He swallowed the words back down his throat.
Mentioning that deadbeat now is such a downer.
"Alright, I should go too."
Old Jack climbed into the driver's seat, moving twice as nimbly as when he arrived, fearing that Su Wei might change his mind.
"If you ever get any good stuff in the future, don't forget your Uncle Jack! Even if it's bear bile, I can find you the highest bidder! Even if it's contraband..."
"As long as the price is fair."
Su Wei interrupted him.
"Got it! You damn miser!"
Old Jack grumbled as he shifted gears.
The pickup truck roared as it reversed out of the side road, its red taillights casting long lines in the wind and snow before quickly disappearing into the distance at the edge of the woods.
The world fell silent again.
All that remained was the whistling of the wind through the trees.
Su Wei stood under the porch, looking at the empty snowfield, and exhaled a puff of white breath.
He turned around and went inside.
Click.
The heavy solid wood door was locked.
That crisp metallic clang was like a switch, shutting out the wind, snow, and noise.
The firewood in the fireplace had been lit, and the dry pine wood crackled in the fire, its orange glow gradually spreading throughout the living room, dispelling the chill from the corners.
Su Wei took off his coat and casually hung it on the coat rack.
The Cotton Candy slid down to the ground.
The little guy first sniffed around warily, and after confirming that it was familiar territory, it immediately barked happily and ran towards the sofa on its four short legs.
It rolled around wildly in its favorite corner, exposing its soft belly, and making a gurgling sound like an engine coming from its throat.
Su Wei walked to the window.
Through the glass, all that could be seen outside was a dark, desolate wilderness.
The outline of the Pillar Mountain was invisible, as was the distant Pilan Creek; only the cold wind howled in the darkness.
There are no city neon lights here, no hot water like in Emily's apartment, and no faint fragrance.
There is only pure solitude here.
But at that moment, Su Wei felt an unprecedented tranquility.
This is his territory.
This wooden house, this land, even this snowstorm, now belong to him alone.
No need to worry about the landlord's attitude, no need to worry about bank payment reminders, no need to care about anyone's judgment.
[Host has been detected to have returned home.]
[ Life Module Activated.]
[Current environmental comfort is improving... Fatigue relief speed +15%]
A pale blue system panel appeared on my retina.
Su Wei glanced at the panel, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He walked up to the pile of supplies he had just bought.
As you tear open that expensive bag of organic flour, its distinctive wheat aroma fills the air.
The flour was poured into a sealed container, and the white dust, under the light, resembled a miniature avalanche, bringing a sense of satisfaction from the harvest.
Next, boxes of New Zealand butter were stacked into the refrigerator, and jars of spices of various colors were neatly arranged on the shelves.
Every movement was slow and meticulous.
As things were put back in their places one by one, the once cold and lifeless wooden house began to be filled little by little.
The warmth and vibrancy of life were rekindled in the hands of this twenty-one-year-old on this snowy night.
After cleaning up the last bottle of soy sauce, Su Wei washed her hands, leaned on the counter, and looked at the pile of spoils in front of her.
"Next."
He muttered to himself, picked up a broom, and looked at the wooden house that had been uninhabited for four or five days.
It's time to clean it up.
Chapter 105 A Place of Peace, Sanctuary Upgraded
Dust particles danced in the air under the lights.
Su Wei didn't rush to touch the tempting ingredients; instead, she picked up a broom.
He hadn't been back for several days, and there was quite a bit of dust; he needed to clean it up.
Su Wei picked up the broom and walked past the sofa. As he passed the sofa, a thought struck him.
He suddenly lunged forward towards the sofa, brandishing a broom above his head.
"Ha!"
"Waaaaaah!!"
The Cotton Candy was startled, its fur bristled instantly, and it slid its four paws across the wooden floor before disappearing under the sofa, leaving only its pointed ears sticking out and twitching.
"Hahaha."
Su Wei laughed heartily and ignored the coward.
He started cleaning from the entryway, beginning with the doorway.
This wooden house is even older than the Su Wei.
This wooden house was not originally built by Su Wei's parents.
After buying the land, Su Wei's parents took over the house.
It was only renovated twice, with improvements made to the plumbing and electrical systems, so it's not too old anymore.
The electricity comes from that old diesel generator.
The water is drawn from the lake and then undergoes a second water purification and filtration process.
The main structure of the log cabin is still sturdy, made of the finest Douglas fir wood from back then, but the house is old and has problems everywhere.
Su Wei took a rag and went to the window.
This is the hardest-hit area.
The wooden planks below the windowsill were noticeably darker than the rest of the area, and when you pressed them, they felt soft and unsettling.
It's a bit damp.
The gaps in the window frame were stuffed with yellowed old newspapers, made to keep out the cold wind.
Su Wei reached out and pulled out the newspapers.
"Hoo €€€€"
A gust of cold wind immediately rushed in through the gap, like someone breathing in your ear, instantly dispelling the little warmth that had just gathered.
It leaks air badly.
No wonder the diesel consumption was so high before.
It's not just the windows that are the problem; the wall insulation layer has probably already failed. If this continues, the indoor temperature will drop very quickly.
Su Wei stood up and looked around.
Previously, I was overwhelmed by debt, and every time I returned here, it was just to get some sleep; I had no interest in properly inspecting this so-called home.
Now, let's calm down and look at it.
The wallpaper in the corner had peeled off, revealing the moisture-proof layer underneath.
There are several unidentified water stains on the ceiling.
The drainpipe in the kitchen sink always makes a strange gurgling sound.
This place is a mess that needs fixing everywhere.
But Su Wei didn't feel annoyed.
He put on a rag and a bucket, climbed the ladder, and began to wipe the dusty chandelier.
Each wipe not only removes the dirt, but also seems to erase the old marks on this house little by little.
This is the process of establishing a house that belongs to him.
Three hours.
For three whole hours, Su Wei did not stop.