Chapter 230: The Calm Before the Storm

After eating and drinking their fill, both of them were a bit tipsy. 

Li Dong realized that since his rebirth, he rarely drank, yet he had already had a few drinking sessions with Wang Jie. 

As they exited the restaurant, Wang Jie stretched out his arms, making a gesture as if hugging the air. 

Seeing the intoxicated look on his face, Li Dong couldn't help but laugh and asked, "Who were you thinking about just now?" 

"You!" 

"Get lost!" 

"Hahaha..." 

After some banter, Li Dong asked seriously, "What are your plans for the future?" 

"I haven't thought it through yet. Selling chickens is definitely not my goal. I plan to save up some money and then open an internet café. There are too few internet cafés in Dongping," Wang Jie said calmly. 

Li Dong thought this guy's ideas were quite erratic—one minute he was talking about opening an online store, and now he wanted to open an internet café. 

Of course, whether it was an online store or an internet café, both were profitable ventures at this time. 

If Wang Jie could do well, there might really come a day when he could make a fortune. 

Moreover, internet cafés and online stores could actually complement each other. If Wang Jie managed to get both up and running, it wouldn't be difficult for him to become a wealthy man in Dongping. 

Li Dong thought for a moment and said, "Time waits for no one. Don't force yourself. If you miss this opportunity, it won't come again. If you really lack money, you can come to me. Just think of it as me investing in you." 

"No rush. I'll figure something out on my own. If I really can't manage, then I'll come to you." 

Wang Jie smiled and changed the topic, "How are things going between you and Qin Yuhan?" 

Seeing that Wang Jie was changing the subject, Li Dong didn't mention money again and replied, "It's going okay, but we haven't had many chances to meet lately." 

When Qin Yuhan was mentioned, Li Dong couldn't help but frown slightly. 

Lately, Qin Yuhan seemed to be calling less often. Even when Li Dong called her, she always seemed to be busy and overwhelmed. Li Dong had no idea what she was so busy with. 

He felt that this girl was hiding something from him. It seemed like he needed to find an opportunity to visit Beijing. 

Wang Jie nodded and didn't ask further since he wasn't familiar with Qin Yuhan. 

They walked a bit under the night sky. When they were about to part ways at the intersection, Wang Jie suddenly said, "I ran into Yuan Xue a few days ago." 

Li Dong paused slightly and asked, "Didn't she go to the United States?" 

"Maybe she's on break; I didn't ask for details. She seems to have left now, but she'll probably return around the end of next month for winter break. How about getting together then?" 

"Forget it, I'll be busy around the end of the year." 

"Hypocrite!" 

Wang Jie chuckled playfully and asked, "Do you really have no regrets?" 

Li Dong glanced at him and replied irritably, "Regret what?" 

Wang Jie grinned, "She was a school beauty, after all. You really weren't interested at all?" 

"She wasn't after your money either. She was into you before you made it big. Now she's heartbroken and went abroad—don't you feel any guilt?" 

Annoyed, Li Dong said, "Stop talking nonsense. Just take care of your own business." 

Wang Jie didn't mind Li Dong's tone and kept laughing, "If you ask me, you should just take them all. You're a billionaire now; you can afford it. The only tricky part is who gets to be the first wife and who the second—do you go by age, height, or looks? If none of that works, then..." 

Before he could finish, Li Dong snapped, "Shut up!" 

"Okay, okay, I'll shut up. I won't say anything more." 

Even as he fell silent, Wang Jie sighed and said, "I have to say, women nowadays must be blind. Other than money, what do you have over me? How come they all fall for you? Could it be that women's sixth sense is so strong that they can predict you're a goldmine?" 

Li Dong ignored him and walked into the dark alley ahead. 

From behind, Wang Jie shouted, "Dongzi, you still haven't told me who's the first and who's the second!" 

"Get lost!" 

Wang Jie laughed loudly and then turned and disappeared into the darkness. 

... 

The next day, when Li Dong woke up, it was already broad daylight. 

