When it was getting dark, a car stopped in an alley. Xia Mian held Xiao Feng in his arms and looked up at the vermilion gate in front of him, muttering, "Sister Ning, is this the shabby little courtyard you mentioned?"
Ning Shaoyun chuckled, "This is an old courtyard, it has only been renovated. And mine is not that big, it has two entrances."
"This is my birthday present when I was ten years old," she pointed to a courtyard next to her and said, "The one with Xiaobai in it has three entrances."
Xia Mian looked at Ning Shaobai suddenly. He was indeed the future big boss. He already owned a three-story courtyard house so early!
Ning Shaobai felt that Xia Mian looked at him like a dog seeing a meat-filled bun, which made him feel creepy.
Xia Mian asked with starry eyes, "Do you have a lot of courtyards like this at home?"
Ning Shaoyun laughed, "No, the Ning family's ancestors all lived here, and then the descendants who separated one after another also lived nearby. Some of them were sold in recent years, but my father was given a courtyard, and my sister and I got one each."
"The one with three entrances is actually our family's ancestral home." Ning Shaoyun said, "But villas are popular nowadays and are more convenient to live in, so my dad and his family moved to a villa a few years ago."
Ning Shaoyun couldn't help laughing when she saw Xia Mian's eager look, "Do you like this kind of courtyard?"
The hibernating chick nodded like pecking at rice, "I like it. I like it very much."
This is a courtyard house! A courtyard house that she had never dared to imagine in her previous life!
Because of the preconceived impression, she never dared to dream of a courtyard house. She just wanted to buy a house in a village in the city and wait for it to be demolished. However, she did not expect that in the 1990s when the economy had just begun to develop, many people did not realize the value of the courtyard house!
The price is actually cheaper than that of a building! How can I miss this opportunity
"I want to buy a house like this!" Xia Mian emphasized again, "You can get more than one!"
Then he turned to Xia Wenyue who had been following him silently and said, "Second aunt, you should also buy a courtyard like this, and we can live next to each other!"
Xia Mian was just getting excited when he suddenly heard a mocking laugh, "You are so greedy that you want to swallow an elephant. You really dare to think so."
Xia Mian turned around and saw a young woman standing at the door of the courtyard opposite. She looked to be in her twenties, wearing a long floral dress with big wavy hair draped over her shoulders.
The dim sky made it difficult to see the facial features, but Xia Mian always felt that the style was somewhat familiar. When her peripheral vision caught sight of Ning Shaoyun, she suddenly realized, why did this person look so similar to Ning Shaoyun
Ning Shaoyun frowned for a rare moment, and said in a slightly cold voice, "Zhou Qianqian? Why are you here?"
The girl named Zhou Qianqian came over. This action seemed completely different, but she was obviously imitating Ning Shaoyun's behavior. Although it was not as exaggerated as Dong Shi Xiou Pin, it also made me feel uncomfortable.
As the other party got closer, Xia Mian finally saw her appearance clearly. Her appearance could be rated seven points, and with some makeup it could be rated nine points. However, seeing that ugly and hostile face she showed to him, Xia Mian decided to give her a zero.
The zero-score lady named Zhou Qianqian crossed her arms and pretended to be elegant as she walked up to Ning Shaoyun, smiling smugly, "The house that Brother Wen bought for me will take a month to renovate. Aunt Huo gave me the key to this courtyard and let me stay here temporarily."
"I just didn't expect that you would come back to live here, Xiaoyun."
"Why didn't you go back to the Huo family?" Zhou Qianqian said, "You should have called Brother Wen earlier. He just told me that I had moved and left. If you had called earlier, Brother Wen might have waited for you. Maybe you could have met him."
After hearing these bitchy words, Xia Mian couldn't help but ask Ning Shaoyun, "Who is this? Is this Mr. Huo's concubine?"
Zhou Qianqian frowned, "How can you talk like that? Who is the concubine?"
Ning Shaoyun's emotions had calmed down. She obviously didn't want to pay attention to her. She said to Xia Mian calmly, "It's just an insignificant person. Don't pay attention to him. Just leave."
