The renovations are progressing quickly due to minimal changes.
Xinyan chose to convert the main house in the center into a storefront for selling clothes, as it connects to the backyard. She plans to rent out the other stores for now.
Ling Tianze thought of something: "I heard a rumor."
Xinyan looked away from the storefront: "What rumor?"
Ling Tianze pointed in a direction: "I heard the government plans to open up that road. If thatâs true, at least two houses behind this courtyard would be in the demolition zone."
Upon hearing this, Xinyan recalled what her father said that dayâthe surprise was here.
If what he said comes true, wouldnât her property not only extend eastward to turn into street-side storefronts, but once the road opens up, the houses in the third courtyard could also become street-side storefronts?
This property is worth the buy; if everything becomes storefronts, she could earn a fortune just by collecting rent.
Most importantly, living conditions in the first and second courtyards wouldnât be affected.
Feeling quite pleased, she handed Ling Tianze the drawings sheâd made for the shelves: "Once the property is fully renovated, it will take a few more days, hurry up and find a place to make these shelves."
Ling Tianze took the blueprint: "Alright, I happen to know a craftsman; we can get this done in the next few days."
They chatted for a bit more before parting ways.
As soon as she returned to school, Xinyan received a call from Han Jingchen: "Yanyan, tomorrow is the weekend. Iâll be passing by in the afternoon to pick you up, and weâll go back together."
Xinyan gladly agreed: "Okay, thank you, Dad."
Han Jingchen chuckled: "No need to be polite with your dad, plus itâs really on the way."
After hanging up, she walked towards the dormitory building with a joyful spirit.
But upon reaching the dormitory, she spotted Liu Ronghua again, and immediately her smile faded.
Seeing Xinyan, Liu Ronghua said, "Xinyan, I have something Iâd like to say to you."
Xinyan frowned, looking at her with displeasure: "I donât think we have anything left to say."
Not wanting to engage, Xinyan lifted her foot to enter the dormitory building.
Liu Ronghua watched as Xinyan was about to leave and promptly teared up: "Xinyan, Iâm truly sorry, I didnât think theyâd use me to target you."
Xinyan looked at Liu Ronghua: "This matter was over, but since youâve come to apologize, why not turn the set of clothes I gave you into cash for me? That might make you feel better."
Liu Ronghua was stupefied; she hadnât expected Xinyan to ask for money for the clothes. She had intended to pretend with an apology, so everyone would see her as a victim, used by those people. But she didnât expect Han Xinyan to not follow the usual script.
Seeing Liu Ronghuaâs change in expression, Xinyan thought: You thought you could play tricks on me? Nice try.
As some people started to gather and watch, Liu Ronghua had no choice but to begrudgingly say: "Of course, Iâll gather it as soon as possible."
Having achieved her goal, Xinyan headed into the dormitory building.
Left standing there with a pale face, Liu Ronghua found her dignity not restored, gained no sympathy, and ended up with a debt instead.
Nearby, a few onlookers trying to suppress laughter, this time seeing her play pity and seek sympathy.
*
Elsewhere, Gu Wanqing listened to her staffâs report with an unhappy face: "Are you sure the competitors are from the Li family?"
The person sitting opposite nodded: "Yes."
Gu Wanqing thought: Seems these people are getting impatient.
She raised a hand to rub her brow, mentally deciding: Itâs better to delay bringing mom and dad back to the country to avoid getting distracted.