Su Ting'er knew that if Shao Qi merely expressed a desire for a house, there would be a line of people eagerly offering theirs.

Not to brag, but after touring around Man Yang City Base, one would be hard-pressed to find an estate as beautiful as his Li Zhi Mountain Villa. Nowadays, many residences lacked any hint of greenery, standing stark and barren. Yet, the villa was a masterpiece of his design, and he had expended great efforts to preserve every bit of vegetation there.

He sprinted to the backyard, where an old man wearing a straw hat was diligently weeding a flourishing garden. Keeping up with the garden's demands was a monumental task daily, but this gardener was no ordinary man. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that the Li Zhi Mountain Villa wasn't solely his.

"Stop right there!" The old gardener scolded. "Watch your step! Don't you realize there's a sapling beneath your foot?"

Su Ting'er looked down, noticing a young plant he'd inadvertently crushed. "How did this sprout up again? If this garden isn't tended to daily, it'll turn into a jungle."

"You lazy fellow," the gardener replied, "Isn't their robust vitality a blessing? They hardly need any special care. Just weed them daily. Are you suggesting you'd abandon them if I weren't here one day?"

"Heh, you're still young," Su Ting'er chuckled. "Experts predict that the human lifespan will extend to a hundred years. By that count, you're still middle-aged. Death is far off; I'm just not good with plants, that's all."

"Hmph! If you're just going to stand around and be an eyesore, at least fetch me some vegetable seeds. The weather's good these days, and I want to plant some vegetables for the upcoming New Year."

Su Ting'er was unsure about the gardener's cryptic statements and hesitated, wondering whether he should inform him about the rumors of a potential change in the villa's ownership.

A honk echoed from outside the main gate. Su Ting'er dashed back to the entrance, opening the grand doors of the estate with utmost respect, welcoming Shao Qi and his entourage.

"Mr. Shao, long time no see! You're as dashing and imposing as ever!"

"If you can't compliment genuinely, then don't," Shao Qi said, sweeping a glance over the estate. Three standalone European-style buildings, each encircled by gardens bursting with flowers and even a banyan tree taller than the houses themselves—a luxurious sight from before the apocalypse, now a rarity.

Shao Qi gestured to Zhou You, "Do you like it here?"

Zhou You indeed loved the place at first glance. However, he knew it was already claimed. He jestingly asked, "Are you planning to steal it or seize it?"

"Neither. The owner owes me a significant debt. Settling it with this property is only fair."

Su Ting'er sized up Zhou You from head to toe, realization dawning on his face. "So, even Mr. Shao can pursue someone. And he's quite the grand spender. The wealthy do have a unique way of wooing."

He said obsequiously, "If you wish to reside here, please feel free. Just give me three days, and I'll vacate the premises!"

In a low voice, Zhou You asked Shao Qi, "How much does he owe you?"

"A substantial amount," was Shao Qi's cryptic response. Zhou You surmised that Shao Qi wouldn't unjustly claim someone's home, but he said, "Since it's to settle his debt to you, I should probably choose another place."

"Why the formality? Isn't what's mine also yours? But if you feel uncomfortable benefiting from me, you can always buy it. I'll give you a friends' discount." Shao Qi wasn't joking. Making Zhou You purchase the villa would be more acceptable to the public.

"Excuse me for a moment," Su Ting'er interrupted their playful exchange, "I forgot to inform Mr. Shao. There's another creditor of mine. While he hasn't pressured me to sell the house, he has claimed the garden because of his love for plants. Perhaps you'd like to meet him?"

Meeting Shao Qi's piercing gaze, Su Ting'er's heart raced. With so many creditors, he truly was in a tight spot.

Zhou You grew curious about this chubby, bald man. Who could possibly owe such an extensive debt that even Shao Qi would take note?

"Who's here?" An elderly, lean man emerged from the back of the garden, donning a straw hat and carrying a basket and a small hoe.

The expressions of both Zhou You and Shao Qi shifted simultaneously, sensing a powerful surge of energy emanating from the old man.

Shao Qi took a step forward, positioning himself between Zhou You and the elder. He didn't shrink away from the old man's probing gaze but confronted it directly.

The silent standoff lasted only a few seconds, and Su Ting'er couldn't make heads or tails of it, let alone determine the victor.

Miao Miao and the others rushed in upon hearing the commotion, surrounding the elder. They didn't point their guns at him, but they were clearly armed.

Shao Qi waved his hand, "Step back. Show respect. You must be Mr. Xuan Ning, the esteemed founder of the Xuan sect, right?"

"Sharp eyes and profound inner strength. Why do you seem familiar?" Xuan Ning took a long stride, bringing him face-to-face with Shao Qi.

Zhou You wasn’t sure about the name of this lightness skill, but he was certain the old man was an extraordinary master.

Chapter 120: Lychee Mansion

"Huh?" As Xuan Ning's gaze swept over Zhou You, he paused, then circled Zhou You with amazement. "Incredible! I almost overlooked it. You're a true gem."

Upon being identified by Shao Qi, Zhou You bowed respectfully, "Elder Xuan, I am Zhou You."

"Zhou You? That's a new name to me. It seems the truly famous nowadays are mere braggarts, while the real masters remain hidden among the common folk. Who trained you?"

"I have no sect, no lineage."

"Ha! Really? That's great!" Xuan Ning enthusiastically grabbed Zhou You's arm, pulling him towards the pavilion at the garden's center. Zhou You, sensing no malice, didn’t resist.

Interestingly, this pavilion seemed out of place amid the European-style villas, a traditional Chinese touch in a Western setting.