Momo's Gradual Change

C95. Brother Says to Buy a House.

Chapter 95: Brother Says to Buy a House

In the end, they went to the beautiful places from the photos, just as Song Yimo wanted.

Although it was still a chilly spring, Xinghu County's landscape was a vivid green. The mist that blanketed everything only added a layer of beauty.

Zhai Muyang took countless photos as they wandered, discussing plans. They left around two in the afternoon, bathed in sunlight, but by the time they returned, it was already half-past five.

Grandma Song had prepared dinner.

Afterwards, Song Yimo returned to her room to pack up her things, moving anything she would need into her grandmother’s room.

As she packed, she thought to herself—it was time to buy another house. Each time her elder brother visited, she had to give up her space, and she worried he must feel like he had no home of his own.

"Yimo, I'm thinking of buying a house here. Do you have any suggestions?"

Turning around, she saw her brother had thought of the same thing.

She had enough money to buy a house herself, but for some reason, she hadn’t wanted to tell him about her success as a novelist just yet. Even she couldn’t fully explain why.

“Not in favor?” Seeing her pause, Zhai Muyang handed her a book. “This place is too old. The lights in the stairwell are always broken, the railings are rusted—who knows when they’ll fail? The second floor isn’t too high, but since Grandma is getting older, it would be best if she could stay on the first floor. If it’s hard for you and Grandma to leave this place, then we can just live separately side by side.”

Zipping up her backpack, Song Yimo sat down, clutching it in her arms. “Brother, are you buying this house for Grandma and me?”

“It’s not only that. This area isn’t my company’s biggest project, nor something that will generate profit quickly, but it’s a long-term investment worth my time. Besides, you’ve made me think.”

Song Yimo looked puzzled.

Zhai Muyang smiled, sitting beside her. “A scenic spot can only thrive if it has an appeal, something that draws people. But even the most beautiful view won’t make people want to return if everything else is lacking.”

Song Yimo nodded enthusiastically.

“In recent years, tourism has really taken off. People now look forward to taking their whole family on trips during holidays. As much as people in our country love to follow trends, you’ll see in a few years how many scenic areas will spring up, most of them just cheaply done to make a quick profit. But with a country as vast as ours, with so many places to visit, such areas will be the first to be abandoned.”

Zhai Muyang took the large backpack from her hands and set it on the bed. “I’ve done some research. This year, household computer ownership has tripled compared to last year. What about next year? Or the year after that? In five, ten years, as the internet grows, reputation will matter most. Since I know this, I’ll make sure to be ahead of the curve.”

Seeing Yimo’s understanding, Zhai Muyang was reminded of Uncle Miao’s concern. Indeed, at only sixteen, Yimo could hold her own in any conversation and often offered unique insights. Her maturity was more than just a sign of early intelligence.

“I plan to oversee this project myself. So, I’ll be spending more time in Xinghu County. I can’t keep taking over your room and making you share with Grandma, disturbing your sleep.”

“Dage, do you have any requirements for the house? The best homes right now are over in the new district.”

“Don’t worry that Grandma will feel lonely in a new place.” Zhai Muyang gently ruffled her hair. “We’ll find something nearby. A larger place with at least three bedrooms would be ideal. Four would be even better—I could use one as a study. And it should be on the first floor. That way, Grandma can easily see her friends. None of the things you’re concerned about would happen.”

Song Yimo felt her eyes grow warm, and she quickly lowered her head to hide her emotions.

Everything he had said, she had thought of herself.

She had worried about Grandmother feeling confined and isolated once she left for school. She never expected her brother to think of these things too. It was clear he genuinely cared about Grandmother’s well-being.

She was always touched by others’ kindness toward her, but if someone took good care of her grandmother, she would be forever grateful.

In her mind, no one could ever be better than her brother.

“What’s this about?” Zhai Muyang chuckled. “Shouldn’t a good son be filial to his grandmother?”

“But some people don’t feel they owe anything to their own mothers,” Song Yimo replied, her voice slightly hoarse. “You’re better than any of them.”

“Of course, I’m better. If I were like them, would you still acknowledge me?”

“Never.”

Zhai Muyang laughed, wrinkles forming at the corners of his eyes. “Then it’s settled. You just focus on your studies and let your mind rest for once. Don’t worry about everything all the time.”

“I’ll try.”

“You’re just saying that.” He pinched her cheek. “I’ll ask Uncle Miao if there are any available homes in his neighborhood. A pre-renovated place will do, as long as no one’s lived in it.”

“I checked before. There are homes available in the neighborhood near Dad Miao’s. The place is only about two years old, and there are plenty of empty units. Buying there would be a good choice.”

It was only then that Zhai Muyang realized Yimo had been considering buying a home herself.

It made sense. Her books always topped the income charts and donation lists. She’d probably saved enough by now.

“Got it. You don’t need to worry about the rest; just wait for the new home.”

Song Yimo was a little taken aback. She was used to handling things herself. Having someone else take care of everything felt new and a little unsettling.

Instinctively, she put on the polite, obedient demeanor she’d perfected with Mr. and Mrs. Miao.

With a sigh, Zhai Muyang ruffled her hair.

“I’m setting up a branch office in Mang City, and I’ll need to oversee things personally while the newly assigned manager transitions. I’ll be coming and going frequently. You and Grandma need to get used to that.”

“I’ll explain things to Grandma.”

“Our Yimo is the most considerate.” Zhai Muyang stood up, smiling. “I’ll go get my laptop from the car. Your computer is still yours, so don’t worry. Since there’s still some time left, you can enjoy yourself for a while.”

Song Yimo, who had been worried about losing her computer, finally relaxed.

As soon as her brother left the room, she moved to her usual spot at her desk.

Opening the website, she scrolled down, surprised to see another flood of red congratulatory banners. The last time she’d seen something like this was when the user "Richest Man in the World" made their appearance.

Surely no one could have found out today was her birthday, could they?

Impossible—she hadn’t even submitted her ID to the editors, despite their repeated requests.

Actually, she should quietly get her brother’s ID and submit that instead, before the editors started getting suspicious.