Translator: Lonelytree
After the two men had their fill, Mother Xiao cleaned up the table and began to ask questions. “Kids, why did you come to our Taoyuan Village?” There had to be a reason, especially since Li Yuanhang lied about being Xiao Lingyu’s friend. However, since that was a lie because they were too hungry, Mother Xiao let it slide. Li Yuanhang was also ashamed by that lie. Thankfully, Mother Xiao was a generous person and still fed them.
“Yes.” Li Yuanhang cleared his throat and explained, “Auntie, we heard about how beautiful Taoyuan Village is, so we came here to look around.”
Mother Xiao stared at him. Clearly, she didn’t believe him. She said directly, “Kids, you wear luxury clothes and drive a high-end car. You are not short on money. Your vacation locations should be more developed tourist hotspots. Why would you come to a backward village like ours?”
Li Yuanhang choked. It was evident that Mother Xiao didn’t believe him. Li Yuanhang felt like the boy who cried wolf. He had only lied once, but Mother Xiao already lost confidence in his words even though this time, he wasn’t lying. However, he knew arguing would only make things worse.
Gong Tianhao said, “Auntie, Yuanhang didn’t lie to you this time. We really think this village is pretty and wonderful. It has a very good environment. However, we are not here specifically for a vacation.”
Mother Xiao asked, “Then why?” She had more trust in Gong Tianhao. This made Li Yuanhang feel stifled. ‘Why doesn’t Auntie believe me, but she believe Gong Tianhao? Is the word liar painted on my face? Auntie, don’t be fooled by him because he’s handsome. The man is actually a ruthless pirate in the business world.’ If people knew Li Yuanhang was mocking Young Master Gong for the sake of an Auntie, people would laugh their heads off.
Gong Tianhao explained, “My grandfather suffers from ill health, so he needs a quiet place to recuperate. Taoyuan Village had good air, a quiet environment, and freshwater. It’s perfect for him.”
Mother Xiao was impressed. “What a filial child!”
“Auntie, the old master will be staying here for a long time. Do you know if there are any houses for rent?” Li Yuanhang asked.
Mother Xiao frowned, “There are empty houses, but they are quite shabby. I don’t think your grandfather will be able to recuperate in them.” It was clear that the men were children of rich families. They wouldn’t live comfortably in old houses.
Gong Tianhao thought for a moment and said, “Auntie, can we build a house in the village?” Gong Tianhao also only wanted the best for his grandfather.
Mother Xiao said, “If you plan to do that, you’ll have to get permission from the village chief. How about I get someone to invite him over now?”
“Thank you, Auntie!” Gong Tianhao agreed.
“Xiaohui, go to the fields and get the village chief. Tell him he has a guest!” Mother Xiao instructed Xiao Xiaohui, who was still crawling on the car. When she saw the kids climbing around the car, Mother Xiao added, “Children, be careful. Don’t ruin the car, and don’t hurt yourself.”
“Okay!” The children replied.
Xiao Xiaohui quickly rushed to get his mission done. He still wanted to climb the car. He ran back after about ten minutes.
He said loudly, “Second aunt, the village chief will be here soon!” Then, he went back to play with the car with his friends.
Li Yuanhang saw the children crawling around the limited edition Maybach ,and his lips twitched. The car worth ten million was now a children’s toy…
Soon, Xiao Taiyang arrived. He wore a straw hat on his head, and he walked in with his pants rolled up. He shouted as he entered the front yard, “Qiuying, I heard someone is looking for me. Who is it?”
Mother Xiao said, “Village chief, come in and have a drink first!” She poured a cup of tea for Xiao Taiyang.
Xiao Taiyang removed his hat and placed it on the firewood rack beside the front door. He entered the house and picked up the cup of tea. He gulped noisily, which made Li Yuanhang and Gong Tianhao frown.
Xiao Taiyang said, “Qiuying, how can your tea be so fragrant? I miss them whenever I’m at home. It’s better than wine!”
Of course, this was because of the spring water.
Mother Xiao said, “Village chief, you’re welcome to come for tea any time.” Then, she introduces, “Village chief, these two are guests from big cities. They are friends with my Yu ‘Er. They came here today because they want to find a quiet place for their grandfather to recuperate.”
