By sheer chance, it worked out perfectly.
Early the next morning, Xu Lin planned to return to the city. He had originally intended to head back at noon, but since the young lady wanted to buy a house, he decided to help her resolve the matter sooner.
Just before leaving, his grandmother called him over, saying she had something to discuss. Xu Lin suddenly felt tense.
“Grandma, what is it?”
“This young lady—is she a celebrity?”
“You overheard?”
“Yes, but my grandson is so outstanding that even a celebrity is worthy of him.”
Seeing his grandmother joking, Xu Lin relaxed; at first, he had feared she was feeling unwell.
“But you’re still in school. Your studies should come first, though your grandfather and I aren’t stubborn old folks.”
“We used to worry that you'd never date, that you’d marry late. Now that’s no longer a concern.”
“I’ll study diligently and get into a good university.”
“But this girl is so pretty. If you wish to keep her by your side, it would please me greatly.”
“You’re always so focused on appearances. If a girl is beautiful, you think she’s fit to be your granddaughter-in-law.”
“Haha, beauty is your wife’s, after all. Here, take this. If you choose well, bring her home for me to see.”
As she spoke, Grandma took out a jade bracelet, pressed it into his hand, and told him it was important.
“My mother gave this to me. I intended to give it to your mother, but she said there would be more daughters-in-law in the family, so she declined.”
“Give this to Miss Chu.”
“Wait, you’re settling my marriage already? I haven’t even agreed yet, let alone her.”
“I never imagined my eldest grandson would have such high standards. This bracelet isn’t just for a granddaughter-in-law anymore.”
“But if you give it to her yourself, wouldn’t that be better?”
“That’s different. When you’ve truly decided, then I’ll personally put it on her. Besides, I have more.”
Grandma opened a small box by her side, revealing over a dozen bracelets, their green glow reflecting off one another.
“Grandma, am I some hidden third-generation rich kid?”
“My dear, you’re overthinking. These bracelets are made from ordinary material, modeled after the one my mother gave me. Each is only worth a few hundred yuan—not anything expensive.”
“Why make so many bracelets?”
“It seems, after you were born, your grandfather and I went out to register your household, and on a whim we bought some jade, so these bracelets were made.”
“You’re hoping I’ll bring you a dozen daughters-in-law?”
“If you have that ability, it’s your own skill! But grandson, what’s important in relationships is sincerity, above all else.”
“I understand, Grandma.”
“Good. Off you go.”
Since even if they bought a house today, moving in immediately wasn’t possible, Chu Qingchan’s luggage remained at Grandma’s house for the time being.
Chu Qingchan placed her important documents and wallet in his backpack, so the two of them traveled light—mainly to spare Xu Lin the embarrassment of lacking strength.
Because it was Monday, the one-time Constitution Card had refreshed, and four new items appeared in the store:
【Randomly gain a level 2 ability: 10,000 points】
【Tracking Dust: 300 points】
【Wave Riding Technique lv1: 2,000 points】
【Short-term Intelligence Boost Card: 200 points】
Currently, the system had recognized four people: Ji Yun, Chu Qingchan, Su Qingwan, and of course, that slender girl—but he hadn’t met her, so the favorability system hadn’t activated.
Ji Yun’s favorability had stayed at 25 since they started school together. Steady as ever. Chu Qingchan’s had jumped to 30 as soon as it was unlocked.
He understood why: she encountered him at her lowest point, and his small kindness had warmed her. Otherwise, raising the favorability of an ice-cold goddess would be incredibly difficult.
Lastly, Su Qingwan—his teacher. Last time, when he helped her, not only did her favorability hardly increase, it dropped by one point; but now, for some reason, it had risen to 16.
His points had accumulated nicely: Ji Yun had given him 3,300 points over two interactions, Teacher Su 500, and Chu Qingchan 15,000—for a total of 18,800.
It seemed everyone was different: Ji Yun gave 300 points at 10 favorability, then 3,000 at 20; Teacher Su gave 500 in the first stage.
