After Zhao Anning finished speaking, the expression on Jiang Cheng's face stiffened.
"If Xiao Qing weren't around, you'd probably be living a better life, wouldn't you?"
Zhao Anning shook his head. "Ever since I was left alone, I've thought it through. People come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. You can't take anything with you. No children, no worries."
"If I happen to pass away one day, that's fine—I can reunite early with the comrades I fought beside and my late wife. So as long as I can help these lonely kids, it's enough."
As he put it, he had no children at his knee, and Xiao Qing was also alone and desolate.
Yet Xiao Qing still kindly called him "Grandpa," which warmed and comforted his heart.
That's why every month he unhesitatingly shares the government subsidies and food rations he receives with Xiao Qing.
But since Xiao Qing started primary school this year, expenses have been mounting.
Old and disabled in one hand, he's barred from most jobs; left with no choice, Zhao Anning collects bottles and scrap to get by.
After the meeting they returned together to Chen Ping's car.
Jiang Cheng recounted Zhao Anning's plight to Chen Ping.
Chen Ping's brows knit tightly, his face grave.
"This is outright fraud targeting an empty-nest elder. In recent years scams have exploded—phone fraud, online-loan fraud, facial-id fraud, even romance scams—most aimed at the middle-aged and elderly."
"Rest assured, leave it to me. I'll see those two con artists behind bars."
Jiang Cheng nodded at Chen Ping's pledge.
After a moment's thought he asked, "Do you have a suitable place where he could work?"
Chen Ping considered, then answered.
"Yes, I can place him in the logistics unit—washing veg, cleaning, odd jobs. It's safe, full of folks his age to keep him company, and will give his days purpose."
With that, Chen Ping frowned, doubt flickering in his eyes.
"Young Master Jiang, have you mentioned any of this to Elder Zhao?"
Jiang Cheng shook his head. "Not yet—and no need. Your arrangement is perfect. I'll have a letter delivered saying Xiao Qing's parents have taken him away."
In Jiang Cheng's view, Zhao Anning was pushing seventy.
Learning the truth would only plant a thorn that could never be removed.
It would do no good at all.
Under Chen Ping's plan the old man's remaining years would be quiet and comfortable.
He'd no longer have to struggle for survival or risk another ordeal like this.
So why burden a kind soul with such bitter memories?
The episode should end with Xiao Qing's disappearance.
As the saying goes: blessed are the muddle-headed.
Hearing this, Chen Ping nodded repeatedly. "Understood."
The two rode in Chen Ping's car all the way to the Rear Sea area.
The sharp-eyed Jiang Cheng quickly spotted Wang Congcong's car already parked inside the alley entrance.
Seeing Jiang Cheng arrive, Wang Congcong stepped out and greeted him. "Finally! Which courtyard is yours?"
Jiang Cheng wasn't entirely sure, but according to the system prompt the whole district appeared to belong to him.
Sure enough, Chen Ping chimed in: "Young Master Wang, every Courtyard House in this alley belongs to Young Master Jiang."
The instant the words left Chen Ping's mouth Wang Congcong's eyes bulged. "Come again?"
Beside him, Reba's gaze also widened in disbelief.
She stared at Jiang Cheng, shock written across her face.
Confirming his guess, Jiang Cheng was hardly less astonished himself.
After passing through a guarded gate behind Jiang Cheng's car,
the convoy stopped in front of the largest five-courtyard complex. Chen Ping exited and personally opened the door for Jiang Cheng.
Seeing Jiang Cheng lead Reba out by the hand, Wang Congcong waggled his brows teasingly.
"Oho, the lady's here too."
Being called "sister-in-law" by the famous Principal Wang left Reba secretly delighted yet flustered.
To ensure tonight's use of the "Juice" card went smoothly, Jiang Cheng gave Wang Congcong a playful shove.
"Enough clowning—let's look inside. I haven't seen the place either."
With that he took Reba's hand and headed for the gate.
Trailing behind, Wang Congcong sighed enviously. "I'm green with envy! Look at this alley—it's the most prosperity-packed spot in the capital. Know what these Courtyard Houses cost?"
Jiang Cheng shook his head. "Tell me."
Wang Congcong explained: "You don't know your own luck. A three-courtyard like this runs several hundred million to buy, twenty million a year to rent—and you've bought the whole lane. Must've cost billions!"
When Jiang Cheng glanced over, Chen Ping nodded. "The total for all compounds is 2.5 billion yuan. They border Luocha Street but sit in a separate, quieter enclave the elders chose for you. All access points are sealed for maximum privacy."
"Ten minutes' walk and you're at Tiananmen Square. Nearby are princely mansions like Prince Gong's, but the old men picked something even better for you."