Isn’t money good?

Chapter 46

After finishing the MV shoot, Ji Yunnian flew non-stop to Italy to attend the Venice Film Festival.

A film he starred in last year had been selected for the main competition, competing alongside 17 other films for the festival’s highest honor, the Golden Lion Award.

Unlike other film festivals, the male and female leads of the 18 films in the main competition automatically become candidates for Best Actor/Actress, without needing separate nominations.

This meant Ji Yunnian had a chance to win Best Actor, adding another prestigious award to his collection.

Entertainment media had extensively covered the film and Ji Yunnian, but most reports weren’t hopeful. Some even threw cold water on expectations. After all, domestic films had been selected for this award in recent years, only to return empty-handed each time.

Ji Yunnian’s fans were expectant though. The major fan accounts kept things low-key, only discussing quietly in group chats.

[Wuwuwu, I really hope Teacher Ji can win an award.]

[I’ve watched all the nominated films once through. I think Teacher Ji has a good chance of winning. Everyone’s acting is roughly on par, and the film plots are comparable too. We can be bolder and more hopeful!]

[Right, I’m wearing thousand-meter-thick rose-colored glasses. I just feel Teacher Ji will definitely win.]

[If Teacher Ji wins, I’ll immediately do a Weibo giveaway, 50,000 yuan in cash!]

[I’ll add another 20,000!]

…

Compared to Ji Yunnian’s busy schedule, Yan Shiqiu was relatively relaxed. Fu Baiqing would wrap his scenes in three days, and only then would he need to fly to Y City to record the variety show together.

Taking advantage of the three-day break, Yan Shiqiu planned to look at apartments, hoping to find a place quickly.

Although the Ji family home was originally designed by the author based on his own family, the people living there ultimately weren’t his family members. Even though they were easy to get along with, it still felt somewhat awkward.

When Fang Yuhua heard on the phone that he planned to look by himself, he didn’t object. “Wait, I’ll have the agent give Zhou Yu the keys to several properties. I won’t accompany you. There’s something going on with Tu Ya that I need to check on.”

Yan Shiqiu had no objections. “Alright.”

Fang Yuhua fussed like a worried father, rambling instructions: “Wear your mask and hat properly. Also, it’s hot and the sun is strong, so remember sunscreen.”

Yan Shiqiu obediently replied, “Got it.”

Only then did Fang Yuhua hang up with peace of mind.

Putting away his phone, Yan Shiqiu shouldered his bag and headed downstairs.

Mother Ji sat in the living room reading, with a small plate of cookies and a cup of black tea in front of her. Seeing him come down with his bag, she asked gently, “Going out?”

Yan Shiqiu answered honestly, “I’m going to look at apartments.”

Hearing this, Mother Ji put down her book and patted the space beside her, gesturing for Yan Shiqiu to sit. “What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable living here?”

“No.” Yan Shiqiu smiled, “I just can’t keep imposing on you all.”

Mother Ji smiled warmly, her tone gentle: “There’s no imposing or not imposing. Having you live here, being able to chat with me about Bai Zhi, I’m very happy.”

At the mention of Bai Zhi, Yan Shiqiu’s voice softened: “I’m very happy too.”

His eyes curved as he smiled. “Even if I move out, I’ll still come visit. I’d love to hear you tell more stories about Teacher Bai Zhi.”

Mother Ji looked at him, and knowing she couldn’t stop him, didn’t try to persuade him further.

“If you find a place, would you stay until Yunnian comes back before leaving?” She said softly. “Yunnian cares about you very much.”

Yan Shiqiu nodded. “I will.”

“Good child.” Mother Ji patted the back of his hand.

She continued, “Where are you looking? Should I have the driver take you?”

Yan Shiqiu politely declined. “My assistant is coming over.”

“I see.” Mother Ji nodded. “By the way, what would you like for dinner?”

“Anything is fine.”

Mother Ji said, “Cantonese food then, something light.”

Yan Shiqiu nodded. “Okay.”

Coming out from the Ji family home, Zhou Yu had just arrived at the entrance. Yan Shiqiu opened the car door and got in. Liu Xi temporarily looked up from her phone screen to greet him: “Morning.”

Yan Shiqiu smiled at her. “Morning.”

Liu Xi rummaged through her bag and pulled out a bag of chips. “Want some?”

Yan Shiqiu shook his head. “Thanks, I’m fine.”

Liu Xi shrugged and put them back, then asked, “You’re not waiting for Ji Yunnian to come back before moving?”

“Just looking first. If there’s something satisfactory, I’ll put down a deposit, but I’ll wait for him to return before actually moving.” This was a matter of courtesy. He should at least inform Ji Yunnian before leaving.

“That’s fine then.” Liu Xi was satisfied and returned to playing on her phone.

The car soon arrived at the first residential complex. Yan Shiqiu put on his hat and mask before getting out. Zhou Yu, holding the keys, led the way.

