After arriving in the living room, Yan Qi explained to her parents that she hadn’t responded right away because she had fallen asleep. Apologizing for the delay, she quickly earned their forgiveness, and the family enjoyed lunch together.
Once the dishes were cleared and the chores were done, Yan Qi prepared to return to her second-floor bedroom to continue her cultivation.
But just as she was about to carry out her plan, her mother, Li Caifeng, suddenly called out to her.
“Xiao Qi, do you want to go out with me and your dad today?”
Hearing this, Yan Qi turned around, slightly puzzled. “Aren’t you two planning to rest at home today?”
“Well, I wouldn’t mind staying in, but remember how both our phones got destroyed in that terrorist attack the other day? Your dad wants to take me out to buy new ones.”
Yan Qi frowned. “If Dad only invited you, why are you asking me to come along?”
Li Caifeng smiled. “It’s because I’ve noticed you barely leave the house lately. I’m worried you’ll get too cooped up, so I thought I’d ask if you’d like to join us.”
“Oh, so you’re worried about me?” Yan Qi couldn’t help but grin.
Seeing her daughter’s expression, Li Caifeng pressed further. “So, are you coming with us to buy phones or not?”
“I could… but I have one condition.”
“You’re setting conditions for us buying you a phone?” Li Caifeng raised an eyebrow. “Go on, then.”
With her mother’s permission, Yan Qi mustered her courage and stated her terms.
“It’s simple, Mom—I want the money for my phone to count as a loan from you.”
“Huh? Why would you think that way?” Li Caifeng looked genuinely surprised.
Yan Qi answered in a firm tone. “Mom, in a few months, I’ll be a college student. I’ve promised myself that once I’m in university, I’ll earn what I want through my own efforts—no more relying on you and Dad for everything. So, I’d rather treat this as a debt I’ll pay back.”
Understanding dawned on Li Caifeng’s face. “Oh, so that’s why. But Xiao Qi, you’re not actually in college yet, are you?”
Yan Qi countered, “Mom, do you really think there’s much difference between a college student and a soon-to-be college student?”
Li Caifeng tried another angle. “But you’re only fourteen.”
“What does age matter? I’m already a university admit—I’m perfectly capable of working to support myself!” Hands on her hips, Yan Qi declared this with absolute confidence.
Li Caifeng looked down at her petite daughter, who stood a full head shorter than her, and skeptically asked, “Really?”