Transmigration: On the Gossip Front
Chapter 895 - 896 Toxic Fatherly Love 28

Chapter 895: Chapter 896 Toxic Fatherly Love 28

Before the semester started, Zhang Yu brought Li Cuifen back home, and the first thing they did was go to the hospital for a check-up.

Even though Li Cuifen said this trip was enjoyable and lightened her mood immensely, Zhang Yu still felt uneasy and wanted to check the data to see how things really were.

Aunt Huang noticed their return, brought dishes she had already prepared to the dining table, and shared some things that happened in the neighborhood while they were away.

To summarize: no major issues, but plenty of minor troubles—mainly concerning parking spaces.

This problem had existed even before Zhang Yu moved in; there were already many conflicts, such as the property management allowing external vehicles to park in the neighborhood for revenue, which left homeowners without parking spaces upon their return—obviously upsetting them.

The homeowners had clashed with the property management over this issue multiple times. Zhang Yu merely observed, being a new homeowner without a car, and had no reason to get involved.

Zhang Yu understood that this issue was far from simple—on the property management and homeowners’ side, there was plenty to contend with.

However, surprisingly, in just one summer break, the problem was resolved: "Neighborhood parking fees, now with a 20% discount."

Zhang Yu figured this already addressed a large portion of the issue.

"Did the property fees get discounted too?" Zhang Yu was particularly concerned about this matter, as it directly affected her household.

"Yes, also 20% off."

"If parking income increases, they’ll distribute things like fruits by the end of the year."

Aunt Huang didn’t just stop at stating the facts; she relayed what she had gathered from neighbors’ conversations.

"They all said those end-of-year items are wishful thinking. The property office is stingy. It’s unlikely they’ll give anything, and even if they do, it won’t be much."

"What everyone prefers is to reduce parking and property fees to a straight 30% discount. If the property office is sincere, they should repair and renovate the communal areas."

Zhang Yu, since moving to this neighborhood, would only run or exercise in the area during weekend breaks and hadn’t paid much attention to the environment. Li Cuifen, on the other hand, took daily strolls there and was very familiar with every detail of the surroundings.

"I think this suggestion is great." Discounted property and parking fees would be beneficial—not that they owned a car now, but once Zhang Yu got into college, she could start learning to drive.

During this recent trip, Li Cuifen deeply realized how convenient cars are—it meant freedom to go wherever you wanted.

Zhang Yu acknowledged, "Let’s see how the negotiations turn out." Regardless of the outcome, a discount on property fees was certain, which was already good news.

The next day, the results of the check-ups came back. Zhang Yu took a glance and knew the numbers were promising.

"See, I told you my health was fine," Li Cuifen remarked proudly.

"Yeah, yeah, but having the data makes understanding the situation better." Zhang Yu thought the results were good but decided they should still consult the doctor.

The doctor reviewed the results, "Recovery is going well. Maintain the current regimen and have check-ups every three months."

"If there are no issues after a year, the frequency can be reduced to once every six months." The doctor understood many patients found follow-ups tedious and costly.

"Let’s stick to every three months." Zhang Yu insisted on the three-month schedule to catch any changes promptly and adapt accordingly.

Patients actively suggesting frequent check-ups rarely met opposition from doctors, "Alright, this condition needs careful management."

"Don’t overexert yourself and avoid stress or anger," the doctor advised, before prescribing medication based on Li Cuifen’s current condition.

Carrying bags of medicated treatments, Zhang Yu said, "Grandma, shall we also see the Chinese medicine practitioner?"

During the last chemotherapy session, a fellow patient had mentioned consulting a Chinese medicine practitioner to help regulate their health.

Zhang Yu later investigated the practitioner, who turned out to have genuine expertise, not just an inflated reputation.

Given that level of skill, it seemed unwise to pass up the opportunity.

Li Cuifen agreed, and the pair took a taxi to the Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital to register their visit.

After a tiring round of errands, they finally returned home under the glow of city lights.

Looking at the clean house and steaming dishes, Zhang Yu felt content. Some people felt Li Cuifen’s health was good enough for her to manage without a caregiver.

On registration day, most of the discussions revolved around how busy everyone’s winter vacation had been.

"My mom said Zhang Yu improved so much—it doesn’t make sense that I can’t do the same," one of them remarked.

"Exactly, my mom said the same," another added.

As the conversation circled back around, curiosity brewed over how Zhang Yu had spent her winter break that made everyone else’s seem so arduous.

"Right after the break started, I took my grandma to Hainan," Zhang Yu replied.

"We just got back a couple of days ago."

The group was stunned. What? Zhang Yu spent her New Year holiday in Hainan? Their eyes widened.

Incredulously, they looked at her, "Did you say you spent the New Year in Hainan?"

"Yes," Zhang Yu nodded. "It’s just me and my grandma at home, and it’s too cold here."

"Though I definitely brought books and practice work with me. I was still studying there," she added. As fellow students, they could understand the motivation.

"Even if you brought study materials, you still had a great time," someone commented.

"Zhang Yu, your family must be rich." A sharp voice interjected, overriding the others. "Don’t you live with your grandma, without parents?"

"Your grandma even has cancer, and treatments cost a lot. How can you afford to go to Hainan?"

"Living expenses in Hainan are expensive!"

The group murmured in agreement, recalling Zhang Yu’s grandmother was always the one to attend parent-teacher meetings.

"My mom passed away. My dad and mom divorced when I was really young—he’s never been involved in my life, not even paying child support."

"Even if he doesn’t take care of me, I wouldn’t say he doesn’t exist." The original Zhang Yu had always considered her family’s woes too shameful to share.

The current Zhang Yu, however, saw no reason to stay quiet about these details.

"Yes, my grandma needs cancer treatments, which require money for both procedures and recovery care," she admitted.

"But that doesn’t mean my family is wealthy."

"We can manage our finances enough to afford this trip," Zhang Yu explained.

"I mentioned we went to Hainan, but not Sanya in particular. We stayed in a smaller city neighboring Sanya, which also has beaches and the ocean."

"There are fewer tourists, and renting an apartment for a month costs just three to five hundred yuan. Fresh seafood is easily accessible daily."

Zhang Yu briefly elaborated on the local cost of living. "If you don’t believe me, you can check it out yourselves in the future."

"Really, I’d recommend it—a high-value-for-money trip. You don’t need to spend much to experience blue skies, white sand, and ocean waves alike."

"Prioritizing affordability is the goal here," Zhang Yu encouraged enthusiastically.

The group was stunned again. "Is it really that fun?"

"Yes. Roundtrip train tickets with a hard sleeper berth cost a few hundred yuan. Once you’re there, with dining, lodging, and leisure activities combined, 2,000 yuan per person is plenty," Zhang Yu calculated.

"Is that price too high?" she asked the group.

They shook their heads. "Definitely not expensive."

"Rich travelers have their ways to enjoy leisure trips."

"But even those with limited budgets can travel and enjoy themselves just as much," Zhang Yu said calmly.

A girl, visibly upset, glared at Zhang Yu. Initially hoping to shame her, she hadn’t expected Zhang Yu to deflect the matter so easily—it made her irritated.

Seeing the girl give up on pursuing the matter further, Zhang Yu relaxed slightly, knowing the conversation would move on.