The strange sounds in the house shocked Zhang Yang.
What were Han Xiyao, Guan Fenghua, and Luo Yiren up to?
Was it that intense?
If they couldn't get in through the front, they'd go through the back?
Listening to their conversation, Zhang Yang already had a picture in his mind.
He suspected the three women were engaging in something risqué.
He stealthily crouched by the door, opening a crack to peek inside.
However.
Upon seeing the scene inside the room, Zhang Yang realized he had overthought things.
The situation was nothing like what he had imagined.
At this moment.
The three women were sitting together, their clothes perfectly neat.
It looked like they were discussing something.
It was completely different from the scene in Zhang Yang's mind.
Cough cough~
Fortunately, no one knew what Zhang Yang had been thinking.
Otherwise, he would have been terribly embarrassed.
"What are you all doing?" Zhang Yang walked over, poking his head in to ask.
"We're studying the blueprints. We feel the designs from the architectural firm are a bit off," Han Xiyao said with a sigh.
"I think it's fine, just a bit narrow, not very easy to get into," Luo Yiren said with a smile.
"I'm not satisfied either. Let's revise it again," Guan Fenghua said expressionlessly.
Listening to the three women's opinions, Zhang Yang also leaned in to look at the blueprints spread on the table.
He was slightly surprised.
He hadn't expected the three women to be so efficient, already planning the old residential area.
The new floor plan was already out.
However, Zhang Yang couldn't understand architectural drawings.
"I don't understand much either, but you could go and see the site," Zhang Yang suggested.
This suggestion made the three women's eyes light up.
They had been discussing theories on paper and hadn't conducted a thorough on-site inspection.
"Yes, that makes sense. Let's go, let's go, let's go and see," Han Xiyao said.
The other two women also picked up their bags, ready to leave.
Half an hour later.
Zhang Yang led the three women to the old residential area.
The three women held the design drawings in their hands, constantly voicing their opinions.
They compared them with the site, marking areas they felt were unsuitable.
After much discussion, they reached a consensus.
They decided to adjust the overall layout of the residential complex.
At the Jiangnan City Grand Hotel, Huang Hanshu, who had been 'drunk,' had mentioned that the new capital of Jiangnan City would be located in the east.
The three women also decided to align the new residential complex's layout with that of the new capital of Jiangnan City.
As they walked.
Zhang Yang followed the three women to the eastern side of the old residential area.
This was the location of the new residential complex's entrance after the adjustment.
"This..." Zhang Yang was somewhat surprised.
This was exactly in front of Huang Xin's house. Could it be such a coincidence?
"Xiyao, is this house within the land purchased by the Han Corporation?" Zhang Yang asked.
"Yes, and it's right at the entrance," Han Xiyao replied, following Zhang Yang's pointing finger.
Good heavens, Zhang Yang clicked his tongue.
If this place were to be demolished, it would surely yield tens of millions in compensation.
What a shame.
Huang Xin and her family had already sold the house, so they wouldn't be eligible for such good fortune.
"Zhang Yang, what are you doing here?"
Suddenly, Huang Xin came out of the house, pushing a suitcase.
"Is this road yours? Why are you being so nosy?" Zhang Yang glanced at her, not bothering to engage further.
Huang Xin, being retorted, almost choked.
She recalled how Zhang Yang had one-upped her when he bought his car, and she felt a sense of satisfaction.
She didn't want to be surpassed by Zhang Yang, as it made her feel like her own life was miserable.
"Zhang Yang, are you still living in the old residential area? Did you spend all your money buying that car yesterday?"
"Unlike me, I'm already preparing to move out of this poor place. You can continue to stay here."
Huang Xin seemed to see through everything, proudly showing off.
It had already been sold?
Zhang Yang smiled. This was truly a case of the god of wealth delivering money to their doorstep, and they didn't want it.
"Congratulations, but it's a bit of a pity."