Xiao Taiyang smiled immediately. He grabbed Li Yuanhang’s hands. “So you’re Lingyu’s friend. Nice to meet you!”
Li Yuanhang saw the mud on Xiao Taiyang’s hands and the dirt in his nails. Li Yuanhang felt rather disgusted, but he was polite enough to smile and say, “Village chief, Hello! My name is Li Yuanhang!”
“Brother Li, nice to meet you!” Then, Xiao Taiyang made to turn to shake Gong Tianhao’s hands. Li Yuanhang immediately grabbed Xiao Taiyang’s hands. “Village chief, my brother has serious mysophobia. He doesn’t like to be touched. Please forgive him!”
Li Yuanhang stared at the cracking mud on the back of Xiao Taiyang’s hand. Li Yuanhang had an obsession with cleanliness too but his condition was not as serious as Gong Tianhao.
If Gong Tianhao acted up, he might kick the village chief. That would be very awkward. Plus, it would be very difficult for the old master to mingle with the villagers should he move here in the future. Therefore, Li Yuanhang had to sacrifice himself.
Xiao Taiyang heard Li Yuanhang’s words, and he understood the underlying meaning immediately. He saw the mud on his hands. He was gracious enough not to take offense.
Mother Xiao saw the two men’s expressions, and she quickly cut in. “Village Chief, stop holding his hands. Come and have some tea before we talk!” She quickly poured another cup.
Li Yuanhang sighed in relief. If the village chief continued to grab his hands, he might get angry.
Mother Xiao continued, “Village chief, these two kids want to bring their old master to stay here for a period of time. For that, they wish to build a house for him. That’s why I have you brought over.”
Xiao Taiyang’s expression immediately became serious. “They want to build a house? Isn’t that too wasteful if the old master is only staying for a period? Can’t they rent a house or stay with one of the village families?”
Li Yuanhang explained, “Village chief, we have no idea how long the old master will need to stay here. It could be a month or a year. Besides, the old master likes to be alone. Plus, we wouldn’t want to infringe on others with his illness.” In other words, they would prefer the old master not to stay with the other villagers. “After some thought, we believe it’s more convenient to buy a house for the old master. What are the procedures required?” Li Yuanhang asked.
“If that’s the case, you need to find the building spot first.” Xiao Taiyang said, “After that, you need the government’s approval. Then, you can start building.”
Li Yuanhang nodded. “I see. Village chief, does this mean we can build anywhere around the village?”
“Of course not!” Xiao Taiyang said, “You can’t use the farmlands to build houses!”
“Of course!” Li Yuanhang nodded. “Village chief, we will need to trouble you to show us around the village then, to see which land can be used.”
“It’s no trouble!” Xiao Taiyang waved his hand. ‘These two are clearly wealthy, and they are Yu ‘Er’s friends. They might bring more benefits to the village.’ After that, Xiao Taiyang brought them on a tour of the village.
…
That night, the normally deserted restaurant at Gu Family Hotel was very lively.
Zheng Haiyang, Qian Yifan, and Yuan Xuanhao had all brought their families here for dinner.
“Haiyang, didn’t you say that you were going to treat us?” Mother Zheng said and looked around. She whispered, “Why did you bring us to the Gu Family Hotel? I know Gu Ziye is your good friend, but I heard the food here…” She didn’t finish, but everyone understood.
“That’s right, Haiyang. You’re sacrificing your parents to bring business to your friend?” Father Zheng had similar doubts.
Zheng Haiyang was rather speechless. “Mom, Dad, what are you talking about? Since I said I’ll treat you to a delicious meal, that is what I will deliver. Just be patient.”
At that moment, Zheng Haiyang saw Qian Yifan’s family at the entrance.
“Yifan, Uncle, Auntie, Grandpa, Grandma, you’re here!” Zheng Haiyang greeted them.
Grandma Qian said with a smile, “Haiyang, it’s you! Yifan said he wanted to bring us to a delicious feast, so our whole family came.”
“Haiyang, Yifan, you two are earlier than me!” Yuan Xuanhao appeared with his family then.
Members of the three families looked at each other.. They had serious doubts regarding the promise their sons made.