Wang Qiqi truly didn't want to bother with someone's life or death; if he insisted on keeping it hidden, fine, but the sun was brutal, and there were mosquitoes biting even under the shade of the trees. In just that short while, Wang Qiqi had already accumulated several welts. "Seriously, how long are you two going to cause a scene? What if someone sees you?" Fortunately, this was a residential area; otherwise, some kind-hearted soul might have called the police.

Dai Lijun, after all that commotion, was genuinely exhausted and thirsty. As for being hot, he really didn't care that much. "I need water, and I need to sit down and rest."

Shi Man looked at the two pitiable figures beside her, especially Dai Lijun, who was practically panting with his tongue hanging out like a puppy. "Go inside first, and then we'll settle accounts."

Feng Xuanxiang gave a soft 'oh,' pulled out his keys, and draped an arm around Shi Man as they walked toward the main gate. "The yard isn't big. There are three rooms upstairs, Qiqi. You two will have a place to stay whenever you come over from now on."

As soon as Dai Lijun heard there were three rooms, he was filled with regret. If he had known, he would have fought to get into this place; at least accommodations would have been much more convenient. Wang Qiqi didn't think much of it. "Your parents will have a place to stay when they come to visit, too." Wang Qiqi had always assumed foreign bedrooms were quite spacious. After arriving, she realized the rooms were certainly larger than those in domestic apartments, but not outrageously so. Still, three bedrooms meant this house wasn't small. "By the way, how much did this house cost?"

Feng Xuanxiang named a figure. "It belonged to the parents of a senior of mine. They moved to the south due to health issues, so they put the house up for sale. Their only requirement was to find someone they found agreeable, and I managed to snag it." Truthfully, the owners weren't entirely satisfied with Feng Xuanxiang at first, but after he explained why he wanted to buy the house, they considered it for two days and agreed to sell. "There's also an attic on the third floor with a large window. When the sun is out in winter, it’s perfect for lying under the window to read or handle work."

Wang Qiqi wasn't surprised about the attic; given the steeply pitched roof, one could tell there would be one. Although the price was a little steep, it seemed to be within Feng Xuanxiang's affordable range, and judging by his expression, this house was a real steal. "Then I'm really looking forward to it. We'll have a place to stay when we come over for Christmas."

"Weren't you planning to buy a house too?" Dai Lijun blurted out, immediately realizing his mistake and quickly covering his mouth.

Feng Xuanxiang hadn't heard Qiqi mention it before, but he knew that if Qiqi and Dai Lijun decided to buy property, they would have to pull their down payment funds from the stock market. Feng Xuanxiang didn't have strong feelings about it. "Housing is a necessity. Besides, you two will be living here eventually, especially where you are now—that area has one of the top ten fastest-rising property values. It's better to buy early. By the way, what are your plans for...?"

"We brought some money over from back home, and with Han Tao's salary plus the money from the stock market, we're aiming to pay it all in one go." Wang Qiqi felt a significant sense of relief when she saw Feng Xuanxiang’s expression remain unchanged, and instead, he offered that advice. After all, withdrawing the money just meant Feng Xuanxiang had less capital to invest. Wang Qiqi had been genuinely worried about what Feng Xuanxiang might think.

"No mortgage?" Feng Xuanxiang asked, quite surprised after opening the door to let Dai Lijun in. But he quickly understood. "Are you worried about the loan process...?" Although Han Tao now had an official position, he was still primarily based in China, and securing a loan from abroad could present certain complications.

Wang Qiqi affirmed this with a nod. Han Tao had actually suggested that since the stock market was doing well, there was no need to withdraw everything; the stock returns were much higher than the interest rate on a bank loan. But how could Wang Qiqi agree to that? She had been looking for a good excuse to pull the money out of stocks, and now that she finally had a perfect opening, she was overjoyed. Of course, she wouldn't reveal the situation in September. Instead, she seriously analyzed the success rate of securing a loan with Han Tao, and eventually, he agreed. For him, none of that was the main point; with Feng Xuanxiang as the expert and his wife overseeing things, he felt completely at ease. Wang Qiqi had been unsure how to bring this up with Feng Xuanxiang, but she was relieved the conversation had unfolded so smoothly.

"Let me know ahead of time when you find a house you like. That way, I can sell the stocks at a better price point," Feng Xuanxiang stated, even though he was certain they would notify him in advance.

"Don't worry," Wang Qiqi replied. As soon as she stepped inside, she began exploring. "Wow, there's a fireplace!" she exclaimed happily. Next to this fireplace in the living room was a large, south-facing window. "This place must be wonderfully cozy in the winter."

Dai Lijun chimed in, "We can put a rack up later, and roast some meat or sweet potatoes..." Dai Lijun said, licking his lips and patting his slightly sunken stomach. "Is there anything to eat here? I'm starving." They had eaten on the plane, but airplane food was truly awful.

