Securing the Property, Another Case of Borrowing Power from the Tiger

"One of us?"

"Between our own people..."

"Guess there's no need to be so formal—it'd just make things feel distant!"

Shen Buyao pouted as she pulled a five-nut mooncake from the bag and took a bite.

Gotta admit.

Sheng Ruixiang's craftsmanship really hits the spot—fragrant and sweet.

[Ding!]

[Masterful move! Your warm and considerate words have deepened your partner's affection!]

[Reward: 50 spirit stones]

Lin Yu stepped out with the gift box, already unfazed by the system's notifications.

Honestly,

taking your partner out for a casual stroll isn’t a bad idea at all.

Dropping a few smooth lines here and there, raking in the rewards—feels pretty damn good!

The reason he bought the mooncake gift box now?

Wang Biao had texted him around noon, saying he’d swing by the commercial district in the afternoon.

They’d agreed to meet up and discuss the properties Wang had scouted for him.

Since he’d asked for the favor, showing up empty-handed wouldn’t be right.

As for buying an entertainment venue, everyone would find out sooner or later anyway.

Lin Yu didn’t mind letting Shen Buyao in on it early.

Truth be told,

Wang Biao’s willingness to cozy up to Lin Yu was mostly thanks to Shen Buyao’s influence.

Unintentionally, she’d elevated his status.

After confirming Wang Biao’s location, Lin Yu struck up a conversation with Shen Buyao:

"YaoYao, I remember you and Sister Jiuyi mentioning the Shen family’s internal split."

"How’s the whole ‘reclaiming authority through jade artifacts’ thing going?"

Lin Yu studied Shen Buyao’s reaction as he asked.

Family matters were private—if she didn’t want to share, that was understandable.

It didn’t really concern him anyway; he was just curious.

Shen Buyao clasped her hands behind her back, answering without hesitation:

"It’s way messier than expected. The Shen family’s been divided for ages."

"Let Shen Jiuyi handle it—she won’t get shortchanged."

"Should go smoothly... but who knows?"

"If those bastards refuse to honor it, all bets are off."

Lin Yu only half-understood, piecing together that the situation was more complicated than it seemed.

Life wasn’t child’s play.

Reclaiming authority with just a "token"?

Yeah, that was bound to be a struggle.

He didn’t need the full story.

Forcing himself into a world that wasn’t his would only invite unnecessary trouble.

Wang Biao’s location was just one shop over from Mao Ruirui’s pet store.

The place used to be a clothing boutique but had recently vacated, leaving behind racks and mannequins.

Since they were just chatting, Wang Biao hadn’t bothered picking a fancy spot.

After exchanging pleasantments,

Lin Yu got a firsthand look at Wang Biao’s efficiency.

In Xuefu Residential Area, there were three available properties:

Two were struggling party venues, already stocked with entertainment gear.

The third was a two-story standalone villa,

just a short walk from Lin Yu’s apartment, separated only by a park.

The catch?

It came fully furnished and decorated.

Turning it into an entertainment spot would mean replacing a lot of the existing setup.

"Listen, bro, if you wanna skip the hassle, just grab one of the ready-made party spots!"

"Otherwise, sourcing all that trendy gear’ll be a pain in the ass."

"What d’you think, Boss Yao? Makes sense, right?"

Wang Biao wrapped up his pitch, making sure to include Shen Buyao.

No point leaving her out—

she wasn’t someone you wanted to piss off.

"The hell do I know? This isn’t my deal—why ask me, baldy?"

Shen Buyao fired back, her tone dripping with disdain.

Wang Biao’s smirk told her he was up to no good.

"YaoYao, we’re not in the black market—ease up on the attitude with Brother Biao."

Lin Yu glanced up from the photos Wang Biao had sent, his tone firm.

Shen Buyao: "My attitude? I—"

Before she could finish,

Lin Yu shot her a warning look.

Shen Buyao: "I... fine, fine. I’ll shut up."

Lin Yu gave a slight nod.

Deadpan on the outside, but inwardly thrilled.

He didn’t need to see Wang Biao’s face to guess what he was thinking.

Another win for the "fox borrowing the tiger’s authority" act.

Just as Lin Yu expected,

Wang Biao watched Shen Buyao’s subdued reaction, his curiosity about Lin Yu’s "background" growing.

Keeping Boss Yao on a tight leash? This guy’s no ordinary player!

And their relationship…

What about Chen Qimeng from the flower shop?

Yikes.

Best not to overthink it.

The more you dissected it, the wilder Lin Yu’s game seemed.

Seizing the moment, Lin Yu cut in:

"Brother Biao, the party venues are a bit cramped, and the decor’s not my style."

"I’m leaning toward the villa."

"But if I’m gonna refit it with entertainment gear..."

"Got any leads?"

Admittedly, this wasn’t Wang Biao’s usual wheelhouse.

He didn’t dabble in "pointless" recreation.

But with Lin Yu asking—and Shen Buyao’s deference in full view—

Wang Biao clapped Lin Yu’s shoulder.

"Bro, I’ll level with you—this ain’t my expertise."

"But for you? I’ll make it happen."

"Just say the word, and your big bro’s got your back!"

Lin Yu had been waiting for this.

He sealed the deal with quick thanks.

The villa’s owner would be free for paperwork the day after tomorrow,

though the transfer wouldn’t finalize until next Monday.

Timing wasn’t an issue for Lin Yu.

Once everything was settled, he and Shen Buyao left the shop.

Outside,

Lin Yu turned to her.

"Not gonna ask why I’m buying property in the neighborhood?"

Shen Buyao blinked.

"You’ll tell me if you want to. You’ve got over 60 mil anyway."

"Xuefu’s places aren’t that pricey—you could buy a bunch of villas."

"Want it? Buy it. Do reasons even matter?"

Lin Yu couldn’t help but admire her.

Rich girls really don’t sweat the small stuff, huh?

A few steps later,

they reached the pet store.

Shop owner Mao Ruirui was probably still inside, stressing over her [Urgent Mission]...