Uncle Wang said with a smile: “This little brother has a straightforward personality. The price of this piece of land is 1.2 million yuan.”

“One million and two hundred thousand?” Chen Jianan grew visibly exasperated at the seemingly exorbitant price tag, his disbelief bordering on disbelief as he gestured emphatically at the wasteland in front of him. “You’re asking for one million and two hundred thousand for this barren plot where even the birds dare not shit? Your audacity is truly remarkable!”

Uncle Wang remained composed in the face of Chen Jianan’s outburst and responded with a genial smile: “This land belongs to my young master. As his loyal housekeeper, I can’t let him suffer a loss, right? There will be other interested parties viewing the land, so take your time to consider. If you decide to make a purchase, call me early. Otherwise, it might be gone in two days.”

Chen Jianan said impatiently: “It’s so expensive, what are you going to buy? I think you should go and rob it for your young master. Xiao Qiao, let’s go.”

Qiao Wen patted him to smooth his hair and said politely to Uncle Wang: “Then we will go back and think about it. If we have the intention, we will contact you again.”

Uncle Wang nodded: “No problem.”

Just as they were parting ways, the car driver poked his head out, and waved his hand to Uncle Wang: “Dad, is the deal done?”

Uncle Wang: “It’s OK.”

Qiao Wen glanced at the inexperienced driver and asked casually: “Your son?”

Uncle Wang nodded: “That’s right, my son.” Then he waved his hand with a smile, “I shall take my leave now. Feel free to reach out once you’ve made a decision.”

His gaze lingered on the departing black Ford, but his thoughts were already wandering toward the expensive Patek Philippe watch on the butler’s son, who also happened to be the driver.

Chen Jianan handed him the helmet: “Xiao Qiao, are you truly considering purchasing this seemingly broken land? It’s 1.2 million?” he inquired, voicing practical concerns.

Qiao Wen laughed: “It’s not a broken land. It takes only 20 minutes to reach the wealthy area of ​​Qingshui Bay. If we build a row of sea-view villas here, it will be the next wealthy area, we can definitely make a fortune.”

“Do you still want to build a villa? Our money is only enough to buy a piece of land.”

“Once we have the land, we don’t have to worry about not having money to build a house.”

Chen Jianan didn’t understand, and Qiao Wen also didn’t explain much. 

Qiao Wen’s initial intention was simple: to invest the money in his possession into acquiring a small plot of land, with the ultimate plan being to resell it once the stock market plummeted and real estate prices soared. However, the moment he laid eyes on the land, his perspective shifted entirely.

However, Uncle Wang’s words were indeed true. The land was indeed a hidden gem in terms of Feng Shui, currently appearing unremarkable, but once a house was constructed, it had the potential to transform into a highly sought-after location. Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of a thriving port city, the tranquil proximity to both the mountains and sea promised a future of serenity and value.

In the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, the rarity of such untouched prime real estate was a steal, untainted by the grasp of influential moguls. Without a doubt, this opportunity was a steal waiting to be seized. However, despite recognizing the immense potential, the price tag of 1.2 million seemed overly steep, given that it represented their entire current wealth.

He patted Chen Jianan on the shoulder: “Brother Nan, take me to a public telephone booth, I want to make a call.”

Inquisitive Chen Jianan asked, “Who do you plan to call?”

“A reporter, there is something to do with him.”

In an era devoid of the internet, sourcing information often relied on tabloid reporters. Their knack for discovery was not to be underestimated; they could unearth the deepest secrets not just of celebrities, but also of the affluent families in society, possessing a prowess comparable to that of the esteemed CIA in the United States. 

The reporter he was looking for was the one who sold Li Xingchen’s itinerary last time. These paparazzi weren’t merely dedicated to capturing images of celebrities; they also specialized in tailing the wealthy and prominent figures of society and staying well-informed about the various city gossip circulated among the elite. 

Sure enough, after Qiao Wen reported the license plate number and Uncle Wang’s name, the reporter, Zhang Jiaming, swiftly provided the details: “The person you are looking for is likely to be Young Master Guan. He was indeed an affluent heir in his early years, but unfortunately, his parents died early, and the family property was handed over to this playboy. Subsequently, he resorted to liquidating family assets to sustain his lifestyle over the years.” 

Qiao Wen said: “Please help me check it carefully and give me detailed information tomorrow.”

“Okay, no problem, I will definitely find out how many women he has slept with.”

‘Not necessarily.’

As soon as he ended the phone call, Qiao Wen was taken aback to find himself face to face with Chen Jianan, whose curiosity seemed insatiable as he leaned in closely, “Do you need to check the seller’s details when buying land?”

Qiao Wen said: “Of course, it’s easier to bargain if you know the details, right?”

“That’s true. You’ve thought it through very carefully.” Chen Jianan remarked with admiration before whispering weakly, “Actually, if you’re seriously considering purchasing land, I might be able to help you secure a better deal.” 

Arching an eyebrow, Qiao Wen glanced at him with a hint of amusement before jesting, “Thinking of resorting to intimidation with that knife of yours? Are you used to being a gangster? This is not a walled city. Even if someone were to succumb to intimidation and sell, they would likely report it in no time, rendering the transaction null and void.”

A sheepish smile played on Chen Jianan’s lips as he touched his nose, conceding, “I just said casually, I believe you must have a way.”

Amused by Chen Jianan’s antics, Qiao Wen chuckled, “Let’s head to Longsao Beef Offal. It should be open now.”

A broad smile spread across Chen Jianan’s face as he took a seat on his bike, quipping, “No matter how vast the world may seem, indulging in a hearty plate of beef offal is the most important thing.”

Qiao Wen remarked, “You definitely have a unique way of enjoying life.” No matter how he looked, he didn’t look like a villain in the book.

True to expectations, on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, the eagerly anticipated Longsao Beef Offal opened its doors to customers. Customers, tired of leftovers from the festive season, flocked to the bustling shop, each clutching their red envelopes in anticipation of savoring a satisfying meal. The humble stall was abuzz with chatter and the enticing aroma of sizzling beef offal, delighting patrons both inside and outside its cozy confines.

Seeing no empty seats, Chen Jianan’s sharp eyes glanced at the crowded gluttons as he was thinking which table to drive away, just then his gaze fell upon a familiar face in the throng of people, instantly his expression lit up, pulling Qiao Wen over he enthusiastically greeted: “Fourth brother, happy new year!”

Zhao Asi and a group of ponies occupied a small table in the sideways, and they were pleasantly surprised to see Chen Jianan, with a smile, Fourth Brother said mischievously. “Hey, Anan, it’s been a long time since I saw you, now I have to call you Brother Nan?” 

Chen Jianan sighed: “Fourth brother, don’t make fun of me, you are my big brother, and will always be.”

Zhao Asi nodded with satisfaction: “You bastard still have some conscience. Fourth Brother’s love for you all these years was not in vain.” While speaking, he retrieved two red envelopes and handed them to him and Qiao Wen, “For you two brothers.”

Chen Jianan happily took it over: “Thank you Fourth Brother! Then my brother and I will share a table with you guys.” ith a swift motion, he handed the red envelope to Qiao Wen, swiftly grabbing two plastic stools from a nearby stall and pulled Qiao Wen to squeeze into this small table. 

Zhao Asi patted him affectionately on the shoulder: “Among all my brothers, you are the only one who has made great progress. But I have also heard about what happened to you outside. Take it easy on yourself. Nothing is more important than life.”

Chen Jianan smiled and said, “Thank you, brother, for reminding me, I will.”