Seeing that she didn't want to talk, Xia Mian didn't ask any more questions. However, she seemed unwilling to give up and wanted to catch up and say something, "Ning Shaoyun...ah!"
There was a scream and a "bang" sound of someone falling to the ground. Xia Mian turned around and saw Zhou Qianqian prostrating herself on the ground in a mess with her face on the ground. Xia Mian thought, this is great, the zero points are going to become negative points.
Ning Shaobai stood beside her and sneered, "Forget about your poor brain function. Your coordination skills are also poor, and your face is barely presentable. So you better be careful. If you fall and get banged up, you won't even be able to see your father."
aestivation:…
With this comparison, she felt that Ning Shaobai's harshness towards her was nothing. Why did these words sound so nice
Zhou Qianqian obviously fell hard. She took a long time to get up. She touched her sore nose and looked up at Ning Shaobai and said, "Ning Shaobai, you did it on purpose!"
Ning Shaobai said calmly, "Yes, you came to my house on purpose. If I didn't do it on purpose, wouldn't I be sorry for you?"
He sneered, "Zhou Qianqian, I warn you, this is not the Huo family, you can't be presumptuous here, do you really think that I am the Ning family?"
Zhou Qianqian didn't dare to have any expectations of Ning Shaobai's demeanor, but she was unwilling to give up. She bit her lower lip and said to Ning Shaoyun, "Anyway, I have to thank you very much. Director Luo likes the painting you drew very much, and Brother Wen's project has been approved."
Ning Shaoyun suddenly stopped, turned around and kicked Zhou Qianqian hard on the leg just as she got up.
Ning Shaoyun was wearing a pair of pointed leather shoes. She used so much force that Xia Mian subconsciously closed his eyes and made a "hiss" sound.
"Ah!" Zhou Qianqian cried out in pain, probably dizzy from the pain.
Xia Mian also saw the surprise in Ning Shaobai's eyes. She didn't expect that the gentle and quiet Ning Shaoyun would actually do it herself. It was obvious that this girl must have done something that angered God.
While admiring Zhou Qianqian who was jumping up and down with her hands covering her legs, they chatted.
Ning Shaobai asked Xia Mian, "Do you like this kind of courtyard?"
Xia Mian nodded vigorously, "I like it very much."
Ning Shaobai glanced at the row of people opposite him, including the one Zhou Qianqian had brought with her, and said, "All of these are from the Huo family. Which one do you like?"
Xia Mian's eyes widened. "Why are there so many courtyards in the Huo family?"
"Well, our ancestors lived next to each other, so we are old friends." Ning Shaobai explained the origin to her, "Before the Huo family was sent down, they were very wealthy, and all the grandchildren came here to live in this row. Later, only Master Huo came back, so all the courtyards in this row became the Huo family's."
"Look, the one with three courtyards in the middle is considered an old house, but the old lady of the Huo family prefers villas and buildings, so these courtyards are almost vacant and not well taken care of. If you like, we can buy them back."
Xia Mian opened his mouth and said "Wow", then said, "What are you choosing? Only children make choices. Adults, of course, want them all!"
Ning Shaobai was stunned for a moment, then he laughed, "The one with three entrances won't work, only Chenchen's, the others are fine."
"Wow!"
Zhou Qianqian, who had just recovered, heard the girl's crisp voice, as if she had already regarded these courtyards as her possessions, "Then let's take this one first. After all, we are in a hurry to live here, so I'm here to clean up this one."
Zhou Qianqian covered her legs with her hands, her eyes red, and sneered at Xia Mian, "You are just a country girl, how shameless! This is the courtyard of the Huo family. Don't say you don't have money. Even if you have money, don't even think about buying it!"
Xia Mian looked at Ning Shaobai in confusion, "Who on earth does she belong to? Why is she so arrogant? Why does she feel like she has the final say in the Huo family?"
Ning Shaobai was about to speak when he saw the red door of Ning Shaoyun's house across the street open. A girl about ten years old came out and said happily when she saw Ning Shaoyun and Ning Shaobai, "I heard some noise outside. Sure enough, you're back!"
