West Mountain Separate Garden

Shen Jingchuan didn't rule out the possibility of a definitive answer:

"I understand now. Here's what I'll do: I'll ask around through my connections and see if I get lucky. These things are all about fate. If we find it, great; if not, please don't be upset."

"Okay, okay." Professor Wen nodded quickly, relieved. "It's good that you're willing to ask. Please don't force yourself. Whether it works out or not, I'll appreciate your kindness."

The meal ended without discussing any serious matters, only lighthearted casual conversation. By the time the meal was over, it was already late, and Shen Jingchuan drove Meng Ke away from that nameless courtyard in the West Mountain.

After everyone left, Professor Wen went around to the backyard and saw Elder Yang sitting in a wicker chair, gazing at the moonlight in a daze. He walked over and said softly:

"We talked, and I tested the waters. He didn't refuse outright, but I could tell he was having some difficulties. He just said he'd try to find out more."

Elder Yang hummed in agreement, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and spoke in a calm and magnanimous tone:

"Then don't make things difficult for their child. If they are fortunate enough to have such a child, it's a blessing for Old Li and Old Ye; if not, it's simply not their destiny."

He paused, his gaze falling on the swaying pine shadows in the distance, his voice softening:

"Actually, after taking the medicine for a while, I could feel that the effect had almost peaked. After taking the last two doses, I couldn't feel any effect anymore."

I can hardly believe how well I've recovered, but seeing my two old friends getting weaker day by day is heartbreaking. It would be wonderful if they could stay with me for another two years; if not, I won't force it."

The night wind swept through the courtyard, carrying the sound of pine trees Professor Wen stood silently to the side, keeping the old man company as he gazed quietly at the moonlit courtyard.

"By the way, Xiao Wen," Elder Yang suddenly spoke, tapping his fingertip lightly on the armrest of the wicker chair, "You said he's looking for a house?"

"Yes, he was looking at apartments when he answered the phone." Professor Wen turned around, a hint of a smile in his voice. "The two young people looked very affectionate, like they were preparing for their wedding."

Without saying much, Elder Yang raised his hand and pressed the call button embedded in the armrest. Less than half a minute later, a middle-aged man with a ramrod-straight posture strode in, his expression respectful. "Elder Yang, you wanted to see me?"

It was Secretary Zhou.

"At the foot of West Mountain, there's a courtyard house my second son bought a few years ago. It's been vacant ever since. Go and complete the paperwork to transfer it to a young friend surnamed Shen."

Elder Yang spoke calmly, as if he were talking about something extremely ordinary:

"Ask Elder Wen for details; he knows. If the other party approves, proceed directly; if not, subtly inquire about their preferences and make alternative arrangements."

He paused, then his tone became more forceful:

"All expenses should be collected from my second son, through his private accounts, and he is not allowed to touch public funds. This is my personal matter and has nothing to do with the public."

Upon hearing this, Secretary Zhou subconsciously turned to look at Professor Wen beside him. Seeing Professor Wen nod slightly to indicate that he understood, he immediately looked away and replied in a deep voice:

"Understood, I'll take care of it right away."

The next morning, Shen Jingchuan had just finished getting ready and was about to travel to another world when his phone suddenly rang. It was Professor Wen calling.

"Young Friend Shen, haven't you been looking for a place? I happen to have one here, the location and environment are quite good, would you like to come and take a look?"

"Oh? Where is it?" Shen Jingchuan asked casually.

"Right in the West Mountain."

Shen Jingchuan's heart stirred slightly. He knew the West Mountain area well; it had always been a gathering place for the wealthy and powerful, with an extremely low population density and was the quietest place imaginable. It was not far from the Fifth Ring Road, and in terms of location alone, it completely met his requirements.

He had no concept of housing prices to begin with, and could afford any price, so he didn't ask any further questions and simply replied:

"Okay, I'll go take a look. Could you give me an address?"

