Chapter 67

The morning light slanted through the mottled tiles, cutting out a mosaic of light and dark on the old wall. Xie Yinhe stood at the entrance of the alley, looking at the old street where she had lived for more than 20 years, and took a deep breath.

The air was filled with the unique smell of the old town mixed with the dampness of morning dew and the aroma of fried eggs wafting from some kitchen.

Xiaotai Lane is going to be demolished.

She looked at her watch. It was 7:15 in the morning, a quarter of an hour before the agreed time of 7:30. However, the staff of the Dawn Group were already in place, dressed in suits and making final preparations in front of the temporary signing point. Their movements were brisk and orderly, as if they were afraid to disturb the sweet dreams of the people in this old alley.

"Thank you Yinhe." A deep male voice came from behind.

Xie Yinhe turned around and saw Cheng Huaian walking out of a black car. He was wearing a dark outdoor sports jacket. If you didn't know him, you would think he was there to sign a contract.

"Mr. Cheng, you're here so early." Xie Yinhe walked up quickly and greeted him in a somewhat servile manner.

"It's right in front of my house, so how can it be early or late?" Cheng Huaian gave her a puzzled look, then looked into the depths of the alley with a gentle gaze. "I didn't expect Xiaotai Alley to be demolished so soon."

Xie Yinhe was slightly stunned. The He family's old house was in the middle of Xiaotai Lane. It was one of the few old houses in the lane that still retained its complete structure without any expansion. She didn't expect that Cheng Huaian still had such deep feelings for this place.

"How are the neighbors feeling?" Cheng Huaian asked in a low voice as he walked.

"Most of them are fine, but there are some concerns. Grandma Wang asked me yesterday if we could really arrange for her to live on the first floor with a yard. She doesn't want to lose her flowers and plants."

Cheng Huaian nodded and asked Qi Shuo behind him to remember everything clearly. "Try to meet the needs of the neighbors. You and Xie Yinhe will take people to record the needs of each household and then provide them with solutions. Money is not a problem. It will come from my account."

Xie Yinhe was secretly surprised. These details were not within the scope of Cheng Huaian, the president of the group, and he really cared about the old friendship.

At 7:30, a line had already formed in front of the signing counter. To Xie Yinhe's surprise, the neighbors were not as anxious as she had imagined. Instead, they all had smiles on their faces, as if they were there to participate in some festive event.

Xiaotai Lane is not a remote location. It is located in the prosperous street of Licheng. Not to mention that the land is very expensive, it costs 20,000 to 30,000 yuan per square meter, not to mention that it is a private house with its own courtyard.

Mr. Li was the first in line. He was the first senior technician in Xiaotai Lane. His two children worked in other places. After the staff verified his identity information, they handed him a contract.

"Uncle Li, based on the property exchange plan you chose, you'll receive a 200-square-meter apartment in the new district, plus a 60-square-meter street-facing shop," the staff member explained with a smile. "Also, during the transition period, you can move into one of the group's apartments, and we'll provide you with a monthly rental subsidy of 8,000 yuan until you move into your new home."

Engineer Li adjusted his reading glasses and carefully examined the figures on the contract, becoming extremely excited. "This is significantly higher than the market price..."

"Mr. Cheng specifically explained that Xiaotaixiang is his old neighborhood, and they're all family. This demolition isn't just a commercial project, it's a housing improvement project," the staff member said in a clear and gentle voice. "In addition to the statutory compensation, the group has established the Xiaotaixiang Fund, which will provide each household with an additional 500,000 yuan in resettlement funds."

A low exclamation was heard in the team. Although this news had already been circulated among the neighbors, it was still exciting to hear it confirmed with one's own ears.

Li Gong signed his name and pressed his fingerprints, his eyes red. He happened to see Cheng Huaian not far away and excitedly came over to shake his hand: "Huaian, our Xiaotaixiang is proud to have a child like you. Thank you for thinking so much about us old neighbors!"

Cheng Huaian gently shook his hand back: "Uncle Li, you used to tutor Rong Susu often. She often said that you were like her own uncle."

"Ah..." Mr. Li was about to wipe his eyes, thinking that they were divorced, and why was he suddenly mentioning Susu.

Cheng Huaian took a red gift box from Qi Shuo and handed it over with both hands: "Su Su and I are remarrying. This is wedding candy. Please accept it."