"Aunt Wei." Ning Shaoyun smiled and waved to Xia Mian to let her come over, then introduced her, "This is Xia Mian and Xiao Feng that I mentioned to you. This is Xia Mian's second aunt and her family."
Then he said to Xia Mian, "This is Aunt Wei, who has taken care of Xiaobai and me since we were young."
Xia Mian and Xia Wenyue hurriedly greeted them, and Aunt Wei also said enthusiastically, "Hurry up and go into the house. You must be exhausted from the journey. The meal is ready and we are waiting for you."
She looked up at Zhou Qianqian who was standing in the middle of the alley and shook her head, "She's like a dog-skin plaster, haunting us. Xiaoyun, ignore her, she's just a troublemaker."
Ning Shaoyun nodded indifferently and said to Xia Mian, "Ignore her. She's a bummer."
Forcing the mild-tempered Ning Shaoyun to say such words, it seems that Zhou Qianqian is also an extraordinary person.
Everyone knew what was going on and stopped mentioning her, and followed Aunt Wei into the house one after another.
The driver of the Huo family behind him hesitated and said, "Husband..."
Ning Shaoyun seemed to have just remembered him, turned around and said with a smile, "Xiao Li, you are Xiao Li, right? You should go back quickly. Your boss Huo is so busy, he must need you. You have been delayed for a day."
Xiao Li rubbed his hands and said, "Husband, Mr. Huo told me that he is waiting for you at home."
Ning Shaoyun laughed, "Don't I know him? He must be busy. If I go back, he won't cause any trouble. I will live here from now on. Let Mr. Huo concentrate on his work."
"Ah!" The driver wanted to say something, but Aunt Wei said with a smile, "Then Xiao Li, I won't keep you here. You've been driving all day and you're tired. Go back and have a rest."
Then the door slammed shut, leaving driver Li with a helpless look on his face.
Zhou Qianqian rubbed her legs and smiled at him, "Brother Li, you are really exhausted, right? If your family asks you to go back, then go back and rest."
The helpless expression on the driver Xiao Li's face had disappeared, and he gave Zhou Qianqian a slightly flattering smile, "The old lady really loves you, and she actually gave you such a big courtyard."
Zhou Qianqian didn't care, "This courtyard is not worth anything at all, the building is beautiful."
Xiao Li said enviously, "You are awesome. I think the young mistress is very angry this time."
Zhou Qianqian smiled complacently, "She's just angry, Brother Wen is busy, he doesn't have time to take care of her."
Those who entered the courtyard had no idea of the conspiracies and intrigues outside, or they didn't care at all.
Chenchen only asked, "Mom, aren't we going home?"
Ning Shaoyun tilted her head and said, "You want to go back? Then I will go back, but Brother Xiaofeng lives here, so you can't play with Brother Xiaofeng when you go back."
"Can I not go back?" Chenchen said happily, "I like it here, I'll stay here, I want to play with my brother Xiaofeng."
Xia Mian was a little curious. The eldest grandson of the family, who should have been loved, didn't care about his grandparents at all. How cold and indifferent the Huo family must be.
But then again, if he wasn't so cold, his parents wouldn't have given up on Chenchen when he was in the most difficult time.
Ning Shaoyun didn't want to mention it, and everyone avoided talking about it. Besides, after sitting in the car for a whole day, Xia Mian was too busy thinking about going to bed.
Aunt Wei's professionalism is definitely up to par as she has taken care of the Ning siblings since they were little. The simple but sumptuous meal whetted everyone's appetite.
After dinner, the hot water for washing was ready. After taking a shower, all the fatigue came over me and it was a good time to take a rest.
Xia Mian and Ning Shaoyun came out of the side room that was used as a bathroom, holding hands with a little kid. Both little ones were rubbing their eyes at the same time.
There was a knock on the door outside. Aunt Wei looked at Ning Shaoyun and ran to open the door.
After a while, Aunt Wei came in with a tall and handsome man and said to Ning Shaoyun with a smile, "Xiaoyun, the son-in-law is here."
Chenchen, who was rubbing his eyes, suddenly woke up and shouted happily to the person next to him, "Dad!"
