Having connections at the provincial design institute wasn’t enough – those connections needed to be leaders in charge of housing allocation.

Mao Guosheng set aside the question of filial piety; Xia Xiaolan’s casual mention of changing the elderly couple’s apartment suggested such confidence that she must have connections at the institute.

Seeing Mao Guosheng’s hopeful gaze, Xia Xiaolan shook her head:

“I can’t lie about this. This is my first time in Hangzhou, and I’m even less familiar with the provincial design institute. The only two people I know here are Master and Brother Mao.”

Mao Guosheng’s disappointment was obvious.

There was also a trace of displeasure.

His lack of importance at work wasn’t entirely due to Mao Kangshan’s influence.

He lacked both ability and cunning.

Beyond harboring resentment toward his father and not knowing how to fight for himself, even if Ning Yanfan were his father instead, he probably wouldn’t fare much better.

Xia Xiaolan secretly shook her head, wondering what was wrong with Master Mao’s son – he didn’t even inherit his father’s spirit.

Mao Kangshan raised an eyebrow, “Xiaolan isn’t necessarily talking about institute housing. I know you mean well, wanting to find better living conditions for your Master and Master’s wife. I appreciate your filial intention, but your Master’s wife has lived in the institute’s compound for most of her life – she may not want to move.”

There were houses available.

It was already 1985, and policies had loosened.

With enough money, suitable housing could certainly be found in Hangzhou.

Not only were there siheyuan courtyard houses for sale in Beijing, but ancestral properties were being returned in Hangzhou too.

Mao Kangshan had some money saved, but he was reluctant to use it.

He was even more reluctant to let Xia Xiaolan spend too much.

He hadn’t taken on this disciple to bleed her dry.

Xia Xiaolan suddenly understood: “Ah, I hadn’t considered that properly. But if Master’s wife doesn’t want to leave the institute compound, I can still try to find a way to move your apartment to a lower floor. The first floor might be too dark and prone to pests, but the second floor would be perfect!”

Hearing Xia Xiaolan analyze and plan for the elderly couple’s living conditions so thoroughly, Mao Guosheng’s face turned red as a monkey’s behind, as if sitting on a handful of nails.

“Dad, the third floor was originally assigned to you by the institute. No need to trouble Young Xia – we can switch back to the original arrangement.”

He didn’t know where this courage came from.

Every word from Xia Xiaolan felt like a jab.

Mao Guosheng had his pride too – sitting there as the son while letting Xia Xiaolan show filial piety didn’t seem right.

But this impulsive offer to switch back would surely cause trouble with his wife at home.

He knew Zheng Shuqin’s temperament all too well.

But having spoken up, he had to follow through.

Xia Xiaolan thought to herself that this Mao Guosheng might still be salvageable.

The discomfort she’d felt upon arriving at Master Mao’s home had finally dissipated somewhat.

“Brother Mao, no need to switch apartments. I didn’t mean anything by it. Didn’t Sister Zheng say that Master’s wife voluntarily switched to accommodate your larger family? Since everyone’s settled in, switching again would be troublesome. When I mentioned changing apartments for Master and Master’s wife, I meant I’d find other solutions.”

She might not have connections at the Hangzhou Provincial Design Institute.

But just half a month ago, she hadn’t even known Master Mao.

Relationships could be built, and Xia Xiaolan was never afraid to cultivate them.

Could anyone live without asking for help sometimes?

Give and take – that’s how relationships develop!

Though Mao Kangshan was stubborn, Xia Xiaolan was equally determined to achieve her goals. She wasn’t foolish enough to keep hitting walls – when she saw one, instead of crashing into it, she could find ways around it.

When two such strong-willed people came together, it wasn’t the cosmic collision Ning Yanfan had imagined.

For now, Xia Xiaolan had the upper hand – after all, hadn’t Mao Kangshan given in first by offering to take her as his disciple?

The future was uncertain. While Mao Kangshan worried about burdening Xia Xiaolan, she envisioned master and disciple conquering the world together. Since she intended to benefit from Mao Kangshan’s expertise, she would treat him with filial respect as an elder.

Which elder who had received Xia Xiaolan’s “filial piety” hadn’t spoken well of her?

Even Grandmother Yu, hard as stone, had been warmed by her.

When Xia Xiaolan wanted to be good to someone, her actions were flawless and hard to refuse.

She constantly thought of others’ needs, doing what they expected and even what they hadn’t thought of themselves.

This skill came from her sales experience, but it wasn’t mere smoothness!

Many salespeople knew how to please clients, but why had Xia Xiaolan risen above them? Her smoothness mixed with sincerity – one could act for a moment, but to act for a lifetime, the fake must become real.

Besides, the line between true and false wasn’t so important – those who associated with Xia Xiaolan all found their lives improving.

The Mao family was just the beginning – Mao Kangshan would feel this more deeply in the future!

Mao Guosheng was unsettled by Xia Xiaolan’s proposal. Housing was no small matter – many worked their entire lives for professional titles and housing, yet in Xia Xiaolan’s mouth, it seemed as light as changing clothes. How could she speak so boldly? Was she bluffing… and what if she wasn’t?

Mao Kangshan hadn’t agreed, but let Xia Xiaolan enthusiastically pursue her plans.

After settling business matters, enjoying tea by West Lake was truly pleasant. Even Mao Guosheng rarely experienced such peaceful moments, free from trivial matters and gossip. This Young Xia knew how to enjoy life.

Around five o’clock, Xia Xiaolan and Mao Kangshan went to the restaurant on Yan’an Road, while Ge Jian went to pick up Song Danian.

The thick-skinned Zheng Shuqin tagged along, but Xia Xiaolan didn’t mind.

One more person meant just adding two more dishes – she didn’t lack much money.

But her kindness toward her Master and Master’s wife was heartfelt; if others tried to take advantage, she would cut off whichever hand they extended.

Spending this small amount on dinner was showing respect for Master Mao.

Mao Guosheng wasn’t completely without conscience, just rather spineless.

Zheng Shuqin was too shameless, not truly filial to the elderly – Xia Xiaolan understood it all.

“The Dongpo pork here isn’t as authentic as Master’s wife’s cooking.”

“Master, try these Longjing shrimp.”

At the dinner table, Xia Xiaolan was gracefully attentive, making Song Danian laugh constantly.

Such liveliness – Song Danian hadn’t experienced it in a long time. After dinner, when Xia Xiaolan sweetly suggested they visit Beijing for a change of scenery, or see the ocean in Pengcheng, staying for a while before returning to Hangzhou, Song Danian found herself agreeing before she knew it.

Oh? Why didn’t her husband look happy?

Had she shouldn’t have agreed?

Song Danian quickly backtracked: “No, no, these old bones can’t travel so far. Young Xia, Master’s wife appreciates your thoughtfulness, but neither Master Mao nor I will go to Beijing or Pengcheng.”

Mao Kangshan felt a pang in his heart.

“We’ll go. Let’s listen to Xiaolan and visit Pengcheng. A company there wanted me as a consultant before, but I declined. This time we can make the trip!”