Cao Fang was sitting on the sofa watching TV. When she saw her son stumbling out of his room, she couldn't help but say, "Drink less next time. You're still young, and drinking is bad for your health. What will you do in the future?" 

Yawning, Li Dong replied, "I know, I know. Yesterday, a classmate invited me out. I don't usually drink." 

"Go wash your face and brush your teeth. I've made some millet porridge to nourish your stomach," Cao Fang urged. 

Li Dong agreed and went to the bathroom to freshen up. 

When he came out, his mother had already served the porridge. 

As he drank the porridge, Li Dong asked, "Did Dad talk to you yesterday?" 

"He did." 

Cao Fang nodded and then added, "I don't mind moving, but what about the house and the supermarket?" 

Li Dong had already thought about this and replied immediately, "The house is no problem. I'll arrange for someone to come and clean it regularly. We're not never coming back, so we can just come back whenever we want. It's very convenient." 

His words were very much to Cao Fang's liking. 

They had lived in that house for almost twenty years; it was impossible not to have any attachment to it. 

Since they didn't lack money now, there was no need to sell the house. If they ever wanted to return, they could just come back and stay for a few days—this was the best scenario. 

Cao Fang then asked, "What about the supermarket?" 

"My suggestion is to stop running the supermarket. We could have Yuangroup acquire it, which would save us the trouble." 

Cao Fang immediately frowned and said, "What do you mean acquire? The supermarket is mine. I won't give it to you." 

Scratching his head, Li Dong said, "What are you keeping it for? I'm not asking for it for free—the company will pay..." 

"It's not about the money!" 

Cao Fang was displeased and said, "The supermarket is for your dad and me to retire on. Don't even think about it." 

Li Dong was both amused and exasperated. His mother's words made it sound like he was trying to take her supermarket from her. 

Seeing his reaction, Cao Fang didn't bother explaining further. Retirement was just an excuse; the truth was she was still uneasy. 

She thought that keeping the house and the supermarket would ensure that even if her son's business failed in the future or the company went under, they could still make a living. 

Li Dong was making money too fast, and she felt it was too unreal, leaving her uncertain. 

However, she couldn't say that openly because it would sound like she was jinxing her son. That's why she insisted on keeping the supermarket and the house. 

Li Dong didn't think much of it. Since his mother was so adamant, he just said, "Fine, do whatever you want." 

"I'm thinking of finding a relative to help me watch the store, and I'll come back once a month to check the accounts. What do you think?" 

"Isn't that too much trouble..." 

"It's not! That's settled!" 

Li Dong was speechless. If it was already decided, why even ask him? 

Since it was just a small convenience store, Li Dong didn't bother arguing and casually said, "Do as you like." 

Cao Fang sighed in relief and smiled, "Alright then, it's settled. I'll go find someone soon." 

Just as Li Dong was about to ask who she would get to watch the store, his phone rang. 

After a brief conversation, Li Dong said, "Mom, I have to go out. I won't be back for lunch." 

"Where are you going?" 

"A classmate asked me for something." 

After responding, Li Dong grabbed his jacket, put on his shoes, and left the house. 

The call was from Wang Jie, who really did have something to ask Li Dong, though it wasn't about borrowing money. 

This guy might have erratic thoughts, but he was definitely bold and decisive. 

Just last night, he had mentioned opening an internet café, and today he was already asking Li Dong to accompany him to scout for a location, even though he hadn't yet secured the funds. 

As for why he needed Li Dong to help with the location, Wang Jie had said on the phone that he wanted to borrow some of Li Dong's luck. 

After all, Li Dong had become a millionaire at such a young age, so he must be incredibly lucky. 

Wang Jie was spot on with this idea—when it came to choosing a location, Li Dong was definitely reliable. 

Even though Wang Jie was just joking, Li Dong didn't refuse. It was better to go out and get some fresh air. 

As Li Dong walked out the door, he suddenly remembered that he hadn't taken his car keys. He had left them in the study and had already locked the door. 

Just as he was contemplating whether to go back and get them, his phone rang again. 

This time, it was an unfamiliar number. Li Dong answered, and as soon as he did, the other party blurted out, "Young Master Li, I'm Xiao Xu. There's trouble at the house..." 