Huo Xiwen's cold expression softened a little, and he quickly stepped forward and picked up Chenchen.
Chenchen was a little surprised, "Dad?"
Dad doesn't usually hug him, but Chenchen is very happy. He hugs Huo Xiwen's neck and keeps calling him dad.
Huo Xiwen stroked his back and was slightly moved. His solemn voice softened, "Are you happy living at your great-grandmother's house?"
As he asked this, he looked at Ning Shaoyun, but Ning Shaoyun's expression was still distant and cold, "Are you here?"
Huo Xiwen nodded and said "hmm" softly, "I found a big problem in the materials for the Chengbei project yesterday. I really can't open it. Sorry."
Ning Shaoyun said, "I understand. It's okay."
Then Huo Wen really stopped talking.
aestivation:…
She couldn't tell for a moment whether this guy came to apologize or to get angry on behalf of Zhou Qianqian who lived next door.
Xia Mian couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Huo, have you been across the street this afternoon?"
"Opposite?" Huo Xiwen was puzzled. "Why go there? I've been working at the construction site all day."
He looked at Ning Shaoyun and said, "I finished all my work quickly and returned home in the evening." At this point, he said softly, "I thought you went home."
It doesn't seem like she's lying. Xia Mian actually thinks that Zhou Qianqian is the one who instigated her.
However, Ning Shaoyun seemed completely dissatisfied. She didn't care whether what Huo Wenwen said was true or false.
Xia Mian felt that Huo Xiwen had taken the pill.
However, this terminally ill man was unaware of it. Ning Shaoyun didn't say anything, and he didn't say anything either. He just stared at her silently.
Xia Mian felt embarrassed for him and was about to leave when she saw the other party glance at her. He finally found a topic to talk about.
"Are you Xia Mian and Xiao Feng?" Huo Xiwen said sincerely, "Thank you very much for Chenchen's matter. When I went to Ming City before, you went back to your hometown. I'm sorry that I didn't see you."
"I will book a banquet at the Azure Pavilion some other day to express my gratitude."
"Mr. Huo, you are too polite." Xia Mian smiled, "No one would sit idly by in that situation."
Ning Shaoyun also said, "You don't have to worry about this matter," she said softly, "You are so busy, how can you take care of it? I can do it."
Huo Xinwen's eyes flashed with helplessness, "Xiaoyun, Chenchen is also my son..."
Xia Mian hurriedly took Xiao Feng back to the room, and the couple settled their own issues.
The traffic conditions in this era are really exhausting. Xia Mian fell asleep almost immediately after he lay down with Xiao Feng in his arms.
She had a dreamless night and when she woke up it was already bright. Xiao Feng was curled up beside her and sleeping soundly. It was a rare occasion that she didn't wake up early.
The courtyard has become lively.
"Look at you, a guest. How can you do these things?" This is Aunt Wei's voice.
"Oh," Xia Wenyue's voice was crisp and clear, "I have already troubled you enough. It's just sweeping the yard. There is nothing you can't do."
"Sister Wei, don't you want to cook? Go cook and leave the rest to me." She then called her daughter, "Huimei, go help your Aunt Wei pick vegetables! My daughter can't sit still either, so please arrange some work for her."
Xia Wenyue had experienced this kind of strength before, and Aunt Wei was defeated in a short while. "Alas, your sister is really stubborn."
His tone was smiling, and he was a man of good eyesight and diligence, liked by people wherever he went.
When Xia Mian was getting dressed, Xiao Feng moved and slowly opened his eyes. Seeing how sleepy he looked, Xia Mian patted his back and wanted him to continue sleeping.
As a result, the child saw something and suddenly sat up with a big smile on his face, "Auntie, Yan City!"
Xia Mian laughed and went over to help him put on his clothes. "Yes, we have arrived in Yan City."
Xiao Feng tugged at his yellow duck short-sleeves and reminded Xia Mian, "Buy a house."
"Okay, I got it. How about we live opposite your Aunt Ning?" Xia Mian said with a smile.
She had great confidence in Ning Shaobai. After all, in the original book, he was the big boss behind the scenes who would take revenge for any slight and always keep his word.
