiong was on the phone in the neighboring apartment, arranging for a housekeeper to come and clean. Meng Ning stood behind Fang Qiong, not wanting to interrupt, so she overheard part of the conversation.

After Fang Qiong finished her call, Meng Ning asked curiously, "Auntie, does the family know you bought this apartment?"

In Meng Ning's mind, buying a house was a big deal and should be discussed with the family.

Fang Qiong waved her hand dismissively, "No need. It's just an apartment. Why make it complicated? No need to consult them. If I want to buy it, I buy it. It's not a big deal."

Meng Ning was speechless.

She remembered the expensive jade bracelet Fang Qiong had given her as a gift. She knew Fang Qiong was wealthy, but not to this extent.

Meng Ning smiled slightly, "Auntie, I just bought a watermelon, so I brought you half."

"Thank you." Fang Qiong accepted it with a smile and handed Meng Ning a key, "This is a key to the apartment. Keep one just in case. If I forget my key someday, I can come to you."

Fang Qiong's main intention was to get closer to Meng Ning, and this reason made it hard for Meng Ning to refuse. So she accepted the key.

After hesitating for a moment, Meng Ning said, "Alright, I'll keep a spare key for you. Auntie, I bought some groceries. How about you come over for dinner tonight?"

"Sure." Fang Qiong agreed readily, "I'll cook something for you."

Fang Qiong was very enthusiastic, and Meng Ning didn't feel comfortable letting Fang Qiong cook alone, so they both worked in the kitchen.

While Meng Ning was washing cilantro, Fang Qiong noticed and said, "Xiu can't eat cilantro."

"Really?" Meng Ning hadn't known this.

"He's allergic to cilantro," Fang Qiong explained.

"I didn't know that." Meng Ning had never used cilantro in her cooking before. Today, she planned to make a steamed dish that required cilantro as a garnish, which was why she bought it.

Upon hearing about Fu Tingxiu's allergy, Meng Ning stopped washing the cilantro and quickly put it away.

Meng Ning noticed something unusual. "Auntie, how do you know all this so well?"

Generally, distant relatives wouldn't know such specific details about someone's likes and dislikes.

Fang Qiong, fearing she might give herself away, said, "Many years ago, Xiao Xiu came over for a meal and had an allergic reaction to cilantro, ending up in the hospital. So I remember it clearly. Xiao Xiu is always working so hard; it's pitiful. He's already thirty and still hasn't had a girlfriend. Luckily, he met you. Otherwise, he might have remained single forever."

Meng Ning wasn't suspicious and smiled, "Auntie, Fu Tingxiu is very exceptional. How could he stay single? Even if he hadn't met me, he would have found someone else."

Fang Qiong retorted, "I've introduced him to over ten girls, and none of them worked out. It's a wonder he found a wife."

Meng Ning was speechless.

Fang Qiong's exasperated look made Meng Ning laugh.

She just learned that before Fu Tingxiu joined the matchmaking site, Fang Qiong had introduced him to more than ten girls.

"Auntie, why didn't he like any of them? Weren't any of the ten girls suitable?"

"Exactly, Xiao Xiu has been picky since he was young. He'd say one was too fat, another too thin, or that someone had an unlucky face."

Fang Qiong's exaggerated expressions made Meng Ning laugh even more.

She recalled her own matchmaking encounter with Fu Tingxiu and thought he didn't seem picky at all. She wasn't a top beauty, and her family background was average.

"Auntie, tell me more about Fu Tingxiu's past," Meng Ning wanted to learn more.

Fang Qiong was eager to continue and smiled, "No problem. There are endless stories about Xiao Xiu."

Fang Qiong, getting more animated, even shared embarrassing stories about Fu Tingxiu wetting the bed as a child. She recounted his life from kindergarten to university.

At first, Meng Ning listened with great interest, but gradually she sensed something was off.

Why would a distant relative know such detailed information about Fu Tingxiu's childhood?