Then let's maintain this state and relationship.

The next day, at lunchtime.

Long Aotian and his three friends gathered and headed to the cafeteria.

Along the way, they were bombarded with recruitment booths from various clubs, making it almost overwhelming to take in.

"Did you guys find out anything useful?" Xu Shuai asked seriously.

"There are too many options. I still need to think it over. Maybe we can ask Han Xiaojing and the others which clubs they’re joining this afternoon since we don’t have anything else planned," Li Longlong suggested.

Huang Fei turned to Long Aotian. "Hey, Aotian, did anything catch your eye on the way here?"

Long Aotian shook his head. "I haven’t decided yet. I’ll figure it out later."

Just as he finished speaking, his phone rang.

Glancing at the caller ID, Long Aotian realized it must be Cui Yong with an update. "Go ahead and eat without me. I have something to take care of," he said.

As Long Aotian walked away, Li Longlong called after him, "We’ll sign you up for something if we see a good fit!"

Meanwhile, on the other end of the line, Cui Yong eagerly dialed Long Aotian’s number.

But after ringing for a long time, no one picked up.

A wave of doubt crept into Cui Yong’s mind—was Long Aotian playing him?

After all, Long Aotian was so young, yet he had casually expressed interest in an old-fashioned courtyard house, offering millions without hesitation.

The more Cui Yong thought about it, the more anxious he became.

Just as he was about to call again, Long Aotian beat him to it.

Seeing the incoming call, Cui Yong quickly answered.

"It was too noisy earlier. Did you get everything settled?" Long Aotian’s voice came through.

Hearing this, Cui Yong immediately relaxed. "It’s all set. I was thinking we could have lunch together and go over the contract."

"Sounds good."

"Where are you now? I’ll come pick you up." Without realizing it, Cui Yong had slipped into a respectful tone.

"Alright, I’ll drive over right away. Please wait for me."

After hanging up, Long Aotian made his way out of the campus.

College life was different—no need to sneak out or climb walls. He could just walk out freely.

Before long, a black sedan pulled up across the street.

Cui Yong stepped out, silently marveling at how a student could afford to buy property in Capital City. His family background must be impressive.

"I’ve already reserved a private room. Let’s grab a bite first," Cui Yong said.

Inside the restaurant, Cui Yong laid out the contract, property documents, and other paperwork.

"Mind if I ask why you’re so interested in courtyard houses?" Cui Yong couldn’t help but wonder. To him, these houses were drafty in winter, stifling in summer, and lacked modern amenities like bathrooms. If it were him, he’d rather invest in a modern property—less hassle, better living conditions.

Long Aotian smiled. "Nothing special. I’ve just always had a soft spot for ancient architecture."

"Oh, I see." Cui Yong didn’t press further.

Eighteen years old and already fond of ancient architecture? Clearly, Long Aotian wasn’t keen on elaborating.

Still, Cui Yong couldn’t help but admire his decisiveness.

In his line of work, he’d dealt with countless clients who nitpicked endlessly, exhausting him in the process.

But someone like Long Aotian, who could make up his mind after just one look, was rare.

He then relayed the seller’s terms to Long Aotian.

"They’re in a bit of a hurry, though. They’ll accept your offer, but only if it’s a one-time payment."

"That’s not a problem."

With Long Aotian’s confirmation, the deal was as good as done.

Cui Yong urged him to eat well, even wishing he could toast with a drink to celebrate—if only Long Aotian drank. The commission from this sale was nothing to scoff at.

That afternoon, Long Aotian and Cui Yong went to the real estate transaction center to verify the property ownership and legal status.

After signing the contract, the payment was processed, and the transfer formalities were completed.

To Long Aotian’s surprise, everything went smoother than expected.

"Congratulations, my friend," Cui Yong said, handing over the property deed.

Holding the documents, Long Aotian couldn’t suppress a smile.

"By the way, Brother Cui, do you know any reliable renovation companies in Capital City?"

"Absolutely," Cui Yong replied. "I can introduce you to a trustworthy one. With me as the middleman, you won’t have to worry about a thing."

"Thanks for going out of your way."

"It’s nothing. I’m just glad to have made a friend like you," Cui Yong said warmly.

As they stepped outside, Cui Yong asked, "Where to now? I can drive you."

"If possible, I’d like to visit the renovation company first to draft some designs. Once finalized, the work can begin."

Compared to his original vision, the current renovation trends had some fundamental differences.

Combining ancient architecture with modern elements—Long Aotian thought it had great potential.

"No problem at all. Let’s head there now."

It wasn’t until past seven in the evening that Long Aotian finally returned to his dorm.

With a preliminary design in hand, he could now incorporate his ideas before finalizing the plans and starting construction.

After a quick shower, he collapsed onto his bed.

Physical labor? Long Aotian could handle twice the workload. But mental exertion? That left him inexplicably drained.

Even though he hadn’t done much that afternoon, the fatigue was real.

Still, exhaustion couldn’t dampen his joy.

This was his first property in Capital City, and the excitement rivaled that of a child finally getting their favorite toy.

His phone buzzed.

Glancing at the screen, Long Aotian got up and stepped onto the balcony, looking down.

Three minutes later.

Lin Wanning stood before him, a faint smile on her lips. "I thought you’d be too afraid to see me again. Here, take this."

Long Aotian caught the item and said softly, "Wanning, let’s take a walk together?"

"Alright."

Strolling along the tree-lined path outside campus, Long Aotian hesitated before speaking his mind.

"Wanning, to be honest, I haven’t really considered getting into a relationship yet."

"I respect everyone, and I especially respect feelings—"

"Brother, do you hate being around me?" Lin Wanning interrupted, her eyes downcast.

Long Aotian shook his head.

"Then do you hate kissing me?"

Long Aotian paused.

Lin Wanning chuckled. "Your silence means you don’t. Then it’s not complicated at all."

"What do you mean?"

Lin Wanning met his gaze earnestly. "You don’t dislike seeing me, and you don’t dislike kissing me. Since what happened yesterday didn’t make either of us uncomfortable, let’s just keep things as they are for now."

"Thank you for the 'Top Fan' badges and all the gifts and support. Vulture is truly grateful for everyone's unwavering encouragement—words can't fully express what this means to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all. Wishing everyone nothing but the best. Sending love and hearts your way. Love you all."