In the original book, after the Huo family gave up on Chenchen, they quickly began to go downhill. By the time Chenchen grew up, the Huo family was already struggling to survive and was trying to maintain its dignity.
Xia Mian suspected that if he had to wait for Chenchen to deal with the Huo family himself, the Huo family would not last more than ten years.
As for Huo Xiwen, Xia Mian could not remember the details. She only remembered that he seemed to have left the Huo family for some unknown reason and started his own business. In his later years, he did quite a lot of business. In the end, he left the male protagonist Huo Yuchen behind and died alone.
Xia Mian had always felt sorry for the situation of Huo Yuchen's parents, but now that she had seen it with her own eyes, she felt that Huo Yuwen might really have deserved it.
Now Ning Shaoyun is obviously upset with the Huo family. Ning Shaobai won't punish the Huo family like he did in his previous life, but he will definitely trick them a little.
Xiao Feng was very satisfied with the courtyard opposite, "Old house."
Xia Mian laughed. "It's an old house, but it won't be demolished. But don't worry, the value will increase a lot in the future."
When Xiao Feng heard that he had money, he stopped worrying. Xia Mian carried him off the bed and said, "Look for a good house. I'll check the school for you. It's time for you to go to kindergarten!"
"Go to kindergarten with brother Chenchen." Xiao Feng said. The two brothers seemed to have discussed it in the car yesterday.
Xia Mian touched his head and said, "Okay, wait until your Aunt Ning is settled, and then we'll take you to kindergarten together."
When she took Xiaofeng away, Chenchen also woke up, and Huo Xiwen took his hand to wash up.
The two little guys stood in front of the basin, and Chenchen suddenly threw the water in his hand towards Xiaofeng.
Xiao Feng was startled, and after he reacted, he also swung towards Chenchen.
Following Qiangqiang, it has to be said that the guy has a strong influence. Chenchen, who used to be a very serious little gentleman, now seems to be able to let go of himself.
But these two kids were not as wild as Qiangqiang, they just threw water droplets at each other.
Huo Xiwen was a little surprised and coughed lightly, "Chenchen."
Chenchen froze, and immediately washed up properly. Xiaofeng glanced at Huo Xiwen and leaned quietly on Xia Mian.
Xia Mian touched his head and raised her hand to help him wash his face. "Auntie will buy you a water gun later so that you can have a water fight and have fun to your heart's content."
Chenchen's eyes lit up, "Water gun?!"
"Yes." Xia Mian said, "Didn't you see it on the roadside yesterday? You should buy that one."
Chenchen was immediately happy. He washed his hands and wiped his face excitedly, then stood facing Huo Wen.
Huo Wenwen seemed to want to say something, but due to consideration for the relationship, he wiped Chenchen's face and then took the child away.
Xia Mian made a face at his back.
In the main room, Huimei and Huilan set up a large round table that could seat ten people.
Breakfasts such as fried dough sticks, steamed buns, millet porridge and tofu pudding were placed on the table, making people's appetites grow.
Ning Shaobai, dressed in a casual T-shirt and jeans, walked in leisurely from the door. After dinner yesterday, he went back to the courtyard next door, where someone was also left to take care of the courtyard.
When Xia Mian saw him, she couldn't help but be curious, "It's such a big courtyard, aren't you scared living alone?"
Ning Shaobai snorted and laughed, "As long as you don't get angry, there's nothing to be afraid of."
Xia Mian rolled his eyes, then rolled his eyeballs and grinned, "Well, I was wrong. There should be quite a few of them over there. It is said that these old houses are full of them, on the roofs, under the beds, everywhere."
Ning Shaobai's face froze slightly. Ning Shaoyun came from the main hall and said, "Xia Mian, don't scare him..."
"Sister." Ning Shaobai hurriedly stopped her, but Ning Shaoyun had already said the next sentence, "... He is really afraid of ghosts."
Sure enough, Xia Mian's eyes lit up, and there was a clear expression on his face that said "Oh my, there is such a good thing."
Ning Shaobai felt that the protection level against hibernation should be raised to the highest level recently.