NOVEL NEXT Chapter 74: The New Beginnings
"Why?"
"Because in that case, I'd be the head of the family. Whatever decisions I made, everyone would have to accept them, whether they liked it or not. But in your case…" Lin Fang hesitated for a moment, realizing he was a bit too serious. Softening his tone, he explained, "You aren't the head of your family. And as a rich girl, as unfortunate as it appears, I don't think you will have any freedom to pursue your life partner. And that is also the primary reason why I agree to be Li Xue's fake boyfriend."
Lin Fang forced a smile, collecting the empty bowls and chopsticks as he continued. "Anyway, let's stop with these hypotheticals, alright?" He stood, moving toward the kitchen. "I'll wash these."
He was about to rinse the bowls when…
Two arms wrapped around him from behind.
"Eh?" Lin Fang froze, startled. "Zhi Yan?"
Her cheek brushed against his back as she whispered, "Please… don't move. Just stay like this."
He stood stiff, although his heart was pounding like drums.
"Don't misunderstand," she continued softly. "I'm not confessing to you or something. And this isn't the alcohol talking either. I just… I just want you to know that I like you as a person. And I wish to get to know you more. And if someday, you develop feelings for me, I mean real feelings of love, you… You don't have to think about the background. I might be a rich girl, but I get to decide my life."
Her voice trembled in nervousness as she coughed out those last set of words, and it made Lin Fang freeze, unable to find the right words for a while. As she left him and returned to the room, he stood there, feeling the warmth of her embrace that still lingered.
At last, he whispered to himself, "How is this any different from a confession? Didn't she practically say that she is interested in me?" Letting out a heavy sigh, he shook his head. "But this only complicates things."
The next morning, Lin Fang stepped out of his room, dressed neatly, leaving behind a sleeping Nebula. In the living room, Zhi Yan sat cross-legged on the sofa, sipping coffee while watching television.
"Heading out early?" she asked, turning her head as soon as she spotted him. "Will you be back by lunch… or dinner?"
Her casual tone almost made last night feel like a dream. Lin Fang caught on and played along, his voice steady. "I'm going to look at some stores for rent. Now that I've got enough funding, it's time."
Zhi Yan's brows lifted slightly. "Do you want me to come with you? I'm free today."
Lin Fang shook his head, sitting briefly to lace his shoes. "Actually, Li Liu's coming with me. We already talked about working together. I'd like her opinion on the location."
"Eh?" Zhi Yan blinked in surprise. "She told me she was going out with someone, so I thought it was a… date. I didn't realize she was going out with you."
Lin Fang's lips curved wryly. "It's not a date. We'll look at a few stores, have lunch, and head back. That's all."
"Oh… okay." Zhi Yan smiled faintly, then lowered her gaze. "It's good to see you and Li Liu getting along." Under her breath, barely audible, she muttered, "It's not because of yesterday, right?"
Moments later, Li Liu emerged from her room. She wore a tailored office suit with long pants, her hair down in loose waves instead of the usual ponytail. Confidence radiated from her with every step as she looked at him. "Let's go?"
Lin Fang stood, matching her nod.
They said goodbye to Zhi Yan and left together. As the door closed, Zhi Yan clenched her fist on the cushion. Her eyes lingered on the door frame. "I don't like this. Not one bit."
The rented car Li Liu had acquired for her work purred quietly as they drove across districts. They visited several real estate offices within twelve kilometers of Evergreen Apartments.
However, now that he had more than 7 million credits in the bank, he didn't compromise on the requirements he wanted in the store.
Lin Fang made his requirements clear at each stop:
A three-story unit,
First floor for his pet business,
Second floor for monster training,
Third floor as living quarters.
And, most unusual of all, a lease no longer than a year.
The agents frowned every time. Stores of that size demanded long-term contracts. The few that offered short leases demanded exorbitant deposits. By mid-afternoon, frustration lined Li Liu's face, though she masked it with professionalism.
Just as they put the brake to go for lunch, on the way, Lin Fang's phone buzzed with a message from Zhi Yan.
Classmate Zhi: "Try this contact. She's a friend of my aunt's — she might help. +86 139 4672 8776"
Lin Fang didn't hesitate. He dialed the number, and by late afternoon, they walked into their sixth office.
A plump lady with sharp eyes greeted them warmly. "I hear you have some particular requirements, Mr. Lin. Tell me exactly what you're looking for."
Lin Fang laid out his list once more. To his surprise, she smiled knowingly. "Actually… I do know of a place that might fit your conditions."
After a while;
They stood before a building that was tall, sleek, and modern, with its glass walls catching the late afternoon sun.
Lin Fang crossed his arms, already shaking his head as he stared at it. "Even though I have a bit of money, I don't think I can afford this entire building."
