Chapter 51: Buying a House and a Car
There’s also a car!
When picking up or delivering goods, Mu Zhengguo usually drove an electric tricycle. Of course, he wanted a car—what man doesn’t love cars? But in the end, his concern about money won out.
“No, if you have money, save it for yourself. Don’t waste it. It’s not like we don’t have a place to live or a vehicle to use.”
Mu Lantu said, “You two just hear me out first.”
Xu Huazhang calmly sipped his tea. A strong-willed boyfriend was cute too.
Mu Zhengguo and He Cuifang’s hearts were pounding—they could already tell their youngest son was about to say something big again.
“I’m buying both a house and a car. In the future, if something happens and I can’t rush back from the Capital, you’ll have to rely on my brother and sister. I’ll put the house in your names. Whoever treats you better—my brother or sister—can inherit it. I don’t want it. With this ‘carrot’ dangling in front of them, they’ll probably think twice before neglecting you.”
Bitterness welled up in Mu Zhengguo and He Cuifang’s hearts. They couldn’t guarantee that their son and daughter would remain filial once they got old and frail. They’d seen unfilial children before—there were plenty of them. Just recently, something shocking happened: a man in the next town kicked his mother with Alzheimer’s out of the house late at night when no one was watching. His sister had been searching everywhere and even called the police, but there was still no news. The chances of survival were slim. Though Mu Lantu’s words were blunt, they were honest and sincerely for their sake.
The couple exchanged a silent look. Mu Zhengguo nodded. It was clear their son had made up his mind—refusing now would only hurt him.
“Buy a big house. Set aside a room for a live-in maid. You probably don’t want to hire one right now.”
Mu Zhengguo and He Cuifang shook their heads repeatedly.
“No, no, no! We’re still young, not at that point yet.”
“When you’re older and if you’re willing to retire in the Capital, I’ll arrange everything for you. You won’t have to worry about a thing. If you still don’t want to move, then hire a maid—to cook and clean. If you want to live closer to my brother, buy a house near him. If there’s nothing suitable there, my sister’s neighborhood is fine too.”
All the worries they’d been carrying vanished, like a weight lifted off their chests.
“We’ll follow your lead.”
Mu Lantu continued, “Buy two cars—one for each of you.”
He Cuifang beamed from ear to ear. “Hehehe, one for me too? Well, I’ll need to go to driving school first. Do you think I can learn?”
Mu Lantu knew she was just saying that. She was bold—back when she didn’t know you needed a license to drive, she even wanted her cousin to teach her. At that time, Mu Hongtu didn’t own a car yet.
“I’m definitely buying two cars. If you can’t learn, you’ll just have to watch Dad drive both of them.”
He used a bit of reverse psychology.
He Cuifang straightened her neck, “No way. I will learn!”
Mu Zhengguo was secretly pleased. “Look at you! Who’s stopping you from learning?”
But then… He Cuifang suddenly changed her expression and said calmly, “Still, let’s just buy one car for your dad first. Buy mine later.”
Mu Lantu was puzzled. Wasn’t she just excited?
“It’s fine. I won’t buy anything too expensive—just around 100,000. I’ve already prepared the money.”
He Cuifang smiled kindly. “Son, listen to me—just get one car first. Once I get my license, I’ll use your dad’s car to practice. If I scratch it, I won’t feel bad. Once I’m confident, then you can buy me my own.”
Mu Lantu looked at Mu Zhengguo for an explanation.
Mu Zhengguo gestured they’d talk in private.
“Okay, just one car for now.”
They decided to go house hunting first.
After they left, the breakfast shop owner, his wife, and the customers were buzzing with gossip.
One nosy customer asked, “Boss, do you know them?”
The owner’s wife jumped in, “Of course we do! That’s the family who runs the supermarket at the end of the snack street. The owner is Mu Zhengguo, and that young man is probably his youngest son. Mu Zhengguo is just an ordinary small business owner, and He Cuifang is the type who only knows how to play cards. Who would’ve thought their son would be so successful? Not only is he buying them a house, but two cars too! My goodness, I don’t think there’s another son in our entire county who could match that!”
Her tone dripped with envy.
Several customers looked on with a mix of admiration and bitterness.
“It’s true. I’ve heard of Mu Zhengguo. They used to live in the countryside before opening their supermarket in town. Looks like they’ve finally made it!”
“Can’t compare, can’t compare. Comparing yourself to others will drive you mad. My son? I’d be lucky if he didn’t ask me to help buy a house and car, let alone buy one for me. Sigh!”
The group got into Xu Huazhang’s car and arrived at the sales office within three minutes.
Sales offices in small towns were usually quiet. When they saw customers walk in, all four staff members smiled and came over eagerly.
