Chapter 434 Zi Shao Tricks His Wife Out for Some Alone Time
When Qi Luquan saw his granddaughter, all his grievances vanished. No matter how many mistakes Xuanxuan had made, she was still his granddaughter, his flesh and blood. He felt the same pain as she did, and Qi Luquan knew that he would spend the rest of his life accompanying this child who had deliberately tormented him.
"Grandpa, I thought you didn't want me anymore."
"How could I? You are the one Grandpa cares about the most. How could I not want you?"
Qi Luquan was so weak from Xuanxuan's embrace that he could barely stand. Li Cheng steadied him from behind.
"Your grandfather's legs are not good. Can you be more careful?"
Qi Xuan quickly helped her grandfather, completely ignoring Li Cheng's displeased tone. Li Cheng only escorted them and placed the luggage by the door before leaving.
"Old Qi, if there's nothing else, I'll be going. If you need anything in the future, you can find me at the antique shop."
Qi Luquan originally wanted to invite him to stay for a meal, but seeing Li Cheng already at the door, he abandoned the idea.
"A Cheng, thank you for taking care of Xuanxuan. Come over for a meal sometime."
"No need to be polite. I'll be going now."
Qi Xuan watched Li Cheng disappear, feeling grateful. She knew that Li Cheng must have informed her grandfather about the situation.
Closing the door, Qi Xuan quickly helped her grandfather to the sofa and took off his shoes, replacing them with slippers.
"Grandpa, how are you feeling? Will it be bad for your health if Old Fan doesn't continue your treatment?"
Qi Luquan smiled and waved his hand. He knew his body well. It was just like this. As long as he took his medicine on time and exercised more, he still had a chance to recover.
"It's alright. Old Fan gave me a prescription when I left. I'll find a Chinese medicine doctor to continue with acupuncture later."
Qi Xuan lowered her head, filled with guilt. If it weren't for her, Grandpa's health wouldn't have deteriorated.
"I'm sorry, Grandpa, I'm sorry. I was too selfish before, always thinking about myself and completely disregarding your feelings, which made you so angry."
Qi Luquan didn't say he forgave her. Instead, he took his granddaughter's hand.
"It's good that you know you were wrong. Everyone makes mistakes. The fear is knowing you're wrong but continuing to do it. Have you figured it out now?"
"Yes, I've thought a lot during my time alone. Just because I like someone doesn't mean I should force them. This is my selfishness, and I was too persistent, clinging to one person and pushing everyone else away. I really regret it."
Qi Luquan knew his granddaughter was a persistent person. Although she said this now, once she met the person she liked, she would lose control again. Fortunately, they would never meet again, and everything would pass slowly.
"That's good. I hope you live happily from now on. After all, Grandpa doesn't have much time left with you. You're grown up now and should know what you should and shouldn't do."
They didn't dwell on the past, but Qi Xuan still wanted to know about Ye Shengge and the others. Upon learning that Ye Shengge was married and Chen Tangtang had given birth to a healthy baby boy, she was happy for them.
"That's great. They're all younger than me, but they've all moved ahead of me."
"Then you should work hard to find a boyfriend so I can see you get married and have children. Grandpa would be content with that."
Qi Xuan smiled and nodded. Since she couldn't have Shang Shaoyan, anyone else would do.
"Alright, then Grandpa can help me find someone. Anyone Grandpa approves of, who is good to me and good to you, will do."
Qi Luquan immediately thought of Li Cheng. He seemed like a good candidate. He could inquire about him later.
The Shang family had become deeply rooted in the village. Moreover, the eldest master Shang's injuries had completely healed. He now worked in the fields every day, appearing silent and lacking his former spirit. Shang Shaoyan was helpless watching his uncle unable to move past the ordeal. Among the Shang family, only his aunt had died tragically, a kind woman who least deserved such a fate.
"Uncle, should we ask someone to bring Eldest Brother and Little Brother back?"
Shang Laoda looked up and wiped the sweat from his face. His expression didn't brighten at the mention of his children.
