When Zhu Jiong, Wang Dajun’s superior, received Wang Qiqi’s call, he readily agreed. He knew that if Wang Qiqi truly wanted to drag things out, the other party might offer even more, especially since the matter had been pending for so long, increasing the amount of money that needed to be handled under the table. If she, being alone, decided to cause a scene or appeal to higher authorities, it would become far more troublesome.

Zhu Jiong knew Wang Qiqi was agreeing now partly to return a favor, which would allow him to achieve what he wanted. Furthermore, he wasn't someone solely driven by money; some money was simply there for the taking, but money earned off the lives of Wang Dajun and his wife—that he would never accept. That was a matter of principle. He would also try to negotiate better terms for Wang Qiqi. "Qiqi, they’re willing to offer six hundred thousand. What do you think of that amount?"

Zhu Jiong moved quickly, soon settling the monetary amount with the other party, as their ultimate goal was the same; only the figures were in question.

Wang Qiqi received the call while having lunch. Hearing the figure made her jump. She already considered the original fifty thousand compensation to be quite high and had been content with that amount. To think it would increase by another ten thousand was unexpected. "Thank you, Uncle Zhu. This amount is what you fought for, isn't it? Thank you so much, Uncle."

"Why thank me? This is what should happen. Besides, the other side is quite eager. Once they heard you were willing to settle privately, why would they quibble over this small difference? Moreover, he’s a construction foreman; he has plenty of money," Zhu Jiong joked over the phone. "If you feel uncomfortable, treat Uncle to a meal sometime soon."

"I absolutely must treat you to a meal, Uncle, if you’re willing to come," Wang Qiqi thought. Given how much extra compensation he had secured for them, treating him was a necessity.

"Don't worry, Qiqi, if you invite me, Uncle will certainly be there." Zhu Jiong knew the other party was anxiously awaiting the outcome. "Then I’ll finalize the terms with them. I'll come to your house tonight to sign the agreement, give you the cash, and perhaps let his parents offer incense to your parents’ memorial tablet."

Construction worker? Hearing this, Wang Qiqi’s heart skipped a beat. "Uncle, would it be possible to take part of the money as cash and part as property?" She needed to focus her energy on her studies. She had no intention of dealing with property matters right now. As for the stock market, she had already opened an account, bought shares, and was planning for long-term investment. While investing the entire six hundred thousand in stocks would maximize profit, the critical issue was whether Wang Qiqi could avoid any butterfly effect. Taking property was the safest option.

Zhu Jiong was about to hang up when Wang Qiqi’s suggestion struck him as odd. "You want to buy property? Why do you need so many houses?" Didn't Wang Dajun’s family already own more than one property? Why was this girl asking for more? He couldn't understand it.

"I was thinking I could rent out the properties later and collect the rent," Wang Qiqi murmured softly. "And I’m worried that if my uncle and the others try to swindle the money away, at least I’ll still have the houses."

Zhu Jiong was somewhat aware of the Wang family's affairs; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so proactive this time, especially since he stood to gain something too. "Alright, I’ll discuss it with the other side. He should have quite a few properties on hand. Shall we discuss the specifics later?"

Wang Qiqi considered it. "No need, Uncle. I entrust this to you. I want four hundred thousand in cash, and for the remaining two hundred thousand, I want four single-room units and one suite. They should at least be 1980s construction standards; if they are 1990s standards, then I’ll take four single rooms. The location should be..." Wang Qiqi named an area that would later become the easiest to rent out and command the highest prices—a place close to the future development zone, making it the first choice for many white-collar workers moving from out of town.

That location? Zhu Jiong hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to choose that area. "Qiqi, are you sure? The property there is really cheap, only a little over a thousand per square meter. If you know people, you can get it for eight hundred per square meter." Was this girl being foolish? If she were dealing directly with that foreman, he could probably secure it for seven hundred. Wouldn’t that mean he’d profit greatly from those four units? "Besides, the transportation there is inconvenient; nobody would rent there."

Wang Qiqi certainly knew the current property prices in that area were low. If it were someone else, she wouldn't reveal this so openly, only mentioning the low prices. "Uncle, I heard my dad say that a development zone is going to be built less than ten minutes from that neighborhood, right? There will definitely be a lot of people moving in from outside. Do you think those office workers would be willing to rent farmhouses?"

Hearing Wang Qiqi say this, Zhu Jiong realized he would have to be completely dense not to understand. Right, a development zone was coming. Even if the zone didn't seem large now, all the investment slots were filled, and due to the excellent recruitment results, the city was considering expanding it. Once more factories were built, the influx of outsiders would increase, and they would certainly prefer renting to buying homes. "Qiqi, Uncle thanks you. Don't worry, Uncle will take care of this for you. By the way, whose name should the deed be under?"

