"That's not mine. I only feel at ease when it's mine to live in."

"They're all yours."

The two bickered all the way home. It was a two-story building with its own entrance and yard, indicating that Zhang Xingguo held a high position.

"Wang Xiaoshun, why aren't you calling Shouyi right now?"

"immediately!"

"Hongmei, I heard from your brother Zhang that you became the top scorer in the national exam?"

"I don't know who the top scorer was, but they did quite well on the exam."

"Good, good, we've finally arrived in the capital. Don't worry, I've got everything covered."

"I'm just a student, what could possibly happen to me? Of course, my parents' situation is an exception, but I don't have any power right now. Even if I wanted to find out the truth, I'd have to wait until I'm older and have the ability."

"That's the right way to think. I'm not telling you now because it's not time yet. Don't worry, your Uncle Zhang will help you."

"Hehe, it's okay, I can get revenge with my own abilities."

"It's too early to talk about these things. Who is your brother? That old woman's great-grandson?"

"Uncle Zhang, would you dare say that in front of Grandma?"

"You brat, who are you close to? You're not cute at all."

"hey-hey."

"I'm asking you, isn't it Liu Jingze?"

"Yes, he was admitted to the Capital University last year."

"I see. This kid is no ordinary person. You should keep that in mind."

"I understand. I have no vested interests with him. We're just siblings from the same village. Don't worry, he treats me exceptionally well."

Zhang Xingguo snorted. That old woman had already hinted to him that she wanted Hongmei to be her great-granddaughter-in-law. No way, she was his daughter-in-law.

"Does he want to live with you?"

"No, he stays at my house on Saturdays and Sundays, and spends the rest of his time at school."

“I also go there on Saturdays and Sundays.”

"Okay, I'll cook you something delicious."

"I just want to eat meat. The meat they stewed has no flavor and is simply inedible."

Should we go for roast duck or hot pot for lunch today?

"Shall we eat out? I want to have hot pot with lamb."

"Alright. Wang Xiaoshun, where have you been hiding?"

"Commander, really! I was just boiling water to make tea for Hongmei."

Zhang Xingguo glared at Wang Xiaoshun. "What did Shouyi say?"

Brother Shouyi

I said I'd be home in half an hour.

"Brother Xiaoshun, I don't drink tea, plain water is fine with me."

Would you like some sweet soup?

"No, I just want plain water."

"Hongmei, would it be nice for you to stay at my place?"

"No, school is too far away. Besides, if you want me to come to my house on Saturdays and Sundays, I'll save you a room."

"How big is the house?" Zhang Xingguo didn't care about the house Zhang Hongmei bought at all; he just wanted her to live in his own home.

"A courtyard with two sections, a small two-section courtyard, like a traditional siheyuan (traditional courtyard house)."

"It's too small. Your brother Zhang prepared this room for you."

"No, why would I need such a big house by myself? I just want to live in my own home."

"You're so stubborn. I can't reason with you. I'll have your brother Zhang come back and talk to you."

"Uncle Zhang, look at the pen I gave you, isn't it nice?"

"Hehe, I'm not a little girl anymore, it doesn't matter if it looks good or not, but since it's a gift from you, I like it."

Oh, and these pastries were a gift for me too?

Wang Xiaoshun chuckled to himself, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

"Yes, how could a junior come empty-handed to visit an elder during the first month of the lunar year?"

"Hehe, my girl is so well-mannered."

Wang Xiaoshun was dumbfounded. What was going on?

Zhang Hongmei gave him a smug sidelong glance.

Wang Xiaoshun lowered his head in frustration. This was discrimination, it was unfair.

"Hongmei, I've prepared a lot of fabric for you, and I've also found a tailor to take you to have your clothes made tomorrow."

"Is there something wrong with my clothes?"

"No, I just wanted to dress you up."

"I don't want them. They're all the same. I have several other outfits, and I even have two new sweaters."

"This tailor is an experienced tailor. Besides, I have prepared quite a lot of silk for you."

"What's the point? You can't wear it outside anyway."

Zhang Xingguo thought that kids these days were really annoying, and sat on the side, angry.

"Alright, alright, when it gets warmer, find a tailor to make me a few cheongsams. I can wear them at home if I can't go out. I don't need any other clothes. Also, introduce me to a skilled carpenter. I bought three embroidered screen panels at the station. All I need is a carpenter."

"I'll find some for you, and have Xiao Shun take it over. I'll also make some furniture for you."

"Then hurry up and find one. I have two empty rooms in my house. Even if you go there on Saturday or Sunday, you won't have anywhere to stay."

"Don't worry, I'll go there tomorrow. I'll find the timber for you. You don't need to worry about anything."

"You don't need to worry about lunch, right?"

"No need, I'll give him more money and let him bring his own food."

"No need, I'll pay for the labor myself. Don't bother earning it. I can offer you the money for the timber, but you won't take it. I'll pay for the labor myself."

"Okay, you pay for it yourself. I'll tell you in secret, there really is some good timber here, all of which I used to hoard."

"Giving me such good things is a waste."

"Giving you anything wouldn't be a waste, so don't worry so much. You're too young to be thinking about things too much."

"Okay, okay. You'll have to leave all your good stuff to me. Be careful your daughter-in-law won't support you in the future."

"Hehe, isn't it you who's here?"

“I’m waiting for you here. It’s alright. If no one takes care of you in the future, I will. Uncle Zhang, if my brother Zhang hears you say that, he’ll misunderstand me.”

"What do you want me to hear?"

"Hehe, Brother Zhang is back so soon?"

Zhang Shouyi looked at the delicate and beautiful girl, who had grown taller, probably already 1.65 meters, but was too thin.

"Hongmei has grown up."

"Yes, I'm thirteen years old now, and I'm a college student."

"Yes, you're a college student now. The newspaper wanted to put you in the paper, but I stopped them. But your name as the top scorer in the country is still on the paper."

"I don't like to show off. Thank you, Brother Zhang."

"Do you need to be so polite with me? It's too formal."

Zhang Hongmei looked at the smiling handsome man; he was truly pleasing to the eye, exuding an aura of asceticism that was captivating.

"Hehe, silly girl, hey, did you bring this pen? For me?"

Zhang Hongmei felt embarrassed and gave an awkward smile. "This! This is for Uncle Zhang. I bought you some snacks, they're especially delicious, you should try them."

Zhang Xingguo laughed heartily on the side.

Zhang Hongmei glared at him, thinking how annoying he was.

"Hongmei, when did you arrive?" Zhang Shouyi was afraid that the girl would get angry, so he quickly changed the subject.

"I got off the train yesterday afternoon. I bought a house near the school. I won't be living in the dormitory anymore; I'll live there."

"Didn't I tell you I'd prepare a yard for you? Besides, there aren't any good houses near the school."