Chapter 409: Living Conditions

“It’s good that you’re alright. You’ve seen your father, right?” Wu Qi asked with concern.

When he wasn't busy, he would often visit Su Jianguo in the hospital to chat with him.

Su Yan replied, “I have.”

“Su Yan, who is this friend of yours?”

Gossip-filled gazes had already fallen upon Zhou Li.

It wasn't surprising that people were curious; Zhou Li's outward appearance and temperament were simply too superior. Just standing there casually, he exuded an overwhelming sense of nobility.

Interrupted, Wu Qi couldn't help but look toward Zhou Li as well.

Su Yan knew that the people in the compound were quite gossipy; the more one tried to hide something, the more they would make up wild stories. So, she simply introduced him openly: “This is Zhou Li, a friend I met in Beijing. He’s come back with me because he wants to start some business here. He’ll be staying at my uncle's house for the time being. I hope everyone will look after him in the future.”

Upon hearing that Zhou Li was from Beijing, everyone became even more enthusiastic.

Beijing—that was a place many people dreamed of.

Some of the younger girls even had eyes sparkling as they looked at him.

Su Yan was Gu Yang's fiancée, so no matter what, there was no way she could have that kind of relationship with Zhou Li. Who wouldn't be tempted by such a "golden son-in-law" standing right before them?

However, before anyone could take further action, Wu Qi spoke up.

“Alright, Su Yan has just returned, so let's get her home to rest. Everyone, disperse.”

Although they were a bit reluctant to break up the gathering, there was plenty of time in the future. Since the man had already settled into the compound, there would be many more opportunities.

Even so, curious and scrutinizing gazes followed them all the way.

It wasn't until Su Yan and Zhou Li entered their own courtyard that things truly became quiet.

Zhou Li looked somewhat embarrassed. He had once been able to navigate various banquets with ease, but walking through this compound made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

Especially the way those women looked at him—it was as if he were meat on a chopping block.

“Senior Sister Su, the people here are certainly very enthusiastic.”

Seeing his somewhat shaken appearance, Su Yan suppressed a smile.

“They mean no harm; they’re just curious about you. However, things like this won't be rare in the future. If you truly find it difficult to adjust, it might be quieter to live outside.”

Zhou Li hurriedly shook his head in refusal. Having finally made it this far, he was not going to give up no matter what.

While they were talking, Su Yan had already entered the house.

Although the weather was cold, the stove inside was burning brightly. Furthermore, both the dining table and the wooden cabinets had been wiped clean and were spotless.

Clearly, Su Yao and the others had tidied up in advance.

Su Yan first put her luggage back in her room.

Zhou Li found it somewhat hard to believe that this was where Su Yan lived. Although it was clean and tidy, it was also very empty and simple.

While such an environment might be considered quite good for ordinary people on the outside, he felt that a powerful Exorcist like Su Yan should have better living conditions.

And she certainly had the strength to afford them.

Seeing the look of disappointment in his eyes, Su Yan could roughly guess what he was thinking.

“Young Master Zhou was born at the pinnacle of life, whereas the life I lead is the reality for many more people.”

“Senior Sister Su, why are you calling me Young Master Zhou again? I don't think this place is bad; I just think that someone as capable as you should be able to enjoy a much more prosperous living environment,” Zhou Li said truthfully.

At the very least, a proper bed was quite important for Exorcists like them.

But here, there was only a hard kang bed; how could it possibly be comfortable?

Su Yan smiled. “If you had seen the families out there who can't even afford a single meal of white flour buns in a month, you certainly wouldn't think that way.”

Ultimately, he was just a young master who had never known hardship.

It wasn't that Zhou Li was unaware, but he felt that everyone's living conditions should match their own abilities; he just felt Su Yan shouldn't have to live like this.

However, he did somewhat understand her behavior regarding the sale of Cold-Warding Talismans back at the ancestral lands.

From that one instance alone, she must have earned tens of thousands of yuan, which could be enjoyed for a very long time in a small county town like this.

He wanted to continue chatting, but his stomach let out a growl.

Since they had gotten off the train, they had only eaten a few buns at the hospital during lunchtime. He was truly hungry now.

“Senior Sister Su, what are we having for dinner?”

He was exhausted and weary, wanting nothing more than a good meal to replenish his strength.

Su Yan froze visibly for a moment, then walked to the kitchen and opened the cabinet where ingredients were kept.

She had been away for two or three months, so of course, there wouldn't be any food left to stave off hunger.

Looking at the two remaining eggs in the basket, she calculated how to cook them so that they could both be full.

Zhou Li followed her gaze, and his expression immediately soured.

“Senior Sister Su, actually, my appetite isn't that small. And since you've been gone for two or three months, those eggs might have gone bad after being kept for so long. How about this—let me treat you to dinner out?”

Although he didn't want to move anymore, it was better than enduring the night on an empty stomach.

“There are no restaurants near the compound. If we go out, it's a half-hour walk,” Su Yan reminded him of the reality.

Zhou Li: “...”

“Yanyan, are you back?”

At that moment, Su Yao's voice rang out in the courtyard.

Su Yan and Zhou Li walked out of the kitchen.

Su Yao had come over specifically. “Dinner is already made at home. We're calling you both to come eat.”

He knew they wouldn't have food when they returned in the evening, so he had already prepared it. Most importantly, he wanted to bring Zhou Li over so that he wouldn't actually be living under the same roof as Su Yan.

Zhou Li's eyes lit up; the dinner problem was finally solved.

Su Yan exchanged a few polite words and then followed Zhou Li over.

Although there were only five people for dinner—Su Jianxin, Liu Sujuan, Su Yao, Su Yan, and Zhou Li—a full table of food had been prepared.

Zhou Li was truly hungry and began to eat heartily.

The food couldn't compare to the flavor of the Zhou family's professional chefs, but he still ate with great relish.

Watching his manner of eating, Su Yao began to see him in a new light.

“Brother Zhou, eat slowly, don't choke.”

Only then did Zhou Li realize his eating manner was a bit improper, and his face flushed slightly.

Su Yan, however, didn't mind and silently ate her meal.

Liu Sujuan watched Zhou Li, unable to resist asking him a few detailed questions.

After all, he would be staying in the house in the future, and as Su Yan's friend, it was necessary to ask about his dietary preferences.

Once Zhou Li had finished eating, he seemed to have come back to life.

Only then did he set down his utensils, his expression becoming very serious.

(End of Chapter)