"You don't need to look for me, I'll send someone to pick you up. Go to Xiao Meng's shop, a Mr. Zhou will be waiting for you at the entrance shortly; have him bring you over."

"This is too much trouble for you."

"What trouble is it? You've helped me so much, this is nothing."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shen Jingchuan hung up the phone and changed his plans, driving straight to Meng Ke's jewelry store. As he parked and approached Meng Ke's shop, he saw a middle-aged man standing at the entrance.

The man was dressed in a well-fitting dark suit, with an upright posture and a calm, reserved demeanor. One glance was enough to tell that he was no ordinary person.

Upon seeing Shen Jingchuan approach, the man immediately stepped forward, his tone respectful:

"Hello, are you Mr. Shen? My surname is Zhou. I've been asked by Elder Wen to show you the house."

Just then, Meng Ke parked his carriage and came over from behind. Seeing the two of them standing at the door talking, he walked over with a smile:

"Jingchuan, who is this?"

"Elder Wen called me this morning and said he'd introduced us to an apartment and we should meet here, so I didn't tell you beforehand."

Shen Jingchuan casually put his arm around her shoulder. "Is everything at the shop this morning? If not, let's go check it out together?"

"Nothing urgent, let's go."

Secretary Zhou immediately stepped aside and led the two to the side of the road, where a low-profile Hongqi sedan was parked not far away.

Shen Jingchuan didn't notice, Meng Ke took a closer look. The license plate numbers were extremely small and inconspicuous, but those in the know understood their significance.

He proactively opened the back door and invited the two to sit in the back seat, while he himself sat in the front passenger seat. Throughout the entire process, he was extremely courteous, treating the two as honored guests.

The driver remained silent, and the car started smoothly, heading deeper into the West Mountains.

Less than twenty minutes later, the car arrived at the entrance of a villa area. The four ancient and somber characters "West Mountain Separate Garden" on the lintel immediately reminded Shen Jingchuan of the place.

This place is extremely famous in Capital. It's not that it's expensive, but even if you have the money, you might not be able to buy it. You can't even find the price online. It seems that Elder Wen's circle is truly impressive.

The entire villa area stretches from the foot of the mountain to the mountainside, with only more than thirty detached villas in total. Each villa is separated by hundreds of meters of native forest, covering a vast area and offering maximum privacy. It is a rare and truly tranquil place amidst the hustle and bustle.

The car drove up the gentle winding mountain road and finally stopped in front of an independent courtyard gate halfway up the mountain. On the gate were simply two words " Zero One".

The courtyard gate is a typical old Beijing courtyard house, with some traces of Hui-style architecture, gray walls and black tiles, wooden doors and copper rings, looking understated and simple.

Pushing open the door, you are greeted by a spacious courtyard with carved corridors and railings surrounding the flowers, trees, and rocks. As you walk further in, you will find three courtyards that advance one after another, along with a separate garden at the back. The entire residence covers a very large area.

"This courtyard is a traditional siheyuan (traditional courtyard house) layout, covering an area of 1,200 square meters, with a building area of over 800 square meters excluding the basement, and a three-courtyard design."

Secretary Zhou followed behind and quietly introduced:

"It looks like a traditional Chinese courtyard house, but the interior is completely modern, with a kitchen, bathroom, underfloor heating, and smart home features. It's just as convenient to live in as a regular modern villa."

"This is the second son of the Elder Yang. He bought it more than ten years ago, but it's been vacant and hardly ever lived in. Hearing that Mr. Shen was looking at houses, he asked me to show it to you and see if you like it."

Shen Jingchuan immediately understood what was going on. Elder Yang must be the high-ranking leader he had helped before.

Walking along the corridor, my eyes swept over everything. Just as Secretary Zhou had said, the flying eaves and brackets, the secluded courtyard, all exuded an ancient charm. Pushing open the door, I found a simple yet elegant modern interior. The functional areas were rationally divided, without any of the crampedness or oppression of the old house. It perfectly blended Chinese elegance with modern comfort.