Li Gong took it, moved his lips, and smiled happily. He patted Cheng Huaian's shoulder heavily, "You two should live a good life in the future, and don't make trouble. Su Su is a little delicate, so you have to bear with her!"

With Mr. Li's excellent performance as a precedent, the entire signing process was carried out in an orderly manner. Each household had special needs, and each family received a response that exceeded expectations. Everyone was smiling. After all, the 200-square-meter large flat also came with cash subsidies, fine decoration, and smart appliances, which were all beyond expectations. Moreover, the smart appliances were provided as a package, and everyone could choose freely within the standard. If they exceeded the standard, they would get a 50% discount.

Xie Yinhe felt a warm feeling in her heart as she watched this scene. As an employee of the Liming Group and an old resident of Xiaotai Lane, she understood the significance of this project to her neighbors better than anyone else.

Cheng Huaian was not born and raised in Xiaotai Lane. He moved here with his father when he was a teenager. During those years, he had always been out of tune with Xiaotai Lane, and other children did not dare to mess with him. Only Rong Susu was different. She liked Cheng Huaian from the first time she saw him, and liked to pester him with questions. Cheng Huaian also treated her differently.

"Xie Yinhe, please help Qi Shuo take down all the wedding candy gift boxes in the car." During the lunch break, Cheng Huaian suddenly said to Xie Yinhe.

Xie Yinhe was stunned: "I'm going to distribute wedding candy too? Where's Rong Susu?"

This is too weird. Aren't wedding candies distributed to the bride and groom? If she goes to distribute them, what if the neighbors think she and Cheng Huaian are married?

Cheng Huaian's eyes flashed with an unnatural look: "Su Su is busy with the program auditions today, Rong Haoyu and I will post first."

And Rong Haoyu? Xie Yinhe opened his eyes wide, not knowing what to say for a moment.

Cheng Huaian and Rong Susu divorced a year ago. It was quite quiet at the time and not all the neighbors knew about it. Now, looking at the mountain of wedding candy gift boxes, she swallowed her saliva. Their remarriage was really a big deal.

There were hundreds of exquisite red gift boxes in the trunk, each tied with a golden ribbon and hand-painted with an osmanthus pattern. There was a sweet-scented osmanthus tree planted in the Rong family's courtyard. It was the only one in Xiaotai Lane. It was Rong Susu's favorite flower, and the whole yard was filled with fragrance in autumn.

While they were moving, Rong Haoyu stopped the car and came over hurriedly, "Oh, there's a traffic jam at the entrance of the alley again. I'm late. I'll join you!"

"Aunt Zhang, this is the wedding candy for Susu and me. We are remarrying."

"Uncle Li, Huaian and Susu are remarrying. This is their wedding candy. You must accept it."

"Grandma Wang, you said before that I would definitely regret it. Thanks to your good wishes, I do regret it. Su Su and I are remarrying."

The old neighbors accepted the wedding candies with surprise and kept sending their blessings.

"It should have been done long ago. Why did you two get divorced? Aren't you together again?"

"You've reconciled, right? Don't make trouble again in the future."

"Are you going to have a banquet this time? If so, we'll all go."

Cheng Huaian responded one by one, always with a humble smile on his face. The Mr. Cheng who was decisive and efficient in the business world was gone, replaced by the outstanding and polite only son of the Cheng family in Xiaotai Lane.

Xie Yinhe followed him, looking at his tall and straight figure. She couldn't help but secretly send a message to Rong Susu: "I'm afraid your boss Cheng will let the whole city know that you've remarried today."

Rong Susu immediately replied: [Delivery to every household?]

Xie Yinhe smiled, took a photo, and posted another message: [Yes, my mouth is almost stretched to the back of my head.]

This time, Rong Susu sent a voice message, in a good mood: [Serves him right, let him send it off, what is my brother doing?] Xie Yinhe's photo also included Rong Haoyu, who was always at her beck and call, just like she was getting married herself.

Xie Yinhe looked at the phone screen and sighed softly.

"Don't mention it, who would have thought that Cheng Huaian contacted your brother to distribute wedding candy with him? Just now at Uncle Huang's house, they were having dinner and insisted on dragging them in for a drink. If you didn't know, you would have thought they were getting married."

When he reached an intersection in the middle of the alley, Cheng Huaian stopped. Next to him was a sturdy locust tree, which was said to be a hundred years old, with a thick trunk and lush branches and leaves.

