Chapter 54

After signing the contract, Song Haowen suggested that after the transfer, the elderly couple could continue to live in their original rooms, with rent and utilities waived.

Their only responsibility would be managing the security, cleanliness, landscaping, and leasing of the entire quadrangle courtyard.

Song Haowen seldom stayed there himself and didn’t have much time to spare. The elderly couple, reluctant to leave the place they had lived in for most of their lives, gladly accepted the proposal.

After sorting out matters there, Song Haowen returned home with Wang Li and her mother. On the way, Wang Li’s mother expressed confusion about Song Haowen’s decision to let the previous homeowners stay.

Song Haowen explained that he was inspired by Wang Li. Upon hearing this, she pressed Wang Li for details, asking what exactly she said to make her boss do this. Wang Li chuckled, “I didn’t say much; he’s so clever, does he need someone to remind him?”

Song Haowen burst into laughter. “As they say, even wise men make mistakes. I’m not a wise man, and there are many things I haven’t considered. Auntie, don’t be fooled by Wang Li’s appearance as a young girl; she’s quite business-minded. You see, why did I buy such a big house? I’m a single man now, enough to feed myself, and my store office is sufficient for me. The main purpose of buying this house is for investment. Many people think it’s good to keep money in the bank for interest, but they don’t realize that when the house appreciates in value, the bank interest will fall down, not to mention the significant devaluation of currency. I bought this house; collecting rent is secondary, protecting the house is the primary goal. With the careful management of the two old couples, there won’t be any chaotic constructions here. The precious buildings and ancient trees and rockeries can be preserved well. Only then can the value of this house increase in the future.”

Wang Li’s mother sighed in admiration, “Can you see, Lily? This is the difference. Little Song is younger than you, but he’s smarter than us. No wonder he can be a boss and earn so much money.”

Song Haowen humbly said, “In fact, everyone has great potential. I’m not much better than you guys. Look, in this matter, Sister Wang Li clearly saw further than me.”

Wang Li, feeling a bit embarrassed by the praise, blushed. She glared at her mother and walked ahead alone.

Wang Li’s mother sighed quietly, thinking, if only Qian Youlai could switch places with Song Haowen, she shaked her head and smiled

Back at the Store, when Song Haowen shared the news of buying the house on Peach Blossom Alley, Zhu Hongyu and Renhua were astonished.

They knew the store was highly profitable, and appearance fees for commercial performances were also substantial, but they had never guessed how much money Song Haowen actually had. Hearing him casually mention the astronomical figure of 42,000 yuan, they couldn’t help but feel deeply shocked.

“Little Brother, you’re so wealthy…” Renhua seemed almost unable to believe his words.

“Where? This money is nothing.” Indeed, Song Haowen had over a million yuan in cash, and this 42,000 was just a small amount.

“Young Master, what’s the point of buying such a big house?” After calming her excitement, Zhu Hongyu voiced her doubt.

“Two sisters, let me tell you, I’m doing this for investment purposes.” Song Haowen didn’t hide anything and explained his motives and plans for buying the house truthfully.

“Little Song, on Monday, I’ll go with you to handle the property, I want to see what that house looks like.” Ren Hua was filled with excitement.

Zhu Hongyu looked disdainful. “Ren Hua, why are you so thrilled about Little Brother buying a house? It’s not like he’s buying it for you.”

Ren Hua blushed and said, “I didn’t mean that. I’ve just never seen so much money, and I’m curious about what kind of house it can buy.”

“That house is really big, like the gardens we have in Jiangnan. If you’re interested in living there, I can give each of you a room. How about that?”

“No way!” Zhu Hongyu shook her head vigorously.

“Fantastic!” Ren Hua jumped up, planted a big kiss on Song Haowen’s face, and said, “Little Song, it’s a deal. Just don’t regret it later; promises are meant to be broken”

Song Haowen wiped the saliva off his face. “Flower sister, Jade sister, if you keep doing that to my handsome face like this, I might not keep my word.”

Both women’s faces turned red, as red as ripe apples.

“Ugh, you don’t know how lucky you are.”

“If others beg me, I wouldn’t agree.”

“If you dare break your promise, we’ll do something drastic next time.”

“You two are like female hooligans.”

“Then we’ll show you what hooligans can do!”

“Oh my, Wang Li, help, they’re bullying a minor.”

“Sisters, ancestors, have mercy…”

…

Early the next morning, a middle-aged woman with a slightly weary face came to the Store to sell a painting, claiming it was Tang Bohu’s painting of the Autumn Fragrance Beauty.

Song Haowen, hearing the title, knew it was a fake painting and didn’t even want to take a glance.

Wang Li opened the scroll and, after a brief look, exclaimed, “Heavens, what kind of painting is this?”

Song Haowen gave Wang Li a glare, finding her reaction a bit exaggerated.

Ren Hua came out of the room, took the painting from Wang Li’s hands, and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

Zhu Hongyu, attracted by their unusual behavior, also hurried out of the room to see the painting. Although she didn’t scream, her stunned expression revealed that she was taken aback.

