Chapter Eighteen: A Half-Truth, Half-Lie

After making a round at school, Zhao Fan received He Yongshan’s words and ambled toward the school gate.

“Zhao Fan?”

The sudden voice brought Zhao Fan to a halt. He turned and saw Yang Yuqing, stunned for a moment.

Yang Yuqing’s white dress swayed gently in the breeze. She wore matching sandals, her shoulder-length hair draped softly over her shoulders, exuding a quiet elegance and gentle grace.

Beautiful.

The word flashed through Zhao Fan’s mind. In the next second, he watched as Yang Yuqing, her face bright with delight, ran toward him.

Yang Yuqing asked, “Are you back at school to study again?”

Zhao Fan rubbed his nose. “Yes.”

After a pause, he couldn’t help but ask, “You’re here at this hour—are you planning to return to school as well?”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than he regretted them. It was pointless; Yang Yuqing’s future had been decided since her first year—she planned to study abroad.

Yang Yuqing pressed her lips together, her brows arching with a smile. “I’m here this time to handle some paperwork.”

“Studying abroad?”

“Yes.”

A brief silence settled between them. Zhao Fan coughed dryly. “Go ahead then. Old He is in his office—you can find him there.”

“Okay.” Yang Yuqing nodded, hesitated a moment, then asked, “Can we exchange contact details?”

Contact details?

Zhao Fan nodded. “Of course.”

He recited his number. Yang Yuqing took out her phone to record it and asked, “Would you like to have my number?”

“Yes.”

They exchanged contact information. Yang Yuqing went to find He Yongshan, while Zhao Fan headed home.

Not long after, Zhao Fan left his house again; he wanted to check on the villa he’d bought earlier.

Since the villa hadn’t been renovated yet, Zhao Fan would have to stay at home for a while longer, but he knew he needed to arrange the renovations soon.

After running around half the day, Zhao Fan handed over the renovation plans to the workers and decided it was time to tell his parents about the villa.

That evening at the dinner table, Zhao Fan brought up the matter to his father and mother.

“I got the house in advance. I’ll be working for the boss in the future, and my salary will go toward paying for it. So I thought I’d start renovations now, and in about half a year, I’ll move in.”

Zhao Father was silent.

Seeing this, Zhao Fan turned to his mother. “Mom, what do you think?”

Zhao Mother’s hands slowed in their movements. “Fan, I just want to know—why did you want this house?”

“Because the boss of Yuanhong Group told me that property prices will rise. Plus, I’ll get married someday, so I have to prepare ahead, right? Since the boss is willing to pay me and isn’t afraid of losing money, why should I worry? Besides, with a long-term job, he won’t let me go until the house is paid off, so you don’t need to worry.”

Zhao Fan knew simply saying that property prices would rise wouldn’t convince his parents, but his last explanation would ease their doubts.

A villa and a stable job—nothing would reassure his parents more.

Sure enough, after he finished, the previously silent Zhao Father spoke. “Did the boss say anything about the house…”

“Dad, don’t worry. The house deed has my name written on it. It’s a full payment gift. Even if he regrets firing me and wants it back, I won’t lose in court—the payment is complete.”

With Zhao Fan’s reassurances, his parents finally relaxed.

Once he was sure they wouldn’t question the origins of the villa, Zhao Fan switched topics to the renovation.

“I spent today visiting several places and hired the workers, but Dad, you know I want to finish my studies. I’ve been out of school for so long—I’ll need time to review.”

Zhao Father understood. “You want me to keep an eye on the workers.”

“Exactly. And I don’t know much about these things. Dad, I’ll leave it to you.”

“Hmmph, don’t worry. I’ll make sure everything’s done properly.”

“Great.”

The next day, Zhao Fan took his parents to the villa.

Aside from their surprise, after they met the workers, Zhao Fan slipped away. He needed to find a starting point for himself, one that would lay the strongest foundation for his future.

After another busy day, Zhao Fan dragged his weary legs home to find both parents sitting in the living room. He walked over.

“Still up so late?”

Zhao Father said, “I thought it over and realized there’s something I need to emphasize with you.”

“Alright, what is it?”

“It’s about the villa. Fan, such a big house—your boss just gave it to you?”

“My name is on the deed. What’s there to doubt?”

“How much did it cost?”

“Less than a million.”

“A… less than a million…” Zhao Father stood up, his hands trembling. “Fan, how long will it take you to pay off so much money?”

“Wages are rising every year. It looks like a lot now, but in a few years, it won’t be. Dad, the Yuanhong boss said property values will go up, so there’s no need to worry.”

Zhao Mother tugged at Zhao Father, who wanted to say more. “Fan makes sense, don’t worry. Our son isn’t the same as before—he’s grown up and capable. Just put your mind at ease for now, okay?”

With his mother’s words, Zhao Fan made a dash for his room.

“I’m going to study.”

Hearing this, Zhao Father gave up pursuit. “It’s not a small sum. Tens of thousands, deducted from your salary—it’ll take forever.”

“You just heard him say, wages will rise. No need to worry about that.”

“Is it really that easy to profit from a rich boss? What if…”

“The house was paid in full, and our son’s name is on the deed. What’s there to worry about?”

“But…”

“Enough, Old Zhao. Don’t be so timid. If Fan isn’t worried, why should you be? Our son isn’t infatuated with Wang Ying anymore and has real ability now. That’s something to be happy about—other families would praise it, but you’re here pouring cold water.”

“That’s not how it works. What if something goes wrong…”

“He said it won’t, and it won’t. The boss of such a big company won’t care about a bit of money. Besides, it’s not unpaid—it’s just being paid in installments…”

Listening to their exchange outside, Zhao Fan couldn’t help but sigh. His father worried too much, while his mother believed in him wholeheartedly.

One was anxious, the other trusting, leading to the stalemate outside.

But it didn’t matter; his parents had their own ways, and he didn’t need to intervene.

In the middle of the night, Zhao Fan pulled on a jacket and headed to the internet cafe, playing until dawn before heading home.

On the way back, many people brushed past him.

Just then, a middle-aged couple walked by. The wife complained, “Every time we shop, we have to run all over the place. Isn’t there a place where I can buy everything I need in one go?”

The husband smiled, placating her. “Don’t be upset—everyone has to run around like us.”

“I’m just exhausted, honey. So tired.”

“Should I carry you?”

“No…”

Zhao Fan turned his head.

He had an idea!