Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Tang Qingqing was at a loss for how to react, surprised that Tang Jixue had so directly given her this house and also that he had found out about what was going on between her and Zhai Hongyi.

"Third Brother, you can't do this. I can't accept this house!"

Buying this house wasn't a small expense. Even though Tang Jixue had made a lot of money from his business, it was still a significant cost for him.

Tang Jixue waved his hand. "You know my temper. Don't argue with me. If I say take it, then just take it."

"But..."

"There's no 'but.' If not for you, I wouldn't even know where I'd be now. It's just a house; it's nothing. Besides, when I come to the capital in the future, I'll have a place to stay."

"This gift is too heavy. I can't accept it."

"Enough with the fuss. I don't want to hear this. That's final!" Tang Jixue dug his fingers into his ears, looking annoyed.

Tang Qingqing disagreed. "You're not married yet. You need to save money for your future wife. You shouldn't be so extravagant."

"Exactly because I'm not married yet, I can afford to spend like this. Once I get married... Of course, I won't find you a stingy sister-in-law, but things won't be as easy as they are now."

"Don't think I'm giving you this house for any other reason. I've already said that part of my business belongs to you. If you don't take the money, I still need to show my appreciation. By the way, when you get married, my gift won't be this generous."

Tang Qingqing felt a mix of emotions. "Third Brother..."

Tang Jixue immediately made a gesture of surrender. "Little Sister, please spare your Third Brother. I really don't like dealing with family matters like this. It's such a hassle."

Tang Qingqing sighed and didn't continue to refuse.

"Third Brother, thank you."

"That's more like it." Tang Jixue was satisfied. "I'm your brother. A simple thank you is enough when I give you something."

Tang Qingqing looked at the house again, feeling differently.

"Third Brother, if you have extra money, why not buy another house nearby? If it's not convenient now, you can do it in a couple of years."

Although these houses will appreciate in value, the cycle is long. For someone in business, having so much money tied up here without generating income isn't practical. At least, that's the current view.

Especially for someone capable, the speed of making money can be faster than the appreciation of property, potentially earning more in the long run.

Moreover, during this process, one can maintain a high quality of life. If most of the money is tied up in fixed assets without generating value, it's not worth it.

However, not everyone has smooth sailing. Many people earn less from their businesses than the appreciation of property, making it better to invest in real estate.

Tang Qingqing was concerned about this point. Otherwise, based on Tang Jixue's current ability, it would be better to invest the money in his business.

"Alright, I'll work harder and try to become your neighbor someday," Tang Jixue laughed. "It looks like both of you are always busy and traveling. When you have children, it will be convenient for your sister-in-law to help look after them."

He was actually quite tight on funds, but since his little sister mentioned it, he appreciated her concern.

During his time in the south, he learned about the potential of real estate.

Buying a house, especially in the capital, is always a good investment.

Tang Qingqing blushed. "Third Brother, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"What nonsense? Do you not have feelings for that Zhai guy?"

Tang Qingqing remained silent. She hadn't officially agreed to anything with Zhai Hongyi yet, but their relationship had changed somewhat.

She couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed, but she could feel the difference. In the past, she would miss him after they parted, but not as intensely as now.

After separating for a short while, they would dive back into work and studies. Now, she often thought of him.

Sometimes her heart would race inexplicably, and she couldn't look him in the eye as before.

They now talked more casually, sharing trivial details, unlike before when their conversations were focused and efficient.

Despite this, she didn't feel it was a waste of time and still found it interesting.

"Third Brother, how did you know?"

Tang Jixue pointed to his eyes. "What are these?"

"Eyes."

"They're still working fine, haven't gone blind yet."

Tang Qingqing tugged at her long hair, embarrassed. "Is it that obvious?"

"It's practically written all over your face! Zhai Hongyi used to insist I call him 'Yi,' but now he calls me 'Third Brother.' Anyone can tell what he wants."

Zhai Hongyi didn't hide it. When Tang Jixue asked, he admitted everything.

Though he confessed that they weren't at that stage yet, he was waiting for Tang Qingqing to adjust to the change in their relationship. Based on his understanding of Tang Qingqing, Tang Jixue knew they had a chance.

Tang Jixue was very satisfied with this potential brother-in-law, but as a brother, he couldn't just focus on his excellence.

He had investigated Zhai Hongyi and learned that he supported Tang Qingqing continuing her career, without expecting her to stay home and raise children or serve the elderly. Tang Jixue believed this person deserved his sister.

Tang Jixue understood Tang Qingqing well. She wouldn't sacrifice her career for family. She had her own dreams and aspirations.

