Rebirth 03: Starting a Business After Giving Up a Secure Job

Chapter 146 Giving Xiaowen a Home

After returning from Hailuogou that night, some things quietly changed.

Lin Feng didn't rush back to Rongcheng. The next morning, he spent some time with his father in the Lin family courtyard, drinking tea and chatting about this year's spring planting, his tone and expression as usual.

After breakfast, Lin's parents went about their own business, leaving only Lin Feng and Lin Xiaowen in the yard.

"Xiaowen, come sit down, I need to talk to you about something."

In the morning light, her cheeks still had a slight blush from last night. When her eyes met Lin Feng's, she lowered them in a fluster, gave a soft "hmm," and sat down on the small stool opposite him, placing her hands on her knees with her fingertips slightly curled.

Looking at her shy expression, Lin Feng couldn't help but want to laugh, but he couldn't bear to laugh at this silly girl. He softened his tone: "Don't be afraid, I will take responsibility for you."

He paused, his gaze calmly settling on her face: "I plan to buy an apartment in Shenzhen and put both our names on it."

Lin Xiaowen looked up, her eyes wide open, as if she hadn't heard clearly, or as if she was stunned by the sudden words.

Her lips moved, as if she wanted to ask but was too embarrassed to.

"When you and I are in Shenzhen, you'll need to have your own place," Lin Feng said simply, as if he had already planned it.

"Before, you, your brother, and I all rented rooms in the old dormitory at the research institute, but now we have better conditions. I can't let you down."

Only when we buy a house in Shenzhen that belongs to both of us will we truly feel settled.

"Write—our two names?"

Lin Xiaowen had thought about the future, especially after last night, when a heavy sense of belonging and a vague unease mingled in her heart.

But to her utter surprise, Lin Feng's "explanation" was so direct and realistic, far exceeding her expectations.

A house in Shenzhen? That was something she had never dared to dream of.

Lin Feng reached out and took her hand, his tone firm: "You're a good girl. Now that you're with me, I, Lin Feng, can't let you feel insecure. The house is a tangible thing; having your name on it gives you peace of mind. This is our home."

He looked at the tears welling up in the girl's eyes and the incredible joy in them, and continued.

"Tomorrow, we'll fly to Shenzhen to personally choose our house. From now on, you can stay in Shenzhen and take care of things here for me. That will be our home in Shenzhen."

Family.

The first time Lin Feng uttered these words, they carried immense weight and warmth.

After last night, all of Lin Xiaowen's worries vanished instantly, like a thin mist in the sunlight, when she heard Lin Feng firmly say that he would give her a home.

She didn't even think about how astronomical the house price would be, or whether she was "worthy" of it; all that remained in her heart was a warm feeling and a sense of security.

This man, without sweet words or vows of eternal love, gave her the most substantial promise and the most reassuring security in the most practical way.

She was absolutely certain that she hadn't followed the wrong person, not even slightly.

Tears rolled down my cheeks without my noticing; they weren't from sadness, but from joy and peace of mind.

She choked back tears, "Brother Feng, I—I'll listen to you."

Lin Feng reached out and gently wiped away the tears on her cheeks, his gesture so tender and full of tenderness.

"Silly girl, why are you crying? I'll tell Xiaoqiang about this later."

After lunch, Lin Feng found Lin Xiaoqiang under the persimmon tree in the corner of the yard.

"Brother Qiang, I need to talk to you about something." Lin Feng handed him a cigarette.

Lin Xiaoqiang took it and clipped it to his ear: "Boss, what is it?"

"Your sister Xiaowen and I," Lin Feng said bluntly, "are now engaged."

Lin Xiaoqiang's eyes lit up, then he revealed a simple, honest smile that said, "I knew it!" "That's great! I knew it all along! My sister's heart is completely with you! Being with you is her blessing!"

"It's my good fortune too." Lin Feng smiled, took a drag of his cigarette, and slowly exhaled.

"Xiaowen is a good girl. I won't treat her badly since she's with me. I plan to buy a house in Shenzhen and put it in both our names. It will be our home in Shenzhen. I'll be busy and won't be there often. With you, as her brother, living there too, we can look after each other, and I'll feel more at ease."

Lin Xiaoqiang was taken aback for a moment, then his smile widened. His sister had finally found the best home. As her brother, he could finally relax.

He extended his fist and gently patted Lin Feng's shoulder.

"That's great! Don't worry, with me here, I'll definitely take good care of my sister!"

In 2005, although housing prices in Shenzhen were far from reaching the astronomical figures that would later become unbearable, they were still a number that migrant workers from rural areas could only look up to.

A decent house costs millions of yuan, a dream that Lin Xiaoqiang and his sister could only save up over decades or even longer through hard work.

