Chapter 13

Nancy was looking at the screen too, her expression calm and indifferent, as if she wasn't the least bit surprised. It truly felt like money was just a number to her.

Back home, Kane sat silently at his desk, feeling like today's experience was even more absurd than being reborn.

What does she see in me? Could she know I've come back from another life?

Just then, Nancy suddenly put down her book, her clear eyes fixed on him, as if she had something to say.

Kane snapped out of his thoughts. "What's up?"

"I want to be your friend. I hope you'll be smart enough to accept," she said seriously.

"????"

Kane was stunned, unable to figure out where this was coming from.

But then he caught sight of the book he'd been helping Nancy carry—How to Make Good Friends Quickly and Effectively.

His mind stalled for a second. Then he glanced at Nancy, who looked a bit nervous, slapped his forehead, and everything clicked.

Seriously, which idiot spread the rumor that she's all cold and aloof?

This girl was clearly just an awkward, socially anxious dork!

"Actually… we're already friends."

"Then when are you taking me out to have fun?"

"…"

Business always comes with risks. In other words, there's no such thing as a guaranteed profit in this world.

But Kane Brook was a reborn man.

He already knew the outcomes of many events that hadn't even happened yet. So, making foolproof investments wasn't exactly a challenge for him.

Especially now, with financial backing from Nancy Foster, Kane decided it was time to make some bold moves and earn big.

The old district renovation project in Jade Isle was about to kick off. It would cover a vast area, offering quick and generous compensation. Naturally, buying up properties slated for demolition became Kane's first target.

Lately, he'd been roaming the streets with Hansel Grant, posting notices in every neighborhood marked for redevelopment.

[High-Price Purchase of Local Properties – Contact: XXXX]

Neighborhoods like Prosper Lane, Chengdu, Happy Community, and Lucky Community were infamous for their rundown, cramped apartments. Residents sick of the poor living conditions and eager to move were everywhere, and those wanting to sell their homes were even more abundant.

They had no idea that these areas were about to be demolished. So, the moment they saw someone offering high prices for their properties, calls flooded in for Kane.

Of course, Kane wasn't about to buy every single house.

The old district renovation was an official project, strictly confidential. If someone suddenly started purchasing large numbers of properties in areas slated for demolition just before the official announcement, what would that imply?

Kane could end up being investigated down to his ancestors before he even received the compensation.

So, no matter the neighborhood, he'd only buy one property.

Greed is natural, but before indulging it, you'd better make sure you can stomach what you're about to swallow.

Choosing the right sellers was an art, too.

Occupied homes? No, thank you.

Homes with elderly residents? Absolutely not.

Owners struggling financially? A definite no.

So, what made the perfect target?

Properties owned by wealthy families who had long moved out, leaving their old apartments vacant.

These kinds of deals went smoothly, with none of the back-and-forth delays.

After all, if someone handed over their property but then refused to vacate—wanting to stay "just a little longer"—only to discover their house was up for demolition after the official notice… wouldn't they cause an uproar, maybe even a legal mess?

Kane's current status was nothing more than an ordinary high school graduate. Handling that kind of trouble would be far from easy.

So, he'd spent the past few days carefully vetting sellers, finally locking in his targets after two days of meticulous work.

Mr. Sue from Prosper Lane, Mr. Lewis from Chengdu, Mr. White from Happy Community, and Mr. Warren from Lucky Community.

What did these four men have in common?

They'd all relocated with their families to other provinces years ago. Their properties, old and dilapidated, had been sitting empty for ages because they couldn't find buyers—until now. Desperate to sell, they were the perfect fit.

Mid-June. The sun blazed mercilessly.

Kane sat across from Mr. White of Happy Community in a ramen shop. In front of them were the property transfer documents and the purchase contract.

Hansel Grant had tagged along, sitting stiffly to the side, looking like an awkward, chubby kid weighing about 140 pounds.

"Uncle White, as agreed—630,000. I've already transferred the money."

"Huh? Oh, right."

Mr. White stared at Kane's face, feeling a bit dazed. "I just saw your ID at the Housing Authority… You're only eighteen?"

Kane wasn't bothered by the age-related skepticism. Flashing a toothy grin, he quipped, "As Mr. Lu Xun once said—owning property has nothing to do with age."

"But why are you buying this kind of place?"

"My dad loves these old apartments," Kane replied smoothly. "Says they've got character."

Mr. White nodded thoughtfully, thinking to himself that this must be a wealthy family—throwing money around like it's nothing, probably with a few eccentric quirks. But as long as the house was sold, that's all that mattered. After living in another province for so many years, he had long let go of any sentimental attachment to this place. This time, leaving might very well mean never coming back.

Mr. White stuffed the contract into his bag, mentioning he had a train to catch in the afternoon, and hurried off.

It wasn't until then that Alexander Quinn finally lifted his head, his gaze heavy as he looked at Kane Brook, his entire demeanor tense and uneasy.

A high school graduate spending over 600,000 yuan to buy a house—whether it's an old rundown place or not—was enough to make Alexander's jaw drop.

While he was still figuring out how to make his QQ Space look flashier, his classmate was already out there house hunting and making purchases.

How the hell was that even acceptable?

The real kicker was Kane's audacity. Alexander felt that even if he had over 600,000 yuan in his hands, he wouldn't dare spend it. That kind of money was just too overwhelming for someone their age.

"You really bought a house? That's over 600,000 yuan!"

Kane pushed the glass of water in front of him forward. "Alright, cards on the table—I'm done pretending. I'm a damn millionaire."

Alexander swallowed hard. "I haven't even been to a foot massage parlor…"

"Well, once the college acceptance letters come in, I'll find some time to take you for an educational tour."

"Thanks, godfather!"

Kane grinned, thinking, Not bad, old Alex. You've really broadened your horizons.

Besides, isn't this way better than dating?

You bust your ass for three months to buy your goddess a necklace, and she'll just give you a cold "thanks" and toss the complimentary flowers into the trash when you're not looking.

But look at your bros, your friends, your roommates—a tiny favor and they're howling 'godfather' like it's gospel.

"Oh right, Kane, there's a class gathering this afternoon. You coming?"

Kane snapped out of his thoughts, his expression slightly blank. "What's the occasion? Why a gathering now?"