A year older, the third master of Beijing circle kissed her to tears

“Here, in this area, new residential buildings will be built. Behind you, that area will become a commercial center. In less than two years, this will become Kyoto’s second economic center, and satellite cities will develop in this area.”

Zhuang Shijue pointed to the vast expanse, his calm and composed demeanor resembling that of an emperor surveying his domain. His domineering aura, emanating from within, was instantly revealed, his deep eyes filled with an undeniable confidence. A powerful and imposing presence spread outwards, his every gesture exuding captivating charm.

Unfortunately, Tan Xiao, who was still quite unfamiliar with the term "masculinity," could neither understand nor see Zhuang Shijue's charm, so she simply ignored it.

She heard Zhuang Shijue's words, but pretended not to. Her eyes darted around, trying to recall which route her classmate had taken when they last came here.

Zhuang Shijue, having not heard a sound for a long time, grew displeased. He glanced sideways, his eyes filled with icy coldness.

After a long pause, he asked, "Are you looking forward to it?"

Tan Xiao hopped around on the roadside, stretching her arms and legs. Hearing Zhuang Shijue's question, she turned and looked back, saying, "Are you asking me? It's not like my house is going to be demolished, what am I supposed to be looking forward to?"

"..." These words were spoken with confidence and were true, but they did leave Zhuang Shijue speechless.

Yes, he almost forgot that this little girl was not his subordinate, nor one of his cronies, nor one of those models who fawned over him to curry favor. So she wouldn't say anything flattering to him, and she would even show him her disdain without restraint.

"So do you think it's good or bad to build a new residential area here?" Zhuang Shijue asked again.

"Will the newly built houses be returned to the local residents?" Tan Xiao thought about it from their perspective and asked a question instead of answering.

"Of course, it depends on the people here. If they want to live in the new houses, they can; if not, the government can provide them with money at market price." Zhuang Shijue said a few words and didn't intend to go into more detail, as she wouldn't understand anyway.

"Oh, no wonder." Tan Xiao nodded. "They'll give a lot of money? Does that mean that people here can become millionaires just by demolishing their houses?"

This caused her some distress, and she sighed, "Why isn't my house being demolished for redevelopment?"

She desperately needs money right now. She's about to start university, and everyone knows film school tuition is incredibly expensive, but no matter how high it is, her mother is determined to make her go down that path. And now, it's not just the tuition that's the problem; her mother is still in the hospital…

Tan Xiao couldn't help but sigh when she thought about the terrible situation.

The little girl squatted by the roadside, her hands supporting her chin. Her round eyes were as bright and lively as a cat's, darting left and right. The long, thick eyelashes fluttering on her eyelids were quite charming. With each dart of her eyes, a cleverness immediately shone through.

Zhuang Shijue vaguely heard Tan Xiao sighing and couldn't help but glance at her.

That girl, she actually has such a dejected side? He thought she was always so energetic.

Zhuang Shijue's gaze casually fell on Tan Xiao's face. She was really pretty, which reminded him of Mu Ning a few years ago.

Back then, Mu Ning was also petite and pretty, but while her face was delicate, she was tall, and very few tall women had such delicate features as Mu Ning. The one in front of me, however, is of medium height.

Zhuang Shijue leaned slightly against the car door, his tall, imposing figure exuding an undeniable, commanding presence despite his relaxed demeanor. His gaze lingered on the girl's fair, pretty face; her current appearance was quite delightful.

"Zhuang Shijue, you still haven't said what you're doing here?" Tan Xiao, having finished her own reflection, returned to reality and turned to ask Zhuang Shijue.

“There are residents here who don’t want to move. Come and see what’s going on,” Zhuang Shijue replied patiently.

Tan Xiao nodded and said "Oh," but her interest was not high.

Suddenly, she stood up and ran to the car, standing opposite Zhuang Shijue. The two were on opposite sides of the car. Zhuang Shijue saw her running towards him, his eyebrows slightly raised, looking at her with amusement. Tan Xiao's hands were resting on the car roof, her pretty cheeks flushed. She smiled, her eyes crinkling, and asked happily.

"Second Master, are you a demolition expert? Then can you demolish my house too?"

They're tearing down houses and rebuilding, I've heard some towns have started doing that, but there's no sign of it happening in their area yet. Now that cities and towns are modernizing, and Kyoto City is already so beautiful, shouldn't they also renovate the smaller towns?

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Shijue raised an eyebrow noncommittally, "Do you have anywhere to live after your house is demolished?"

Tan Xiao's face instantly fell. Yes, where would they live if their house was demolished? Tan Xiao carefully considered the situation. At least, at least she would have to wait until after her college entrance exam.

When she gets into university, she and her mother will leave. They weren't happy living there anyway, and they wish they could leave forever.

"Then let's not demolish it for now," Tan Xiao sighed.

Zhuang Shijue beckoned to Tan Xiao, who walked over, shaking her head. Zhuang Shijue then reached out and grabbed her by the back of the neck, pulling her into the residential area.

Tan Xiao twisted her neck and turned back to protest, "Second Master, I'm not feeling well, you go ahead."

She reached out to tug at his sleeve, and Zhuang Shijue obliged, letting go. Zhuang Shijue let go, but Tan Xiao didn't; she held onto his sleeve tightly, following closely behind him.

"Second Master, did you come here to inquire about those holdout residents? You want to persuade them to move, right?" Tan Xiao asked in a low voice. Some of her classmates lived in this area, and they would occasionally discuss this matter among themselves.

“Yes,” Zhuang Shijue replied, without saying anything more.

Tan Xiao felt that Zhuang Shijue was too quiet. She had said so many things, and he only responded once? It was so impolite.

Zhuang Shijue and Tan Xiao stood at the gate of a courtyard. The gate was wide open, and the lively scene of people playing cards inside could be seen from across the street.

This is the most defiant household in the area because they have connections at higher levels. They think they've been given a heads-up to hold on; maybe if they drag it out, the government will have to back down. After all, no one dares to force them to relocate at gunpoint. The longer they delay, the better the price increase will be. This is a past example; the government won't go against the people on these issues—it wouldn't look good on them.

At first, this family refused to move, and later the whole area refused to move either. They were all just watching and waiting. Everyone knew that this family had powerful connections. They were certain that the fact that this family could sit still meant they had some kind of backing. No matter what that backing was, they decided not to move for now.