... 

By the time Li Dong hurried back, it was already ten minutes later. 

As he neared his house, he saw a few people crowded outside, one of whom was his father, Li Chengyuan. His father was currently frowning, talking to two men in their fifties who were dressed like government officials. 

Li Dong quickly approached and asked, "Dad, what's going on?" 

Upon hearing his son's voice, Li Chengyuan's expression softened a bit, but he didn't answer right away. 

One of the men in official attire, probably a community officer, immediately stepped forward and said, "Mr. Li, your house is in the path of the upcoming road construction. According to our planning, we need to demolish..." 

Before he could finish, Li Chengyuan interjected angrily, "What kind of planning? Who approved this? Our house is legally owned and registered. Why should we have to demolish it?" 

The official explained patiently, "Mr. Li, we're not asking you to demolish your house for no reason. It's for the sake of city planning. This area will soon be redeveloped, and your house happens to be on the main road. We've already provided compensation details..." 

Seeing his father's resistance, Li Dong immediately understood the situation. It seemed like the community was planning to redevelop the area, which meant their house would have to be demolished. 

After taking a deep breath, Li Dong turned to the official and asked, "What's the compensation amount?" 

The official handed over a document and explained, "According to the government's current compensation policy, we're offering 1,200 yuan per square meter. Additionally, we're providing a temporary resettlement allowance of 1,000 yuan per month for one year. You also have the option of receiving a new apartment of equal size within the city's development area..." 

Before he could finish, Li Dong's face darkened. He said coldly, "1,200 yuan per square meter? Are you joking? The current market price in this area is at least 3,000 yuan per square meter!" 

The official smiled awkwardly and replied, "Mr. Li, we're following government policy. The compensation rate is based on the assessed value of the property..." 

Li Dong cut him off, "Then let me tell you this: I won't accept anything less than 3,000 yuan per square meter. If you can't meet this demand, don't even think about demolishing our house!" 

The official's face turned grim as he said, "Mr. Li, you're making things difficult for us. We're just following the law. If you refuse to comply, we'll have to take legal action, and that won't be good for anyone." 

Li Dong sneered, "Go ahead and try! I'll see how far you get with your legal action. I'll make sure the whole city knows about your ridiculous compensation offer!" 

The two officials were stunned by Li Dong's aggressive stance. Clearly, they hadn't expected this level of resistance. 

Li Chengyuan, who had been silent all this time, suddenly spoke up, "Dongzi, calm down. Let's not make things worse." 

Li Dong glanced at his father and then back at the officials, saying, "My father may be willing to negotiate, but I'm not. You've heard my terms. If you want to demolish our house, you'll have to pay the market price—3,000 yuan per square meter. Otherwise, don't bother coming back!" 

The officials exchanged nervous glances before one of them finally said, "Mr. Li, we understand your concerns. We'll report your demands to our superiors and see if we can reach a compromise. But please understand, the compensation policy is set by the government, and there's little room for negotiation..." 

Li Dong waved them off and said, "Fine, report it to your superiors. But if you don't meet our demands, don't expect us to cooperate." 

With that, Li Dong turned and walked away, leaving the officials standing there awkwardly. 

After they had left, Li Chengyuan sighed and said, "Dongzi, was that really necessary? We could have negotiated..." 

Li Dong shook his head and said, "Dad, they're trying to lowball us. If we give in now, we'll lose out big time. Trust me on this—I know how these things work. We have the upper hand here, and we should use it." 

Li Chengyuan looked at his son and finally nodded, "Alright, I'll leave it to you. Just make sure you don't push them too far." 

Li Dong smiled and said, "Don't worry, Dad. I know what I'm doing." 

As they headed back into the house, Li Dong's phone buzzed again. This time, it was Wang Jie, asking where he was. 

Li Dong quickly explained the situation and promised to meet up later. But as he hung up, his mind was already spinning with plans on how to handle the impending demolition. 

The calm before the storm had passed, and Li Dong knew that he was about to face a new wave of challenges. But this time, he was ready.