Lin Feng, in such a casual manner, decided to give his sister such a "home".

Lin Feng flicked his cigarette ash. "Get ready. Tomorrow, the three of us will go to Chengdu first, then fly to Shenzhen to buy the house."

"Great! Great!" Lin Xiaoqiang nodded, his excitement evident.

The next day, after saying goodbye to Lin Xiaowen's parents, Lin Xiaoqiang drove his sister and future brother-in-law back to Chengdu.

Following Lin Feng's plan, they parked the Audi downstairs at the company and then the three of them headed straight for the airport.

The plane soared into the sky, and Lin Xiaoqiang peered out the window at the sea of ​​clouds.

Lin Xiaowen sat quietly beside Lin Feng, her hand gently held in his large palm, her heart filled with unprecedented anticipation.

Upon arriving in Shenzhen, Wu Wenjie had already received prior notice and went to the airport to pick him up.

Today, the Shenzhen branch of "Tongcheng Life Network" has been thriving in the housing rental and sales section after more than half a year of development, accumulating a large amount of real housing information.

"Boss, as per your requirements, we've selected several ready-built apartments. The location, layout, and surrounding area are all quite good. Here are the details."

Wu Wenjie handed a well-organized property information sheet to Lin Feng, then smiled and nodded to Lin Xiaowen in greeting, "Xiaowen, Xiaoqiang."

"Brother Jie."

Lin Feng quickly flipped through the documents. The one in the Science Park South District was closest to the company, a five-minute walk away; the one in Qianhai had the best environment, with a park next to it; and the one in Futian District was in a mature location with complete surrounding business districts and amenities.

Lin Feng compared the advantages and disadvantages of these three apartments and preferred the one in Futian, the city center.

It's a three-bedroom, two-living-room apartment in a prime location in Futian District, the city center. It's well-ventilated, with all the necessary appliances and renovations, and you can move in immediately.

The key is that it's a ready-built house with clear property rights, and the transfer of ownership can be completed immediately.

"Let's look at this one first."

The group drove to Futian.

The neighborhood is quiet despite being in a busy area, and the landscaping is quite nice.

The apartment is on the twelfth floor, accessible by elevator. Opening the door, unobstructed sunlight floods the living room, the gleaming floor tiles reflecting the light, making it appear spacious and bright.

The house has three bedrooms, with the master bedroom having an ensuite bathroom. The living room connects to a spacious balcony with a wide view, where you can see the greenery of the city in the distance and the blurry coastline further away.

Lin Xiaowen slowly walked in, her fingers tracing the smooth walls as she looked at the room, brimming with possibilities, imagining what the future would hold—the color of the curtains, perhaps a few potted plants on the balcony—

This place might become her and Lin Feng's home in Shenzhen. This realization made her heart pound.

Lin Xiaoqiang looked the room over carefully, scratching his head and chuckling, "This room is nice, bright and airy!"

Lin Feng was very satisfied after looking at it. He carefully checked the water and electricity, doors and windows, and walls, and then went downstairs to check the environment and property management.

Wu Wenjie then introduced the community's amenities and transportation information.

"This is it." Lin Feng made the decision. He was always decisive and would buy whatever he liked.

"Brother Jie, notify the landlord to come over and get the paperwork done as soon as possible." He looked at the girl waiting quietly beside him.

"Understood, boss!" Wu Wenjie replied crisply.

That afternoon, under Lin Feng's instructions and Wu Wenjie's efficient operation, the purchase contract was quickly signed, the deposit was paid, and then Lin Feng and Lin Xiaowen went with the landlord to complete the transfer procedures. The house was registered in their names.

Lin Feng felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders; he had kept his promise to Lin Xiaowen. Lin Xiaowen smiled as she looked at the man she loved most; she had always believed in Lin Feng.

After getting the keys, Lin Feng hired a cleaning lady to give the room a thorough cleaning, and then took his brother and sister to buy some necessary daily necessities before moving from the rented house in the science park.

The three of them worked all day and finally finished moving.

In the master bedroom, a brand-new double bed has been set up, covered with newly bought sheets. In the bathroom, two new towels hang side by side, one pink and one dark blue.

Lin Xiaoqiang, being very perceptive, washed up early and went into his second bedroom.

The master bedroom door closed gently, shutting out the living room lights.

Only a dim bedside lamp was on in the room, casting a soft, warm light.

Lin Xiaowen came to Lin Feng, took off his coat, and then gently hugged him.

This man gave her a completely new life and a foothold in Shenzhen.

She didn't know how to repay him, but she felt that her feelings were like dry tinder that had been lit, burning fiercely and driving her to do something.

She wrapped her arms around Lin Feng's waist, pressed her cheek against his broad chest, and could feel his warm body temperature and steady heartbeat through the thin shirt.