"Hmph. Not much," Feng Xuanxiang muttered, realizing he now had two unexpected guests. "I only picked up some things that Manman likes. Manman, are you hungry? We have your favorite cake, and I bought yogurt and milk." As he spoke, Feng Xuanxiang headed toward the kitchen.

Wang Qiqi hadn't felt particularly hungry until she heard him mention food. She patted her own slightly empty stomach and followed him. She expected the large refrigerator to be nearly bare but was surprised to find it stuffed full of food. "Did you just buy all this today?" Wang Qiqi had noticed an air of emptiness about the house the moment she walked in. She hadn't expected so many delicious things in the fridge.

"I should have," Dai Lijun said, pushing past Feng Xuanxiang to grab bread and milk from the refrigerator. He then casually handed some to Wang Qiqi. "Manman, you have a boyfriend, so I won't fuss over you, or someone might get jealous." This was the perfect moment to show chivalry; he absolutely had to yield this opportunity to Feng Xuanxiang.

Feng Xuanxiang was already pulling things out to give to Shi Man when Dai Lijun shoved past him. Not getting what he reached for, Dai Lijun then added that little jab. "If it weren't for you, I would have already given this to Manman. I definitely know how to take care of my woman." Feng Xuanxiang pulled out all the remaining pastries and shot Dai Lijun a fierce glare. What kind of guest did this? He helped himself to food and then walked off with the best treats—too much!

Dai Lijun pretended not to see, rummaging through the kitchen cabinets. "Qiqi, we really shouldn't have come today, with all this steak, red wine, and candles." Dai Lijun kept making 'tsk tsk' sounds.

Wang Qiqi was surprised that someone actually intended to follow through with the surprise. "People who have been in the States for a long time are different; they're planning a private candlelight dinner! I just wonder how skilled he is, and wait, there don't seem to be any pots or bowls." Wang Qiqi had noticed this while Dai Lijun was searching the cabinets.

Dai Lijun was feeling a bit awkward about crashing their private time. Although embarrassed, he was genuinely looking forward to eating a meal cooked by the future financial master. But here they were—ingredients ready, yet crucial cooking utensils were missing. "This truly is quite the surprise."

Feng Xuanxiang had felt like he forgot something while at the supermarket earlier, but after checking his list, he couldn't pinpoint what it was. He hadn't realized he'd forgotten the cookware. "I haven't lived here before, so I forgot. It’s fine, Daizi, we’ll head to the supermarket to stock up in a bit." Saying that, Feng Xuanxiang grabbed the car keys, ready to rush out.

Shi Man reached out and stopped Feng Xuanxiang, who was about to bolt. "What's the rush? Let's see what else is missing." Since Qiqi and Dai Lijun would be staying here for a couple of days, she wondered if they had enough bedding and linens.

Feng Xuanxiang then remembered that essential personal items were also lacking; he had prepared only one set. "I'll check what the kitchen needs, and you go upstairs to see what you need up there."

Shi Man nodded and pulled Wang Qiqi upstairs with her. Dai Lijun gave Feng Xuanxiang a thumbs-up. "Brother, you're the best." Dai Lijun actually wanted to stay and watch, he wasn't oblivious, and he knew Feng Xuanxiang must hold a grudge against him, but the problem was Shi Man just pulled Qiqi away without beckoning him. That was truly heartbreaking.

Feng Xuanxiang quietly closed the dining room door, locking it as he did. With the crisp sound of the lock clicking shut, Dai Lijun flinched. "Brother, I really didn't betray you, I swear."

Feng Xuanxiang didn't respond, instead just shaking his hands and legs, warming up. The more he did this, the more terrified Dai Lijun became. "Brother, I really didn't mean to; I just saw Manman was upset, so I mentioned a little something to her."

The response he got was a cold snort from Feng Xuanxiang, whose warm-up routine didn't stop. His eyes remained fixed on Dai Lijun, which only amplified the pressure.

"Brother, I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have comforted Qiqi, and I shouldn't have told her you were busy and would give her a surprise. But, Brother, I only did what I heard; I didn't tell Manman the real situation," Dai Lijun said, leaning against the wall and constantly swallowing as he explained. "Brother, I told Qiqi, and Qiqi she..."

Feng Xuanxiang felt his warm-up was sufficient and immediately lunged toward Dai Lijun. "You should have just told her clearly on the plane! Otherwise, why would Manman be so upset? And why would there be two light bulbs suddenly appearing?" Hmph, not only did this guy make his woman sad, but two uninvited guests showed up. Although the 'light bulbs' would leave in a couple of days, Feng Xuanxiang felt incredibly annoyed. For instance, he wouldn't be able to enjoy himself tonight: first, because his girlfriend would be mindful of the people in the next room, and second, she would surely still be angry. Feng Xuanxiang thought he'd be lucky to even get any action; it was highly probable Manman would end up sleeping with Qiqi. The mere thought of that scenario infuriated him. (To be continued)