Liu Xi observed the complex’s environment the whole time, noting the locations of security cameras and forming a general impression.

The apartment was on the 10th floor, with two units per floor.

The entrance had a wall, and you had to turn past the foyer to reach the living room. The living room had floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides with plenty of natural light. The layout was two bedrooms and one living room, with an open kitchen and fully furnished.

However, after walking through once, Yan Shiqiu said, “No good.”

Liu Xi agreed: “Indeed not great.”

Zhou Yu was confused. “Why? I think it’s excellent.”

“First, the complex is too easy to enter and exit. Second, the surveillance. Many areas don’t have cameras. And then there’s this.” Liu Xi walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows and pointed across the way. “The buildings are too close together. With a decent phone camera, you could photograph what people in the opposite building are doing.”

Yan Shiqiu turned around without hesitation: “Let’s look at another one.”

But the next three apartments had similar problems.

Actually, if the hotel incident hadn’t happened, Yan Shiqiu wouldn’t have been so picky. But after that experience, his vigilance was at maximum, and he had concerns about every aspect.

After looking most of the day without finding anything particularly satisfactory, and having seen all the available properties for today, Yan Shiqiu couldn’t help but sigh.

Coming out of the complex, Zhou Yu asked, “Brother Yan, where to next? Should I take you back?”

It was still early, just after 3 PM. Yan Shiqiu thought for a moment and said, “To the mall.”

It wasn’t the weekend and was only afternoon, so the mall wasn’t particularly crowded.

After entering the mall, Yan Shiqiu felt that wearing a mask actually drew more attention, so he took it off, keeping only his hat and sunglasses.

His outfit was simple and ordinary, and he had a vibrant, energetic air about him, like a college student fresh from campus. Carrying himself with natural poise and showing his face openly, after shopping with Zhou Yu and Liu Xi for half the day, no one recognized him.

Those who turned to look at him did so with appreciative gazes, thinking he was good-looking.

Shopping from the first floor to the fourth, seeing that he seemed to have something specific he wanted to buy, Liu Xi asked, “What are you looking for?”

Coming to the mall, Yan Shiqiu had wanted to buy Ji Yunnian a gift to thank him for his previous help.

But he kept browsing without finding a suitable gift. When Liu Xi asked, he went with the flow and asked her, “Do you know what Ji Yunnian likes?”

Hearing this, Liu Xi became interested. “You’re buying Ji Yunnian a gift?”

“Mm, as a thank-you gift.” Yan Shiqiu stopped in front of a luxury brand store and turned his head. “What do you think I should buy?”

You giving yourself to him would be best.

That’s what she thought, but she couldn’t say that out loud. Liu Xi shrugged: “He’s just a kid. Why would I need to understand his preferences? I’m not planning to date him.”

Yan Shiqiu found this amusing. “You’re only seven years older than him.”

“Seven years older is still older.” Liu Xi smiled. “In my eyes, you, Ji Yunnian, and Sheng You are all kids, so you and Ji Yunnian are a perfect match.”

Yan Shiqiu kept a straight face: “…Sheng You would cry. Clearly there are three people, but suddenly he lost his name.”

Liu Xi’s red lips curved up. “No, he’d happily serve as your wedding officiant.”

Yan Shiqiu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He stopped asking Liu Xi and stepped into the store.

He walked along the display cases, looking as he went. Suddenly he stopped, bent down to examine a pair of sapphire cufflinks seriously, and smiled.

The right gift, found.

Liu Xi came over and commented, “They’re beautiful.”

Yan Shiqiu was confident in his taste. His eyes curved with a hint of smugness in his voice: “Right?”

Liu Xi rubbed her chin. “The price is also very beautiful.”

After hearing this, Yan Shiqiu looked down at the price tag, counted the zeros, and his smile froze on his face. His brow furrowed as he became conflicted.

The sales associate, professionally trained, maintained her smile.

Liu Xi propped her chin. “Are you buying them?”

Yan Shiqiu gritted his teeth. “Yes, please wrap them up for me.”

The sales associate’s smile became more genuine. “Certainly.”

When paying, Yan Shiqiu’s heart was bleeding, but when the associate handed him the wrapped cufflinks and he held them in his hands, he felt it was worth it.

They really were perfect for Ji Yunnian.

He hoped Ji Yunnian would like the gift.

Coming out of the store, Yan Shiqiu went into the adjacent luxury pen boutique and selected two fountain pens costing over 6,000 yuan each, then went to high-end women’s clothing and bought two silk scarves.

The pens were for Ji Yuncheng and Father Ji, the scarves for Mother Ji.

Finally, he went to a perfume counter and bought a commemorative gift set for Ji Yuncheng’s wife.

After buying everything and walking out of the mall, he instantly felt elevated.

He realized once again: making money is most important.

Money is very fragrant!

