Song Xia provided a generous renovation budget because, in addition to interior and exterior renovations, the main structure and beams needed to be reinforced, and the ground floor needed to be raised to prevent flooding during the rainy season.

Song Xia also designed the front and back yards. In addition to parking and charging areas for two electric vehicles, she also planned a small garden. The overall style is a light luxury and bright type. For the two-and-a-half-story house, she only kept three bedrooms and required that the living room, kitchen and bathroom be large.

After learning all her needs, the renovation company began measuring the house and calculating the cost, constantly discussing details with her along the way, and finally started construction on an auspicious day.

After construction began, Song Xia rarely went to check on it, but Wei Zhu often went there. Seeing the dilapidated walls being demolished and the new steel frame being erected, she felt a pang of sadness.

Song Xia lives on the first floor, and the room on the east side of the second floor is reserved for her. Song Xia also encouraged her to design it herself. Wei Zhu didn't have any requirements for it. The basic layout is the same as Song Xia's room, except that the walls have been changed to a warm pinkish-apricot color.

The room on the west side of the second floor was left by Song Xia for Wei Deng. Although he was a spendthrift, it was impossible to leave no room at all. Without consulting Wei Deng, Song Xia simply painted the room a similar apricot color to the overall style.

As for the third floor, only half of it was built according to regulations. Song Xia built a sunroom and a laundry room. The other half of the terrace has a barbecue grill, balcony umbrella, outdoor sofa, moon lamp, and other items. It is planned to be surrounded by lush plants.

When the design drawings were first released, Wei Zhu studied them for several days. Later, watching the decoration company implement the design drawings step by step, the sense of satisfaction she felt was indescribable.

Back in her hometown, her room was the smallest and had no sunlight. But now, her room is not only large, but also has a separate balcony, bathroom, and walk-in closet. Every morning when she opens the curtains, sunlight streams in through the window. She can't wait to move in.

Because of the ample budget, the construction team made quick progress, and in just three months, they reached the soft furnishing stage.

The interior design is also included by the renovation company. Because some sizes need to be customized, it will take some time. But that's perfect. After the ventilation period, we can move in directly.

Wei Zhu was slightly taken aback: "I saw online that it's recommended to ventilate the house for at least three months, and then ideally let it linger through the summer before moving in, right?"

"That's for families with poor ventilation and concerns about the quality of building materials. My mom used the best materials when she renovated, and as long as you ventilate while living there, there won't be any problems. You can just sleep with the windows open or the fresh air system on every day."

"Oh, I see! I thought everyone needed to ventilate their homes for several months after renovations!"

"The renovation company tested it, and the formaldehyde levels were not excessive."

"That's good."

Although she hasn't moved in yet, Wei Zhu goes to check on it almost every day. What she likes most is her big room and the terrace upstairs. She can imagine how pleasant it will be to study on the terrace in the future.

"Is it almost time to register?" Song Xia suddenly remembered and asked.

"Yes, registration will begin in the latter half of the month."

Have you chosen which company to work for?

"I've made my choice."

When is the exam?

"The written test will be held in late next month. If you pass the written test, the interview will be in March next year."

“It’s about time.” Song Xia nodded. “I saw Pei Xin come to the provincial capital last year around this time. Don’t be nervous. It’s not that you have to pass the exam, but considering your major, it’s more reliable to get a job outside after you pass the exam.”

"Mom, I will do my best."

Although she visits the new house every day, Wei Zhu has never slacked off. Even in mock exams at her tutoring center, she consistently ranks first, so she is very confident about the written exam.

Wei Zhu entered the final sprint stage, and even Wei Deng was very nervous every weekend when he came back. However, he discovered something different on this day.

"Mom, sister, what's this?"

Song Xia glanced at it sideways: "The renovation contract."

"Renovation contract? Has the shop been renovated?"

"No, it's a house I bought."

"Bought a house?" Wei Deng raised his voice. "Our family bought a house? When did we buy it? How come I didn't know?"

Song Xia casually replied, "I bought it a few months ago, but I forgot to tell you."

Wei Zhu felt a pang of sympathy for his younger brother's expression. Wei Deng was also feeling very wronged. Why was he unaware of all the important events in his family?

"You can't be of any help. What money can you offer, or can you help with the work? Since you're completely useless, isn't it normal that I forgot to tell you?"

Wei Deng felt even more aggrieved. Was he really so invisible in this family?

"Where did we buy this house? And whose name is it registered under?"

"The place isn't far ahead. If you're not in a hurry, I can take you there to see it. As for registration, of course it'll be registered in my name, not yours!" Song Xia rolled her eyes at him. This kid, his personality hasn't been completely corrected yet!

Wei Deng thought to himself, "He's the only man in the family, why can't we register his name?"

“Mom, you’re getting old and you have health problems. Why don’t you just register it under my name? It would be so much trouble to change the property owner later! And it would cost you a lot more money.”

Song Xia put down her work and looked at him with a slightly cold gaze: "Did you contribute money or labor to this house? Why do you take it for granted that it will be in your name from now on? Who said you will definitely inherit it?"

Wei Deng became anxious: "If I don't inherit it, is my sister supposed to inherit it?"

"Why can't I? Your sister is more obedient and filial than you, why should I favor you? Besides, even if your sister doesn't inherit anything, won't your mother be able to support me in my old age? Won't I be able to sell it and live a carefree life?"

Looking at his mother's serious expression, Wei Deng knew that his mother might not favor him as much as before, but he never expected that she would not even consider leaving him any inheritance of the family property.

If they won't give us the house, does that mean they won't give us the snack shop either?

“Wei Deng, I’ve told you before, don’t take things in the house for granted as yours. I’m not old yet, and it’s not your place to make the decisions in this family.”

“But the house was left by Dad. When you sold the house in your hometown to start a business, I also got a share of the profits.”

"You said it yourself, it's only a part of it. Your mother and I will take the lion's share of your father's inheritance. If you want a share, you can have a portion of the money from the sale of the old house, but the shop and the house you buy in the future will have nothing to do with you anymore. You'll have to figure out your own tuition and living expenses. Is this what you want?"

With tears welling up in her eyes, Wei Deng said, "Mom, you've changed."

"Mom has changed. She's become more fair and rational. Wei Deng, you have to remember that even your own mother won't spoil you without limits. If you want something, you have to fight for it yourself."