"Let's sit and chat," Xuan Ning said warmly, arranging the fruit and snacks on the stone table before Zhou You. Had Zhou You not known better, he might have mistaken Xuan Ning for a long-lost relative.

"Elder Xuan, if you have something to say, be straightforward." Zhou You watched him like a hunter who had set a trap, wondering what about him attracted this elder's attention.

"Relax, it's just making a new friend. Ask around, and you'll find I'm as good-hearted as they come. It's just that something about you caught my eye and I felt like talking. By the way, were you discussing buying this mansion earlier? I'll agree. This garden? It's mine, and I'll give it to you as a gift."

Zhou You hesitated, replying, "We shouldn't accept such generosity without reason. We'll buy it at market price. There's no need for such a gesture."

"You're being overly formal. But there's a condition. This garden, crafted with my utmost dedication, even remains vibrant in the depth of winter solely due to my efforts. I assume you wouldn't want its beauty to diminish after moving in? So, although I'm giving you both the house and the garden, let me come in and tend to the flowers. Don't worry, I'll be nothing more than a free gardener, and won't overstep my boundaries."

Zhou You wasn't convinced he just wanted to garden. But it was plausible he was attached to this garden he had nurtured for so long.

"Do you have any other requests, Elder Xuan?"

"No, not at all. At my age, I'm not asking for much. I just wish to enjoy some peaceful days as a gardener. I had my heart set on this place and don't intend to move anytime soon. Moreover, befriending someone like you? It's a cherry on top, haha..."

His hearty laughter slightly eased Zhou You's reservations. Although they hadn't clashed, Zhou You sensed he might not have the upper hand in a confrontation. Having him as a friend rather than a foe seemed wiser.

Upon hearing that Elder Xuan was gifting away the garden, Su Ting'er's expressions shifted multiple times. Could this supposedly benign old man really be this generous? Or did he take an instant liking to Zhou You?

With a gloomy face, Su Ting'er proceeded with the ownership transfer process. Many had wanted to buy this mansion before but were declined. He wondered how they'd feel knowing an outsider had now acquired it.

"Do you have any family, Mr. Su?" Zhou You asked curiously.

"No, not anymore. They perished during the great catastrophe. I'm the only one left. Hehe." Su Ting'er cast a wary glance at the not-so-pleased Mr. Shao, whispering to Zhou You, "Brother Zhou, or rather, Lord Zhou, may we discuss something?"

"You're senior to me, Mr. Su. Please just call me by my name. And please don't address me as 'lord'; it sounds rather intimidating."

"Alright, I'll cheekily call you 'Young Brother Zhou' then. Do you need a housekeeper after buying this mansion? I reckon you folks won't always stay in Yang City. You'll need someone to look after the house while you're away. How about me? Living alone can be dull. I'd be happy to serve as your housekeeper. Don't worry, I excel at serving, and as for the salary, you can decide."

Having just transferred a significant sum to him, Zhou You knew Su Ting'er wasn't in need of money. It was strange how wealthy people had such odd wishes: one wanting to be a gardener, the other a housekeeper. Could there be hidden treasures beneath the mansion?

Shao Qi cast a scrutinizing glance at Su Ting'er, remarking coldly, "Being a housekeeper is different from being the owner. Don't think about reclaiming this place."

"Of course not! You misunderstand me. I simply yearn for the company. It's hard living alone."

"With your wealth, why not adopt some children?"

"What if I can't bond with them? And children are so fragile. I wouldn't dare. I see great potential in Young Brother Zhou, and I'd like to secure a place beside him in the future."

Shao Qi nodded gravely, "You have keen judgment." Turning to Zhou You, he said, "His offer makes sense. He's well-acquainted in the Yang City base, and many things would be easier with him around. Plus, when you're away, you'll indeed need someone trustworthy to oversee the mansion."

Zhou You whispered, "But we have a tiger at home."

"Don't worry. He won't spill the beans. And even if he does, will the military come knocking?"

Still curious about Su Ting'er's background, Zhou You asked, "What does he owe you? You two seem close."

"He was once an arms dealer involved in smuggling. He was on the brink of execution when the apocalypse arrived. Using his weaponry, he formed a militia and defended the city against invaders, saving countless lives. By the time I arrived with reinforcements, his forces were nearly annihilated, and he had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Fortunately, we were able to save him."

Reflecting on that memory, Shao Qi continued softly, "His wife and daughter were killed in retaliation by spies. I helped him track them down, and he executed them personally. Since then, he's claimed he owes me a debt — be it money or life."

Zhou You blinked, feeling a mix of emotions, "So, are we really buying this mansion?"

"Don't worry. He'd feel indebted for a lifetime if he didn't seize the opportunity. Moreover, he's currently not in a position to retain that mansion. Many have their eyes on that valuable estate."

"If he's so wealthy, why doesn't he hire bodyguards to watch over the estate?"

"Master Xuan is there. With him around, no one dares touch the residence. However, if he ever leaves, it would be a different story."

"Does Elder Xuan know of his past?"

Shao Qi nodded. He wasn't familiar with Xuan Ning, but an old man living a secluded life and willingly serving as a gardener without compensation, must have reasons other than simply liking gardening. Shao Qi once tried to send someone over, but Su Ting'er refused, insisting he was safe and didn't need any military aid.