For Li Yundong, his thought process was simple: find a place through an agent near the school. Where could they not live?

But Su Chan thought otherwise. The little fox believed that the dwelling place for cultivation was an absolutely crucial issue. First, the location had to face south, with an east-facing window, excellent surrounding air circulation, and an unobstructed view. Most importantly, the residence absolutely had to be high up!

“Why must it be high up?” Li Yundong asked as he walked out of a real estate agency with Su Chan. “The place I lived before was seven stories high—that’s tall enough! If the elevator breaks higher up, won't we be too exhausted climbing?”

Su Chan wanted to explain it to Li Yundong, but she feared revealing her identity in the process. So she replied, “Don’t you think that living high allows you to see further, broadening your state of mind?”

Li Yundong smiled. “That’s true enough. Alright, since you prefer high places, we’ll look for a high-rise unit.”

Su Chan nodded, muttering to herself, Honestly, have you ever heard of a cultivator, from ancient times till now, practicing in the city? Where are their cultivation grounds located? Aren't they always on mountain tops or halfway up the slopes? Who would choose to live low down?

This city environment is so poor, the air quality so bad—the effects on cultivation must be greatly diminished! Su Chan silently grumbled, but she knew she couldn't drag Li Yundong into the deep mountains; the young man would surely collapse from shock.

Finding a high-floor rental proved to be no easy task. Li Yundong took Su Chan to several locations, but none met her approval, usually being vetoed instantly by the little fox.

Li Yundong remained patient, feeling that he himself had no real demands; as long as the little girl was happy, that was enough. He let the little fox lead the selection process.

By noon, the two arrived at a newly constructed complex called Xin’an Garden. As Li Yundong was walking and simultaneously munching on a McDonald’s Teriyaki Burger, he suddenly heard a very familiar voice shouting, “What’s going on with you people? Get Zheng Youming out here. I don’t believe he dares not see me!”

Li Yundong turned his head and instantly grinned: Oh, isn’t that the mistress who was with that nouveau riche guy before?

Li Yundong remembered the woman the boss Zheng had vulgarly called "Lili." He couldn’t help but muse: Is that the universal default name for all mistresses?

Li Yundong wasn't interested in watching a scene unfold, but unexpectedly, Su Chan glanced at the geographical layout of Xin’an Garden, and her eyes immediately lit up. Then she observed the orientation of the buildings within the complex, a look of pure delight spreading across her face, and she blurted out, “This place is great!”

“Oh, my dear young madam, has your esteemed self finally found a place you approve of?” Li Yundong asked with a wry smile. “But this is a new development—the units are for sale only, not rent! I can’t afford to buy!”

Their sudden conversation drew the attention of the mistress named Lili, who turned around. The moment she spotted Li Yundong and Su Chan, she froze. Her previous aggressive demeanor visibly softened.

Lili retrieved a phone from her accompanying Louis Vuitton handbag and said to the security guard who was blocking her entry, “You won’t let me in? Fine! I’ll call him right now. See if you lose your jobs when he comes out!”

The guard was merely following orders and couldn't withstand such threats. He managed a wry smile, about to speak, when a loud, booming voice cut in, “Oh my, Lili, what brings you here?”

Lili saw Boss Zheng Youming emerge and immediately shouted at him, “If I don’t come here looking for you, how would I ever find you?”

A flash of annoyance crossed Zheng Youming’s eyes, but the moment he spotted Li Yundong and the beautiful Su Chan beside him, desire surged, and a broad smile spread across his face as he laughed heartily and walked over. “Well, well, how is it you two again!”

Seeing the wealthy parvenu stride toward him, Li Yundong let out a bitter laugh. “Yeah, how is it us again.”

Zheng Youming, acting overly familiar, shook Li Yundong’s hand while his eyes remained glued to Su Chan, as if he wished to swallow her whole in one gulp.

After shaking Li Yundong’s hand, he extended his own toward Su Chan.

Su Chan had no regard for this man who reeked of money. She quickly drew her hand back and ducked behind Li Yundong, pulling a funny face.

Such behavior was inherently rude, but Su Chan was so exquisitely beautiful, so playful and charming, that her action didn't displease Zheng Youming; instead, it stirred a tantalizing itch in his heart.

Zheng Youming ignored his mistress to one side and said warmly to Li Yundong, “Young man, what brings you here? Looking at property?”

As Zheng Youming spoke, a flicker of contempt and disdain crossed his gaze. He truly couldn't believe that Li Yundong, who lived in dingy rentals, could afford a unit here.

Li Yundong smiled. “Just passing by. Are these properties yours?”

Zheng Youming laughed loudly, saying proudly, “Just flipping a few, just flipping a few! Want to come in and take a look? I’ll give you a discount! As the saying goes, familiarity breeds fondness—we’re practically old acquaintances now!”

Just as Li Yundong was about to reply, Su Chan suddenly asked with sparkling eyes, “How much is the tallest building you have here?”

Zheng Youming’s heart fluttered with surprise and excitement when Su Chan addressed him. He took a deep breath and said, “Thirteen thousand per square meter. Ah, but for such a beautiful young lady like yourself, I can certainly offer a discount! Ten thousand per square meter! How about that! You won’t find a discount like this anywhere else in Tiannan City! Very reasonable, very honest!”