“Tsk, a fake painting, no need to be so dramatic,” Song Haowen sneered. He remained calm and unaffected.

At this point, Zhu Hongyu brought the painting in front of Song Haowen. He disdainfully glanced at the painting, but this one glance startled him. He immediately stood up and took the paper.

In the center of the painting, there was a blob of ink, seemingly manually splashed. The ink splatter was not surrounded by well-painted landscapes or clouds but instead filled with unrelated and randomly drawn trees, flowers, and various animals. The brushstrokes were clumsy and childish, like the doodles of someone just learning to draw.

Pointing at the painting, Song Haowen asked, “Auntie, is this what you call the Autumn Fragrance Beauty?”

The middle-aged woman, somewhat embarrassed, said, “I don’t know much about Tang Bohu’s matters. I only know about the Three Laughs and the Autumn Fragrance story. I heard my father-in-law say that this is Tang Bohu’s beauty painting, a family heirloom. I didn’t know that Tang Bohu had a connection with another beauty besides Autumn Fragrance; I just casually called it the Autumn Fragrance picture.”

Wang Li sneered, “Where is the beauty in this painting? I only see a blob of ink.”

Ren Hua mocked, “And the masterpiece of her family’s child.”

Song Haowen chuckled, “Auntie, you better take this painting back home and keep it well. We can’t appreciate it, and I dare not accept it.”

Zhu Hongyu scolded, “Auntie, even if you’re free, you shouldn’t play tricks on us to amuse yourself.”

The middle-aged woman hurriedly explained, “Please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t mean to tease you. Doing that would be asking for trouble, wouldn’t it?”

“You can’t see the mess on this paper. Can it be an ancient painting? Even if I can’t paint, I can do better than this,” Wang Li scolded.

The middle-aged woman helplessly said, “I’ve asked my father-in-law about this. Later, I also asked my husband; they both said this painting is a genuine work of Tang Bohu and should not be shown easily.”

“Now, are your husband and father-in-law okay with you selling it?” Song Haowen ridiculed, suspecting whether the woman might be mentally ill.

The middle-aged woman said sadly, “My father-in-law has passed away a long time ago, and my husband also passed away not long ago. These days, while sorting out my husband’s belongings, I saw this painting they cherished it as a treasure. I’ve been doubtful, just like you. Unfortunately, like you all, I don’t understand this painting either.”

Song Haowen carefully examined the painting again but found no secrets. He handed it back to the woman, saying, “Take it back and keep it well. Anyway, it’s your husband’s legacy, a good keepsake.”

The middle-aged woman looked disappointed, apologized, and slowly left with the rolled-up painting. Suddenly, Song Haowen had a thought and hurriedly called her back, asking, “Auntie, do you have any difficulties at home?”

The woman’s eyes welled up with tears, but she didn’t say anything. She turned away and walked off. Song Haowen hesitated, watching her leave, unsure of what to say.

At that moment, a few customers entered the store. One of them, a middle-aged man named Zhang, claimed to be her neighbor, informed Song Haowen that the woman, Aju, had recently lost her husband to lung cancer.

He further explained that she was unemployed, had a daughter suffering from chronic lung disease, and was burdened with debts owed to relatives and friends. Perhaps pushed to desperation, that’s why she brought this fake painting to sell.

Hearing this, Song Haowen felt a surge of sympathy. He told Zhang that the child’s health was a significant concern. He requested Zhang to take him to her house. If her family was genuinely in dire straits, he was willing to help.

Touched by Song Haowen’s offer, Zhang gladly agreed, saying, “That’s great. I’ll take you there. It’s not far; just a couple of traffic lights away.”

Song Haowen informed Wang Li and the others and followed the customer to Aju’s house. It was a large courtyard, and Aju occupied two rooms. She was wiping the table when she saw Song Haowen approaching.

Feeling extremely uneasy, she hurriedly explained herself, repeatedly emphasizing that she truly didn’t mean to deceive him.

Song Haowen smiled and said, “Auntie, don’t worry. I’m not here to cause trouble. I heard from Uncle Zhang that your family is facing difficulties. Just lost your husband, and now your child is sick, is that right?”

Aju was momentarily stunned, then slowly turned around and burst into tears, burying her face in her arms on the table. At this moment, a thin and pale girl of thirteen or fourteen walked out of the room and asked, “Mom, what happened?”

Song Haowen greeted the girl, and Uncle Zhang explained their purpose. Aju, still crying, asked Song Haowen, “Are you here to help us?”

Song Haowen nodded and said, “When one is in trouble, help comes from all directions. If your family is really facing difficulties, although I’m not wealthy, I can still lend a hand.”

Aju shook her head, saying firmly, “No need for your help. We’ll get through this.”

Uncle Zhang advised, “Aju, the child’s medical treatment is crucial. Just tell this kind-hearted person the actual situation.”