Chapter 170.1

Over the years, the money Han Cheng and Su Xiaoxiao had saved was enough to buy a courtyard without having to sell their gold bars. However, if they were to buy the courtyard, they wouldn’t have much cash left. 

The subsidies they received for going to university not only covered their expenses but also allowed them to earn money. Han Cheng, for example, still received a monthly salary. 

Nevertheless, Su Xiaoxiao wanted to buy another courtyard nearby to use as a storefront. So in the end, she decided to have Han Cheng exchange the gold bars for cash.

Xiao Wu has many connections, so it’s up to him to handle this matter. Nowadays, international gold prices are soaring, and the prices in the black market are much higher than through legitimate channels. The price of a piece of gold was already equivalent to the price of buying two large courtyards. Su Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but wonder how many more courtyards they could buy if they were able to dig out all the gold in the Han family’s courtyard and exchange it for cash.

Although she had such thoughts, now was not the right time. It would be a good time to gradually acquire houses when the real reform and opening up began in another two years.

Today, Su Xiaoxiao and Han Cheng went to handle the property transfer procedures, leaving the children at home.

Meanwhile, an unexpected guest arrived at the Han family’s old residence.

Han Songbai tried hard to recall and finally recognized the person after a while. “You’re Jiang Huai?”

Jiang Huai was around the same age as Han Songbai, neatly dressed, and had a commanding presence. When he smiled, he bore a slight resemblance to Jiang Xue. He nodded. “Brother Songbai, it’s been twenty years. It’s good to see you well.”

Han Songbai replied, “It’s really you. It’s cold outside. Come in first.”

As Jiang Huai walked inside, he carefully surveyed the courtyard. Unfortunately, it was covered in a layer of silver, making it impossible to discern any abnormalities.

In fact, he had already investigated this courtyard numerous times, both overtly and covertly. He knew exactly how to navigate it, even with his eyes closed, yet he had found nothing.

Following Han Songbai into the main house this time, Jiang Huai inspected every corner, not overlooking even the beams and walls. There was no trace of awkward placement of beams or whatever; not even a speck of dust had fallen over the years.

Han Songbai brewed tea for him on the charcoal stove. “How did you know I came back? Why did you have time to come over today?”

Taking a sip of tea and placing the cup down, Jiang Huai replied, “I happened to pass by and saw smoke coming from your roof, so I decided to knock on the door and check it out. I didn’t expect to find someone here.”

Jiang Huai looked around. “Speaking of which, your house has been unoccupied for over twenty years. Do you need me to find someone to help renovate it?”

Jiang Huai pointed to the roof and crossbeam and said, “The tiles on the roof are transparent, and the crossbeam is crooked. If we don’t repair it, it won’t withstand heavy snowfall.”

Han Songbai chuckled. “I’ve been meaning to. The main structure is fine, but the tiles are loose. I’ve already found someone to fix the roof, and once the weather stabilizes a bit, they’ll help me. How have you been all these years?”

Jiang Huai lowered his gaze, concealing his regret, and nodded. “Same old, same old.” He slapped his thigh. “I injured my leg a few years ago and took a few years of retirement behind the scenes. My leg acts up whenever it snows, so I decided to retire for good this year after the New Year. By the way, have my sister-in-law and the kids gone out?”

Han Songbai sighed and didn’t want to talk about what he experienced. He just said, “There was an accident, and I’m the only one left.”

Jiang Huai was taken aback. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

Han Songbai waved it off. “It’s alright. It’s just that seeing you dote on your grandchildren while I’m all alone makes me a bit melancholic.”

Jiang Huai shook his head and said, “To be honest, of my two unfilial children, one doesn’t want to have children, and the other doesn’t want to get married. Where would I get grandchildren from?”

Now it was Han Songbai’s turn to be surprised. “I remember your children, Jiang Feng and Han Xue, were about the same age as our Han Cheng and Su Xiaoxiao. Han Cheng’s oldest child is already thirteen years old, and the youngest is almost four.”

Jiang Huai chuckled self-deprecatingly. “Funny thing is, my daughter Jiang Xue liked your Han Cheng back then and followed him to Qingfeng Town. She spent six or seven years in the military district, missing out on her prime years. I guess I didn’t teach my daughter well. She could only watch Han Cheng get married and have children without giving up hope. Later, Han Cheng’s ex-wife died and married his current wife, and she came back heartbroken. She didn’t even return home and refused to get married. That’s why my hair has turned white from worrying.”

Han Songbai was lost in thought for a moment. “Han Cheng’s four children aren’t Su Xiaoxiao’s biological children?”

Jiang Huai looked at him in surprise. “Didn’t Han Cheng bring his wife and children to see you? He didn’t tell you.”

If Han Songbai had paid attention to Jiang Huai’s words, he would have asked, “How did you know Han Cheng brought his wife and children to see me?” Unfortunately, he was too caught up in his own emotions to notice Jiang Huai’s earlier remark.

Han Songbai shook his head and said, “Han Cheng didn’t tell me. The children are very close to Xiaoxiao, and I can’t tell if they are the children’s stepmothers. I thought they were all her biological children.”

Jiang Huai said, “How could that be? The two older ones are from his previous marriage, and the two younger ones are from Su Xiaoxiao.”

Han Songbai raised his head. “It seems Han Cheng has a good relationship with you since he has told you everything.”

Jiang Huai was stunned for a moment, then quickly shook his head and said, “I heard it from Jiang Xue. Han Cheng wasn’t willing to contact us.”

Han Songbai casually said: “He has always had a connection with the Zhang family and stays with the old Zhang family when he comes back.”

Jiang Huai changed the topic and said: “Brother Songbai, honestly, your house is too old. Just looking at these beams makes me feel worried. I have connections at the Housing Bureau and can arrange for a construction team to renovate your courtyard. It’ll only take a few days. I have an empty courtyard nearby where you can stay for a few days. I guarantee to give you a brand-new courtyard for the New Year, without any trouble.”

Han Songbai shook his head and said, “I appreciate your kindness. This is a house passed down from our ancestors. It is easy to make major changes to the house’s structure, let alone the beams. Using a construction team for renovation may cause damage. I need to pass it intact to Han Cheng. If there’s any renovation needed, I will let Han Cheng handle it in the future.”

Jiang Huai: “Well…”

Han Songbai stood up and said, “Old Jiang, it’s getting late, and there’s nothing at home. Why don’t I go out and buy some groceries? Can you stay and have a few drinks with me?”

Jiang Huai stood up. “No need, no need. I just dropped by for a cup of tea. I had dinner at home today. Another day, I’ll bring the chessboard over, and we can play and chat.”

Han Songbai said, “Another day, then.”

………………….

After seeing Jiang Huai off, Han Songbai returned home to find the groceries Su Xiaoxiao had bought for him. He rolled up his sleeves angrily and muttered to himself, “This greedy old fox wants to marry his daughter to our Han family for the sake of our family’s gold. He also wants to use the construction team to dig up our family’s gold. He really thinks I’m an old fool.”

Glancing around, Han Songbai’s gaze settled on the beams as he muttered to himself, “But where did our ancestors really hide the gold? Could it be hidden in the beams? But the beams can’t bear the weight. Won’t it break if they really put it there?”

Recalling the events of the past, Han Songbai sighed heavily and downed a cup of tea, feeling sorrowful.

………