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Chapter 11: A Place for Grandma
Yang Xie decided that it would be best to rent a house in the city for his grandmother. The city was filled with people, and it would be nice for her to learn square dancing. Grandma had been feeling very lonely living on her own. Dancing in the square would allow her to make new friends and enjoy some companionship.
Since Yang Xie spent most of his time at school, he didn't have much time to spend with his grandma. Additionally, the city was much safer than the suburbs, especially with the presence of many warriors. Even if alien beasts attacked, the warriors would be the first line of defense.
Determined, Yang Xie made up his mind to go ahead with the plan. However, he found himself short by 2,000 yuan. Without money, and uncertain when the government subsidy of 10,000 yuan would arrive, he reluctantly decided to ask for help.
He still had to discuss it with Nangong Ya, his wealthy partner.
"Your idea is great," Nangong Ya said, nodding in agreement. "While most alien beasts are dealt with outside the city, there's still the occasional one that slips through. It's definitely safer for grandma to live in the city."
Yang Xie smiled gratefully. "Nangong, my dear, you'll have to help me out a little more."
Nangong Ya didn't answer directly but stared at him thoughtfully for a moment, before speaking again.
"I have an idea. Why don't you let grandma stay at my family's place? She'll be much safer there."
Yang Xie's eyes widened in surprise. He knew that Nangong's family was well-established and protected, with many powerful warriors. It would certainly be a safe haven for his grandmother. But was it really a good idea? Would it be uncomfortable for grandma? And would Nangong's family accept an elderly woman from a humble background?
Noticing Yang Xie's hesitation, Nangong Ya reassured him.
"Don't worry. My father is very open-minded. He knows you saved my life, and he won't let your family be ignored. He'll definitely understand."
Relieved, Yang Xie decided to move forward with the plan. Letting his grandmother live in Nangong's house for now seemed to be the best option. If she didn't feel comfortable there, he would find another place for her.
"Thank you, Xiaoya. I'll go tell grandma right away."
At first, Grandma refused to leave her home, saying it was the only place she had lived in for years. But after hearing about the alien beasts and the dangers they posed, she reluctantly agreed.
So, they quickly packed her things, and though it was already late, there was no reason to waste time since there was a car available. They locked up the house and headed for the car.
"Xiaoya, please drive slowly. I get motion sickness easily. I'm not as young as you."
"Okay, grandma," Nangong Ya replied, adjusting her speed.
They passed by the spot where they had encountered the alien beast earlier. It was calm now, likely dealt with by the principal and other warriors.
"Xiaoya, I'm really sorry to trouble your family like this," grandma said, embarrassed.
"No trouble at all," Nangong Ya responded with a smile. "You're Xiaoxie's grandmother, and now you're also my grandma."
As the red Ferrari continued through the quiet night, the sounds of the city faded into the distance. After more than an hour, they arrived at the gates of the Nangong family's mansion.
At the entrance stood two large stone lions, and a sign reading "Nangong Courtyard" was prominently displayed. The estate was vast, and the houses were arranged in a large circle. The compound seemed almost like a mini village.
Yang Xie couldn't help but be in awe. The Nangong family's wealth was evident. The compound stretched across acres of land, and every house was a luxurious villa.
At the entrance, four tall security guards stood watch. Upon seeing Nangong Ya's car, they immediately opened the gates.
Driving through the grounds, they reached the innermost part of the estate, where the most luxurious villa stood. The plaque on the door read "Patriarch's Mansion." The surroundings were decorated with pavilions, fish ponds, and various buildings, creating an atmosphere that felt like a different world.
Yang Xie was stunned.
The villa's interior was equally impressive, with high-end furniture and modern designs.
"Mom, I brought guests home," Nangong Ya called out.
A beautiful young woman appeared from the kitchen. She resembled Nangong Ya, with similar features.
"Isn't this a surprise, Xiaoya?" she said with a warm smile. "I'll entertain your guests well. Why don't you introduce them to me?"
"This is my classmate, Yang Xie, who once saved my life, and this is his grandmother," Nangong Ya explained.
"Hello, Aunt," Yang Xie greeted respectfully.
"No trouble at all," the young woman replied, giving them a kind smile. "I'm Su Lin, Xiaoya's mother. It's a pleasure to meet you both! Since Yang Xie saved my daughter, you're both welcome here. Please, make yourselves at home in the living room. I'll prepare dinner shortly. Xiaoya, go and get some fruit for our guests."
Nangong Ya quickly entered the kitchen, but not before speaking to her mother in a hushed voice.
"Mom, are you sure you can cook? Should I call Mrs. Wang to help?" Nangong Ya asked, slightly puzzled. Her mother rarely cooked, usually leaving that task to the housekeeper, Mrs. Wang.
"Oh, don't worry about it, kid. Mrs. Wang has something to do today," Su Lin replied, smiling knowingly.
Su Lin had heard about the possibility of her future son-in-law visiting and had made sure to return home early to meet him.
While Su Lin didn't interfere with Xiaoya's decisions, it was still important to greet the young man who had saved her daughter's life.
"Alright, I'll take grandma to her room and settle her in," Nangong Ya said, taking charge.
Yang Xie followed her to the second floor, where they showed grandma her new room, which had a large balcony, a beautiful view, and an independent bathroom. The conditions were perfect, and Yang Xie couldn't help but think how lucky they were.
"Xiaoya, why don't you let me stay here too?" Yang Xie joked. "The room next to grandma's is empty, right? I could stay there."
Nangong Ya shot him a teasing look. "You know you still have to practice in the aura room at school. The benefits of that place are too good. Ten times the aura."
Yang Xie grinned. "Your home is my home, right? If that's the case, your parents are my parents. You can't look down on me as your brother."
Laughing at his boldness, Nangong Ya shook her head, amused. "Well, my family's aura room has twenty times the aura concentration."
Yang Xie raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Really? In that case, the benefits are even greater! I'll be a warrior in no time!"
"Shameless," Nangong Ya muttered with a smile, shaking her head at his antics.
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