"The first time Susu and I met was under this tree." Cheng Huaian suddenly spoke, not knowing whether he was talking to Xie Yinhe or to himself, "She was riding a bicycle and almost bumped into me."

"Tell the project team to protect the trees here. Anyone who disobeys will be dismissed on the spot." He gave the order, and now he sounded like the business tycoon Mr. Cheng.

Xie Yinhe listened quietly without interrupting.

Xie Yinhe suddenly understood why the demolition plan specifically stated that the ancient tree must be protected and could not be moved, and the surrounding area was planned as a park.

In the evening, they arrived at Grandma Wang's house. Grandma Wang was the oldest resident in the alley and one of the elders who had watched Cheng Huaian grow up.

Cheng Huaian didn't give the wedding candy right away. Instead, he took out the floor plan and said, "Grandma, look, this is a first-floor apartment with a small courtyard. It's about the same size as yours now. It faces south and has good sunlight. You can move all your flowers and plants there."

"This is a tempered glass patio. Sunlight can shine directly into the basement through the patio. We've also renovated the basement for you. When your great-grandchildren come to visit you, they can play in the yard or in the game room on the basement."

Grandma Wang's sons were about the same age as Cheng Xiangze. They held Cheng Huaian's hand with emotion, choking with emotion, "Huaian, we thought you'd changed your heart now that you were rich, that you didn't want Susu anymore, and that you didn't care about us old neighbors anymore."

"Everyone misunderstood you. Uncle also scolded you. Uncle apologizes to you."

Just now, Mr. Li came back and told everyone that the new house is not a super high-rise, but a six-story villa, 200 square meters, with an elevator, fine decoration, and home appliances. They also provide accommodation during the relocation and compensation. What a conscientious developer.

Grandma Wang, wearing reading glasses, looked carefully for a long time, and was so excited that she couldn't express it in words. Her family had four generations living together, and the two-story house was cramped. She had never dared to think about such a large house with two upper and lower floors before: "Huai'an is thoughtful."

"This is the wedding candy for Susu and me." Cheng Huaian handed over the gift box and said softly, "We are remarried."

Grandma Wang was stunned for a moment, then smiled so hard that all the wrinkles on her face smoothed out. "Great! Great! I've always said that Susu is right for you. You two are just too stubborn. Neither of you is willing to give in."

Cheng Huaian nodded obediently: "Grandma is right."

"Why didn't Susu come today?"

"She originally wanted to come with us, but she's been busy preparing for a show lately and can't spare the time," Cheng Huaian explained. "Once she's done with this, we'll come see you together."

"Okay, this is for Susu from grandma, you hold it for me first." Grandma Wang asked her son to take out an old-fashioned velvet gift box, which contained a pair of gold bracelets. The style looked like it was from decades ago, but it was really heavy.

They originally wanted to give it to Cheng Huaian secretly so that he could arrange a convenient house for them. After all, the family was in real trouble. Unexpectedly, it was of no use. However, Grandma Wang still wanted to give it to him as a wedding gift.

"This is my dowry. It's old and worthless. Please don't despise it."

Cheng Huaian picked up the bracelets, took out his phone and took a photo, then put them back into the velvet box and placed them on Grandma Wang's lap. "Grandma Wang, we received your kindness. I will send it to Su Su, but these bracelets are too precious. We can't accept them."

When I came out of Grandma Wang's house, the setting sun had already set, dyeing the small alley a warm golden color.

"Let's stop here for today." Cheng Huaian said to Xie Yinhe, "Thank you for your hard work. You've been running all day."

"I'm not tired, but you, Mr. Cheng, have been squatting beside Grandma Wang for a long time." Xie Yinhe looked at Cheng Huaian with real admiration. He didn't sit down even when someone brought him a chair. Instead, he squatted on one knee beside Grandma Wang and chatted with the old lady. He was really a man who could accomplish great things and was very patient.

She couldn't help but ask, "Actually, you can just let your subordinates do these things."

The Liming Group has a special team that has demolished many projects. Those people are very experienced, but they are of no use this time.

Cheng Huaian looked at the lights that were gradually lighting up in the alley and was silent for a moment: "They don't live here and have no feelings for this place."

"This is Rong Susu's roots."

"It's not just roots," Cheng Huaian said slowly, "it's also home. If I don't do well, it doesn't matter if everyone blames me in the future, but if they blame my parents-in-law, they will really regret it for the rest of their lives."

