Chapter 7: New Home Planning

Meng Ning was quite surprised when she heard about buying a car. Her car had broken down, and he hadn't mentioned anything last night. She hadn't expected her flash marriage husband to do anything, but today he showed her with his actions that he cared.

Meng Ning had been dependent on her mother since childhood, with no man in the house. Everything had to be handled by the mother and daughter. Meng Ning became independent very early on, fixing broken faucets, toilets, and light bulbs herself. This was the first time she felt someone was there to shield her from the storms.

Like last night, when he handed her the umbrella and took the heavy items from her hands, he stood in front as the head of the household, protecting her. Meng Ning glanced at him. Although they hadn't known each other for long, she couldn't grasp his personality or financial situation, but she didn't want to take advantage of him either.

"No need. My car can still run after some repairs. Let's not waste money."

Fu Tingxiu knew she would refuse and said, "You married me without asking for anything. If this gets out, I'd lose face. I don't earn much, but it's enough for living expenses. I've saved some money over the years, and buying a car is no problem at all."

If Fu Boxuan heard this, he would be in awe. With Fu Tingxiu's wealth, buying a car was a drop in the ocean, even buying a building wouldn't be a big deal. Using a man's pride as leverage, Meng Ning couldn't really argue.

When they arrived at the car dealership, Meng Ning didn't dare look at the expensive cars. The car Fu Tingxiu drove cost just over a hundred thousand yuan, so she thought it suitable to buy one in the same price range. Eventually, Meng Ning chose a cost-effective car priced at 110,000 yuan, and when it came time to pay, she insisted on contributing 50,000 yuan herself.

It had taken her a year to save that money, scrimping and saving. Despite her gentle appearance, Meng Ning was firm in her decisions. Fu Tingxiu had no choice but to agree with her plan. This gesture made him appreciate her a bit more. Among the women he knew, besides his mother, Meng Ning was the only one not greedy for his money. She even bargained for the car, getting many gifts from the dealership.

To Fu Tingxiu, the money was less than the cost of his shoes, but this was how ordinary people lived. Meng Ning's frugality and practicality were the qualities for a good household manager. Although she felt a pinch when paying, that discomfort vanished once she drove the new car.

"A new car is definitely different. Its power and acceleration are so much better than my old one," Meng Ning said excitedly. She loved that the car was red.

To Fu Tingxiu, Meng Ning was a woman who was too easily satisfied. Seeing her happy, a smile crept onto his lips as well. "How about taking me for a spin in your new car?"

"No problem," Meng Ning replied with a smile. "Get in and buckle up."

Fu Tingxiu got in and fastened his seatbelt. It was his first time riding in a car driven by a woman.

Thinking about the stereotype of female drivers as road hazards, Fu Tingxiu asked, "How are your driving skills?"

Meng Ning immediately understood what he meant and jokingly asked, "Have you bought insurance?"

"I'll get it later and name you as the beneficiary."

Their interaction was relaxed, and Meng Ning hadn't expected Fu Tingxiu to be so humorous.

Meng Ning started the car and took Fu Tingxiu for a drive around the area. She drove steadily, reacting quickly and calmly in emergencies.

Fu Tingxiu observed her closely. Meng Ning overturned his preconceptions about female drivers; she was not flustered or timid as often described online.

Fu Tingxiu said, "Navigate to Shui Mu Tian Cheng Community."

"Huh?" Meng Ning instinctively asked, "What are we going there for?"

"Your new home."

Meng Ning: "..."

Shui Mu Tian Cheng was not far away and not a high-end community, but in Beijing, with its location, the rent for a three-bedroom apartment wasn't cheap. To save on rent, she and her mother could only rent outside the Fifth Ring Road. With her income, she could never afford to buy a house.

It was Fu Tingxiu's second time at Shui Mu Tian Cheng. Before going to A City, he had Fu Boxuan help him buy a fully furnished second-hand apartment there, ready for immediate move-in. He had checked it out in the morning and, to avoid any slip-ups, had brought people to replace the household items and moved some of his frequently worn clothes.

When Meng Ning entered the house, her first impression was that it was cozy and tidy, which surprised her. A single man could keep his place this clean? The kitchen had pots, pans, and utensils, and the range hood showed signs of use.

Meng Ning asked, "Do you usually cook for yourself?"

Fu Tingxiu glanced at the kitchen. Except for the newly bought pots and pans, the range hood and other items were used and clearly had been in use for some time.

"Yes," Fu Tingxiu replied without a hint of embarrassment, "I cook occasionally. When I'm busy, I don't have time to cook."

A man who could cook earned a few more points in her book.