Xu Huazhang walked alongside He Cuifang at a faster pace. Mu Lantu deliberately lagged behind and asked Mu Zhengguo why his mother didn’t want both cars.
Mu Zhengguo hesitated. “Son, don’t get upset when I say this.”
Mu Lantu raised an eyebrow. That line usually means something upsetting is coming.
“Go on.”
“Remember the bag you bought for your mom last time? Your sister-in-law wanted it too. She asked your mom a few times, even once in front of your brother. Your mom didn’t want to embarrass your brother, so she gave it to her.”
While speaking, Mu Zhengguo watched his son’s reaction closely.
So on the day of the banquet, the bag He Cuifang was carrying had been temporarily taken back from Yang Xiurong.
Mu Lantu chuckled. “Nothing to be upset about. I gave the bag to Mom—so it was hers. If she wanted to give it away, that was her decision. I already did my part. After that, it has nothing to do with me. But I won’t be buying another one.”
Mu Zhengguo gave a sheepish laugh. “You say you’re not upset, but that kind of sounds like you are.”
Mu Lantu smiled. “Dad, I really mean it. But I’m also being honest. Same goes for the house and car—if you two want to gift them to my brother or sister-in-law, go ahead.”
The unspoken message was: Don’t expect me to do it again.
Mu Zhengguo understood the underlying meaning and looked serious.
As elders, they often tried to smooth over conflicts between siblings. But doing that could unintentionally make things worse. Only now did Mu Zhengguo realize how serious the issue had become.
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”
Mu Lantu didn’t say more. Whether it did or not, he didn’t care. Before occupying a host body, the system always made a fair deal with the original soul: in exchange for letting them reincarnate into a better life, the host got his body. So he owed the original soul nothing—and by extension, owed nothing to their family. He’d look after the parents within reason but wouldn’t let himself suffer for it.
Mu Lantu walked up to Xu Huazhang and slipped an arm around his waist. “Mom, how’s it looking?”
He Cuifang said cheerfully, “Spring Light Garden still has a dozen units—we can take our pick. But… none of them are in the same building as your brother.”
Xu Huazhang pointed at the floor model. “This one is closest to your brother’s—diagonal across the courtyard. Unit 901, great lighting, big layout, four bedrooms.”
He Cuifang added, “Even bigger than your brother’s place.”
Mu Lantu said, “This is for you and Dad. What matters most is that you’re happy. Money isn’t a problem. Consider other factors—if you think it’s suitable, then buy it.”
The sales staff looked at them with admiration and flattered them endlessly. He Cuifang couldn’t stop smiling.
“I think it’s good,” said Mu Zhengguo. “When we’re old, we can just sit on the balcony and sunbathe.”
Time to take a look.
The unit was unfinished but coming along. Both parents were satisfied.
Back at the sales office, Mu Zhengguo suddenly said, “Lantu, put the house in your name.”
He Cuifang was stunned. She wasn’t trying to take her son’s property—she just thought if it was in her and Zhengguo’s names, she could show off to her sisters.
Mu Lantu paused. “Dad, what’s this about? I said it’s a gift for you two.”
Mu Zhengguo glanced at He Cuifang. “You paid for it, so it should be in your name. Just listen to me. We’re living in it, so whether you buy it for us or let us live in it—it’s all the same.”
He Cuifang nodded firmly. “Listen to your dad.”
Both insisted, so Mu Lantu gave in.
They paid in full, and the process was simple. Mu Lantu completed all the formalities with his parents, bought two parking spots, and then headed to Qingning City to buy a car.
The county was tiny—most people knew each other. Even if you didn’t know their name, you recognized the face. Word spread fast. Soon, both Mu Hongtu and Mu Zhenzhen’s households heard that Mu Lantu had bought a house and car for their parents.
Seeing Yang Xiurong unable to sit still and itching to take time off, a coworker who disliked her chuckled, “Xiurong, why are you so excited that your brother-in-law bought your in-laws a house and car? People might think it was for you!”
“What nonsense are you spouting? My brother-in-law is still young. Buying a house and car is a big deal. As his sister-in-law, of course I want to help guide him—otherwise he might get cheated. Some people look decent but behind the scenes—who knows if they’re man or monster, right?” Yang Xiurong said with a smile.
Her coworker agreed, “You’re so right! Like someone I know—she and her husband earn just over 10,000 a month and still have to pay off house and car loans. Yet she’s somehow carrying a 20,000 yuan designer bag. Who knows if she stole it or got it from some sugar daddy!”
“You’re the one with a sugar daddy!” Yang Xiurong snapped, her face flushing red with rage, and lunged at Fang Qiuyu.
Fang Qiuyu rolled up her sleeves, ready to fight back.
Small towns have no secrets. Yang Xiurong wasn’t even suspicious—Fang Qiuyu was definitely talking about her.