"I want to reassure every old neighbor and let them know that the Liming Group will not walk away from the project just because it's completed. We will be responsible to the end."

He paused and continued, "Last year, Susu and I divorced. Grandma Wang called me specifically to try to persuade me, and Uncle Huang even came to my dad's place to talk to me, telling me not to abandon my ex just because I had money. Now that we're back together, of course I have to tell them the good news in person."

Xie Yinhe nodded. She didn't know why she was always a person with a very high tear point, but Fairy felt like crying. She finally understood Cheng Huaian's intentions. This was a solemn explanation to the neighbors who were like family.

The Liming Group is not the largest local real estate developer, but it has the best reputation. Cheng Huaian insists on providing compensation higher than the market price for each project and understanding the needs of each household. These measures are simply incredible to his peers, but they have made the Liming Group a benchmark for local real estate.

She couldn't help but ask, "If we do this, the profit margin will be squeezed quite a bit, right?"

Cheng Huaian immediately replied: "If you don't need compensation, I can approve it."

Capitalist! Of course she has to compensate! Xie Yinhe didn't want to cry at all. She went to the signing point with a proud attitude. She had to quickly take back the rights that belonged to her family.

After returning home, Cheng Huaian pushed open the door, and the light from the entrance fell softly on his shoulders. He lowered his head to look at his phone, and the corners of his lips rose unconsciously.

On the screen, Rong Susu just sent an emoticon of a shiny chicken drumstick.

[You performed well today, and I'll give you a chicken drumstick as a reward.]

He tapped his fingertips lightly: [I want to take a bite of yours.] with a smug smile.

A moment later, the other party sent a message of a little rabbit with red ears. He seemed to be able to see her appearance at that moment, with a red face and sparkling eyes.

The aroma of fish soup wafted from the kitchen. Cheng Huaian took off his coat and hung it up, then washed his hands carefully and walked in.

Rong Susu was standing in front of the stove wearing an apron, carefully sliding cubes of tofu into the soup. The milky white soup was swirling, and a few pieces of tender green onion floated on the surface.

"Don't forget to add salt," he said, leaning against the doorframe, a smile in his voice, "You forgot last time you made chicken soup."

Without even turning her head, she said, "This is sea fish, it's already fresh, why add salt!"

He shut up tactfully, but his eyes kept following her. When he walked behind her, he put his arms around her waist. Rong Susu was ticklish and twisted it a little, but did not dodge.

"Did everything go well today?" He rested his chin lightly on the top of her head.

"It went smoothly." She spoke softer. "I talked to Fang Xianze. He asked me to convey his gratitude to you. Thank you for not giving up on the team. He said he would work hard to get back to the top."

Cheng Huaian didn't say anything, but just tightened his arms. Fang Xianze was a business, and he considered value, not favors, unlike Xiaotaixiang.

"When are we going back to move?" he asked. The Rong family was going to move here, and they would move to the newly bought villa next door. The two families would be next to each other, which would make it convenient to take care of each other and each have their own space.

She stopped what she was doing and said, "We need to move the sweet-scented osmanthus tree in the yard as well."

"Of course," he replied immediately, "I've already asked the property management to clear the area." He paused, "And that ancient tree will also be well protected."

She turned around suddenly, her eyes shining brightly: "Really?"

He kissed her forehead gently: "When have I ever lied to you?"

At this moment, the kitchen light gently enveloped the two of them, the fish soup was bubbling in the pot, and the aroma was overflowing. He looked at the happiness flashing in her eyes and suddenly felt that all the hard work was worth it.

There was indeed a misunderstanding between them, but fortunately they finally chose to trust each other again.

"Try it." Rong Susu scooped up a spoonful of fish soup, blew it cool gently, and handed it to his lips.

He lowered his head and drank it: "It tastes good."

"Is there enough salt?" She winked and smiled slyly.

"Just right." He held her hand. "What Mrs. Cheng does is always just right."

She leaned into his arms, her cheek against his chest. The action was so natural, as if there had never been any distance between them.

"Going back to move next week?" he asked.

"Okay." This time she answered directly, "Move the osmanthus tree over here so we can smell the fragrance as soon as we get up."

He held her hand tightly. Under the old tree that witnessed their first meeting and marriage, they would start a new life. The tree would sprout new buds every year, the flowers would bloom year after year, and their love would last forever.