Chapter Seventy-Six: Preparing to Move

By the time they left the police station, two hours had passed. The Zhao family of three had finished giving their statements, and Fang Tiancheng escorted them to the station’s entrance.

“Officer Fang, thank you again,” Zhao Fan expressed his gratitude.

Fang Tiancheng waved his hand dismissively. “No need for such formality. We’re acquainted, after all. Helping you is only natural.”

Zhao Fan smiled bitterly; Fang Tiancheng’s willingness to help had surprised him. Earlier, when he received Wang Dahuo’s call, Zhao Fan had hurried to the station, only to find his words fell on deaf ears despite his best efforts. Half an hour passed, and just as Zhao Fan feared he could not delay any longer, Fang Tiancheng stepped into the police station. With greetings exchanged, the station immediately dispatched personnel. What followed was Zhao Fan and Wang Dahuo’s negotiation, and a group trip to the station for statements.

“If you have the time, let’s share a meal,” Zhao Fan quickly added, seeing the shift in Fang Tiancheng’s expression, “just as friends.”

At this, Fang Tiancheng laughed, clapping Zhao Fan on the shoulder. “Rather than treating me to dinner, why not tell me the truth about the case I’ve been investigating?”

Zhao Fan sighed helplessly. “Officer Fang, to be honest, I truly know nothing about the matter you’re investigating.”

“Alright, alright, enough of that. Is that your family over there?” Fang Tiancheng swiftly interrupted, pointing to the steps below.

There, two taxis had just stopped. Emerging from them were Zhao’s father and Zhao Haitian, who had rushed over upon receiving the news.

The two sides faced each other in awkward silence. After a moment, Zhao Fan broke it.

“Dad, big brother, you’re just in time. Let’s go home.”

Zhao’s father and Zhao Haitian exchanged glances, saying nothing.

After saying farewell to Fang Tiancheng, Zhao Fan shepherded his mother and Zhao Yun’er into the car. The taxis set off again, this time bound for the Zhao family home.

Once the door was closed, the family gathered around the table.

Zhao’s father looked grave, Zhao Haitian silently holding Zhao Yun’er.

Zhao Fan spoke, “We can’t live here any longer.”

The neighborhood they currently resided in was unofficial, with gates and security, but lax management; anyone could enter. If something happened, even an investigation would be impossible.

Zhao Haitian frowned. “If not here, where else can we live?”

“I have a villa at Yilan Residences, just renovated. It may be a bit of a squeeze, but moving in shouldn’t be a problem. If need be, I can buy a second-hand place there—the management is strict, and messy incidents won’t happen.”

“Wait, little brother, are you talking about the Yilan Residences I know? The villa-only complex?” Zhao Haitian was stunned, unable to believe it.

Could it be true? That was Yilan Residences—the place he could never afford in a lifetime.

Zhao Fan nodded slightly. “It’s the Yilan Residences you know.”

“This, this…” Zhao Haitian was speechless.

Zhao’s father lowered his head. “You’re right, but Xiaofan, about that house…”

“Dad, do you want another day like today? I was only able to bring the police because I arrived in time. What if I hadn’t?”

An elderly woman and a five-year-old girl—what would have happened if they had been in danger?

Zhao’s father’s expression changed. “We’ll move. We’ll move right now.”

If anything happened to his wife or granddaughter, regret would be useless.

Zhao Fan smiled in satisfaction, pleased with the decisive response.

“I’ll pack, big brother, you pack as well. Come over in half an hour. We won’t bring much today—let’s settle in first.”

“Alright,” Zhao Haitian replied, still dazed. He slowly stood, handing Zhao Yun’er to their mother.

“Mom, Yun’er will stay with you.”

“Alright.”

The family busied themselves with preparations. Half an hour later, Zhao Fan hailed two taxis, and the family headed to Yilan Residences.

The keys had been with Zhao’s father since the renovation. At the gates, the taxis were stopped, but Zhao’s father showed his face and they were allowed through.

The villa Zhao Fan bought was in the center, three stories, in classic Continental style, surrounded by a wooden fence that lent an air of elegance.

The taxi drivers drove into the courtyard, even lending a hand with the luggage.

“Wow, your family must be capable. These Yilan Residences homes are the most expensive in Yangcheng. Such a pricey house—impressive!” one driver remarked.

Zhao’s father grinned. “All thanks to our own children. If it were up to us, we’d never earn even a fraction of it.”

After unloading, the drivers prepared to leave.

Just then, Zhao Fan called out, handing one of them five red bills.

“Fare and a tip for your help. Thank you!”

The driver had not expected that a small favor would earn him such a reward. He offered congratulations, accepted the money, and departed happily.

Once the door was closed, Zhao’s father fretted, “He just helped carry a few things—a snack would’ve been enough. Why give five hundred?”

Zhao’s mother also looked distressed. “Exactly, there was no need to give so much.”

Zhao Fan chuckled. “It’s a new house—a bit of luck.”

“That’s still too much.”

“Heh…”

With a few soft laughs, Zhao Fan scooped up Zhao Yun’er and dashed upstairs.

“There’s a room for Yun’er here. Come on, let’s check out Yun’er’s room.”

Zhao’s parents watched their son run off, helpless and resigned, exchanging a glance before letting the matter drop.

“Come, I’ll show you our room. Haitian, pick your own.”

Zhao’s father called cheerfully, leading Zhao’s mother upstairs.

No one mentioned the master bedroom; everyone knew that belonged to Zhao Fan.

That evening, Zhao Fan took the family out to dinner. At the table, he brought up the idea of Zhao Haitian going into business.

“To be honest, big brother, I can’t help you much, but I can provide you some capital for a business. My current thought is for you to open a small supermarket. What do you think?”

Zhao Haitian was still stunned by the earlier events. Hearing the question, he quickly waved his hand.

“I have no ideas. If opening a supermarket works, then let’s open a supermarket.”

In fact, Zhao Haitian knew that Zhao Fan raising the matter meant the supermarket was guaranteed. With the path laid out, how could he raise objections?

“We’ll open a supermarket,” he reaffirmed.

Zhao Fan rubbed his nose and said with a bitter smile, “Big brother, the money is a loan, so feel free to share any business ideas. If they’re feasible, I’ll fund you.”

There was no need to agree without even considering, as if he were some tyrant.

Zhao Haitian smiled wryly. “Little brother, I’ll be honest—business is beyond me. If you arrange it, how could I have other ideas?”