"Sure, that building is actually quite nice. The price is affordable and suitable for the kids. Two units per floor—plenty of space for everyone."
Professor Wen had substantial savings, and Yang Yufen also had money to spare, so buying anywhere would work.
"I think it's all good. Let's buy together."
Hu Jun had originally just been tagging along, but hearing the elderly women discuss buying houses as casually as groceries left him both shocked and amused.
The most astonished was the sales agent, who never expected these three elderly women to be so wealthy and generous.
Buying so many units at once—just thinking about her commission made her feel dizzy with happiness.
"Aunties, since you’ve all made up your minds, don’t worry. I’ll apply for the best possible discount for you—absolutely the lowest price."
A huge deal! She wouldn’t even mind a smaller commission, as long as it went through. With this sale, she’d soon be able to buy her own home.
She had thought no one would come house-hunting on New Year’s Day. She’d only gotten this job because of her good looks, and since she had no family to return to, she volunteered to work overtime. Never did she imagine such luck would come her way.
On New Year’s, the manager, thrilled about such a big deal, happily approved the maximum discount—without even cutting the agent’s commission.
The contracts were signed. The property deeds would take a few days, but with all the paperwork in order, Yang Yufen, Professor Wen, and the others weren’t worried about being scammed.
With money now turned into property, Yang Yufen felt a weight lift off her shoulders.
"I understand Yufen putting the deed in Niannian’s name, but why are you putting your daughter-in-law’s name on yours?"
Aunt Wang was curious.
"Hu Jun is in the military, and though Little Zhou is too, their roles are different. Putting it in Little Zhou’s name is more appropriate. It’s for them anyway. And don’t talk about me—you put your daughter-in-law’s name too!"
"As for me, I want Fang Fen to quit her job and have another child. This is her security."
At Aunt Wang’s words, Yang Yufen and Professor Wen fell silent for a moment. They understood Aunt Wang’s perspective.
Their generation valued large families, but following national policies, they’d all coincidentally had sons.
"In that case, it’s right to put Little Fang’s name on it."
Yang Yufen agreed—after all, a teaching job was an iron rice bowl these days.
"Next year, once our orchard makes more money, we’ll buy another set for the kids. For girls, a generous dowry is their confidence."
Aunt Wang had it all planned out. With housing prices rising, buying now—whether to live in or rent out—was a smart move, especially with rents climbing too.
"Then let’s buy together again next time. That way, we can always stay close."
Professor Wen chimed in cheerfully. Hu Jun, standing behind them, patted his pocket and suddenly understood why his brother-in-law Shen Xianjun had such a low status at home.
After dropping the three elderly women back at the residential compound, Hu Jun went to pick up the kids.
"Grandma and the others bought houses here?"
Hu Zhenghao, hearing his father’s words, craned his neck to look at the neighborhood.
"Yep. It’ll be convenient for your school."
Wang Xing squeezed in to look too, his mind racing with thoughts.
"Li Wen, go ahead. I want to call my parents. It’s New Year’s—I don’t know how they’re doing."
Mr. and Mrs. Wang, busy with work, were shocked to get their son’s call. They’d missed New Year’s due to a project and had already explained things to him. Normally, he’d be playing with friends at this time.
"Dad, Mom, I want to buy a house. Grandma Yang and the others bought places for Li Wen and the others—for school. I don’t want to be separated from them."
Wang Xing stated his request bluntly. If his parents got called away, he might not finish.
"Buy a house?"
This wasn’t a small matter. Mr. and Mrs. Wang were taken aback.
"It’s near the university district. I checked—with what you’ve given me over the years and my own savings, I’m just 50,000 short. I don’t need a big one—just enough to stay with Li Wen."
"That’s your money—you keep it. We’ll handle this. We’ll call and ask Grandma Yang for help. We’ll sort it out quickly."
Mr. Wang immediately grasped his son’s meaning. It was rare for him to ask for something, and buying a house was a reasonable expense for their only child.
"Thanks, Mom and Dad. Take care of yourselves. Happy New Year."
Hearing someone call for his parents, Wang Xing didn’t drag it out.
"I’ll handle the issue. You call and ask Aunt Yang what paperwork’s needed."
Mr. Wang told his wife.
"Got it. You go ahead."
Mrs. Wang took over, already dialing.
She called Professor Wen’s home, asked for details, and learned they could arrange it by proxy. Ignoring Wang Xing’s request for a smaller unit, she booked one right next door.
"Really, we’re so sorry to trouble you and Aunt Yang."
Mrs. Wang felt guilty, already planning to bring lavish gifts next time she visited.
With Wang Xing’s little episode, Professor Wen and Yang Yufen both registered the apartments in the kids’ names. Just like that, the young boys had their first properties.
"Come September, I’m moving here too."
Hu Zhenghao grinned at the new place. Even if he’d mostly stay at school, having his own space for holidays was thrilling.
"Then we can hang out again! If only Li Wu’s training base would move back too!"
Meanwhile, oblivious to all this, Li Wu was deep in training.
"Coach, we won last time—why can’t we compete this time?"
"This is an international event—different from before. You’re still too young. But next time, you’ll definitely get your chance."
When the roster came out, Li Wu and the others had been hopeful, certain they’d make the cut.
"But next time won’t be on home turf."
Li Wu pouted.
"Kid, you’ve always been confident. Being hosts is one thing—but winning on foreign soil? That’s where you’ll really shine. You’ll be the star."
Hearing this, Li Wu’s disappointment vanished. The thought of crushing rivals abroad filled him with pride.
"Then I’ll get back to training!"
Satisfied, Li Wu marched off. When Teacher Gao overheard the exchange, he chuckled.
"That kid’s easy for you to fool. I thought he’d be harder to handle."
"Not at all. They’re all good kids, eager to bring glory to the country. But showing their talent too early? They’d be targeted. Better to keep them hidden. Good seedlings are rare—can’t let the envious ruin them."
