Asking you was indeed the right choice

Seeing Brother Wang's honest smile, Su Yang chuckled along, "You've lived here for so long, yet you don't feel any attachment to this place?"

"What's there to be attached to? I'm not the sentimental type. Besides, I don't have a wife or kids—it doesn't matter where I go. Right now, I just want to hit the road as soon as possible. I’ve had my route planned out for ages."

"Alright then. Mind if I take a look at the backyard?" Su Yang asked.

"Of course not! Come on, I'll show you."

Brother Wang led the way as they circled around the side of the house to the backyard.

The backyard was about a fifth the size of the front yard, with wooden fences enclosing patches of ordinary vegetables like cabbage and peppers.

Su Yang glanced around and asked, "Do you still want these?"

"Not really. If you want them when you start rebuilding, feel free to pick them. Otherwise, just clear them out."

Su Yang nodded with a smile. "Got it."

"Want to check out the inside of the house?" Brother Wang looked up.

"No need. It’s all getting torn down anyway."

"Fair enough."

The two returned to the front yard, exchanged a few more words, swapped contact info, and then Su Yang took his leave.

Watching Su Yang walk away, Brother Wang rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Finally, I can chase my dream! So pumped! Hope this guy doesn’t bail on me..."

......

On his way back, Su Yang thought to himself, Didn’t expect it to go this smoothly—got it done in one go. Well, time’s ticking. Gotta buy it fast and start rebuilding ASAP.

As he retraced his steps, a few minutes later, he spotted Pan Ning and Meng Qianyu about twenty or thirty meters away by the lakeside across the street.

The two were sitting sideways on the grassy bank, taking photos, their hair—one short, one long—gently swaying in the breeze.

Against the backdrop of the scenery, they looked like figures from a breathtaking oil painting.

Su Yang quietly moved closer, pulled out his phone, and snapped a picture of them.

"What are you two up to?" he called out cheerfully as he approached after taking the shot.

Hearing his voice, Meng Qianyu turned and beamed. "Su Yang, you're back?"

"Yep, all settled."

Pan Ning chimed in, "That fast?"

"Yup, got lucky. Ran into a guy who was eager to sell."

"Seriously? Not a scam, is it?"

Su Yang plopped down on the grass between them, grinning. "What’s there to scam? I haven’t paid yet. I’ll ask Old Meng to hook me up with a banking expert to come with me in a day or two."

"That works. How much?"

"One-forty."

"How big?"

"About 385 square meters, including the yard."

Pan Ning thought for a moment. "Not bad for the price."

Su Yang smiled and shifted the topic. "How long have you two been out here?"

"Not long. She kept complaining about her feet hurting—hard to go far like that," Pan Ning said, glancing at Meng Qianyu.

Meng Qianyu pouted. "It doesn’t hurt much if I don’t walk, but after a while, it starts acting up."

"I told you—you need at least three or four days of rest. It’s only been one, and you’re already restless."

"Hehe, I just can’t sit still~"

Su Yang chuckled, pulled out his phone, and sent the photo he’d taken to their WeChat.

"Check your phones."

"What is it?"

"A little something I snapped of you two."

Curious, they opened WeChat. Meng Qianyu’s eyes lit up instantly. "Wow!! So pretty~ When did you take this, Su Yang?"

"Just now, when I got back. You two looked like a painting sitting there—couldn’t resist sneaking a shot."

Meng Qianyu grinned down at her phone. "Didn’t know you were such a good photographer~"

"Of course I am."

"It’s gorgeous! I’m posting this on my feed."

Pan Ning nodded with a faint smile. "Yeah, not bad."

"High praise coming from you."

Pan Ning met his gaze. "Haven’t I praised you enough already?"

"In what way?" Su Yang teased, winking at her.

"Ugh, drop dead!"

Meng Qianyu blinked, confused. "What are you two talking about?"

"Adult stuff. Kids shouldn’t ask~"

......

After chatting by the lake for a while, Su Yang checked his watch and stood up. "Alright, time to head back."

"Okay~"

He reached down to help Meng Qianyu up.

The car was still a good seven or eight hundred meters away. Meng Qianyu stood, rolled her eyes playfully, and whined, "Su Yang, my feet hurt~"

Su Yang exchanged a look with Pan Ning and smirked. "She wants you to carry her."

Pan Ning shot him a glare. "You do it. I’m not strong enough."

Meng Qianyu giggled. "Su Yang, pretty please~"

"Fine, hop on." Su Yang turned around, letting her climb onto his back with a grin.

"Let’s go."

A few minutes later, they reached the car.

After settling Meng Qianyu in the back and waiting for Pan Ning to get in, Su Yang leaned in. "Hang tight for a sec. Forgot to call Old Meng earlier."

He stepped aside and dialed Meng Wenzhou’s number. After a few rings, the call connected.

"Hey, Old Meng, what’s up?"

"Su Yang! Just having afternoon tea with some friends."

"Living the good life, huh?" Su Yang laughed.

"Not as good as yours, haha. What’s going on?"

Su Yang organized his thoughts. "Nothing major. I suddenly got the idea to buy a place in the suburbs, tear it down, and rebuild a countryside retreat. Came out to Lotus Mist Lake to scout locations, and lucked out—met a guy selling his place. Location and vibe are perfect."

He paused, then continued, "So it’s pretty much a done deal, just waiting on payment. But I don’t know anyone at the bank, so I figured I’d ask if you’ve got a contact who can help me handle the paperwork professionally."

Meng Wenzhou chuckled. "That’s it?"

"Yeah."

"Thought it was something serious."

"I told you—no big deal. Just need someone to oversee the private sale and handle contracts and stuff."

"No problem. I know plenty of people for that. When are you paying?"

"Whenever you can hook me up. I’ll go tomorrow if you get someone lined up."

"Got it. I’ll make some calls and let you know on WeChat."

"Knew I could count on you." Su Yang grinned.

"This is nothing. Easiest thing ever. Once I get someone, let me know when you’re heading over tomorrow. I’ll tag along—got nothing better to do anyway."

"Sure thing. After this, come by my place. I’ll cook."

"You couldn’t stop me if you tried! Haha."

"Door’s always open. Alright, talk later. I’m heading back now."

"Later."

After hanging up the phone, Su Yang smiled faintly to himself: 'This is the advantage of connections—getting things done with just one call.'

...