Chapter 112: Thirty Thousand Isn’t Enough; Give the House Instead

In this era, there were indeed private dining establishments, though none displayed signs. These were renowned chefs, preparing no more than one or two tables a day, making reservations nearly impossible. Without connections, one could not hope to dine there.

Lin Jingyue felt ever more certain about Elder Li’s identity. Although Li Chengxi had not mentioned where he intended to take Elder Li, considering his family background, it was surely the capital. The capital’s most elite families...

“Lin, are you still studying?” After they were seated and tea was served, Elder Li turned his gaze to Lin Jingyue.

“No, I graduated from high school and, answering the call of the nation, went to the countryside. But I do love reading,” Lin Jingyue replied with a gentle smile.

“Answering the nation’s call—good, very good.” Elder Li was a little surprised. The girl’s skin was fair, she wore a brand-new cotton coat, and carried a fine suitcase. He had assumed she was a pampered child from some wealthy family, but she had already gone to the countryside.

Li Chengxi returned after ordering dishes and saw the elderly and the young chatting happily, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

“I’m not from Shanghai—my home is in An City. But since Li Chengxi owes me a debt, I’m waiting for him to repay it, so I disembarked here, just to experience the great metropolis,” Lin Jingyue answered truthfully when Elder Li asked where she was from.

Could she lie in front of such an elder? Even if her conscience was nearly gone... Well, she admitted she had none. She thought, in case she went to the capital in the future and met Elder Li again, it would be awkward if she had lied.

Her master often drank tea and played chess with Elder Jiang, so he must also know Elder Li well.

She could not afford to lose face.

Elder Huo... your reputation has already been lost!

Even though Elder Li had seen much in life, Lin Jingyue’s frank and thick-skinned words left him momentarily stunned.

Looking into the girl’s dark eyes, he chuckled, “That’s how it should be—return kindness, seek justice. Life is but a few decades; one should live freely.”

“Lin, though young, is so open and cheerful. Excellent, truly excellent.”

Huh?

Lin Jingyue was a little surprised and scratched her head in embarrassment. “You flatter me...”

Please stop, my cheeks are burning.

“You rascal, how do you intend to repay your debt?” Elder Li turned to his grandson, signaling repeatedly.

Lin Jingyue’s lips twitched; she wasn’t blind.

Li Chengxi was at a loss, too. “Our family lacks for nothing, especially money. These days, a single penny can stump a hero. I plan to give Comrade Lin thirty thousand yuan—not all at once, of course. She saved my life, and the Li family’s. From now on, her troubles are our troubles.”

Elder Li rolled his eyes, quietly muttering about his grandson’s incompetence.

A life-saving debt should be repaid with a life.

Such a lively, clever girl—her candidness masked a deep wisdom. Thirty thousand yuan was a fortune, yet at the mention of money, her eyes showed neither greed nor excitement.

Only calm.

She was perfect for the Li family; his foolish grandson was blind.

“Heh, talking about money is so vulgar,” Elder Li laughed.

Lin Jingyue’s smile froze for an instant. She was practical; money was the most tangible thing.

Besides, asking for thirty thousand outright cut off future complications.

Li Chengxi wanted to tell his grandfather that the thirty thousand was the girl’s own request.

“Don’t we have two garden houses on Lafayette Road? They’re still under your uncle’s name—transfer one to Lin,” Elder Li decided, ignoring their inner thoughts.

Lin Jingyue: “...!”

The garden house on Lafayette Road—

Incredible.

In her previous life, she had dearly wanted one, but by then, they were no longer sold.

That famous location—Sinan Mansion!

Lin Jingyue exerted immense self-control to keep her excitement hidden.

To own two garden houses here—remarkable.

“Let’s do as you say, Grandfather.” Seeing no objection from Lin Jingyue, Li Chengxi knew she agreed.

“Lin, a life-saving debt outweighs the sky; a single house is nothing. Don’t be shy—if you ever need the Li family’s help, just say so,” the old man’s gaze at Lin Jingyue was earnest, filled with deep gratitude.

He truly valued this debt.

The Li family... once full of loyal souls, now only he, half-buried in the soil, and his sole grandson Li Chengxi remained.

The times had changed; Chengxi had spent the past years serving the nation, taking on mission after mission.

He had faced danger more than once.

Once he returned from his assignment in Hong Kong, he could finally transfer and recuperate.

Given Chengxi’s importance to the Li family, gifting Lin Jingyue a garden house was too little.

Lin Jingyue silently repeated to herself: I’m not picky, not picky.

She then offered a gracious smile. “You’re too generous. I helped Comrade Li simply out of a sense of justice...”

“No, you mustn’t refuse. Once I’ve spoken, even four horses can’t pull it back. Is a single house too little? There’s also the courtyard in the capital...”

Lin Jingyue’s mouth twitched hard. She quickly replied, “No, no, it’s plenty, more than enough.”

Though she dearly wanted a courtyard house, she couldn’t be that shameless. Alas, she was not yet skilled enough; she should have accepted all that was offered.

She berated herself inwardly until she felt better.

Elder Li, seeing her agree, said nothing more.

In short, he believed money was a vulgar way to settle debts—material possessions should be given instead.

Yet the Li family’s influence could also be lent.

Soon, the dishes arrived, all Sichuan cuisine, the table covered in chili peppers.

Li Chengxi glanced helplessly at his grandfather. He suddenly remembered the old man loved Sichuan food, though the doctors had forbidden him from eating anything too spicy these past few years.

Could it be that inviting Lin Jingyue to dinner was just a pretext, and he really wanted to eat?

Li Chengxi wasn’t entirely wrong.

The elderly and the young hit it off, sharing similar tastes, quickly becoming kindred spirits.

The meal was joyful; both host and guest were satisfied.

Later, Elder Li insisted Lin Jingyue stay at his lodging, but she firmly refused.

That would have been improper.

Elder Li had Li Chengxi arrange a guesthouse for her.

The next day, they went to the housing bureau to transfer ownership of the house to Lin Jingyue. He then took her to see it.

The house was centrally located, with a private inner courtyard, a three-story building of about six to seven hundred square meters. Since no one had lived there, it looked a bit run-down, the yard overgrown with weeds.

But it would not take much effort to restore; the interior was still in good condition.

Lin Jingyue’s eyes curved with joy—this was her first house in this era.

Though it was a gift, she had earned it.

After the transfer, Elder Li wanted to invite her to another meal, but this time she declined.

Li Chengxi guessed she wanted to return home for the New Year, so he bought her a train ticket and personally took her to the station.

Elder Li, seeing his grandson’s tact, was pleased.

[Author’s note] I don’t want to toss out my other books, since they’re from different platforms.