After meeting up with Gong Peixing's aunt, she led them in front of a row of six single-story houses. "These two are mine; the four next door are for sale."

Wang Qiqi's first reaction upon seeing the houses was, "Buying this place would be a total loss; it needs complete renovation." It was basically like buying a foundation, no wonder someone was letting it go, and the transfer went so quickly. It was garbage, even though it had doors and windows. Besides, wasn't converting a bungalow into a multi-story building incredibly difficult? Could they even get a revised property deed? This was what concerned Wang Qiqi. What if the area was demolished before she recouped her initial investment, and the deed couldn't be updated?

Seeing Wang Qiqi's look of disdain, Song Yao and Gong Peixing looked a bit awkward. "I just figured the renovation costs would be substantial. If possible, we could build ourselves, even if it costs a bit more, but..."

That was true; using flushing toilets was a major issue when renovating many existing houses. "I have no objection to getting a property deed for the new structure's area. After all, if this plot is developed and then demolished, we’d lose money."

"I already checked that; it’s possible," Gong Peixing's aunt said. "Because our place is deemed dilapidated, and my brother-in-law handles property deeds in town." Otherwise, she wouldn't have conceived of this idea.

Since those issues were settled, Wang Qiqi couldn't think of a reason not to go in. "How much is the price?"

"Five thousand," Song Yao said, holding up a hand in gesture. "The renovation will probably run around a hundred thousand."

One hundred and five thousand? Wang Qiqi was stunned. "That cheap?" No way. Even knowing it excluded appliances and furniture, this was ridiculously cheap. "For four units?"

Song Yao laughed at Wang Qiqi's look of disbelief. "Yes. Do the accounting; I wouldn't let you buy if it didn't check out." Regarding who the actual owners of these houses were, Song Yao and the aunt both agreed that Wang Qiqi should be the buyer, and Gong Peixing felt it was better this way to avoid future complications. If the truth slipped out, who knew how much his parents would demand he give his younger brother for a house. Supporting him a bit was fine, but giving away fifty or sixty thousand for his little brother's place was something Gong Peixing wasn't keen on, especially with existing family debts.

"Maybe we won't even need ten thousand. My brother works at a construction site managing cement, sand, bricks, and the like. He can help transport some over, though we'd still need to give him some cash," the aunt said frankly. "Otherwise, I wouldn't even bother with this house."

Since her parents passed away, the house in her maiden home had been vacant. Her brother’s family had a large place, and the company had allocated them another flat, so he wouldn't value this property. Gong Peixing’s aunt had put up a small amount of money to secure this row of houses.

Given that, Wang Qiqi thought, "I'll buy it. I'll withdraw the five thousand from the bank immediately." To miss out on such a good deal would make her a fool.

Gong Peixing's aunt had previously worried if Wang Qiqi would be as easygoing as her nephew suggested, and if the houses sat undeveloped for too long, if her brother's construction site moved, sourcing materials for building later would cost a lot more. "Good. I'll call someone over right now."

After a busy morning, Wang Qiqi paid the money and submitted the deed transfer application. To her even greater surprise, the sellers actually threw in a few extra pieces of land. Even if they wouldn't be farmed, Wang Qiqi thought she could utilize the space—perhaps planting some flowers or ornamental grass, turning it into a small recreational spot. Definitely no vegetables, as too many insects in the summer would bring complaints from tenants.

Although the property deed and land certificate wouldn't arrive for a few days, this officially declared the land and houses as Wang Qiqi's. Next, everyone started discussing the construction plans.

"My idea is to just put in stairwells for access—three flights in total for a three-story building, front to back," Gong Peixing's aunt explained her vision. "Since they'll all be rented out, this way is easier to manage." The rooms could also be larger; there was no need to sacrifice space for stairwells.

Three stories? Wang Qiqi was surprised they dared to aim so high. "Is the third floor an attic or..."

"The third floor is also standard living space; if you count the attic, that would be four floors. Don't worry, the property deed will be approved. Plus, my brother said whether we take a lot or a little of the cement, sand, and so on, it makes no difference to him." Of course, Gong's aunt knew the more they took, the bigger the kickback her brother would receive, or he wouldn't be this generous. "We just need to buy the steel rebar. I'll ask my brother if he can get us some cheaper rebar."

The group then discussed the renovation specifics. As for finding a construction crew, Wang Qiqi wasn't responsible for that; didn't she have her brother-in-law, the property's semi-owner? "Auntie, I still have to go to Beijing to study. If anything comes up with the houses later, talk to my brother-in-law. I’ll leave the funds here."

Gong family's aunt had worried about the construction funds once Wang Qiqi left for school, but she hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to delegate the entire matter to her nephew, Gong Peixing. This made things much easier. She wasn't thinking of cutting corners—cutting corners on construction was no joke—but having someone dependable to consult with made things smoother.