"No need. They are grown. They have their own lives to live. Their success or failure is up to them."
"But they could be here to keep you company."
"I don't need company. This is fine now. Shaoyan, don't worry about me. Your uncle is holding onto one breath, and I will definitely live to get revenge."
Recalling the recent events, Shang Shaoyan also felt a lingering resentment. Revenge was a thorn in his heart. Only when revenge was achieved would the thorn be removed.
"There will be a day."
Recently, Min Xing had been enjoying taking Xiao Tiantian around the village. Seeing Shang Shaoyan working bent over in the field, he walked over.
"Young Master Shang, you seem to be adapting well."
Shang Shaoyan first learned of Min Xing through Zi Yisheng, knowing that Zi Yisheng had a shadow following him. Later, when he learned more about Min Xing, he discovered that this guy was extremely wealthy but also the stingiest rich person.
"What, you haven't adapted yet?"
"My hands are for tending to medicinal herbs. How could I possibly do farm work?"
Shang Shaoyan ignored Min Xing, considering him an unlikable person who complained even after getting the advantage. However, he was very enthusiastic seeing the increasingly adorable Xiao Tiantian.
"Xiao Tiantian, are you in a good mood today? I can see you smiling. Xiao Tiantian, you should smile more in the future. Girls who smile often are happy."
Xiao Tiantian looked at Shang Shaoyan with her big, watery eyes. She was no longer resistant to anyone she knew, so she gave Shang Shaoyan some face.
"Hmph, my Xiao Tiantian won't pay attention to you. Right, Xiao Tiantian!"
Min Xing's childish behavior made Shang Shaoyan cringe. What was the point of deliberately pulling Xiao Tiantian behind him? Did he think he could snatch Xiao Tiantian away?
"Hurry up and take Xiao Tiantian away. There are bugs in the field, and it wouldn't be good if Xiao Tiantian got bitten."
"Humph, I don't need you to tell me. Can't I take good care of Xiao Tiantian!"
Shang Shaoyan watched Min Xing walk away holding Xiao Tiantian, shaking his head helplessly. He didn't understand why Min Xing had come to him to say so much nonsense.
"In the future, interact more with Zi Yisheng and Min Xing. If we want to make a comeback, we'll need their help."
Shang Shaoyan turned to look at his uncle. He found it hard to believe his uncle would say such a thing.
"What? Surprised?"
"Yes, very surprised. My uncle is known for being a stubborn old man who never relies on anyone."
Shang Laoda showed a rare expression, one of ambition and a hint of calculation.
"That was before. Our current situation proves everything. It's better to live strategically. Sometimes, it's not shameful to rely on someone stronger than you, especially when they can help you achieve your goals."
"Zi Yisheng won't easily accept anyone's overtures. Besides, we're useless to him right now; we're a burden."
"That's because the sincerity isn't enough. I'll talk to Zi Yisheng recently."
"Perhaps it's better not to. It's not advisable to make any moves in the next few years."
"It's important to build a good relationship first. If I offer something Zi Yisheng is interested in, he'll at least protect our safety. As for the future, we'll take it slow."
Today was the day Zi Yisheng took his wife shopping in Chuncheng. They had agreed to go out once a month, whether it was shopping or going to the beach. It was their private time together. Zi Yisheng truly wanted to escape the "care" of his father-in-law's family at all times. He had initially decided to cook a meal for his wife every day, but he hadn't lasted two days before they coaxed his wife back to her parents' home for meals. Now, coming home at night to sleep was their only private time. Otherwise, it was either the Ye family or the Bai family. Recently, there was also a little fatty competing for his wife's attention. Therefore, the monthly outing was a day Zi Yisheng eagerly anticipated.
"Wife, are you happy to be out?"
Ye Shengge was in the department store picking out clothes and shoes for the little fatty. She didn't pay much attention when Zi Yisheng spoke.
"Of course, I'm happy. If a woman doesn't enjoy shopping, it's an outrage."
