The girl is quite intriguing.

"Speaking of which, we really must thank Fengyun and Daoist Zhou today. Here’s what I propose: Daoist Zhou, you’ve worked hard, so let me give you one hundred thousand as a token of appreciation. As for the reward I promised—one million—I’ll give the remaining nine hundred thousand to Fengyun. What do you think, Daoist Zhou?" An Mingzhen pondered and said.

"That’s perfectly reasonable. Mr. An, you truly live up to your reputation as a business leader—not only are you thoughtful, but you care for others as well. I am most grateful," Zhou Fuhai quickly replied with a nod.

"Uncle An, there’s really no need for any reward. Jingru is my friend, and I just happened to be able to help her—no need for any payment," Chen Fengyun declined repeatedly.

"Very well, since you insist, I’ll respect your wishes. This favor, then, is something Jingru owes you, and she can repay it slowly in the future," An Mingzhen said, his eyes lighting up as he glanced meaningfully at his daughter.

Mrs. An exchanged glances with her husband, instantly understanding his intention. Seeing their daughter's blushing cheeks, she sensed great potential in the situation, and her attitude toward Chen Fengyun became even warmer.

Nearby, Zhang Qingyan also sensed something unusual in the way Jingru’s parents looked at Chen Fengyun. She recalled her own parents’ recent words; she still didn’t know exactly what Chen Fengyun had done, but her parents had urged her to ignore Wang Junguang and do her utmost to get closer to Chen Fengyun.

Today, she had seen a side of him she’d never known—he possessed extraordinary skills, able to capture and subdue ghosts. The thought both frightened and excited her.

But today, Fengyun had saved Jingru, and from her demeanor, it was clear she already liked him. What should she do now? She had always told Jingru that she and Fengyun could never happen—should she now admit that she wanted him for herself?

By then, it was already three in the morning. Mrs. An personally made some glutinous rice balls as a late-night snack for everyone, especially since Jingru hadn’t eaten much in days and was famished.

After Zhou Fuhai shamelessly got Chen Fengyun’s number and left, the An family kept Zhang Qingyan and Chen Fengyun to stay the night. Qingyan and Jingru shared a room, while Chen Fengyun was given the guest room.

The next morning, though Chen Fengyun rose early, the An family and Zhang Qingyan slept past ten. When they finally awoke, they discovered that Chen Fengyun had already prepared breakfast—and it was delicious. This only made the An couple value their prospective son-in-law even more.

"Brother Chen, where are you now? I’ve got all the paperwork and keys for the two properties ready—I’ll have someone bring them over right away," came Qian Yuejin’s call as they were having breakfast.

"Uncle Qian, I’m over at Zhonghua Garden. How’s the old gentleman doing?" Chen Fengyun gave him the address and asked.

"Good, I’ll have my secretary deliver them at once. The old gentleman has nearly fully recovered, both in health and spirit—he’s heading back to the capital today. I’ve also arranged to have the villa here cleaned and refurnished; all the furniture and appliances will be brand new. You can move in in two or three days," Qian Yuejin replied.

They chatted a bit more. Qian Yuejin invited him to visit the old gentleman when he went to the capital, saying the old man often mentioned him. Chen Fengyun agreed.

Everyone overheard the call but didn’t know the specifics—just that someone was bringing something for him. The An couple, being shrewd, didn’t pry further.

About ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. Chen Fengyun answered and saw a woman of about thirty, dressed professionally, with a striking figure and an alluring appearance.

"Mr. Chen Fengyun, hello. Do you live here?" He had met Qian Yuejin’s secretary three days prior when she had him sign some property transfer contracts.

"Sister Li, sorry to trouble you. I don’t actually live here; I came to visit a friend last night, something came up, so I stayed over," Chen Fengyun replied.

"Mr. Chen, here are all the documents and keys for the two properties. After you move in, you may change the locks if you wish. The main doors are automated—the remote controls are included. Also, there are surveillance systems inside and outside the villa; you can check every corner from the living room laptop."

Secretary Li patiently explained everything before waving goodbye and leaving, maintaining a respectful attitude throughout. Chen Fengyun could feel how much the Qian family valued him—otherwise, these people wouldn’t be so deferential.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the An house, An Mingzhen took note of the scene and said in surprise, "Isn’t that woman Secretary Li from the Southwest Branch of the Imperial Grand Group? She’s known to be very proud, but look at her—she’s so respectful to young Chen. Does he have ties with the Qian family?"

"Are you talking about the Qian family, the one led by Old Qian the Tiger?" Mrs. An asked in astonishment.

"That’s right. Old Qian used to be a military legend, and now his two sons are powerful figures in politics and business. I’ve heard the Qian family even has shares in Imperial Grand Group. If young Chen is really connected to them, then we absolutely can’t let this golden son-in-law slip away," An Mingzhen mused.

"There’s no point in rushing things—it all depends on Jingru’s actions. But I think our daughter is quite taken with Chen Fengyun, especially since he saved her life. If we nudge her a little, it might just work out," Mrs. An said.

Soon after, Chen Fengyun and Zhang Qingyan took their leave. The An family tried to persuade them to stay, but Chen Fengyun only promised to meet Jingru again when he had time and left Zhonghua Garden.

On the way, Zhang Qingyan was unusually quiet, unlike her usual cheerful self. Chen Fengyun was unsure why, and felt awkward asking—after all, they were grown now, not as uninhibited as in their childhood.

He dropped Zhang Qingyan off at her home and was about to head back when Gao Xiaohua called: "Hey man, what are you up to?"

"Nothing much, just out for a walk," Chen Fengyun replied.

"It’s almost noon—come have lunch at Tianshui Garden. I’m with a few friends," Gao Xiaohua invited enthusiastically.

"Who are these friends? Will it be awkward? If it’s inconvenient, we can meet another time," Chen Fengyun asked.

"Just some other kids from our circle. Some are a bit proud, but they’ll respect me. Come on, it’s good to meet new people," Gao laughed.

"Alright, I’ll take a cab over," Chen Fengyun decided, thinking it had been a while since he’d seen Gao Xiaohua and wondering how his old friend was doing. With that, he hailed a taxi to Tianshui Garden.