"A pity for what?" Huang Xin raised her head, very smug.
"Our house sold for a million yuan, and we're moving to a new house in the suburbs today."
"While you, having spent all your money on a car, can only continue to be cooped up in this poor place."
Zhang Yang clapped his hands, applauding Huang Xin continuously.
"Well done, that's great. Congratulations on your move, and on missing out on ten million yuan in demolition compensation."
Huang Xin frowned, as if her words hadn't affected Zhang Yang at all.
This made Huang Xin unhappy, and she continued to mock him.
"Stop pretending. You still want to trick me into believing this place will be demolished? How ridiculous. Do you think I'll believe you?"
Zhang Yang couldn't be bothered to argue with someone as self-righteous as Huang Xin.
However.
The three women discussing not far from Zhang Yang heard the commotion and walked back.
"Little brother, do you know her?" Luo Yiren asked curiously.
"I knew her before, but not anymore," Zhang Yang replied noncommittally.
This attitude made the three women understand what was going on.
They had heard Huang Xin's dismissive words towards Zhang Yang earlier.
Han Xiyao's expression turned somewhat grim, and she stared coldly at Zhang Yang.
Luo Yiren also dropped her smile, putting pressure on Huang Xin.
Even Guan Fenghua wore a silent expression, showing no favor towards Huang Xin.
What were the identities of these three women?
Their presence and aura alone were enough to intimidate Huang Xin.
"I heard you sold your house? And for an exorbitant price of one million?" Han Xiyao sneered.
"You really have courage. Is one million enough to buy a second-hand house in the suburbs?" Luo Yiren also smiled meaningfully.
"With such vision, you'll only get this far in life," Guan Fenghua said sternly.
Huang Xin was bewildered by the three women's words.
However, Huang Xin stared at Guan Fenghua with surprise.
She didn't know Han Xiyao and Luo Yiren, but Guan Fenghua was the president of the company she worked for.
"Pr-President, why are you here in a place like this?" Huang Xin asked in surprise.
"How come I don't know of anyone named Huang Xin in our company?" Guan Fenghua frowned.
"It's normal for the president not to know me, but I know you. I am..." Huang Xin was about to introduce herself.
But Guan Fenghua didn't seem interested in listening and waved her hand.
"That's enough, no need to introduce yourself. You don't need to come to work tomorrow."
This...
Huang Xin was stunned.
Why was she being fired without any reason?
"Pr-President, I..."
"Shut up, our company doesn't need fools."
"This place is about to be demolished. A fool who sells their house will only bring losses to the company," Guan Fenghua said sternly.
Boom~
Guan Fenghua's words struck Huang Xin like lightning.
This place...
Was it really going to be demolished?
Zhang Yang hadn't been lying to her at all!
"President, you... you're not lying to me, are you?" Huang Xin asked anxiously.
Losing her job was no longer important; she just wanted to confirm if the demolition was true.
"I'm right here. Do you think asking that question is meaningful?" Guan Fenghua said.
Staggering back, Huang Xin was overcome with a powerful sense of regret.
Guan Fenghua had no reason to lie.
But if the demolition was a fact, then why had Feng Jie lied to her!
Why!
Feng Jie had guaranteed her that his relative worked at the land bureau.
He had said there was no possibility of demolition here!
Suddenly!
Huang Xin's phone rang. It was her mother.
"Hello, Mom..." Huang Xin's voice was hoarse.
"Xin'er, where are you? Come over quickly."
"Feng Jie tricked us. He didn't buy us a house at all. He ran off with the money." Huang's mother said anxiously and flusteredly on the phone.
What?
Feng Jie ran off with the money?
Huang Xin quickly dialed Feng Jie's number, but it was turned off.
"This... how is this possible!"
Huang Xin collapsed, acting like a madwoman. She abandoned her luggage and, in a daze, rushed towards her mother.
"It looks like she's lost both her money and her dignity," Zhang Yang shook his head and sighed.
