"Even if, like Du Bin says, I borrowed from Huabei, credit cards, or even loan sharks, that's impossible. Uncle, you should know borrowing that much isn't easy. With your small factory, could you borrow that much all at once? Let alone me."
"Brother-in-law, still pretending? How long are you gonna keep this up? Fine, where'd the money come from?" Du Bin glared suspiciously, still convinced Li Bin's cash was from loans, pressing him aggressively.
"I've been clear—it's royalties from my writing. Your understanding of online novels is too narrow. Qifei Chinese Network isn't the only place to make money. There are tons of sites where you can earn millions a month. You think 800,000 makes you famous? You underestimate web novels. Qifei's top authors, the platinum ones, make tens of millions a year."
Li Bin smiled calmly, explaining, "If you don't believe me, have Wen Wan check my credit card accounts, my Huabei, Jiebei—see if I've borrowed a cent."
"This isn't something I can hide from everyone. No need to lie. Du Bin, it's your aunt's birthday, a happy day, so I won't hold your slander against you. Sit down, eat, and talk less."
"Even if I did borrow, it didn't cost you a dime or come from your family, right?"
"I'm thinking of Auntie and Sister Wan! If you end up drowning in debt and skip town, they're the ones who suffer!" Du Bin persisted, unconvinced.
"No way, Du Bin. Li Bin's a good kid—he wouldn't do that. There's gotta be a misunderstanding!" Wen Ying stood, awkwardly tugging at Du Bin to calm him. "It's Sister-in-law's birthday, a joyful day. Let's drop it～～"
"Wen Wan, check his accounts right now. Call the bank, see if he's borrowed!" Du Jianjun glared sternly at Li Bin, stepping up to him and thrusting out his hand. "Li Bin, give me your phone!"
"Enough!!" Shen Han slammed the table, standing furiously, glaring at Du Jianjun. "Li Bin's my son-in-law. What he buys me is our family's business, not yours to meddle in! I trust him. This ends now—stop talking!"
Seeing Shen Han's outburst, Shen Yun smiled at her. "Sis, we're just looking out for you and Li Bin. If you don't like it, we'll drop it. When things go south, it won't be us suffering."
Shen Yun shot a look at Du Jianjun and Du Bin.
Du Jianjun snorted coldly, sitting back down.
Du Bin, still defiant, glared at Li Bin, plotting how to expose him with hard proof, unmask this fraud, and stomp him into the ground.
Li Bin knew exactly what the Du family was thinking. They couldn't stand seeing him succeed, couldn't handle the Wen family outshining them. He'd seen plenty of relatives like this—his own family was no different. They hated your success, relished your failure, finding superiority in your misery.
If you made it big, got rich, they were like crabs in a bucket, dragging you back, scheming to screw you over, leech off you, pull you down to their level.
"Mom, actually, the watch was a gift from Wen Wan for you. My gift—I haven't given it yet," Li Bin said, casting a cold glance at the Du family clowns before smiling warmly at Shen Han.
"Xiao Bin, Mom doesn't need more gifts. I'm already so happy today," Shen Han shook her head, smiling happily, patting Li Bin's hand. "Your thoughtfulness is enough."
"Come on, Mom, follow me," Li Bin said, taking Shen Han's hand under everyone's puzzled gazes, standing and snapping his fingers at the pretty server waiting nearby.
The server hurried out.
Suddenly, the hall's lights dimmed.
Spotlights flared, beaming toward the closed curtain.
"Xiao Bin, what's this?～～" Shen Han froze, staring curiously at the spotlight's focus as the curtain slowly parted.
"Honey, what are you doing? Why so dramatic?" Wen Wan approached, surprised, her brows furrowed with curiosity.
"You'll see soon. This is my birthday gift for Mom," Li Bin said with a gentle smile, pulling Wen Wan into his arms, holding Shen Han's hand in his left and Wen Wan's in his right, feeling utterly blissful.
"What's he up to now? Why so secretive?" Du Bin muttered, standing, curiosity drawing his eyes to the slowly opening curtain.
In this mysterious, grand atmosphere, everyone stood, turning to face the curtain.