Wang Qiqi arrived home well after four in the afternoon. She stopped by the market to pick up some groceries, then booked a private room for dinner. Everything arranged, she hurried home with the groceries. She saw Wang Rui on the way again but ignored her completely, walking straight past without even a greeting.

When Wang Rui learned that her father and Wang Qiqi had clashed again, adding another 'loss' to the tally, she was furious. Yesterday, she had finally managed to find Gao Kai, only to see him cozied up with several other women—fox spirits. Wang Rui could feel the judgmental glares from people around them. They were even talking about Wang Qiqi, saying she was doing quite well in Beijing, even learning to be a translator. What did that imply? It meant Wang Qiqi had a brand new life, and it also meant she planned to study abroad. This made Wang Rui increasingly wonder if, back when their great-uncle and the others passed away, they hadn't seized so many things from the family, would she be leading this kind of life now? But Wang Rui didn't know everything. What she did know was that Wang Qiqi was even more displeased with her family, and she panicked. The Gao family was her lifeline.

"Qiqi, I heard when I went out yesterday that you're learning to be a translator in Beijing," Wang Rui said, forcing a smile as she followed behind Wang Qiqi. "Come to my place for dinner today; my mom is cooking."

Wang Qiqi kept walking, offering no response to Wang Rui's words. Wang Rui hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to completely ignore her. In the past, no matter what, Wang Qiqi would at least offer a greeting, even if it was cold. Wang Rui had thought that level of detachment was enough to break someone, but now she felt this silence was the biggest blow.

Wang Rui followed Wang Qiqi all the way to the bottom of her building, clearly intending to follow her upstairs. Helplessly, Wang Qiqi finally turned around. "Did your parents not tell you? I have severed ties with your family. Besides, it’s not like I can't afford to buy things; why would I come to your house? Alright, I’m going up now."

Wang Qiqi reiterated her stance firmly. As for Wang Rui putting on an expression of utter innocence, Wang Qiqi wasn't going to soften. Compared to Wang Da Gui, Wang Rui was a beautiful snake. If she showed one ounce of softness, she'd push forward aggressively, and Wang Da Gui and Li Cui would follow right behind. Wang Qiqi understood their thick skin very well.

Since Wang Qiqi showed her no respect, Wang Rui could only endure it, blinking back tears with a pout, looking as if Wang Qiqi was bullying her.

Wang Qiqi said impatiently, "Why are you putting on this sad act for me? Did I bully you? The day before yesterday, when your dad was being so aggressive, I didn't cry. Are you trying to get revenge for him? You’d be better off finding your man. Your dad even told Auntie the other day to watch out for me, saying that if some accident happened, it wouldn't be good. I need to get upstairs quickly; if something happens, I won't even have a place to cry."

Wang Rui’s mouth hung wide open as she watched Wang Qiqi go upstairs. Passersby heading home from work witnessed the scene, especially Wang Qiqi’s final comment about Wang Da Gui’s threats, which excited them. Getting such good drama right before the New Year made them feel quite thrilled.

Wang Qiqi went upstairs to sort out the food, then called Han Tao, asking him to come over for hot pot later. She saw Wang Rui still standing downstairs while she was busy in the kitchen, but Wang Qiqi couldn't be bothered to care. If she wanted to stand there, fine. She wasn't a child; if she caught a bad cold, it wasn't Wang Qiqi’s problem.

Around six o'clock, Han Tao pushed the half-closed door open and slipped in. "Why didn't you lock the door?" Han Tao had overheard Wang Qiqi's words downstairs.

"Weren't you supposed to be here soon, calculating the time?" Wang Qiqi directed Han Tao to place the pot on the dining table to start heating the broth, then told him about buying the new property.

Han Tao paused his movements for a moment before continuing his work. "Your sister really trusts you."

"Who should I trust if not her? I have so many assets; does she think I’d embezzle her property?" Seeing the broth start to boil again, Wang Qiqi tossed in the vegetables and meat. "What are your plans for the winter break?"

"Tutoring," Han Tao replied, looking at Wang Qiqi who was serving him soup. Then he added suddenly, "I want to earn some money during the break. Once the semester starts, I'll gradually cut back on the number of tutoring students; just enough for my basic living expenses will suffice."

"And then focus on computer research with Dai Lijun and the others?"

"Mm-hmm." Han Tao nodded. "Once school starts, I'll get a computer built; it will be more convenient to use."

The two chatted about their plans for the next semester over dinner until a phone call interrupted them.

【Paper Expensive, Gold Lavish / Qing Feng Ling Xin】 The scent of a beauty, no match for a flower fallen, withered by the wind. The scent of ink on paper, spreading thousands of miles across spring and autumn, flowing through the ages. She is reborn on the path to death; watch how she carves out a new life. 【Worry-Free Double Life】 In public, she is an outstanding student at a top university and a moderately famous online writer. In private, she is a psychic strategist serving the Empire, the future daughter-in-law of the Empire's first family.

Wife Prepares Offerings for Husband. In an era bustling with busybodies and gossips, here is the vibrant life of a woman. (To be continued.)