"Is it even happier with me accompanying you? With no extra people disturbing us, your mood must be much better."
Ye Shengge knew her husband too well. He was indirectly complaining about his grievances.
"Of course. With your company, I'm happy even if I'm not shopping."
This was exactly what Zi Yisheng wanted to hear, so he seized the opportunity.
"Then, should we buy a house in Chuncheng? We can come here to stay for a few days when we have time, change of scenery, and it'll be convenient for you to shop to your heart's content."
So, that was his idea. Ye Shengge also knew how much her proximity to her maternal grandparents' home troubled Zi Yisheng. In her past life, young married couples didn't like living with their parents. Those who did were usually looking for their parents to help with finances or chores.
"Okay, at our home, you have the final say."
Ye Shengge's words greatly satisfied Zi Yisheng's vanity as the "head of the household."
"Alright then. We'll go look for houses later. We'll find one you like."
The two left the department store laden with bags. Since they had a new project, what was the point of continuing to shop? Zi Yisheng smugly thought he had managed to get his wife out for a few days. Buying a house, decorating it, and arranging everything would keep his wife away from the Bai Rong Brigade for days.
"Wife, I'll call the county people first to inform the family that we won't be back today. Then I'll have someone take us to pick out a house."
Ye Shengge marveled inwardly at how wealthy people could be so impulsive. Buying a house with such ease, but she liked this kind of impulsiveness because it proved she was truly wealthy. Zi Yisheng quickly found someone at the housing management office. House sales were rare back then, but property deed changes were required for transactions, so the housing management office had access to firsthand resources.
"Young Master Zi, what kind of house are you looking for?"
Zi Yisheng immediately looked at his wife. This decision had to be made by her.
"We're just two people, so we don't need a huge house. A small courtyard with two or three rooms will be fine."
The person immediately looked at Ye Shengge, knowing she was the one in charge.
"Madam, I have a small Western-style house here. It's not large but very exquisite. It was bought by a prominent figure in Chuncheng for his mistress. But please don't mind, this mistress never even lived there before the owner fell into decline."
Ye Shengge didn't care about such things. Did one need to concern themselves with previous occupants when buying a house? She didn't have the time.
"As for the previous residents, we're not sure. This Western-style house was never registered with our housing management office. It was only registered when we were surveying vacant properties."
"Will there be any disputes if we buy it? Even if the previous owner had trouble, they should still have relatives, right?"
"No, the whole family is gone. It caused quite a stir in Chuncheng at the time."
"Then is there a property deed? I don't want any trouble after buying it."
"There is a property deed. I wouldn't introduce any controversial properties to Young Master Zi. It has remained unsold until now because the asking price was too high, and many people wanted it but couldn't afford it."
Ye Shengge nodded. As long as there was no trouble, it was fine.
"Let's go see the house first."
As their car turned onto a winding road, they were met with a villa and Western-style house complex.
"It's quite quiet here, and there aren't many people."
"Indeed. This area used to be the private residences of the wealthy. The location was a bit remote, but the environment was good, with mountains behind it, making it suitable for summer retreats."
The car stopped in front of a "miniature" Western-style house, miniature compared to the behemoths next to it.
"This place is suitable for three to four people. It has two floors, a total of four rooms, and the courtyard isn't large, but there's enough space for tea."
Ye Shengge was very satisfied. She had lived in a large villa since she was a child and had never seen such a small detached Western-style house. Calling it "miniature" was no exaggeration. Moreover, the house was decorated in a European style, with attention to detail in every corner, indicating careful craftsmanship. There was no furniture inside, only a crystal chandelier and wallpaper.
"How much?"
"Seven thousand yuan."
Ye Shengge didn't expect the price to be so high. Although she hadn't bought a house before, in novels, many female protagonists bought courtyards in Beijing for only one or two thousand yuan. This price might be just for someone like her, a transmigrator who wasn't a protagonist. Ye Shengge didn't understand these things and could only look at Zi Yisheng. Zi Yisheng, who had been silent, finally had a chance to speak.