The evening sky was beautiful, with red clouds stretching for miles and flowing clouds unfurling. The sunlight was no longer so harsh, becoming gentle.

Reaching the parking garage, Yan Shiqiu was about to get in the car and head back when he suddenly heard someone call his name.

He turned around and saw Sheng You walking toward him.

Stopping in front of him, Sheng You said, “It really is you.”

Then he obediently called out “Sister Liu” to Liu Xi, earning a pat on the head like she was coaxing a child.

Yan Shiqiu put his things in the car and turned to look at him.

His gaze swept over the large and small bags Yan Shiqiu had put in the car. Sheng You asked, “I heard you’re looking for an apartment? Did you find one?”

“Not yet.” Yan Shiqiu was puzzled. “Is something wrong?”

“A friend of mine has an apartment. He’s going abroad soon and wants to rent it out long-term. Are you interested in taking a look?”

Sheng You’s sudden offer to help made Yan Shiqiu mentally ask several question marks.

His expression was complex. “Your friend?”

Sheng You rolled his eyes. “Otherwise, your friend?”

Yan Shiqiu pondered for a few seconds, then asked directly, “It’s not Ji Yunnian?”

Sheng You answered quickly, “No.”

Yan Shiqiu observed him and said hesitantly, “…So you’re specifically helping me?”

“What do you mean specifically? It’s a coincidence!” Sheng You bristled, speaking rapidly. “My friend just told me at lunch. Didn’t I run into you right after parting with him? And you’re looking for an apartment, so I asked casually.”

He put on a disgusted expression. “Don’t make it sound like I’m trying to curry favor with you.”

Sheng You’s reaction didn’t seem like he was lying. Yan Shiqiu touched his ear. “Alright, I apologize.”

“I’m magnanimous and won’t hold it against you.”

Lifting his chin, Sheng You said, “So are you going to look or not?”

Yan Shiqiu glanced at the time. It was 5:10 PM. The Ji family usually didn’t have dinner until around 7:30 or 8:00, so there was still time.

He nodded. “Let’s look.”

Sheng You hummed in acknowledgment. “I’ll go get my car. Follow me.”

The complex Sheng You mentioned wasn’t far from the mall. It was just a ten-minute drive.

He spoke with the security guard at the entrance, who then came over to register Yan Shiqiu and his group. Only after completing the registration were they allowed to enter.

After parking, Sheng You walked and talked: “As you saw on the way in, transportation is convenient here, shopping is very close, and security is excellent. Non-residents need to be brought in by owners to enter.”

Yan Shiqiu walked alongside him. “So you’re also an owner here?”

“Oh, no.”

Sheng You’s tone was casual, but his words were quite extraordinary: “This complex was developed by my family.”

“…” Sorry for the interruption.

Yan Shiqiu felt the disparity of the world.

Entering the elevator, Sheng You swiped his card to go upstairs. “It’s all designed as one unit per floor here, which should be more convenient for you.”

The elevator numbers jumped to the top floor before finally stopping. Sheng You stepped out and entered a password to unlock the door.

Yan Shiqiu took off his shoes at the entrance and followed him inside. With just one glance, he instantly fell in love with the apartment.

The overall color scheme was warm tones. The living room was very spacious, with five or six steps leading up to a terrace that had been built into a sunroom, arranged as a small garden with lounge chairs and a sofa. There were no buildings of similar height blocking the view across the way, and the vista was excellent.

“This apartment has three bedrooms and one living room. One bedroom, one study, and a small screening room. Including common area and the terrace, it’s about 300 square meters. More than enough space for you alone.”

Sheng You led Yan Shiqiu through the entire place and asked, “How is it?”

“Very good.”

But it was so good that Yan Shiqiu became suspicious again. “With such excellent renovation, isn’t your friend worried about tenants damaging it?”

Sheng You sat on the sofa and crossed his legs, completely at ease. “Mainly because he’s not coming back, and he doesn’t want to sell, so he’s just renting it out, basically finding a free caretaker to watch the house for him.”

His gaze moved over. “So are you renting or not?”

Yan Shiqiu really liked it and was satisfied with every aspect, but he knew the rent would definitely also be very “beautiful.”

He asked Sheng You about it.

Unexpectedly, the price Sheng You quoted wasn’t that high.

“Are you sure?” Yan Shiqiu’s eyes widened.

Sheng You had already quickly prepared his excuse and said without changing expression, waving his phone, “I just told him you’re my friend. He doesn’t lack money anyway, so he gave a friendly discount.”

Yan Shiqiu was seriously tempted.

He walked through the apartment once more and finally made his decision: “I’ll rent it.”

Sheng You quietly exhaled in relief. “Good. We’ll sign the contract tomorrow. I have to go, I have other things to do.”

After parting with Yan Shiqiu in the parking garage, Sheng You got in his car and immediately called Ji Yunnian, happily reporting: “The favor you asked me to do is already handled!“