"Put it under mine. Also, Uncle, could you ask the other party to keep this confidential? Just say they gave me fifty thousand in compensation." Wang Qiqi hesitated for a moment before making this request. This was to prevent others from becoming envious. People were already starting to look askance upon hearing about the fifty thousand compensation. Even Aunt Luo and Han Tao had warned her tonight to double-check that the anti-theft doors and windows were tightly locked.

Zhu Jiong understood completely. "Don't worry, I will ensure they keep it confidential." They hadn't wanted Wang Qiqi to disclose the compensation amount in the first place to avoid having another family complain, especially since that family also held official positions, and the wife was pregnant—they were only due slightly more than a third more compensation than Wang Dajun and his wife.

After hanging up, Wang Qiqi touched her flushed face, wondering if she had repaid Zhu Jiong even slightly. However, the main thing was that she managed to secure four single-room units for twenty thousand—a fantastic deal. Those single rooms in that complex were about sixty square meters each. Four units were definitely more cost-effective than taking twenty thousand in cash. Moreover, starting next year, these properties would bring her in two thousand in rent monthly, enough to cover her university tuition and living expenses.

After hanging up, Zhu Jiong immediately picked up the phone, dialed a number, then quickly canceled it. He redialed, talked for about ten minutes, then hung up thoughtfully. After lighting a cigarette, he called the first number again. This conversation lasted much longer. After chatting for quite a while, he finally put the phone down, only to immediately dial another number. In less than half an hour, he made three calls in total. Following this, a smile spread across his face. What he was thinking, only he knew. However, anyone familiar with Zhu Jiong would know that CEO Zhu was feeling exceptionally good at that moment.

Knowing the visitors would arrive that evening, Wang Qiqi ate dinner early and tidied up the house slightly. "Dad, Mom, forgive your unfilial daughter. I can’t fulfill my duties to you, but rest assured, the man who ran you over will not escape justice. He will pay the price for his drunk driving in the future."

Wang Qiqi knew that the man relied on his family's wealth and his father’s connections with officials through construction contracting, which made him incredibly arrogant. However, in about four or five years, he would be sentenced to death for running over a pregnant woman with powerful backing. His family would spend all their savings on his defense, but they still wouldn't save him—a form of karmic retribution. Wang Qiqi wouldn't bother advising his parents to discipline their son more strictly, knowing they wouldn't believe her anyway, and would only think she was cursing their child.

To avoid drawing attention, Zhu Jiong and his party arrived after eight in the evening, by which time most of the people cooling off downstairs had dispersed, so their arrival didn't attract notice.

Upon entering, the visitors first offered a stick of incense to Wang Dajun and his wife, then sat on the sofa to discuss the final details. Since most terms had been settled, this was merely a formality of signing the agreement. Wang Qiqi was shocked when she read the contract. "Wait, wasn't this supposed to be four single rooms? Why has it been changed to four single rooms with simple renovations?" If this were the case, she could actually buy some furniture and have tenants move in right away.

"It just so happens I have four newly renovated single rooms there that I was planning to give to my employees. After such a major incident, I feel extremely bad," a middle-aged man in his fifties apologized, though the sincerity of his apology was a matter of calculation for all involved.

"You can trust me on the condition of the property, I visited with President Zhu," the man quickly added, worried that Wang Qiqi might be skeptical.

Wang Qiqi looked up at Zhu Jiong, who nodded reassuringly. "Yes, the kitchens have stoves and cabinets installed, and the bathroom floor tiles are laid. The toilets and showerheads are also installed; all you need to do is buy a water heater and connect it. The plumbing outlets are already prepared." Zhu Jiong was seeing the matter through to the end, and incidentally, he had purchased a few properties from the other party himself, with the prices negotiated internally.

Reassured about the property condition, Wang Qiqi signed the agreement. She knew that receiving the renovated units was due to Uncle Zhu’s influence, and also related to the news she mentioned at noon. "Once the property transfer is complete, I will go to the traffic police detachment to sign the final documents."

It wasn't that Wang Qiqi was overly cautious, but she had to protect herself. The other party understood she would say this and raised no objections. "I'll take care of finalizing this tomorrow. But here..." He seemed concerned that if this girl left, there would be no one to guard the wake.

"I have already made arrangements for that," Wang Qiqi replied. She had contacted Gong Hong earlier that day and, knowing she was free during the day for the next few days, arranged for her to help guard the wake for two hundred yuan a day. It wasn't that Wang Qiqi was extravagant; most people would be reluctant to accept such a job under the circumstances.

Hearing that Wang Qiqi had everything sorted out, the visitors didn't press further. They set a time for the final steps and left.

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