It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Sunlight streamed through the clouds in golden rays, warming the streets of Huihe City Area.
Following the address Zhao Peng had sent him, Chen Mo rode his old bicycle—the kind where everything rattled except the bell—clattering across much of Huihe City Area. Its tires rolled over the bumpy flagstones of the old district, then onto the smooth asphalt of the new district, and finally came to a stop at the entrance to Guanlan Villa Area, southeast of the city.
Before he even got close, he was struck by an air of openness utterly unlike that of the old district. The imposing metal gate, three meters tall and decorated with intricate patterns, stood between pillars entwined with vines and adorned with four gleaming gold characters: "Guanlan Villa." Two security guards in crisp black uniforms stood at the gatehouse, straight as pines and sharp-eyed as hawks. Black security equipment was faintly visible at their waists. They clearly weren't ordinary neighborhood guards. Chen Mo quickly noticed their steady stances, even breathing, and slightly raised temples. They were martial artists with a foundation in Martial Arts.
One of the guards stepped forward. His gaze lingered for a moment on Chen Mo's old bicycle, but he showed not the slightest hint of disdain. Instead, he politely asked, "May I ask if you're Mr. Chen Mo?"
"I am." Chen Mo nodded.
"Master Zhao Peng has already registered your visit. This way, please." After verifying the information, the guard respectfully gestured toward the gate and pressed the control button beside the gatehouse. The heavy metal gates slowly swung open, revealing a broad road leading deeper into the complex. The guard also pointed out the exact location of the Zhao Family villa. "Go straight along the main road for three hundred meters, then turn right at the third intersection. The detached villa with the white fence is your destination."
"Thank you." Chen Mo thanked him, then slowly rode his bicycle into the complex.
As soon as Chen Mo entered, he felt as if he'd stepped into another world. Broad, smooth asphalt roads wound between meticulously landscaped greenbelts. Ginkgo and camphor trees, over ten meters tall, lined both sides, their lush branches casting dappled Light Spots in the sunlight. Detached villas of varying styles stood nestled among the trees and landscaped gardens, at least fifty meters apart, ensuring excellent privacy.
An artificial lake occupied the center of the complex. Sunlight glimmered across its surface as several white swans glided leisurely by, leaving faint ripples in their wake. A small bridge, flowing water, pavilions, and towers dotted the lakeshore, while paths paved with bluestone wound between them, creating the refined charm of a traditional Chinese garden. More remarkably, the complex also had modern amenities such as smart waste-sorting stations, outdoor fitness areas, and a children's playground—a balance of convenience and beauty. Even the air seemed especially fresh, carrying the fragrance of plants and the cool dampness of water. It was utterly different from the crowded, noisy bustle of Xingfu Residential Area.
Now this is what you call a "high-quality residential area," Chen Mo thought with a quiet sigh. Every blade of grass, every tree, every brick and tile spoke of the peace and privilege that money and resources could buy. Children who grew up here had a better environment and superior resources from birth. Their starting point was far ahead of ordinary people's.
Following the guard's directions, he soon arrived at a three-story villa with a distinctly modern, minimalist style. Its exterior walls were coated in gray and white eco-friendly paint, and large floor-to-ceiling windows gave its clean lines an understated luxury. A small garden by the entrance was enclosed by a white ornamental fence. Inside grew a variety of precious flowers and plants Chen Mo couldn't name: succulents with thick leaves and pink blossoms, climbing vines dotted with tiny purple flowers, and several uniquely shaped bonsai trees. Clearly, a professional gardener tended the place; every detail was just right.
He had only just parked when the villa's fully automatic sensor doors slid open with a swish. Zhao Peng came rushing out in a loose, light-gray set of loungewear and soft slippers, his face beaming with unrestrained enthusiasm.
"Brother Mo! You finally made it! I've been waiting forever!" Zhao Peng gave Chen Mo a punch on the shoulder. It wasn't too hard or too soft, and carried the hearty warmth unique to a young man. "You really rode that junker here? I should've had the family driver pick you up! You must be exhausted after riding all this way!"
"I'm fine. Think of it as exercise." Chen Mo smiled and rubbed his shoulder where Zhao Peng had hit him, then followed him inside. He parked his bicycle in the designated space by the villa entrance. Next to the black luxury car there, it stood out in stark contrast, but didn't look out of place. The complex's security staff were used to all kinds of visitors and paid it little attention.
The villa's interior followed the same minimalist, elegant style. The living room was spacious and bright, with a ceiling nearly five meters high. Hundreds of small crystals were strung together to form a huge chandelier, which reflected the sunlight streaming in through the windows. It glittered brilliantly without being harsh. The floor was laid with light gray marble, polished to a mirror sheen and reflecting the outlines of the furniture. A cream-colored leather sofa set occupied the center of the room, its surface soft and smooth to the touch. Beside it stood a black solid-wood coffee table, topped with a delicate tea set.
Several abstract artworks hung on the walls, their bold colors harmonizing beautifully. Lush green plants filled the corners, their leaves so vibrant they seemed to drip with color, adding a touch of nature to the interior. The overall atmosphere was comfortable and modern. The owner clearly had excellent taste, valuing quality without showing off.
"Make yourself at home! Don't be shy!" Zhao Peng sank into the broad leather sofa and casually picked up the remote from the coffee table. "What would you like to drink? Chilled cola? Juice? Or tea? We have some excellent Qingxin Tea at home. My dad had someone bring it back from Lingwu Mountain. It's supposed to calm the mind, and it can even help a little with improving Mental Strength."
"Just water, thanks." Chen Mo sat down at the other end of the sofa, his gaze casually sweeping over the room. The living room was quiet. Apart from the two of them, there didn't seem to be anyone else around.
"My parents went to a neighboring city today to discuss a chain partnership for a Martial Arts fitness center. They probably won't be back until seven or eight tonight." Zhao Peng seemed to read his mind and explained casually. Then he called toward the kitchen, "Mama Wu, could you bring us two glasses of water? And some snacks!"
"Certainly, Young Master Zhao." A warm voice came from the kitchen. Soon, a kind-faced middle-aged woman wearing a plain apron walked over with an elegant wooden tray. It held two steaming glasses of warm water and a plate of small, neatly shaped pastries—osmanthus cake and mung bean pastries that looked deliciously sweet.
Mama Wu set the tray on the coffee table and smiled warmly at Chen Mo. "Mr. Chen, please try some. I just made them."
"Thank you, Mama Wu." Chen Mo thanked her politely.
Mama Wu gave a slight nod without another word, then silently returned to the kitchen. Her steps were so light they made almost no sound; she was clearly a professionally trained housekeeper.
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