Xu Leigang had barely received these five people when, within less than two minutes, a quarrel broke out.
He arranged for them to stay at the military guesthouse where, although conditions couldnât be called luxurious, they were privateâand these were children of the military, accustomed to such living environments.
But Li Ting wasnât clear about the situation, so she asked, âOur home canât accommodate everyone? After all, weâre not strangers.â
Heaven and earth could bear witness that she didnât mean to ask that question on purpose. In her mind, the military might lack for many things, but definitely not landânational military land could be directly allocated by the state. The living conditions might be average, but houses canât be that scarce.
When it all came down to it, she just wished for everyone to stay closer together, which would make visiting each other more convenient. Staying in a hotel inevitably seemed a bit distant.
Xu Ruofang knew that Lei Gang had mortgaged his house. Although there was still a smaller one, it was where Lei Gangâs family lived. It was simply too inconvenient to house so many people there.
However, she wouldnât share such things with outsiders. The Xu Family in the capital city claimed that they had found funding from Funiu. If word got out that the Xu Family had mortgaged their ancestral property, their adversaries would probably laugh their heads off, wouldnât they?
When Xu Leigang heard this question, he also felt awkward and could only respond with a forced smile, âThis⦠our home really canât fit everyone.â
At this, it was Yuan Huapengâs turn to be puzzled. âEh, I remember the second sister-in-law saying that when the elder was alive, when she came to visit, everyone stayed together.â
In fact, he was being quite diplomatic with his question. He had heard from his second brother that the Xu Family owned a villa here, and they usually stayed there when visiting, as it was spacious. Itâs just that he was unaware of what had transpired since then, thus his tentative inquiry.
Xu Leigang scratched his head and gave a dry laugh, âWe do have a villa, but itâs currently leased⦠Iâm not very successful, canât find big money, so Iâm making a bit with small money.â
Upon hearing this, Li Ting immediately tutted, âLei Gang, even if youâre strained for cash, it shouldnât come to this, right? Once Xiao Wei gets better, Iâll introduce you to some work⦠why let outsiders ruin a house where an elder has lived?â
Xu Leigang grew increasingly embarrassed and could only laugh awkwardly.
Xu Ruofang knew the inside story, but hearing Li Tingâs words, she felt she needed to say somethingâLei Gang had only mortgaged the house, and there must be no mishaps that prevent it from being reclaimed.
Fortunately, she was with Yuan Huapeng and Li Ting who both had connections. Suggesting a visit to the mortgaged villa would also show support for her younger brother, âAfter we finish our business, Lei Gang, arrange a sit-down with the tenant⦠He needs to take good care of the house.â
Xu Leigang was baffled when he heard this and then he realized that there was no need to cover for the master anymore. When the time came to treat Xiao Wei, they could just go to the villa, which would save them the trouble of travel.
So, he steeled himself and declared, âThe house is actually rented to that master.â
âAh?â Those who heard this were completely bewildered.
Xu Ruofang instantly understoodâso the four million plus was actually provided by the master. That guy was so wealthy?
Upon hearing this, Yuan Huapengâs expression changed slightly. âHeâs living in your house⦠youâre not charging him rent, are you?â
Xu Leigang found the question extremely awkward, but he couldnât tell the truth and could only nod, âUm, yes, no rent, but thatâs my willing decision.â
Yuan Huapeng rolled his eyes in resignation. In his heart, he was virtually certain that the other party was a fraudster, and Xu Leigang was thoroughly brainwashed, being swindled and even helping to count the money.
However, he couldnât voice such thoughts and could only glance at Gao Qiang.
A cold smirk appeared at the corner of Gao Qiangâs mouth. âOh, so the master doesnât even have a place to stay and needs to rent a house? That means, if he runs into trouble and has to leave, we wouldnât even know where to find him?â
He didnât accuse the other person of scamming a place to stay; he simply posed a hypothetical situationâif something went wrong with Yuan Youweiâs treatment, it would be hard to find the person responsible, wouldnât it?
Li Ting instinctively wanted to contradict his words, but after hearing the rest, she found herself unable to speakâshe was willing to trust the master, but she certainly wouldnât gamble with her childâs life.
When Xu Leigang heard this, he was quite displeased. He carefully sized up the man, noting he was about thirty, of medium height, exuding a sharp, tough auraâLei Gang was all too familiar with this kind of vibe.
He glanced at his elder sister. âThis one is military, isnât he? Doesnât feel like a child from an ordinary family⦠When weâre talking, why is he so rude and disrespectful?â
âCough cough,â Yuan Huapeng coughed twice, feeling compelled to speak. âXiao Gao is well-versed in traditional Chinese medicine. After hearing about the master from your sister, he developed a great admiration and followed along to gain some wisdom.â
He spoke diplomatically, but how could Xu Leigang not understand? It was clear that Yuan Huapeng and his wife did not trust the master and had brought someone knowledgeable for verification.
With this realization, a wave of discomfort washed over him. Yet, seeing the pleading look from his elder sister, he suppressed his irritationâblowing up would be easy, but how would his sister face others afterward?