"Do you like it?"
"Yes, it's perfect for the two of us to live in."
"That's good. Little Wei gave us the bottom price. If you like it, we'll go through the procedures."
The paperwork was completed quickly. With Zi Yisheng's help, Ye Shengge pretended to take cash from her bag. The staff expedited the process: registration, signing, stamping, and it was done. The two didn't immediately return to the Western-style house but went to the department store to buy everything they needed for the house. They planned to move in that night.
"A Sheng, are houses really this expensive now?"
"A Western-style house like this would cost over ten thousand in Mingcheng."
"What about courtyards?"
"What, do you like courtyards? Haven't you looked at the property deeds I gave you? We have several."
"I just want to know the price."
"I don't know the price of small courtyards, but a three-courtyard house would cost at least twenty thousand. Four or five-courtyard houses are impossible to buy with money; they are essentially held by people like me."
Ye Shengge was quite surprised. No wonder her grandparents had given her a four or five-courtyard house without batting an eye. It seemed these large houses had already been taken by powerful and wealthy people. Novels were deceiving; it wasn't that easy for a female protagonist to buy a large courtyard. Ye Shengge had many things in her spatial storage. Over the years, Ye Shengge had accumulated a lot of daily necessities, especially since she had plenty of ration coupons. When she first arrived at the Bai Rong Brigade, she had prepared supplies for several families. Gradually, she accumulated more and more items, and now she only needed to buy a few things at the department store as a cover. The only large items bought at the department store were furniture. Ye Shengge truly didn't have these items in her space. To use them quickly, they directly chose styles available in the store. Zi Yisheng carried furniture from the car into the house, while Ye Shengge took items out of her space in batches. In reality, Ye Shengge could have taken supplies out inside the house from her space, but Zi Yisheng insisted otherwise, preferring to make more trips rather than attract the attention of observant individuals. After moving a substantial amount, Zi Yisheng stopped Ye Shengge from taking out more items. A car could only carry so much.
"Once the furniture arrives, it will be almost done. You can decorate the house nicely tonight, and no one will suspect anything."
Ye Shengge was excited. This was the first time she could freely decorate a house herself. It wasn't that the houses in the Bai Rong Brigade couldn't be decorated, but they were tile-roofed houses, so there wasn't much point. Soon, a large truck arrived, filled with furniture for the living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom, a bedroom, and a study. Ye Shengge decided not to arrange the other two rooms for now, pending further ideas. Zi Yisheng directed people to place the furniture in their agreed-upon positions while Ye Shengge mopped the floor. The floor of this house was solid wood. When Ye Shengge saw it, she felt even more that this world was a mess. Once the furniture was in place, the two bent down and started cleaning. Ye Shengge had become quite adept at manual labor. Zi Yisheng didn't stop her because Old Fan and others sometimes specifically asked his wife to do some work to exercise her body. As long as it wasn't strenuous exercise, it was actually better for her health. By the time they finished arranging their new home, it was past seven in the evening. Ye Shengge sat on the floor, unwilling to get up, completely exhausted. Fortunately, Ye Shengge had a large pot and firewood in her space, which she had prepared during their refuge in the mountains. They could use them now. The Western-style house did not have a kitchen inside; the kitchen was located in the courtyard to the left of the house. Zi Yisheng quickly cleaned out the kitchen. He had to quickly boil water for his wife to bathe, otherwise, she wouldn't sleep in their bed tonight. In fact, the Western-style house had a bathroom and a boiler for hot water, but since it had been abandoned for a long time, the boiler needed cleaning, so they had to manually boil water for bathing. After they both washed up and sat in the living room eating the food from Ye Shengge's space, they both sighed with satisfaction. As a couple, they rarely had the chance to do things themselves; most of the time, people around them handled everything for them, so they were indeed tired. After eating, Zi Yisheng picked up the jasmine tea his wife had brewed.
"Welcome to our new home."