Zhang Jingjing paused for a moment. Her mother's words were quite logical. Housing in Zhonghai was extremely expensive—often tens of millions per unit. With Lin Yi's salary, it seemed nearly impossible for him to buy a home in the city.
Moreover, his aging Xiali car did look neglected. It was time to face the reality.
A knock at the door interrupted Zhang Jingjing's thoughts. She set down her plate and opened the door.
"Mr. Lin, you're here," Zhang Jingjing greeted.
Lin Yi nodded and replied, "How's your mother? I'm here to deliver the rent money."
Wu Jinlan appeared behind Zhang Jingjing.
"Isn't it just rent? Why go through the trouble of delivering it in person?" Wu Jinlan asked politely but with a hint of sarcasm.
"I didn't ask for permission. I've just been laid off from my job, and I'll soon be free," Lin Yi said seriously.
Wu Jinlan was taken aback. If Lin Yi had been fired, how would he pay the rent in the future?
A beep sounded, and Wu Jinlan's WeChat showed that Lin Yi had transferred 4,000 yuan to her.
"Rent is 2,000 yuan. Why did you transfer 4,000?" Wu Jinlan asked, puzzled.
"I'm 18 days overdue on rent. I thought it best to cover two months. So, the rent is paid in full. I won't be staying here anymore," Lin Yi explained.
"Not staying here anymore?" Wu Jinlan felt a mix of disappointment and slight relief. This way, she could find a better tenant.
"Well, I need to pack my things and leave now," Lin Yi said.
"Sorry, I should have charged you about 1,000 yuan more," Wu Jinlan added, sounding somewhat disappointed.
Lin Yi smiled casually, "It's no problem. I've always owed you rent, so this is nothing."
"Jingjing, don't just stand there. Help Mr. Lin, he's busy," Wu Jinlan said, trying to remain polite despite the awkwardness.
Lin Yi felt that Wu Jinlan had a human side, even though she was a bit difficult. Not staying here anymore and giving an extra 1,000 yuan was a good thing.
"Alright, I'll change clothes," Zhang Jingjing said as she prepared to help.
Lin Yi packed his things quickly. The most valuable item was a blanket he had brought from the orphanage. Although not expensive, it was very meaningful to him. The other items could be replaced, but the blanket had to be kept.
Meanwhile, Wu Jinlan and Zhang Jingjing helped Lin Yi with the rest of his belongings.
"Lin Yi, what are your plans now that you've been laid off?" Wu Jinlan asked as they headed downstairs.
"Probably becoming a Didi driver. I don't think I'll starve," Lin Yi replied casually.
Wu Jinlan and Zhang Jingjing exchanged glances. What the mother said made sense. Falling in love had to be realistic. If your income wasn't stable, how could you sustain yourself in the future?
"Mom, look! There's a supercar parked outside our building!" Zhang Jingjing exclaimed in amazement.
Seeing the silver sports car parked downstairs, Zhang Jingjing immediately realized that it must be expensive, even though she wasn't very knowledgeable about cars.
"That's strange. Who could be driving a sports car in our old neighborhood?" Wu Jinlan muttered, also recognizing the car's value.
Wu Jinlan looked for Lin Yi's old, dilapidated Xiali, which she expected to see parked there. "Lin Yi, where's your car? I don't see it."
"The Xiali isn't in use anymore. I replaced it with this one," Lin Yi said, pressing the car key. The Pagani's wing doors opened, leaving Wu Jinlan and Zhang Jingjing staring in astonishment.
"Is this your car?" Zhang Jingjing asked, wide-eyed.
"Yes, just got it today," Lin Yi replied.
"This car isn't cheap, is it?" Wu Jinlan asked.
"Over 20 million," Lin Yi said casually, placing his belongings in the passenger seat.
"Lin Yi, when did you become so wealthy? Aren't you just a worker?" Zhang Jingjing asked in surprise.
"Working was just for life experience," Lin Yi joked. "Don't pretend. I'm from a wealthy second-generation family."
Lin Yi got into the driver's seat and drove off, leaving Zhang Jingjing and Wu Jinlan stunned as they watched the taillights of the car.
"Mom, wasn't Lin Yi an orphan? He also mentioned that his parents had been dead for a long time. How is he now a wealthy second-generation?" Zhang Jingjing asked, still confused.
"There might be something we don't know," Wu Jinlan replied.
"If he's rich now, can we..." Zhang Jingjing began to think.
"Don't waste time thinking about it," Wu Jinlan said. "He wasn't suitable for you before, and now you're not suitable for him. It doesn't affect you. Just go home and check."
Half an hour later, Lin Yi arrived at the Peninsula Hotel and met Wang Tianlong in the lobby.
"Mr. Lin, the presidential suite has been arranged," Wang Tianlong said.
Lin Yi nodded. "Please help me bring my things from the car and arrange some food. After a busy day, I'm feeling hungry."
"Understood, Mr. Lin. I'll arrange everything now," Wang Tianlong responded efficiently.
In less than half an hour, everything was set. After eating, Lin Yi took a shower and enjoyed his new comforts.
Ding ding ding — Lin Yi's phone rang. It was a call from Wang Ying.
Wang Ying, who was four years older than Lin Yi, was a beautiful young woman. She had always kept an eye on Lin Yi at work, though her true intentions were unknown.
"Sister Wang, what's up?" Lin Yi asked politely.
"Xiao Yi, your colleagues at the company are very reluctant to see you leave. If you want to have dinner tonight, I'll treat you," Wang Ying said.
"Thank you, Sister Wang. You can make the reservation, and I'll treat you," Lin Yi responded generously.
"No need, I'll treat you. 5:30 PM at our usual place," Wang Ying said.
The place she referred to was Yipinju, the restaurant where the department usually had dinners.
"Okay, I'll be there on time."
After ending the call, Lin Yi checked his watch. There was still over two hours, so he had time to relax.
At that moment, a WeChat message appeared on Lin Yi's phone from Ji Qingyan.
"I'm almost done with my business. Can you pick me up? I'm still at the Urban and Rural Development Bureau."
"Of course," Lin Yi replied. "I'll be there in thirty minutes."
Immediately, Lin Yi began to get ready. His fortune and success were just beginning.