So he simply said, âThen just observe and learn. Donât judge things you donât understand⦠let me tell you, Master Fengâs treatment principles are probably beyond your comprehension.â
âNot understanding is fine,â Gao Qiang confidently retorted, his tone even carrying a hint of disdain, âAs long as he can explain the general idea, Iâll think it through on my own.â
âYou expect a cultivator to explain their thought process to you?â Xu Leigang gave him a speechless glance, âDamn⦠you really have some nerve, even more than me!â
However, his older sister was after all married into the Yuan family, and even though he felt uncomfortable, he could only endure it.
That evening, Xu Leigang hosted a banquet at Funiu Hotel to treat their group, accompanied by his two childhood friends.
After dinner, Xu Ruofang and Li Ting took a walk in the hotelâs small garden discussing the dayâs events. Li Ting, somewhat puzzled, asked, âWhat was Lei Gang thinking, to even give up the house?â
Xu Ruofang certainly couldnât tell her the details; although they were sisters-in-law, she didnât even want to tell her own husband about such a disgraceful matter concerning the Xu familyâshe didnât mind losing face herself, but it involved the entire family.
So all she could do was laugh it off, âWhy are you thinking so much? The master made other conditions, and if the results arenât good, he canât just make demands of you, right?â
Li Ting felt that made sense, but when she mentioned it to her husband, Yuan Huapeng couldnât help but sigh, âThis master⦠tsk, at least his brainwashing skills are quite something.â
Early the next morning, Xu Leigang came over, apologizing that Master Feng had been held up with matters and couldnât come to treat Xiao Wei.
Yuan Huapengâs frustration grew. This trip had involved putting off important work, so he couldnât resist asking, âWhat is the master busy with, and when will he be available?â
Xu Leigang shook his head with a troubled expression, âHow would I dare to ask what heâs up to? As for when heâll be available⦠Iâll keep inquiring.â
Yuan Huapeng was so angry he almost spat bloodâthe masterâs airs were surely a bit too much, werenât they?
There was nothing everyone could do but let Xu Leigang accompany them as they spent a day sightseeing in the city. Xu Ruofang did remark that the changes in Zhengyang City over the years were indeed significant.
The day passed doing nothing much, and when Xu Leigang hurried over the next day saying Master Feng still had matters to attend to, Yuan Huapeng couldnât hold back any longer. âHow about this, we wait for him at the villa?â
When everyone rushed to the villa and rang the doorbell for a good while with no response, Xu Leigang went to ask at the gatehouse, only to learn that Feng Jun had indeed driven out early that morning.
Yuan Huapeng was a man of his word; having decided to wait, he stayed put at the villaâs entrance, even ordering Gao Qiang to buy some food for them to eat right there.
By the afternoon, light rain began to fall, and everyone sat in the seven-seater minivan Xu Leigang had driven, continuing their wait.
The atmosphere became somewhat awkward; people chatted idly to pass the time, but everyone felt a bit embarrassed, except for the eight- or nine-year-old child Yuan Youwei, who was engrossed in his tablet, oblivious to the tension.
This wait lasted until after five oâclock, as the sky grew darker and the rain showed no sign of stopping. Yuan Huapeng glanced at Xu Leigang, âLei Gang, canât we call Master Feng again?â
He spoke the words âMaster Feng,â but by now it was just a title; he felt like he was about to explode.
Xu Leigang frowned, just about to speak, when his eyes suddenly lit up, âMaster Feng is back.â
Not far ahead, a silver Passat was slowly approaching; it was the familiar license plate.
Feng Jun was surprised to see a minivan parked in front of his villa. He honked the horn and waited. When there was no response, he rolled down the window to inquire.
Unexpectedly, as soon as the minivanâs door opened, a plump figure jumped out nimbly and rushed over, âPresident Feng⦠youâre finally back.â
Xu Leigang had intended to say âMaster Feng,â but saw there was another person in the car, a woman he had never seen before, not the squad leader, so he decisively changed his address.
âHmm,â Feng Jun nodded his head, âDidnât I say I was busy today? Why are you still here?â
As soon as he finished asking, he saw two men also exit the minivan and walk over in the rain, standing silently in front of the car.
Realizing there was an issue, Feng Jun casually waved his hand, âAlright, letâs go in and talk.â
The villaâs automatic gate opened, and the two cars drove in one after the other. Everyone alighted and entered the house.
Yuan Huapeng and Gao Qiang remained silent, but Xu Ruofang scrutinized the girl by Master Fengâs side with a slightly frowned browâthe girlâs appearance and figure were decent, but a shame about the heavy aura of vanity, Master; you donât seem to be very discriminating in your tastes.
Only Li Ting reached out to greet him respectfully, âMaster, itâs good to finally meet you.â
âHello,â Feng Jun shook hands with her and then turned to Xu Leigang, âPlease wait a moment⦠Lao Xu, whatâs going on here?â
I clearly told you I was busy today.