Moreover, she was so talented that it would be a waste for her to settle for a leisurely job after graduation. Tang Jixue felt it would undermine all her hard work.

As a brother who had once been suppressed himself, he knew the pain of being constrained.

Tang Qingqing had rewritten her destiny through her efforts, making her character even stronger.

If she were to find a husband who would hold her back, although Tang Jixue firmly believed she could handle it herself, there was no need to waste energy on such matters.

Zhai Hongyi supported Tang Qingqing's career, and the admiration and appreciation in his eyes when he spoke about it couldn't be concealed. Tang Jixue felt this person was reliable.

Tang Qingqing, hearing this, said helplessly, "Third Brother, you think Brother Hongyi is good because he supports my career. Yet, you want your future sister-in-law to stay at home, which is too hypocritical."

"This is different. I'm looking for a woman who isn't career-driven but rather a homemaker. If she isn't that type, I won't marry her. Besides, I didn't say she'd just stay at home; it's just that more of her focus would be there."

Tang Qingqing chuckled, "But the women you usually admire are those with a strong drive, not the gentle and virtuous types."

"I'm talking about your situation, why did we end up discussing mine? My future sister-in-law hasn't even appeared yet."

Tang Qingqing recalled that in another timeline, Tang Jixue had never married during the span of her memories, causing Su Rong much worry.

Tang Jixue, however, remained calm. He had been in a few relationships, but they all ended due to various issues.

He wasn't in a rush to get married, enjoying life as it came.

Tang Qingqing guessed that perhaps the type of woman Tang Jixue liked was different from what he wanted in a wife. However, such matters couldn't be rushed; everything depended on fate.

Tang Jixue lived well alone, but Su Rong often complained to another version of herself about this and tried to set him up with potential partners, causing quite a fuss.

However, now Tang Qingqing didn't have this worry. Su Rong definitely wouldn't ask her to solve Tang Jixue's marriage problem.

Tang Jixue approved of Tang Qingqing not officially agreeing to a relationship with Zhai Hongyi yet.

"You've just started university; you shouldn't rush into dating. You still have over three years left. Who knows what might happen. Girls should be more reserved and not let him have his way easily."

Though Tang Jixue spoke vaguely, Tang Qingqing understood the underlying message.

As long as relationships don't cause a scandal, universities generally turn a blind eye. But if something serious happens, it won't be overlooked.

If Tang Qingqing and Zhai Hongyi decide to be together, they're likely heading towards marriage. At their age, who knows what might happen in moments of intense passion.

Zhai Hongyi might not mind, but it would be troublesome for Tang Qingqing.

Although Tang Jixue admired Zhai Hongyi, he didn't trust men's self-control. Tang Qingqing, while smart in her field, wasn't always savvy and might be easily swayed.

This was also why Tang Jixue immediately agreed to buy a house. If Tang Qingqing stayed outside the dorms, she shouldn't live in Zhai Hongyi's residence; that would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den.

Tang Jixue grew increasingly worried and said, "Little Sister, we're not in a hurry. Four years will pass quickly. Men need to be tested to know their worth. Don't think that because you've known each other since childhood, everything is fine. Relationships aren't that simple."

Tang Qingqing wanted to laugh but knew Tang Jixue genuinely cared for her. She nodded and replied:

"Third Brother, I understand."

Tang Jixue added, "If anything happens, don't panic. No matter how big the issue, Third Brother will stand by you."

Tang Qingqing felt a lump in her throat, "Third Brother, you're so kind!"

"That's because you're good enough. I'm not nearly as kind to Elder Brother and Second Brother."

When Tang Jixue said this, he subconsciously clenched his hand, a shadow crossing his mind.

He hadn't told anyone, but there was another important reason he could quickly afford a house.

Just before he planned to go to the capital, he received a letter from Tang Zhenzhen.

The letter expressed regret and detailed her current hardships, essentially asking for money.

It wasn't the first time Tang Zhenzhen had written to Tang Jixue. Usually, her letters contained words of concern, seemingly trying to mend ties with the family.

After being siblings for over a decade, Tang Jixue couldn't remain indifferent.

Not wanting to make things difficult for himself, he decided to spend most of his cash.

Tang Qingqing didn't know these details and only wanted to express her gratitude.

"Third Brother, what do you want to eat tomorrow? I'll cook for you. You like my cumin chicken, right? Shall we have that?"

Tang Qingqing rarely cooked at home because Su Rong insisted she not do so, fearing it would affect her studies.

Tang Jixue had only tasted her cooking when visiting her home and praised it highly.

Tang Jixue snapped back to reality and feigned hunger, "That sounds fantastic! I've been craving it!"