Indeed, there's a punishment for every evil deed.
Huang Xin's excessive trust in Feng Jie led to her losing everything.
However.
Zhang Yang also noticed something amiss.
Feng Jie...
How did he know about the demolition news here?
"Have you heard of someone named Feng Jie? It seems he knew about the demolition here even earlier than us," Zhang Yang asked.
"Feng Jie?" The three women thought carefully.
In the Jiangnan City system, there didn't seem to be anyone by that name.
Moreover, there wasn't even anyone with the surname Feng.
"No."
"Don't know him."
...
Getting the three women's answers, Zhang Yang became even more curious.
No one knew him?
Could there be a hidden story behind this?
Was the other party not just trying to swindle Huang Xin out of her money?
Never mind, he wouldn't think about it anymore.
After all, when the demolition and resettlement happened, whoever was entitled to compensation would receive it. It had nothing to do with Zhang Yang.
The issues the three women had in the morning were resolved by visiting the site.
The three women thought since they were already there, they might as well look around the old residential area.
Zhang Yang naturally became their guide, as he knew the place like the back of his hand.
"Did you grow up here since you were little?"
After touring the area, the three women were somewhat surprised.
If they hadn't come to inspect the site, the three women wouldn't have believed that such a poor place still existed in Jiangnan City.
"What's so surprising about this? It's quite good to live here," Zhang Yang said with a smile.
He didn't feel inferior because of his humble background.
"I seem to be somewhat familiar with this place. I think I've been here before," Han Xiyao said strangely.
She felt a sense of familiarity deep in her memory regarding this place.
However, it was a bit fuzzy, and she couldn't recall it immediately.
Zhang Yang smiled knowingly.
He thought to himself: Of course, you're familiar with it, because you've been here before.
"Little brother, are you still living here now?" Luo Yiren interjected.
"Yes, I slept on the streets when I was little. Later, when I could afford to work, I rented a place not far from here," Zhang Yang said, pointing to a dilapidated house ahead.
"Then take us to see it." Luo Yiren offered proactively.
After Luo Yiren spoke, Han Xiyao also became interested.
Even Guan Fenghua, who was not interested, looked over.
This...
Zhang Yang scratched his head.
"The room is a bit messy and a bit run-down. If you don't mind, please follow me."
With that, Zhang Yang led the way.
The three women followed curiously behind Zhang Yang, constantly observing their surroundings.
Han Xiyao's thoughts were more complex.
She felt a peculiar affection for Zhang Yang.
How to put it.
After learning about Zhang Yang's childhood living environment, Han Xiyao felt a pang of sympathy.
She felt Zhang Yang had a difficult and pitiable life.
To think he was still living in such a dilapidated place.
What if she let Zhang Yang move...
A terrible thought crossed Han Xiyao's mind, and she quickly shook her head, dismissing it.
Afterward, a blush appeared on her face, making her look exceptionally beautiful.
This sudden blush.
Made Guan Fenghua, who was beside her, somewhat puzzled.
As for the talkative Luo Yiren, she chattered away with Zhang Yang, asking all sorts of strange questions.
For example.
Why did this trash can have no lid? It smelled so bad.
That dog was so dirty; no one bathed it.
And that 'er ba da gang' bicycle, wasn't that an antique?
Zhang Yang felt a headache coming on. He was speechless towards this out-of-touch young lady and hurried his pace.
Arriving downstairs, the four of them climbed the dark stairs to the third floor.
The three women were all wearing high heels, and the worn, narrow stair treads were difficult to navigate.
They fell behind Zhang Yang, who was familiar with the path, by about a floor's distance.
Reaching the third floor first, Zhang Yang took out his key and opened the door.
However, the next moment.
Zhang Yang regretted it.
As soon as he opened the door, he heard the sound of dripping water from the bathroom.
Without thinking, Zhang Yang knew someone was taking a shower.
