Chapter 476

To make his reason more complete.

Liu Guangtian spoke to beautify Liu Haizhong's violent beating of him back then.

Master He, in front of San Daye and the neighbors, I, Liu Guangtian, will speak from the heart: being beaten is, to me, really a memory; I once resented that my father couldn't treat everyone equally—after all, they are all his children—why does the eldest get punished when he makes a mistake while the second and third get beaten? Why, when I'm angry, do I take it out on me and Guangfu, beating me with a feather duster and a belt?

He paused for several seconds.

He took a breath.

Back then I really hated him, but later, especially after I got married and had my own child, looking at things from a father's perspective, I also came to understand how difficult it was for my father back then—he worked hard to earn money to support the family, and even Yi Zhonghai didn't appreciate him; if it were me, I'd have to do the same. This house carries too many of my memories; as long as the house stands, the home remains; no matter what, at the very least it is still a longing.

He forced a few ingratiating smiles.

He also bowed slightly toward Shazhu.

His expression and bearing were somewhat similar to the traitorous lackey in the movies.

Master He, I came to see you today; in front of the neighbors, there's actually nothing major—I just hope you, considering our years of neighborly ties, will sell our Old Liu Family's house back to me; the people of the Old Liu Family will surely remember your great kindness, Master He.

Worried that Shazhu might not agree.

He quickly called out the price.

I remember when you bought the house, you offered 360, which was 100 below market price; I'm buying our family's old house at market price, so I'll give you 460.

A faint hint of pride appeared.

It appeared on Liu Guangtian's face.

He thought he had Shazhu under control.

On one hand, Shazhu surely doesn't know that the Liu Family hides treasure; on the other hand, profit moves people—from Er Da Ma selling the house to Liu Guangtian buying it, this period lasted at most just over ten days.

Over ten days' time.

He transferred it from his left hand to his right hand.

He earned 100.

That equals three months' wages for some people.

It can be called a windfall like a pie falling from the sky.

Such a good thing.

Where could one find such a thing?

If at this moment Liu Guangtian and Shazhu swapped identities, with Shazhu buying Liu Guangtian's house, Liu Guangtian would surely eagerly agree to the other's purchase request, fearing they might change their mind, and hurriedly complete the transaction—hand over money, hand over the house—since this is a good thing where you can earn 100 just by flipping it; only a fool would refuse.

After Liu Guangtian made his offer.

He gazed eagerly at Shazhu.

His peripheral vision also took in the expressions of the surrounding neighbors; sure enough, as Liu Guangtian had expected, seeing that Shazhu could earn 100 in just over ten days, everyone widened their eyes.

This is money.

Some people made gulping sounds; others felt endless envy and jealousy of Shazhu's good fortune, a hint of regret rising in their hearts: back when Er Da Ma fainted, why did they hide? Why didn't they immediately send Er Da Ma to the hospital? If, like Yu Li, they had sent Er Da Ma to the hospital back then, the Liu Family's house would have been theirs; now the people who could earn 100 just by flipping it are them.

Too bad.

There's no regret medicine in the world.

While resenting themselves, the neighbors with ulterior motives could only watch helplessly as Shazhu was hit by a windfall, wondering when they too would strike it rich.

Unexpected to the neighbors, faced with the easily obtainable profit of 100, Shazhu actually said no, shaking his head expressionlessly at Liu Guangtian.

Liu Guangtian, full of pride.

He froze on the spot.

He is not stupid.

He naturally understood the meaning of Shazhu's head shake.

Yet he did not panic.

Shazhu's refusal was also within Liu Guangtian's expectations; he deliberately acted confused.

Master He, you mean you don't agree?

Yes.

A clear answer.

It made the surrounding neighbors each draw in a sharp breath.

Good fellow.

A true good fellow.

A business that earns 100 in over ten days.

Shazhu actually still complained the money was too little and didn't want to sell.

If Shazhu needed a house, stubbornly refusing Liu Guangtian's purchase offer, the neighbors could barely accept it.

The problem is that Shazhu now lacks no house at all—the house of Long Laotaitai in the rear courtyard, the house of Yi Zhonghai in the central courtyard, and the house of Lao Li in the front courtyard have all been bought by Shazhu. With so many houses, the reason he won't sell is naturally that he finds Liu Guangtian's offer a bit low.

Master He, I'll add another forty, making it a flat five hundred to buy back our Old Liu Family's house; that's equivalent to earning 140 from flipping it, which matches Liu Guangtian's four months' wages.

Worried that Shazhu would demand an exorbitant price, after Liu Guangtian made his second offer, he began to act out this poor-man act, once again playing the emotion card.

I really can't bear to part with this house; I merely regard this old house as a longing for my memories, truly having no other thoughts—Master He, considering our years of neighborly ties, please fulfill this homesick heart of mine.

Master He, agree to Liu Guangtian's request; a profit of 140—if it were me, I would certainly agree.

Master He, agree to him—let's do cash on delivery, hand over money, hand over the house.

The kind-hearted neighbors.

They began to persuade Shazhu.

Purely the intention to flatter.

They wanted to leave Shazhu a good impression.

Moreover, some took up the role of mediator, standing from Shazhu's perspective, saying things unfavorable to Liu Guangtian.

Guangtian, you already said it—this house is your longing, also the Old Liu Family's longing; don't insist on a flat five hundred yuan. This house, after Yu Li had people tidy it up—wiping the glass, repainting the walls, and re-papering the window panes—represents hard work; add another fifty, make it five hundred fifty, and we have a deal.

Having heard that Yu Li had tidied the old Liu family house, Liu Guangtian's heart—if not held back by his chest—would have likely flown out by now.

However, the neighbors' later remarks dispelled Liu Guangtian's worry that the treasures would be taken by Yu Li.

All in all, it was just a simple repaint.

As long as the floor isn't relaid.

Then it's fine.

Liu Guangtian speculated that the gold, silver, and treasures were buried by Liu Haizhong beneath the floor tiles inside the Liu family house.

Five hundred fifty yuan.

Within Liu Guangtian's acceptable range.

If not for worrying about startling the snake.

Shazhu opened with a bid of one thousand; he would still want to buy the house back.

Going along with the neighbors' smoothing remarks, he said, 'Master He, the neighbors said I can't lose face before them, so I'll follow their opinion and add another fifty yuan.'

'Master He, Liu Guangtian is adding another fifty for you; let's sell this house to him, Liu Guangtian.'