After meeting 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 up for sale."

Wang Qiqi's first reaction upon seeing the houses was, "Buying this place would truly be a loss; it needs a complete overhaul." It was essentially buying just the foundation. No wonder someone was selling, and no wonder the transfer went through so quickly—it was utter garbage, even if it had doors and windows. Furthermore, converting a bungalow into a multi-story building wasn't easy. Could they even get a revised property deed? This was what concerned Wang Qiqi. If the area were ever demolished for redevelopment, that deed was money. Wang Qiqi didn't want the original investment to be lost to demolition before she could even recoup the principal, especially if the property certificate couldn't be changed back.

Seeing Wang Qiqi’s look of disdain, Song Yao and Gong Peixing felt a bit awkward. "I just thought the renovation costs would be significant. If possible, we could build ourselves. Although it might cost a bit more, still..."

That was true; for many renovations, the use of flush toilets was a huge issue. "I have no objection to getting a property deed for the size of the new structure. After all, if this area is eventually redeveloped, we'd lose money."

"I already asked about that; it's possible," said Gong Peixing's aunt. "Because these are classified as dilapidated buildings, and my brother-in-law is the one in town who handles property certificates." Otherwise, she wouldn't have even considered this plan.

Since those issues were resolved, Wang Qiqi couldn't think of any reason to pass on the deal. "How much is the price?"

"Five thousand," Song Yao said, holding up one hand. "The renovation will probably cost around a hundred thousand."

One hundred five thousand? Wang Qiqi was stunned. "That cheap?" Impossible. Even knowing appliances and furniture weren't included, this seemed far too low. "For all four units?"

Song Yao smiled at Wang Qiqi's disbelief. "Yes, do the accounting; otherwise, I wouldn't ask you to buy it." Regarding the ownership of this property, both Song Yao and the aunt had told Wang Qiqi that she would be the buyer, and Gong Peixing agreed it was best this way to avoid further complications. If anything slipped out, his parents might demand he use his own money to buy a place for his younger brother. A little support was fine, but shelling out fifty or sixty thousand for his little brother's house was something Gong Peixing wasn't keen on, especially since the family still had outside debts.

"Maybe it won't even take ten thousand. My brother manages cement, sand, bricks, and similar materials at the construction site; he can help transport some over. We'll just have to give him a bit of money," the aunt said candidly. "Otherwise, I wouldn't even bother trying to get this house."

The house belonging to her natal family had been empty since her parents passed away. Her brother's family had a large house and had also been allocated one by his work unit, so he wouldn't look twice at this place. Gong Peixing's aunt put up a small sum of money to secure the property.

Given that, Wang Qiqi decided, "Buy it. I'll go to the bank right now to withdraw the five thousand." Missing out on such a good deal would make her an absolute fool, she thought.

Gong Peixing's aunt had been quite worried whether Wang Qiqi would be as easy to deal with as her nephew claimed. If they delayed construction on the houses, and her brother’s construction site moved elsewhere, it would cost a lot more to build later. "Good. I’ll call people right away."

After a busy morning, Wang Qiqi paid the money and submitted the property transfer application. The other party signed the agreement after receiving the funds, and to Wang Qiqi’s further delight, the seller even threw in a few plots of land. Although she wouldn't farm them, Wang Qiqi thought she could utilize the space—perhaps planting some flowers and ornamental grasses to create a small leisure area. Growing vegetables was out of the question; too many mosquitoes in the summer would bother the tenants.

Although the property deed and land certificate would take a few more days to arrive, it meant the land and the buildings were officially Wang Qiqi’s. Everyone then began discussing the construction plans.

"My idea is to just build a single staircase connecting the floors—three separate staircases for three sections front to back—and then build a three-story structure," Gong Peixing's aunt shared her thoughts. "Since they'll all be rented out, this way is easier to manage." Plus, the rooms could be larger; there was no need to sacrifice space for stairwells.

Three stories? Wang Qiqi hadn't expected them to be so bold. "Is the third floor an attic...?"

"The third floor will also be usable space, like the first two. If you count the attic, it’s four floors. Don't worry; the revised property certificate will be approved. And my brother said that whether we take a lot or just a little of the cement and sand, it doesn't change much for him." Of course, Gong's aunt knew that the more they took, the larger the kickback her brother would receive, which was why she was being so generous. "We just need to buy the steel rebar. I'll ask my brother again if he can get us cheaper rebar."

The group then discussed how to modify the houses. Wang Qiqi wasn't in charge of finding the construction team; after all, didn't she have her brother-in-law, the property's half-owner? "Auntie, I still have to go to Beijing for school. If anything comes up with the houses later, talk to my brother-in-law. I'll leave the money here."

Gong family’s aunt had been worried about how the construction funds would be handled after Wang Qiqi left for school. She hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to delegate everything to her nephew, Gong Peixing. This actually made things easier for negotiations. It wasn't that she wanted to cut corners, but rather that having someone local to discuss matters with was convenient. Furthermore, cutting corners on materials for a structure like this was dangerous business; she didn't need to do that just to save a bit on material costs, but having a clear point of contact made discussion simple.

