Chapter 121: Gao Yun’s Schemes

Chen Huajiang's intuition did not deceive him; at that moment, a group of people were indeed gathered in Anrong Alley.

“Gao Yun, don’t worry. We’re all neighbors here. Old Wu here has watched you grow up. This little matter is nothing,” one said reassuringly.

“Exactly. What do those outsiders think Anrong Alley is? They come here wanting to rent houses, but they should take a good look at themselves first,” another chimed in.

“Right, it’s all about whether we agree or not. Honestly, these past couple of days, they’ve been pestering us for rental information. It’s already bothering me,” a third added.

In the large courtyard beside the martial arts clinic, neighbors gathered, chatting and joking.

Among them was Old Wu, known as Wu Xinshui, a retired glass factory worker, now sixty-one years old. Seeing Gao Yun’s displeasure toward the strangers enquiring about rentals, he decided to lend her a hand.

“All right, then. This time I’ll take care of it,” Old Wu said.

“Let those fellows see the unity of Anrong Alley, and let them know this isn’t a place where they can just rent or buy a house with money alone,” Gao Yun said with a smiling bow of thanks.

The next day, Chen Huajiang, along with Ermao and a few others, arrived at Anrong Alley. Guided by Ermao’s younger brother, they came to Wu Xinshui’s courtyard.

Inside, a crowd had gathered, including Gao Yun and her two apprentices.

Upon seeing them, the people in the courtyard turned to look, whispering and pointing at Chen Huajiang and his group.

All present were familiar neighbors of Anrong Alley, well acquainted with one another. Naturally, strangers aroused curiosity, suspicion, and rejection.

“Are you the one wanting to buy my house?” Wu Xinshui asked, taking a drag from his pipe.

“Yes, that’s me. Buying or renting, either is fine,” Chen Huajiang replied with a smile, sensing that today was some sort of “Feast at Hongmen” — a trap rather than a straightforward negotiation.

After all, Gao Yun and her companions were here with so many neighbors; this was clearly not a usual transaction but more like a staged spectacle.

“Young man, you look clean and refined, but I, Old Wu, won’t waste words. You probably can’t afford my house,” Wu Xinshui said with a stern face after eyeing Chen Huajiang.

Chen Huajiang rolled his eyes inwardly. What did looks have to do with affordability? The old man’s words made no sense.

Still, Old Wu was right in a way. Although the houses here were homemade and different from the city’s staff residences, they were large.

“Exactly. Plus, our place has water, electricity, and natural gas hookups — many staff compounds don’t even have gas,” one neighbor added.

“Our houses here aren’t cheap. Don’t think just because they look rundown, they’re affordable,” another neighbor laughed as the others joined in.

They all knew Old Wu was setting a trap to humiliate these outsiders and crush any thoughts of renting or buying here.

With this in mind, they boasted loudly and mocked Chen Huajiang.

“How much?” Chen Huajiang asked boldly, cutting through the pretense.

“Looks like you’re stubborn. I’ll quote you a price: two thousand yuan!” Wu Xinshui raised two fingers, naming a sky-high sum.

To ordinary people earning around twenty yuan a month, two thousand was roughly ten years’ wages.

The neighbors exchanged amused glances, expecting Chen Huajiang to be shocked, to turn pale, or to curse and give up.

Gao Yun folded her arms, tilting her chin arrogantly, confident the outrageous price would humiliate him into retreat.

But —

“Fine. Two thousand it is. I’ll buy it,” Chen Huajiang answered without hesitation.

With that, Old Wu’s pipe dropped to the ground. Stretching his neck and wide-eyed, he stared at Chen Huajiang, doubting his own ears.

“What!? Two thousand? He really said two thousand?” someone exclaimed.

“Are you kidding me? This guy must be mocking Old Wu,” another said.

“Yeah, how could anyone spend two thousand on a run-down courtyard house? That’s enough to buy four or five of these,” a voice said.

The neighbors stirred with surprise and disbelief, casting doubtful looks at Chen Huajiang.

“Kid, are you playing me?” Wu Xinshui picked up his pipe, wiped the dirt off with his sleeve, and asked sternly.

“No, I’m serious. We can transfer ownership anytime,” Chen Huajiang smiled, confirming again.

Old Wu’s face turned awkward. He didn’t really intend to sell; he was just helping Gao Yun humiliate the outsider. But now, the other party’s immediate acceptance of the inflated price left him stuck, unsure what to say.

If he refused to sell, it would seem like he was being mocked.

If he sold, well, he hadn’t planned to part with the house anyway.

The crowd turned to Old Wu. Some understood his hesitance; others grew excited.

“Well…” Wu Xinshui tapped his pipe, then shook his head and gritted his teeth, “This house means a lot to me. The yard is big and well cared for. Two thousand is impossible.”

“How much then? You’re not just teasing me, are you?” Chen Huajiang’s expression darkened. He had already seen through their ploy, but it didn’t matter.

Several neighbors were already restless and eager. Even if Old Wu refused, Chen Huajiang believed others would sell if the price was right.

“At least four thousand,” Wu Xinshui said after some hesitation, doubling the price.

He relaxed slightly. If they still wanted it at that price, he’d sell—he could always buy another house. If not, his old residence was safe, and he needn’t worry.

“Old Wu, don’t think I have to buy your house,” Chen Huajiang scoffed, scanning the crowd.

“Are there others selling around here? I’m offering two thousand for a place,” he declared.

“Once in a lifetime opportunity,” he added with a confident smile.

Suddenly, a man in his thirties raised his hand eagerly, shouting, “Mine! I’ll sell mine!”

“My house! It’s right next to Old Wu’s, bigger yard, and even has a loquat tree that bears fruit every year,” a woman in her forties added excitedly.

Soon, several other homeowners expressed their willingness to sell, eyes bright with anticipation as they looked at Chen Huajiang.

Chen Huajiang smiled but didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he looked toward Gao Yun in the crowd.

Her face was ashen now, devoid of the earlier playful, triumphant smile. Her lips were tightly pressed, likely gritting her teeth in frustration.

She noticed Chen Huajiang’s gaze, which bore a mocking smile in her eyes as if ridiculing her. The fury rising within her was palpable; her fists clenched tightly, trembling slightly.

She wanted nothing more than to rush forward and wipe that smirk off his face.

But before she could act, the situation shifted again.