Chapter 74: Buying a House

Lin Qiao didn’t need to specify which school she was referring to; Ji Duo could guess.

The man was wiping his fingers after peeling the shrimp when he paused at her words. He looked over and saw Lin Qiao’s clear eyes, realizing she wasn’t joking or being spiteful. This made his gaze darken, and his strong jawline tightened.

After a while, Lin Qiao heard his deep voice, “Do you really need to buy a house?”

He didn’t outright deny it like when she mentioned divorce, nor did he coldly question her. His gaze held a hint of vulnerability.

Lin Qiao wasn’t afraid of confrontation. If someone was forceful with her, she wouldn’t back down. But when he asked if she really needed to buy a house, especially after making her shrimp, she couldn’t help but lower her gaze before looking up again, “I’ve had the idea of buying a house near the school for a while.”

“Was it before or after the New Year?” Ji Duo’s questions always hit the core.

Lin Qiao didn’t hide it, “I’ve always had it. I don’t want to stay in a dorm; it’s inconvenient. Buying a house is also an investment.”

For her, a house was never just a place to live but also an investment. Regardless of which university she attended or her relationship with Ji Duo, she was going to buy one. She hadn’t mentioned it before because she hadn’t taken the university entrance exam and wasn’t sure where she would study.

The air was silent for a moment. After a while, Ji Duo lowered his gaze and took off his apron, suddenly asking, “Will you come back in the future?”

His tone was calm, but Lin Qiao couldn’t tell if his gaze was equally calm as he lowered his eyelids.

Lin Qiao paused and spoke honestly, “If I’m not busy, I should come back. But my advisor wants me to report at the end of this semester to start research work early.”

If it weren’t for that incident, if she were studying a lighter undergraduate course, she would definitely come back. But there are no “ifs” in the world.

Lin Qiao wasn’t blind to his efforts these days, but living together is a long-term matter, not something sustained by temporary guilt. Who knows how long he can keep up this effort?

Since they couldn’t separate and it was hard to rebuild trust quickly, it was better to give each other some space to cool down. She didn’t come to this world to fall in love; there were many meaningful things to do, and she believed Ji Duo felt the same. He had always been an excellent soldier, reliable as a family member and friend, but not necessarily suitable as her lover. Their beginning was also flawed.

Lin Qiao had prepared for them to part on bad terms, but since she had made her decision, he had the right to know. In the silence, she was about to say more when he suddenly looked up, “Then let’s buy.”

She was stunned.

His expression had returned to normal, showing no signs of the previous tension, “What kind of house do you want to buy? I’ll go with you.”

Seeing her not respond, he explained, “I’m not trying to interfere. That area is full of old houses, many of which have been turned into public housing. Although property rights have been restored to individuals in recent years, some residents haven’t moved out. Buying one would be troublesome, with many complications.” He was genuinely considering helping her buy a house.

Lin Qiao felt conflicted, wanting to say something but unsure what to say.

“If you haven’t decided, don’t say anything, and don’t refuse.” He softly stopped her, turning to look at the braised prawns on the table, “Is it good today?”

“Very good, very tasty.” Lin Qiao didn’t say more, turning to get their bowls and chopsticks.

Ji Duo always kept his word. That Sunday, he accompanied her to look at houses near Qing University.

He was right; not only were tenants refusing to leave, but they had also added kitchens and extensions, leaving no space in the courtyard. When the houses were initially allocated, each couple got ten to fifteen square meters, which was insufficient as families grew.

The homeowner repeatedly assured them that he would immediately persuade the tenants to move out if they were willing to buy.

Lin Qiao just smiled and then focused on looking at houses with smaller courtyards but fewer residents.

The next day, Su Zheng received a call from Ji Duo.

“Near Qing University, No. 32 Shijia Hutong, homeowner Wang Dahai; No. 36 Dachengfang, homeowner Liu Dongsheng… Help me check these houses, the homeowners, and the surrounding residents. See if there are any criminal records or neighborhood disputes…”

“Wait, wait.”

Su Zheng initially thought it was something serious, but then it didn’t sound right, “What are you doing, asking about neighborhood relations?”

“Qiao Qiao is going to Qing University for graduate school and plans to buy a house there,” Ji Duo’s voice was calm, revealing no emotion.