Wang Qiqi returned home around four in the afternoon. She stopped by the market to pick up some vegetables and then reserved a private room at a restaurant. Once everything was sorted, she hurried home with the groceries. She ignored Wang Rui when they crossed paths again on the way, passing by without even a greeting.

When Wang Rui learned that the old man and Wang Qiqi had scored another victory against her—adding another tally to her negative column—she was furious. Yesterday, she had finally found Gao Kai, only to see him being overly familiar with several flashy women. Wang Rui could feel the scornful looks from people around her. They had even started talking about Wang Qiqi, mentioning that she was doing well in Beijing, even learning to be a translator. What did that imply? It implied Wang Qiqi was building a brand-new life for herself, which also meant she planned to study abroad. This made Wang Rui think even more about how, if the family hadn't seized so many things when her paternal uncle and aunt passed away, she wouldn't have to live like this. But Wang Rui knew none of that. What she did know was that Wang Qiqi was even more displeased with her side of the family, which made her panic. The Gao family was her lifeline.

"Qiqi, I heard when I was out yesterday that you're learning translation in Beijing," Wang Rui said, following Wang Qiqi with a forced smile. "Come over to my place for dinner today; my mom is cooking."

Wang Qiqi walked on, ignoring Wang Rui's words. Wang Rui hadn't expected Wang Qiqi to completely brush her off. In the past, no matter what, Wang Qiqi would at least offer a cold greeting or a snide remark. Wang Rui had thought those interactions were enough to drive someone crazy, but compared to this total silence, she felt this was a far greater blow.

Wang Rui trailed Wang Qiqi right up to the downstairs entrance of her building, clearly intending to follow her upstairs. Cornered, Wang Qiqi could only turn around. "Didn't your parents tell you? I’ve severed ties with your family. Besides, I'm not poor; why would I come to your house? Alright, I'm going up now."

Wang Qiqi reiterated her position clearly. As for Wang Rui, who struck an innocent pose, Wang Qiqi certainly wasn't going to soften. Compared to Wang Dagui, Wang Rui was a beautiful viper. One moment of leniency, and she’d push her luck, followed immediately by Wang Dagui and Li Cui. Wang Qiqi understood their shamelessness all too well.

Since Wang Qiqi showed her no quarter, Wang Rui could only endure it, feigning tears—a look that suggested Wang Qiqi was bullying her.

Wang Qiqi grew impatient. "Why are you putting on this miserable face for me? Am I bullying you? The other day, when your father was being so abusive, I didn't even cry. Are you trying to get revenge? You'd be better off talking to your man. Your father explicitly warned my aunt the other day to watch out, saying something bad might happen. I need to get upstairs quickly; if something does happen, I won't even have a place to cry."

Wang Rui's mouth hung wide open as she watched Wang Qiqi go upstairs. People leaving work nearby witnessed the scene, especially Wang Qiqi’s last remark about Wang Dagui's threat. They became quite excited; having such drama to watch right before the New Year was rather entertaining.

Wang Qiqi went upstairs to start sorting the groceries, then called Han Tao to ask him to come over for hotpot later. She noticed Wang Rui still standing downstairs while she was busy in the kitchen, but Wang Qiqi couldn't be bothered. If she wanted to stand there, she could; she wasn't a child, and if she caught a cold, it wouldn't be Wang Qiqi’s problem.

Around six o'clock, Han Tao slipped through the slightly ajar door. "Why didn't you close the door?" He had overheard part of what Wang Qiqi said downstairs.

"I figured you’d be here soon, accounting for time," Wang Qiqi said, directing Han Tao to place the pot on the dining table to heat the broth. She then told him about buying another property.

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

"If I don't trust myself, who should I trust? I have plenty of assets; does she think I'd embezzle her house?" Once the broth started boiling again, Wang Qiqi tossed in the vegetables and meat. "What are your plans for the winter break?"

"Tutoring," Han Tao said, looking at Wang Qiqi as she served him soup. Then he added, "I want to earn some money over the break. Once the semester starts, I'll gradually reduce the number of students I teach; just enough for my regular living expenses will suffice."

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

"Yeah." Han Tao nodded. "When the semester begins, I'll build a computer for easier use."

The two chatted about their plans for the next semester while eating dinner, until a phone rang.

【Paper Expensive, Gold Dazzling / Qing Feng Ling Xin】The scent of beauty fades faster than fallen flowers, withered by the wind. The fragrance of ink and paper lingers for ten thousand years of spring and autumn, passed down through the ages. She is reborn on the path to death; watch how she forges a new life.

【Wuyou's Double Life】In front of people, she is an outstanding student at a top university and a moderately famous online writer. Behind closed doors, she is an esper strategist serving the Empire, the future daughter-in-law of the Empire's first family.

A Wife Secures for Her Husband In an era bustling with gossiping relatives, a woman's brilliant life unfolds. RS

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