The real estate agent only smiled, lowering her voice conspiratorially as she raised three fingers. "The rent is only thirty thousand credits for the entire building. Six months' deposit upfront, that's all. However, no subletting allowed."
Both Lin Fang and Li Liu stared in disbelief.
"Why so cheap?" Li Liu asked cautiously.
The agent sighed. "Two years ago, there was a… mishap. A beast escaped from the lab on the fourth floor. Several were injured. A few died. And a year ago, someone caused an explosion during an experiment, causing deaths. Since then, nobody dares to take the lease, terming it as unlucky. However, it was fully furnished, fully equipped, and the lease can be set for as long as you want. The owner is flexible with those terms."
Lin Fang's eyes narrowed. Accident or opportunity? Either way, the terms were too good to ignore. "Let's take a look," he finally said.
They began their tour.
First Floor – Storefront. The wide glass doors opened to a spacious lobby with tiled flooring and bright display counters lining the walls. There were shelves and compartments ready for product arrangement, from monster feed bags to bottled tonics. Along the side, a section was partitioned for cold storage—ideal for raw meat cuts. Toward the back, reinforced glass cages were built for showcasing monster eggs.
"This could be your shop floor," Li Liu muttered, eyes brightening, "Everything's already fitted."
Lin Fang nodded, already picturing the Fang Fang Pets sign above the entrance.
Second Floor – Equipment Hall. The stairs led them to an open gallery-style room with reinforced racks and armor stands. There was even a fitting area where beasts could be tried with gear. "This was once used as a combat supply outlet," the agent explained.
Lin Fang thought: Perfect for the equipment branch of my business.
Third Floor – Training Arena. This floor was soundproofed with thick padded walls. He spotted a system of restraints embedded in the floor, clearly for taming violent beasts.
Li Liu raised an eyebrow, spotting them. "You could turn this into a monster training hall." Lin Fang silently agreed with it, not commenting on anything else for the moment.
Fourth Floor – Laboratory. The air felt different here—sterile, metallic, with lingering traces of disinfectant. Rows of counters, microscopes, glass tubes, and nutrient vats filled the room. The ceiling lights buzzed faintly.
"This was the lab where the accident happened," the agent said carefully. "However, it was cleared and repaired by the owner. Everything is functional."
Lin Fang's lips curved slightly. He became more and more interested at this point.
Fifth Floor – Healing Bay. This floor resembled a clinic. White walls, cushioned tables, and medical tools lined the shelves. A row of small stasis pods was built into one side, clearly used for stabilizing wounded beasts.
"Veterinary setup," Li Liu commented as she observed it carefully. "That will definitely attract tamers." By the looks of it, this is likely to come under authority in the future.
Lin Fang's heart beat faster. He was almost convinced at this point. With enthusiasm suppressed greatly in his heart, he took the elevator to the next floor.
Sixth Floor – Containment Pens. Spacious cages lined the floor, reinforced with alloy bars. Each pen had feeding troughs, water dispensers, and energy shield locks.
"Medium to large beasts could be kept here comfortably," the agent explained, pointing at them.
Lin Fang inspected one pen, envisioning rows of monsters waiting for buyers or training.
Seventh Floor – Private Residence.
The atmosphere shifted as they entered this place. The entire floor was a cozy residence—wooden flooring, warm lighting, a furnished living room, a tidy kitchen, and multiple bedrooms. Sliding glass doors opened to a balcony overlooking the cityscape.
Li Liu whistled at the sight. "This is quite a luxury. Just this residence alone should cost one atleast ten thousand credits to rent a month."
Lin Fang chuckled but didn't respond. For him, this place was more like a guest house where he could entertain some VIP clients or have private meetings. In his heart, his home still lies at Evergreen Apartments, at that shared flat of Zhi Yan's.
Finally, the agent led them to the Penthouse above the seventh floor.
"This is the owner's personal residence," she explained as they entered the elevator. "She lives alone. If you'd like, you can meet her directly."
Lin Fang and Li Liu exchanged glances, both nodding simultaneously.
Soon, the elevator doors opened to reveal a lavish space—an outdoor pool glittering under the setting sun, a rooftop garden swaying with potted greens, and beyond that, a mansion-like residence with chandeliers and marble flooring.
They rang the doorbell twice.
A voice came through the camera, and after the agent's introduction, the door unlocked with a soft click.
As they stepped into the grand living room, Lin Fang's footsteps froze, spotting a figure.
There she was.
The same silver-haired woman from the tamer exam, seated gracefully on a white sofa. At her feet rested a massive beast, its fur like liquid silver, eyes glowing with quiet menace.
"Leng Xuenyi." Lin Fang whispered under his breath.
Xuenyi looked at them and got up. "Oh, it's you. Didn't expect you to lease my building, Lin Fang."
"You remember my name?" Lin Fang stared at her, blinking twice in a row.