"Brother Feng—" Her voice was filled with emotion, "Thank you—for being so kind to me."

Lin Feng looked down at her. The girl looked up, her eyes glistening with tears, reflecting the warm light of the bedside lamp, which was filled with a burning, passionate love.

The usual gentleness and shyness faded away, leaving only a complete and unreserved surrender.

He raised his hand and touched her slightly flushed cheek.

Lin Xiaowen took the initiative to stand on tiptoe and kiss his lips.

This kiss was no longer awkward and passive like the one under the starry sky, but rather passionate and ardent, actively entwining and exploring, as if she wanted to convey all her love, and even her entire life, to him through this kiss.

The girl's passion, like the finest wine, ignited the air.

Lin Feng swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing, and immediately took the initiative, responding deeply to her.

The kiss quickly became intense, their lips and tongues intertwining, their breaths rising rapidly.

Under the dim light, clothes fell to the ground in a flurry.

Lin Xiaowen clung tightly to him, responding passionately to every thrust, the sound of love engulfing the tranquility of the night.

She was bolder and more engaged than that night, as if she wanted to confirm their existence and this profound sense of belonging.

That night, in this brand-new city and in this brand-new room, the girl completely shed her last trace of youthful reserve, burning herself into a blazing fire, willingly melting into the embrace of her god, her destiny.

After an unknown amount of time, the wind stopped and the rain ceased.

Lin Xiaowen was exhausted, but she nestled contentedly in Lin Feng's arms, her cheek pressed against his sweaty chest, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, feeling an unprecedented sense of peace and fulfillment.

Physical exhaustion couldn't outweigh the satisfaction of her soul, and she quickly fell into a deep sleep, a sweet smile still on her lips.

Lin Feng didn't fall asleep immediately. He held the warm, soft body in his arms and looked out at the city lights.

Giving her a home was something he had wanted to do for a long time.

After that night, the matter became even more urgent and taken for granted.

Seeing her trembling hand as she signed the property documents today, seeing the tears glistening in her eyes and the trust she now held in his arms, Lin Feng felt that this decision couldn't have been more correct.

He lowered his head and placed a light kiss on her smooth forehead. Lin Feng closed his eyes as well.

The next day, Lin Xiaowen opened her eyes groggily, and was stunned for a few seconds.

She turned her head slightly, and what came into view was the man's sleeping face so close to hers. When he was asleep, the usual sharpness between his brows had faded, revealing a rare relaxation, and even a touch of—handsomeness.

She dared not move, afraid of waking him, and simply opened her eyes, slowly taking in the home that belonged to them.

Memories flooded back, and the passion and intimacy of last night surged into her mind. Lin Xiaowen's cheeks instantly turned bright red, and she quickly buried her face in the pillow, but couldn't help but secretly curl the corners of her mouth into a smile.

After an unknown amount of time, she felt the person next to her move, and she immediately closed her eyes, pretending to still be fast asleep.

When Lin Feng woke up, he first felt his arm was numb from being pressed down, and then he felt a soft, warm body in his arms.

He looked down and saw the girl's tightly closed eyelashes trembling slightly, but a smile she couldn't hide was playing on her lips.

He didn't expose her, but gently withdrew his slightly numb arm. In that moment, Lin Xiaowen couldn't pretend anymore and "woke up" naturally.

She rubbed her eyes and said, "Good morning, Brother Feng."

"Good morning." Lin Feng got up, put on his clothes, and said, "It's still early, want to sleep a little longer?"

Lin Xiaowen shook her head, sat up, wrapped herself in a thin blanket, and let her long hair fall messily over her shoulders: "I'm not sleeping—what are we doing today?"

"Nothing to do today," Lin Feng said as he walked to the window and quickly pulled back the curtains. A flood of bright sunlight rushed in, illuminating the dust particles floating in the air.

"Let's go to the supermarket, buy some things, and fill in this house."

"Supermarket?" Lin Xiaowen's eyes lit up slightly.

The thought of going to the supermarket with the one she loves, like any ordinary couple, to buy groceries for everyday life filled her heart with a subtle sweetness.

"Okay. I'll wash up, go out for breakfast, and then I'll head over." Lin Feng turned to look at her.

"Check what else we need at home and buy it all at once."

Around 9 a.m., the two appeared at a large chain supermarket nearby.

The supermarket was quite crowded on the weekend, with people pushing shopping carts and weaving between the dazzling array of goods on the shelves.

Lin Feng pushed the cart, and Lin Xiaowen walked beside him. At first, she was a little reserved, unsure of what to do with her hands and feet. It wasn't that she had never been to a supermarket before, but going with Brother Feng under the guise of "decorating the new home" felt completely different.