Li Yundong smiled bitterly to himself: Ten thousand per square meter? Great! I could afford a toilet! And even that would be bare concrete!

Su Chan was greatly disappointed upon hearing the price. She knew that after Li Yundong lost that money, he only had a little over eighty thousand left in his bank account; there was no way they could afford a place here with that amount.

But she genuinely adored the environment: the wide-open views, the reduced pollution because it was closer to the suburbs, the fresh air, and most importantly, the ideal orientation and height of the apartments.

Su Chan was unwilling to give up so easily and asked again, “If we can’t buy, do you rent?”

“Rent?” Zheng Youming’s mouth stretched into a wide grin as he burst into booming laughter.

Su Chan was irritated by his laughter, and her face immediately fell. She tugged Li Yundong’s arm. “Yundong, let’s go!”

Seeing her about to leave, fearing he might not have another chance to meet her, Zheng Youming quickly called out, “Hey, hey! I didn’t say I wouldn’t rent!”

Su Chan made Li Yundong stop and turned back. “You’re willing to rent? What’s the price?”

Zheng Youming considered it. This beauty is too exquisite; I must keep her within my sight, or I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I miss this chance! I’ll set the price low. As long as she agrees to live in this complex, I don’t believe that with my wealth, I can’t steal a corner from some poor young punk?

Zheng Youming’s calculation was shrewd. He held up one finger, adopting the air of a philanthropist, and said, “This much!”

“Ten thousand a month?” Li Yundong gasped, taking a sharp intake of breath.

Zheng Youming looked smug. “One thousand! Little brother, we are destined to meet. You can look at any apartment in this complex, pick any one you like. If you choose one, go to the sales center and tell them Zheng Youming sent you. One month, one thousand, and it’s yours!”

As Zheng Youming spoke, the expression on his face was as joyful and satisfied as if he’d just finished a night of passion. It was the unmistakable look of someone who believed his wealth granted him absolute superiority.

Although Li Yundong found the man repulsive, he was still moved by the price. The one-bedroom apartment with appliances he previously rented cost 1,300 a month!

Seeing Li Yundong hesitating, Zheng Youming assumed he was worried about the unit being bare concrete, lacking furniture and appliances. He waved his hand again, displaying an air of benevolent savior. “You’re not worried about not having money for renovations or buying furniture and appliances, are you? Don't worry, I have a penthouse display unit on the rooftop that is fully furnished. You can move in immediately!”

At this, Li Yundong suddenly snapped his head up. Even he, despite his dullness, smelled a trap.

This guy is being overly attentive—he’s either a thief or up to no good! Li Yundong became inwardly vigilant.

When he noticed Zheng Youming’s gaze drifting toward Su Chan every so often, Li Yundong understood everything instantly. He sneered inwardly, his fists unconsciously clenching.

Trying to steal my girl? He must be tired of living!

A surge of anger rose within Li Yundong.

But the little fox knew nothing of such human deceit. She excitedly tugged Li Yundong’s arm. “Let’s go take a look? Can we go see it?”

Li Yundong glanced at Su Chan, feeling helpless. He didn't want to stay a second longer in this place, but he didn't want to dampen the little girl's spirits either. Such a charming, delicate girl had followed him running around in the hot sun all morning; it was truly not easy. Which modern girl would do that?

“Fine,” Li Yundong said resignedly, but he made up his mind: under no circumstances would he live here and give this nouveau riche a chance to poach his girlfriend.

Hearing this, Zheng Youming was overjoyed. He quickly instructed the security guard, “Hurry up, escort my young friend to the sales center.”

Having said that, he remembered he still had the issue of Lili to deal with.

Lili had come today because she heard news that Zheng Youming had found yet another fling. She had come to cause trouble, but Zheng Youming’s performance just now had allowed her to watch the entire exchange from the sidelines.

What a fickle, cold-blooded, and ruthless man!

She had been with him for quite some time, and the moment he spotted something new, he could sideline her for so long!

It was truly chilling to the bone!

Lili glanced at Li Yundong and Su Chan, and suddenly her heart was filled with envy for the purity of their feelings. The jealousy was gone, replaced only by a quiet blessing: I hope you two can stay this happy forever and not let this materialistic, corrupt society taint you!

Lili then turned her gaze to Zheng Youming and sneered, “You still remember me? I thought you’d forgotten me!”

Zheng Youming’s entire focus was currently fixed on Su Chan. In his mind, someone like Lili was already used goods—who would want to wear worn-out things?

He felt a surge of impatience, but since Su Chan hadn't gone far, he suppressed his irritation and said, “How could I forget you! What are you doing here today?”

Lili had originally intended to create a huge scene, but after witnessing this event, she felt utterly disheartened and wanted nothing more to do with this man. She looked around vaguely, her mind elsewhere, and said, “I missed you, so I came by for a look. By the way, how come I’ve never heard about this rooftop sky garden display unit? You never took me to see it! No, I have to go see it!”

After speaking, Lili lifted her leg and followed Li Yundong into the complex.