But Chu Qingchan was a veritable gold mine: 1,000, 4,000, 10,000. Perhaps the points were based on the difficulty of winning their hearts.
Yet he felt more and more like some kind of playboy—but no, he hadn’t committed to anyone yet, he was still a good kid—definitely!
Over half an hour later, the two exited the bus station, only to be surrounded by a throng of private car drivers.
“Where do you want to go first?”
Last night, Xu Lin had her look at a map on her phone and pick a few preferred districts, then choose a neighborhood.
“I think Changxing Road and Lucheng Street are nice—right in the city center, close to the commercial area, good surroundings, stadium and park nearby.”
“Yes, but there are no new neighborhoods around Changxing Road. It's a bustling area, so all the developments are at least ten years old.”
“No new properties?”
“None.”
“Tsk—I want a place with an elevator.”
“There are elevators, but only a few neighborhoods have them. Ours does, though.”
“Is your neighborhood nearby?”
“Right where you put your hand—Splendid Mansion.”
“Do you have photos?”
“No.” Truthfully, he hardly took fifty photos a year on his phone.
“Then let’s go see your neighborhood first, and visit your parents while we’re at it.”
“Let’s not—you don’t want to startle them, do you?”
“Am I that scary?”
“Think about it—you’re a celebrity. My mom loves TV dramas, she might recognize you.”
“That wouldn’t scare them, though.”
Xu Lin looked at her, sensing she had made up her mind, so he didn’t argue further.
“Let’s go to the supermarket first, then. I can’t arrive empty-handed.”
“You really treat this as meeting the parents. But don’t buy anything too expensive—some snacks and drinks will do.”
Half an hour later, sitting in a taxi, Xu Lin stared at a receipt for twenty-two thousand. His heart told him he needed to start earning money fast.
“I said to buy snacks and drinks, but you spent over ten thousand on a ring. How am I supposed to explain the price to my mom?”
“No need to say anything. As long as Auntie likes it. Giving a ring on the first meeting is unusual, but I thought it was beautiful. For Uncle, I bought nutritional supplements, tea, and wine—they count as snacks and drinks.”
“Thanks.”
Xu Lin wouldn’t foolishly say, “I’ll give you money when I have it.” He remembered her kindness to his parents, and would repay her in his own way.
For example, when visiting her parents, he’d buy more gifts, or perhaps write her a few songs for free—though those were her songs anyway.
Hearing Xu Lin’s words, Chu Qingchan nodded. She liked his personality—easygoing, not fussing over details. Sometimes, the value of a gift wasn’t what mattered.
The middle-aged driver’s heart began to race; after years of driving taxis, he’d finally picked up some wealthy customers. The future daughter-in-law's first visit brought gifts worth tens of thousands.
But the young man looked so young—maybe twenty or so, like his own daughter’s age. Was he... a kept man?
Xu Lin had no idea what the driver was thinking. He chatted with Chu Qingchan about real estate, but the driver suddenly interrupted.
“Looking for a place to live? What a coincidence.”
“Yes, but she wants a place with an elevator, near the commercial district.”
“Well, as it happens, the neighbors across from us are selling—a place over a hundred square meters. Their child is getting married and the bride wants a new apartment, so they’re selling this one.”
“Where do you live, sir?”
“Splendid Mansion, same as I said. That’s why it’s such a coincidence.”
“Shall we take a look later?” Chu Qingchan was interested—the location was really excellent.
Most importantly, it was close to Xu Lin’s home, so she could get more songs out of him; she’d had that idea and wanted to try it.
“Of course. There’s always someone home these days. I’ll contact them later.”
“Let’s exchange contacts—may I ask your surname?”
“It’s Ji. My number is XXXXX. If you want to come by, just call me. I’m in Building 9, Unit 2.”
“Got it…” Xu Lin memorized the number, but suddenly felt uneasy. Ji? Living in Building 9!
Ji Yun had mentioned her father drove a taxi. Good heavens—could it really be this much of a coincidence? I just hailed a random car!
But I haven’t done anything—surely nothing will happen between them, right? Yes, yes, Xu Lin, everything’s fine! Everything’s fine…