“I’ll help you pick a house.”

If you said these words to any young woman now, rather than waiting twenty or thirty years, it would set the tone for marriage. What was there to choose? If a young man could get an apartment allocated from his work unit, countless enthusiastic elderly aunties would rush to play matchmaker. Even in nature, males prepare a nest before courting. A house was truly hard currency in the marriage market – in the 1980s, the requirement was for allocated housing, and in the future, it would be for independent marital homes.

Young men with their own homes had confidence when going on blind dates.

Telling the girl you liked “I’ll help you pick a house” – the sincerity was practically overflowing.

The only difference now was that it was Xia Xiaolan saying it to Zhou Cheng.

Was it strange?

Not at all.

While people spoke of gender equality, actions needed to reflect it.

Whether she helped Zhou Cheng choose a house or he helped her, there was no difference!

The courtyard houses Zhou Cheng bought in the capital, he had long wanted to transfer them to Xia Xiaolan’s name, but she felt it wasn’t appropriate to mix assets before marriage.

Zhou Cheng actually wasn’t picky about where he lived – hadn’t he been fine in a single dormitory?

But in Peng City, they needed an independent space. Not just for him and Xiaolan to be more comfortable, but also so Tang Hongen and Liu Fen wouldn’t be disturbed by others in the municipal government family quarters.

While Zhou Cheng wasn’t particular about residences, he was very interested in choosing a house with his future wife.

A house they chose together would be their home.

It didn’t need to be especially large.

It didn’t need to be particularly luxurious.

Just a private space, cozy enough to feel like home.

Zhou Cheng imagined their married life together and felt enthusiastic about house hunting.

“Director Xia!”

“Director Xia, you’re here.”

Ge Jian quickly ran over, “Director Xia, Mr. Zhou.”

Xia Xiaolan nodded, “I remember the model of the new property development is ready, right? Zhou Cheng and I are choosing a house.”

Oh, was Director Xia finally setting up a home in Peng City?

Previously when the Jinsha Pool properties were so popular, Director Xia hadn’t kept any for herself. Of course, perhaps because they were so popular, keeping one meant one less house to sell, and the company was just starting then, tight on funds.

Ge Jian didn’t say anything – what was strange about the big boss picking a house?

Qihang was Xia Xiaolan’s sole investment. If she said a certain building wasn’t for sale after completion, everyone would have to comply.

Zhou Cheng stood by the model, and several female employees of Qihang became starry-eyed.

He looked so handsome.

Only Director Xia could handle such a catch.

“He stands so straight.”

“I heard he works for the government.”

“A young cadre…”

Zhou Cheng wasn’t deaf – how could he not hear their discussions? He smiled at Xiaolan, whose ears had turned slightly red as she shooed everyone away: “Get back to work, those who need to plan, those who need to write proposals!”

“Darling, why are you embarrassed?”

Xia Xiaolan firmly denied it, “I’m not, hurry up and choose!”

Zhou Cheng pointed at the top floor, “How about this one? The view must be amazing, though being on a high floor might be troublesome if the power goes out.”

High-rise elevators did have this issue.

Some people were unwilling to buy top-floor units, worried about being too cold in winter and too hot in summer, difficult access during power outages, and potential roof leaks during rainy seasons. Xia Xiaolan wasn’t too concerned about these things – why had she worked so hard to make money after her rebirth? Besides the satisfaction of striving for her career, having money truly brought happiness.

Without money, everything felt constrained.

With an unlimited budget, any house inconveniences could be modified.

Since it was their development, the quality was guaranteed.

Other minor issues could be addressed with a bigger investment in renovation.

Xia Xiaolan and Zhou Cheng huddled together looking for a while before settling on this penthouse unit.

It was a rare large unit in the new development, with nearly 200 square meters including the half-floor roof terrace. While Xia Xiaolan had delegated the floor plans to others, she had personally overseen their approval.

After deciding on the house, Xia Xiaolan became excited. She grabbed paper and pen and, referring to the floor plan, discussed the design with Zhou Cheng.

Where would the master bedroom be?

Where would the guest room be?

Where would the study be?

Though they hadn’t seen the actual house yet, both were enthusiastically discussing it.

This was their first time discussing “home” matters.

“Darling, will you design this house yourself?”

“Of course, I won’t let anyone else design the house we’ll live in. One master bedroom, one guest room, should we have one study or two? Would we disturb each other when working?”

Xia Xiaolan wanted to chew on her pen.

She could provide several design proposals for others’ houses, but for her own, she wanted to consider both her and Zhou Cheng’s living habits, aiming for perfection.

“I rarely use the study, just consider yourself. Rather than a study, it’s more like your workroom. The master bedroom can go in the slightly smaller room next door, and your workspace can be in the largest room, bright and comfortable for you to stay in!”

After marriage, a career-oriented wife couldn’t suddenly transform into a homemaker, revolving around pots and pans.

She would still revolve around her work.

So why not create a good work environment for her at home?

Xia Xiaolan pointed to the roof, “Following your suggestion about a workspace, we could put it on the roof, separating it from the living area below. When I’m working, I won’t disturb your rest downstairs.”

What if she needed to draw plans while Zhou Cheng wanted to watch TV?

The distance between floors would be perfect.

Zhou Cheng felt wronged – when had he ever been obsessed with watching TV?

With his wife around, why would he watch TV? Was TV more interesting than his wife?

Don’t joke.

While they were still discussing, Young Yu gently knocked on the door, “Director Xia, Mr. Xu Changle is here to see you.”

“Mm, tell him to wait a moment.”

Turning to Zhou Cheng, she said, “Why did Xu Changle suddenly come? Strange.”

Zhou Cheng was certain, “The Xu family’s domestic affairs – have you noticed you’ve become their firefighter? How to handle Tina, and this additional granddaughter – Grandmother Yu, Xu Zhongyi, and Xu Changle still haven’t reached a consensus. Though they’re family, they can’t do without you and Aunt Liu as intermediaries.”

Why not find Liu Fen?

Because Old Tang stood there, and Old Tang’s attitude was to ignore Xu Zhongyi, so naturally Xu Changle wouldn’t seek out Liu Fen.

Finding Xiaolan, being young herself, probably seemed easier to talk to.

Zhou Cheng clasped his hands and rested them on his knees. Xia Xiaolan found this posture cool yet mischievous, impossible to look away from.

Then her dear Chengzi smiled at her, showing his white teeth – too unfair.

“When he comes in, let him follow what I say.”

Hmm?!

Xia Xiaolan was puzzled, but Zhou Cheng didn’t plan to explain further.

— Too afraid to find Liu Fen because Old Tang stood in the way. Yet daring to have Xiaolan clean up every mess – did they think he was a pushover?!