Chapter 160: How a Master of Romance is Forged, Part 1

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ni hurriedly asked, "What did you say? You claim there is a Buddha relic hidden in the house next door? Is that really true?"

He Zhixing replied, "Yes, it is absolutely certain."

"That is wonderful, but would the owner of the house next door be willing to part with such a treasure? Besides, they don't even know us. What reason could we possibly give them to even start a conversation? I fear it will be difficult."

He Zhixing pondered for a moment, agreeing that Jiang Ni's concerns were valid. "Well, let's not worry about it for now. Things have a way of working themselves out. Let's get some sleep and ask Boss Li tomorrow to see if there might be an opening."

"Alright."

The next morning, He Zhixing and Jiang Ni rose early. Boss Li was already up and greeted them, "Good morning, Brother He. You're up quite early—couldn't you sleep in a little longer?"

He Zhixing replied, "Good morning, Boss Li. I have a question for you: do you know who the owner of the courtyard next door is? Could you tell me a bit about her?"

Boss Li looked puzzled. "Why are you asking about the owner of that courtyard? Are you looking to rent a room there?" He could only assume this was their motivation.

He Zhixing answered, "Something like that. Would it be possible to meet her? We are planning to stay in Beijing for a while."

Boss Li said, "Oh, I see. Go ahead and wash up; once you're finished, I'll take you over and we can ask if she has any intention of renting out a room."

"Thank you."

While washing his face, He Zhixing inquired about the young woman next door. He learned that her name was Zou Ning and that she ran an advertising firm called Jumei Creative Advertising Co., Ltd. Her parents were the owners of an energy and electrical company in Beijing and lived in a high-end villa; they rarely stayed in this old courtyard because it was too far from their business.

It turned out that Zou Ning lived there with her grandfather. After he passed away some years ago, she continued living there alone rather than moving in with her parents. Her grandfather had been a platoon leader in the Eighth Route Army during the War of Resistance Against Japan. After the war, he returned to his hometown of Beijing and spent his twilight years in that old courtyard. Her grandmother had passed away from illness not long after the war ended.

"I see, that makes sense."

After they finished washing, Boss Li led them to the neighboring courtyard. Just as they were about to knock, the young woman emerged. Boss Li quickly spoke up, "Ningning, you're up early! Are you heading to work? These are my friends. I brought them over to ask if you have any rooms available to rent. They are looking for a place to stay temporarily. Would that be possible?"

Zou Ning was dressed fashionably, her tall, slender frame exuding elegance. Seeing her face-to-face, He Zhixing was struck by her breathtaking beauty. It is often said that the most beautiful women are the most aloof; she merely glanced at them and gave a curt, "Oh."

Without another word, she walked past them toward her white car parked in the courtyard. Without looking back, she unlocked the door with an electronic key and said, "I'm sorry, I'm late for work and in a hurry. Let's talk another time."

Boss Li felt incredibly awkward and gestured for He Zhixing and his companion to step away from the gate. "Well then, we'll talk another time."

As they watched her drive away and the gate swung shut, Boss Li spread his hands helplessly. "It seems Zou Ning isn't interested in renting to you. Unless you're planning to stay for a year or more, you're welcome to stay at my place for now. Why don't we head back? I’ve arranged to go treasure hunting at some old houses with a good friend today, and my wife is coming along too. After breakfast, we can all go together..."

"Yes, that's fine. We have no other choice."

He Zhixing did not want Boss Li to know his true objective; such a miraculous treasure was better kept a secret. Since he had no other option, he decided to retreat for now and devise a new plan later. He had felt a distinct sense of frustration; the girl had barely spared them a glance before brushing them off. It was his first experience of being truly rebuffed.