And he already knew who it was!
He Qiyan!
"Oh my goodness, how could I forget about her? And shouldn't she be at Grandpa He's place at this hour?"
Zhang Yang realized something was wrong and quickly closed the door.
If it were just Guan Fenghua and Luo Yiren, Zhang Yang wouldn't have minded.
But Han Xiyao had also come. What if there was a misunderstanding later?
No.
He had to find a way.
Zhang Yang wanted to throw the key away, but Han Xiyao and the others had already arrived.
"Zhang Yang, why are you holding the key so high? Hurry and open the door," Han Xiyao said curiously.
Uh...
Zhang Yang's mouth twitched. He couldn't escape, could he?
"I just remembered the toilet was clogged when I left this morning. It smells terrible in there, so maybe we shouldn't go in?"
Zhang Yang came up with a lame excuse, but how could this fool the three women?
"Little brother, could it be that you're hiding a mistress and don't want us to see her?" Luo Yiren suddenly raised her eyebrows, guessing.
This time, her guess was surprisingly accurate.
"How could that be? I'm living in this broken place, where would I possibly hide a mistress?" Zhang Yang defended himself.
"Even if it's not a golden house, hiding a beauty is still possible," Luo Yiren chimed in without restraint.
Actually.
She was just joking.
But this joke was incredibly accurate, hitting the nail on the head.
Zhang Yang wished he could find a secluded place to have a good talk with Luo Yiren!
"It's really not, it's just that the room is too messy. Not only is the toilet clogged, but I also throw dirty underwear and smelly socks around carelessly."
"I'm afraid I might scare you and give you nightmares, so it's better not to go in," Zhang Yang said with a forced smile, continuing to make excuses.
"Is that all?" Han Xiyao was suspicious.
Although she had no evidence, she felt Luo Yiren's earlier words were reasonable.
"Zhang Yang, open the door and let me see. If it's too dirty, we won't go in," Han Xiyao insisted.
Luo Yiren also puffed out her chest with mock seriousness.
"Exactly, hurry and open the door. This sister wants to see if the beauty you're hiding is as good-looking as me."
This...
Zhang Yang felt ten thousand horses galloping in his heart.
Why did Luo Yiren love to cause trouble so much!
And when did Han Xiyao become so inquisitive?
Guan Fenghua, who was not interested in Zhang Yang, also became curious.
It seemed there was something strange about this house.
"Maybe we should forget about it?" Zhang Yang said with a wry smile.
"Since we're already here, open the door," Han Xiyao frowned.
The more Zhang Yang refused, the more she believed Luo Yiren's words.
"I..." Zhang Yang hesitated.
Fortunately, his mind reacted quickly.
Since he couldn't throw the key away earlier, he could break it while inserting it.
With a solution in hand.
Zhang Yang's confidence grew, and he said calmly.
"Since you insist on seeing, I'll open the door now. Don't be scared."
"Really, how could someone as upright as me hide a mistress?"
With that said.
Zhang Yang inserted the key into the lock and, as he turned it, infused it with true qi, breaking the key.
"Damn it! What kind of broken door is this? The key actually broke!" Zhang Yang cursed angrily, feigning great displeasure.
Such a coincidence?
Luo Yiren and Han Xiyao frowned.
However, seeing Zhang Yang's expression, which didn't seem fake, they didn't suspect him.
"Can't we get in?" Han Xiyao asked.
Zhang Yang shook his head and sighed.
"Alas, the key broke, so naturally, we can't get in. I was actually hoping you'd come in and help me clean up."
"Now that the key is stuck inside, we should just go back. I'll call a locksmith later."
After saying that.
Zhang Yang turned and walked down the stairs.
Seeing this, the three women felt varying degrees of disappointment.
But as they prepared to go downstairs, the apartment door was suddenly opened from the inside.
Then, a female voice emerged.
"The key broke, can't you knock?"