Seeing that I didn't respond, Ping Ge on the other end of the phone thought it was a bad signal and asked me again, "Hey kid, can you hear me? If you're sure you're bringing friends to Phuket, I'll really save you a room."

I quickly replied, "I really will."

"Okay, when do you think you'll be coming? I'll make the arrangements for you. I have a friend who specializes in tourism. If you want to go out of the island, you'll have to make a reservation with him in advance. It's winter in most Asian countries right now, and the number of people coming for vacation will only increase. In less than half a month, we'll be in the peak tourist season, and the boats going out to sea will definitely be in high demand."

When I go to Shanghai to see Yang Sisi depends entirely on how well my leg is recovering. In the past few days, I have clearly felt much better than before. If I just walk around the house or the yard, I can walk without crutches. Right now, I only feel that I can't put any weight on my heel, so I feel tired when I walk long distances, but this should disappear soon.

So, with this optimistic attitude, I replied to Brother Ping, "At most twenty days to a month."

"Hmm, let me check what day it is today; how about this, I'll help you book a boat to the Similan Islands in January... Since you're in Thailand, you definitely have to go to the Similan Islands. This island is only open for a few months of the year, it would be a real shame to miss it."

"Okay... Could you calculate the cost of renting a place and traveling for me? I'll transfer the money to you later."

Brother Ping smiled and replied readily, "Back when I was making money at Jiulongju, I didn't hold back with you... Why are you being polite to me now?... Come and have fun, I'll cover everything except your travel expenses."

I smiled and replied, "Nobody's money comes from thin air. If you ask me to do you such a big favor, I really won't be able to enjoy myself."

"You have such a strange temper! When my other friends come to Phuket, they'd love to skin me alive, but you won't take even the slightest advantage!"

I joked back, "I'm doing this so you'll have something to rely on in your old age. The more money you have in your pocket, the more at ease you'll feel when you're old... If I were to become a vampire like your other friends, I'd be poisoning your later years..."

Are you indirectly mocking me for being an old bachelor?

"Absolutely not... I just hope you can take this seriously and find us a sister-in-law as soon as possible... Phuket has such beautiful scenery, the two of us can really make the most of it together."

Brother Ping laughed, but didn't express any opinion, as if he no longer needed love in his life.

I then said to him seriously, "I don't have any more. I'll transfer 10,000 yuan to you right now. You can arrange our food, lodging, and transportation. That way, we'll feel at ease, and you'll feel at ease too."

Brother Ping, however, was unwilling to discuss money with me. After a brief silence, he changed the subject, saying, "Michael, judging from the current trend, Phuket will definitely see a surge in property purchases at the end of this year and the beginning of next year... I sincerely want you to join me... First of all, you're good at this, and you've accumulated a lot of high-quality clients who have a strong demand for tourism real estate, as has already been proven in Dali... As long as you guide them properly, they will definitely be willing to buy property in Thailand. We can cooperate to set up a real estate agency in Phuket, and we certainly won't earn less than we did in Dali!"

“The future economic hotspot will definitely not be real estate… I already talked to you about this when you were in Dali. I really don’t have the energy to go to Thailand to do this.”

"Our country is our country, and Thailand is Thailand... Judging Thailand by our country's economic situation is a huge mistake; besides, once the real estate market takes off, the profits can be immediate... Let's take advantage of the situation to make a killing, then quit while we're ahead, and when you have money in hand, you can easily go ahead with your mobile internet project. Isn't that the best of both worlds?"

“My project is also very urgent… You know, the mobile internet industry changes very quickly. If I miss the opportunity, the idea may belong to someone else. At that time, let alone two million, even if I invest twenty million, I may not be able to take control of the situation… So, Brother Ping, let’s not talk about this anymore. I’m really determined to do this project.”

Ping sighed, and his previously high spirits instantly plummeted. After that, we didn't talk much more. I knew what Ping was thinking. He must have thought I was crazy, giving up easy money to push myself into the money-burning pit of mobile internet. He was worried about my fate and regretted missing this opportunity.

But there's nothing I can do; my ambitions are no longer in the real estate speculation business. Now, I want more than just money; I also want social value. I've changed; I'm no longer content with just being rich. Otherwise, even if I didn't speculate on real estate in Thailand, I could have lived a very comfortable life running a bar in Dali.

...

After ending the video call with Ping Ge, I immediately transferred 10,000 yuan to him via WeChat, but I don't plan to reveal this plan to Yang Sisi right now. I want to give her a surprise.

She'll be so happy, and she'll dress up so beautifully. That's what I think: a beautiful woman on the beach, cigarettes and beer—that's probably the pinnacle of life!

...

I don't know when, but the rain outside the window got heavier and was accompanied by gusts of wind. The tourists with umbrellas could hardly stand, so many of them used our bar as a refuge. They didn't order anything and just stood there... Their mouths never stopped, constantly complaining about Dali, thinking that Dali was only famous for nothing, that Erhai Lake wasn't that beautiful, and that the sky wasn't as blue as legend had it.

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