Chapter 324: A New Beginning Together

With the home purchase contract now officially in effect.

The four of them stood in front of the house that would truly be theirs.

Each one buzzing with excitement.

Pushing open the gate, they saw a stone path leading to a spacious garden, with a garage and pond not far off.

The three little ones glanced around eagerly, already brainstorming how to transform the place.

Turning it into a cozy home.

Then came the three-story villa: the first floor had the living room, study, and more; the second floor featured bedrooms, a dressing room, and closets.

The third floor was for the kids down the line—now it could serve as a temporary storage area.

Stepping into the master bedroom on the second floor, it was a massive room.

The bed was pieced together from four double beds, big enough for seven people to toss and turn without feeling cramped.

The four of them finished touring the rooms and flopped onto the bed together with a whoosh.

Gazing up at the ceiling.

Heqing sighed, “What a huge house, and such a soft mattress—feels like a palace.”

Lily blinked, “I can’t believe that one day I’d actually live in a villa, and it’s not even rented.”

Han Wenwen’s face flushed, “Having a place of our own with the person I love—it’s like a dream come true.”

Heqing turned and whispered, “Lin Zheng Ran, how much did this house cost you? You didn’t say earlier.”

Lin Zheng Ran replied, “Probably about a fifth of my savings, since it’s fully furnished.”

The three of them reacted with a mix of heartache over the expense for Lin Zheng Ran and awe at the price of this new three-story villa with its vast garden.

They didn’t even dare guess the exact amount, and yet Lin Zheng Ran could afford five such places…

Lin Zheng Ran added:

“Don’t worry, my salary is annual. Though this house is pricey, the company did great this year thanks to Jingshi, so the year-end bonus will cover it.”

Hearing this, the three realized they should start earning too—whether a little or a lot, at least to help out their boyfriend with household expenses.

Lin Zheng Ran reminded them, “By the way, you three, now that we’ve bought the house, make time in the next few days to move your dorm stuff over and handle the day-student paperwork.”

Little Heqing asked curiously, “Do we need to tell the counselor for the day-student paperwork?”

“Of course. Jingshi’s side with the school is straightforward, but mainly it’s about your uncle and aunt. Heqing and Lily, you two need to talk to your parents—it’s a key step, or the school won’t approve.”

The two murmured in agreement, suddenly feeling a bit awkward because discussing this with their families could go either way.

After speaking, Lin Zheng Ran quietly took Han Wenwen’s hand.

Han Wenwen turned, her fox-like eyes meeting his as their fingers intertwined.

She smiled with red lips, “Back at the rented house in the small town, I still have a lot of stuff. Once we sort the paperwork, could you come with me to move, Brother Zheng Ran?”

“Sure.”

No time like the present—that afternoon, Little Heqing and Lily each called their parents.

Little Heqing and Lily huddled together on the bed, the former twirling her hair shyly as she said, “Mom, I have something to tell you. I don’t want to live in the dorm anymore. I want to move out with Lin Zheng Ran.”

Aunt He paused, “Little Qingqing, I didn’t catch that. Say it again for Mom.”

Little Heqing stammered cutely, squeezing her eyes shut for courage as she spoke faster, “Mom! I want to rent a place with Lin Zheng Ran and live with him. Please say yes!”

Lily listened to Heqing’s boldness and swallowed hard before calling her own parents.

Her free hand nervously smoothed her twin tails.

“Dad, Mom, it’s Lily. Can I talk to you about something? Hehe, I want to rent a place outside. Is that okay?”

Jiang’s dad and mom quickly pieced it together: “Rent a place? By yourself? Or with Zheng Ran? Are you two planning to live together at university?”

Lily’s face burned as she mumbled,

“Well, yeah, with him.” She pouted proudly, “Oh, come on! We’re already together, so living together is fine. Don’t worry, Dad and Mom, renting with Zheng Ran will be safe—you can trust us!”

Just the girls asking might not sway their parents much.

As their boyfriend, Lin Zheng Ran naturally had to speak with both sets of parents too.

You could say growing up together gave it extra weight.

Aunt He needed no convincing—even without the past events, years of experience told her that her daughter would end up with Lin Zheng Ran.

And during that last trip, when her daughter hesitated on the phone, it was clear things had gotten even closer, so renting was no big deal.

Jiang’s parents had watched their daughter and Lin Zheng Ran grow up together too.

Lily didn’t have many playmates, and the way she lit up around Lin Zheng Ran, always inseparable—that joy wasn’t lost on them. Plus, they’d been a couple since high school.

So things went smoothly; both sets of parents agreed to let their daughters move out.

In a way, it was like indirectly approving Lin Zheng Ran as their future son-in-law.

That afternoon, Han Wenwen snacked on chips in the room, watching Little Heqing and Lily continue their calls to reassure their parents.

As if to ease their minds further.

The little fox looked on curiously, briefly wondering how she’d handle telling her own parents if she had them.

In the end, Han Wenwen couldn’t picture it.

Because her eyes were soon drawn to Lin Zheng Ran nearby.

She reflected on how seeing others with their parents used to make her feel down, but now that emotion was gone—all she saw was Brother Zheng Ran.

After all, her parents never truly loved her, but Brother Zheng Ran never would leave her side.

She bit into a chicken-flavored chip and, while the others were on their calls, slipped over to Lin Zheng Ran.

Rising on her tiptoes.

She hugged his neck.

Her fox eyes held a teasing glint, as if asking, “Brother Zheng Ran, want a chip?”

Lin Zheng Ran pulled her close by the waist without hesitation.

He took the half-chip from her mouth in a kiss.

Leaving Lily and Little Heqing staring in shock from across the room.

Lily watched her spot get stolen and fumed, “Han Wenwen! What are you doing? Stop that!”

She ended her call with her parents and rushed over to pull the fox away, halting any more kisses.

But Han Wenwen tried for one last peck before being dragged off.

Lily yelled, “You sly fox, don’t keep stealing kisses from Zheng Ran every chance you get!”

Han Wenwen pouted innocently in Lin Zheng Ran’s arms, “Stealing? It’s just kissing my boyfriend.”

“Excuses! Zheng Ran, you’re spoiling her too much! You can’t just kiss whenever!”

Lin Zheng Ran stroked Han Wenwen’s head, “It’s the same for all of you—you can kiss anytime too.”

Lily blushed, lost for words.