Su Zheng was still surprised, “She’s going to Qing University for graduate school? Well, studying is fine, but does she need to buy a house?”

Ji Duo didn’t answer, “Just tell me if you can check.”

“I can check, but…” Su Zheng hesitated, then spoke softly, “One of you is going to university, and the other is in the military. You already won’t see each other much. If she buys a house near the school, isn’t there a problem between you two?”

They indeed had some issues and were about to be separated, one at school and the other in the military, making it hard to see each other.

But if the mountain won’t come to me, I can go to the mountain. Ji Duo didn’t want to force Lin Qiao into anything, “It’s fine. Just consider our home to be in Yandu.”

Not all military families follow their spouses. Lin Qiao didn’t have the time, but he did, and he had leave. If flying out made her happier, then so be it. What attracted him to her was never about being a perfect wife and mother. As long as they didn’t divorce, he had a lifetime to win her over slowly. If he could move her once, with time, he believed he could do it again…

Ji Duo said it was fine, and Su Zheng didn’t press further into their personal matters. “Alright, I’ll check for you.”

He noted the addresses and lowered his voice, “You didn’t come to me, but I was about to find you. We just got the information; that person’s identity has been confirmed.”

“Tao Guangxiao, male, 34 years old, from Jiagou Village, Kaoshan County, Southern Province…”

Lin Qiao also saw the information Ji Duo brought back. “Are you sure it’s him?”

“Yes.” Ji Duo hung up his military hat, came in, and reached over her shoulder to turn the page. “Appearance, accent, timing, all match.”

With this movement, they were suddenly very close, and Lin Qiao seemed to lean into his embrace.

Lin Qiao, flipping through the documents, didn’t notice. “So, can we catch him?”

“He went back a few months ago, probably unaware we have his picture. We’ll see when he returns.”

“Hopefully, this matter will be resolved soon.” Lin Qiao closed the file and handed it back to him. “Old Gu has waited long enough for this day.”

Ji Duo took it and handed her another paper from behind. “Take a look.”

This time, it was about the houses: the homeowners, neighbors, property rights, and any disputes. The investigation was very detailed, even circling problematic areas.

“The most reasonable choices are these two.” Ji Duo pointed at them. “No property disputes and close to your school.”

“Let’s go take another look.” Lin Qiao didn’t return the paper this time. When she looked up, she realized he had been speaking right next to her ear.

The body is accustomed to certain distances and can’t be fooled. If it were someone else standing this close to her, she would have noticed immediately.

Lin Qiao felt a moment of breathlessness, but Ji Duo had already picked up the previous document as usual, “Finished reading? I’ll go burn it.”

Whether it was a case of great minds thinking alike or Ji Duo knowing her too well, they went to see the houses again, and Lin Qiao was most satisfied with those two. One was smaller but closer to the school, while the other was slightly larger, with two courtyards but farther from their department. As for the prices, the former was eight thousand, and the latter was twelve thousand.

Lin Qiao didn’t hesitate, “Only children make choices; adults take both.” After all, any courtyard house in Yandu would be a good investment in the future.

The day they bought the houses, Ji Ze’s new factory officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A long red ribbon was stretched in front of the factory gate, with Ji Ze, a few factory veterans, and some of his close friends each holding a pair of scissors.

“This is great. I can brag that I’ve cut a ribbon at an opening ceremony.” With Ji Jun transferred and Ji Ze transitioning to business, those who came to support him were close friends who spoke casually.

Even so, several uniformed officers attended, making some factory workers nervous and constantly wiping their sweaty palms.

Ji Ze glanced around and noticed who was present and who wasn’t, “Where’s Qu Jian? Not coming today?”

“He’ll be here but has something to do and might miss the ribbon-cutting.”

Ji Ze knew why without needing an explanation. Yu Jin and Song Jing were getting engaged today, and some people would definitely attend.

Someone couldn’t help but nudge him, “You really never dated her?”

“Never,” Ji Ze’s smile didn’t waver, “It was just the parents playing around. When did you ever see us go out alone?”

“That’s true.”

The person wanted to say more but was signaled to change the topic, “Why is there an empty seat next to you? Who’s it for?”

“My aunt,” Ji Ze lowered his gaze, “She’s also a shareholder in this factory. She developed both formulas. But she’s busy with students and recently got into Qing University’s graduate program, so she couldn’t make it.”

He had invited her when the factory was first established, but Lin Qiao had been too busy and clearly not focused on this. Even her accounting reports had changed from bi-weekly to monthly. But he still saved a seat for her because, without her, there wouldn’t be this Muzi Chemical Factory. After the ribbon-cutting and fireworks, they moved to a nearby restaurant for a meal. After a few drinks, someone brought up Lin Qiao again.

“I heard she’s quite young, three years younger than you. How did she get into graduate school?”

“With the two formulas from my factory, one winning a bronze medal and the other a gold medal at the Invention and Creation Exhibition, do you think she could get into graduate school?”

Ji Ze didn’t look at him; he just smiled and drank his drink.

The person, clearly not good with alcohol, leaned in again, “So young, why didn’t your family arrange for you? Why did they arrange for your uncle? I think you two are a better match…”

Before he could finish, Ji Ze’s face turned cold, “Say what you want about me, but don’t drag her into it.”

Ji Ze was usually outgoing and warm, always cheerful, which made him popular. His sudden coldness made everyone uncomfortable, especially the drunk one, who tried to explain but was pulled back.

Just as the atmosphere at the table grew tense, Qu Jian finally arrived, looking a bit off.

Someone asked what happened, and he glanced at Ji Ze before quietly saying, “I was just at the Song’s. Chen Weiguo stabbed Yu Jin.”

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“Chen Weiguo stabbed Yu Jin?” Lin Qiao couldn’t hide her surprise.

Ji Duo, who was on the phone, lowered the receiver so she could hear better, “Xiao Ze said it happened at the Song-Yu engagement banquet.”

Lin Qiao leaned closer and indeed heard Ji Ze’s voice on the other end of the phone, “He said he stabbed him seriously. When he went in, he only said he wanted to talk to Yu Jin for a few minutes. No one realized he had a knife hidden. By the time they noticed, he had already stabbed him three times and even injured Yu Jin’s father, who tried to intervene.”

“Just for the production line?” Lin Qiao thought Chen Weiguo was too impulsive.

Although understandable, being unable to repay a bank loan is a civil dispute that mainly affects credit. Injuring someone is different; it could lead to imprisonment.

Ji Ze continued, “It’s not just that. Chen Weiguo’s mother died in a car accident on her way back after borrowing money to help him repay his debts.”

A life lost, no wonder…

“And there’s more,” Ji Ze added. “Chen Weiguo found out that the reason Yu Jin helped sell the production line was that the other party promised him 30% of the sale price. He wanted Yu Jin to give him that money to repay his debts, but Yu Jin denied it.”

A production line worth millions, 30%—no wonder Yu Jin introduced it to his friend despite knowing there might be issues.

Money can tempt people. Yu Jin only needed one successful deal to be set for life, and it was less conspicuous than taking on national projects. But he probably didn’t expect the production line to have such significant issues, leading to a life lost in the Chen family and his serious injury at his engagement banquet.

“Do you have anything else to say?”

“Do you have something else to say?”

Lin Qiao and Ji Duo spoke almost simultaneously, then exchanged glances and fell silent.

They often had a tacit understanding, especially in situations requiring thought, always seeming to be on the same wavelength, unlike Lin Qiao’s parents in her previous life, who always held opposing views and never compromised. Perhaps this tacit understanding and mutual intuition made each other’s presence special in their lives.

Lin Qiao was the first to look away, but Ji Duo’s gaze remained on her face, “Go ahead, what else did Chen Weiguo tell you?”

“You noticed?” Ji Ze felt a bit embarrassed.

“It’s not him who told you. How do you know so much about what happened so quickly?”

Ji Duo’s voice was calm, and he tilted the receiver towards Lin Qiao.

Both of them clearly heard Ji Ze’s next words, “He said that even if Yu Jin doesn’t die, his body is basically ruined. The Yu family definitely won’t let him go. If you’re willing to step in and protect him, not to help him escape punishment, but just to ensure the Yu family doesn’t kill him, he has something to tell you.”

This made Lin Qiao and Ji Duo exchange glances.

Sure enough, Ji Ze lowered his voice, “It’s related to Gu Shaozhen from the Gu family.”