Chapter 26: The Architect Delayed by Money.

Chapter 26: The Architect Delayed by Money

A Grand Villa Beyond Expectations

Although Shen Jiaoyue knew she didn't need to worry about Sisi's accommodation, she was still shocked when Xiao Cheng took her to the destination.

The villa in front of her was nothing to some of the wealthiest elites, but to Shen Jiaoyue, it was like standing in front of an entire company's worth of assets. The sheer value of the property, the land, and the construction costs—just mortgaging this villa could bring in hundreds of millions in bank loans.

"How… how do you even own a place like this?" Shen Jiaoyue muttered under her breath, her gaze sweeping across the grand entrance, the meticulously manicured gardens, and the classical European-style columns supporting the front porch.

She had known Xiao Cheng was wealthy, but this… this was another level.

Although she still held some grievances toward Xiao Cheng, she couldn't help but reassess him. He wasn't just some rich second-generation heir splurging family money. He had been through hardships, and despite his power and wealth, he never used them to oppress her. Instead, he willingly endured difficulties.

That alone made him different from many wealthy men she had encountered.

Of course, she would never admit these thoughts out loud.

With her level of understanding, she knew that Xiao Cheng's wealth couldn't have appeared overnight. He was too methodical. The money he spent was real, tangible wealth—the kind that would take others centuries to accumulate.

If he had no background, how could he possess such resources?

A Child's Innocent Dream

As soon as they stepped inside, Shen Jiaoyue was once again stunned by the elegant interior.

The villa had been designed by one of the world's top French architects. Every aspect of its layout was carefully coordinated, blending modern luxury with artistic finesse. Even though Xiao Cheng still saw some flaws, to Shen Jiaoyue, it was the most breathtaking residence she had ever seen.

Before she could take it all in, a small figure came rushing toward them—covered in mud from head to toe.

"Ma Ma! You're here too!"

Sisi's sweet voice rang out as she ran toward her mother with excitement, her little feet leaving muddy prints on the pristine marble floor.

Xiao Cheng swiftly lifted his daughter into his arms without hesitation, not caring about the dirt staining his expensive clothes.

"How did you end up like this?" he asked, brushing a stray clump of mud from her forehead.

Sisi giggled, her bright eyes full of mischief. "Papa, I was building a castle for you and Mama to live in!"

Her innocent words made Xiao Cheng pause for a moment.

He glanced at Shen Jiaoyue, then at Sisi. If it was just about letting Sisi see her mother, that was simple enough. But being together as a family… that was another matter entirely.

At that moment, a familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind.

Ding! First time staying in a villa. Reward: Villa construction knowledge +999, Villa layout knowledge +999, Money +1 billion USD.

Xiao Cheng frowned slightly. He hadn't received this kind of system prompt the last time he checked into a villa.

Was there some hidden mechanism behind it? Or was it simply a reward for staying in a luxurious home?

Either way, it didn't matter much to him now. He had already reached a level where such rewards were secondary. With his knowledge and insight, he would uncover the system's mysteries sooner or later.

For now, his focus was on Sisi.

Xiao Cheng turned his attention to the area where Sisi had been playing. There, on an open patch of land, was a small, crude castle made of mud.

The space had originally been left empty by the villa's designer for the owner to create a personal garden, but Sisi had taken it upon herself to turn it into a playground.

Seeing her enthusiasm, Xiao Cheng suddenly had an idea.

"What if I build a real castle for you?" he asked with a smile.

Sisi's eyes sparkled. "Really? A real castle?"

Xiao Cheng nodded. "Yes, a proper one. Just for you."

Sisi clapped her hands excitedly. "Yay! I want to live in the castle that Haki builds!"

Shen Jiaoyue, watching from the side, couldn't help but be amused. Xiao Cheng truly doted on his daughter.

"If you need help, just let me know," she offered.

"No need," Xiao Cheng replied casually.

A Castle Fit for a Princess

Without hesitation, Xiao Cheng pulled out his phone and made a call.

The materials he ordered were not ordinary playhouse supplies but premium-grade construction materials—the kind used for high-end buildings.

When Shen Jiaoyue saw the trucks arriving, her jaw nearly dropped.

Steel beams, reinforced concrete, and carved stone materials were delivered in bulk. This wasn't a child's toy castle—it was something straight out of a fairy tale, but built with real architectural integrity.

She couldn't believe Xiao Cheng had gone to such lengths for what was essentially a child's whim.

What surprised her even more was how smoothly everything was arranged. Xiao Cheng wasn't just calling in favors—he had ownership and influence over the companies providing the materials.

One of his enterprises, Tian Fu Construction, had invested in multiple high-end architectural firms. When the company heard their top boss needed materials, they didn't just deliver them—they also sent their best architects and designers to assist.

Among the professionals who arrived was a refined man in his mid-thirties. He stepped forward and introduced himself respectfully.

"Mr. Xiao, my name is Feng Lin. I hold a doctorate in architecture from Imperial University. It's an honor to assist you."

Xiao Cheng gave him a polite nod. "Thank you for coming. Just assist as needed."

Feng Lin's expression stiffened.

Assist?

As a highly educated architect and top-tier designer, he wasn't used to being treated as an extra pair of hands.

With a hint of displeasure, he raised his voice. "Mr. Xiao, while you are our employer, I would appreciate it if you respected our profession."

Xiao Cheng turned his gaze toward him, his expression unreadable.

"I don't like your skills," he stated bluntly.

A hush fell over the construction team.

Feng Lin's face turned red with humiliation. "Mr. Xiao, every person here is a leading expert in their field. We can handle any project, no matter the complexity. You can criticize us, but please don't question our professionalism."

Xiao Cheng, who had initially found Feng Lin's attitude irritating, suddenly looked at him with a trace of admiration.

At least the man had integrity.

"Then watch from the side," Xiao Cheng said simply.

Without waiting for another word, he stepped forward and got to work.

A Master at Work

To the astonishment of the professionals present, Xiao Cheng handled the materials with expert precision.

His hands moved swiftly, placing bricks and beams in perfect alignment, shaping the walls and turrets with seamless fluidity.

Each movement was calculated, each cut precise. It was as if he had spent decades mastering the craft.

Feng Lin, who had initially dismissed Xiao Cheng, stood frozen in place.

He had been skeptical at first. But now, watching Xiao Cheng's skill, he found himself mesmerized.

At some point, he instinctively stepped forward—not as an expert, but as a student, eager to learn.

The other architects followed suit.

They didn't just assist anymore. They observed, absorbed, and admired.

By the time the foundation of the small castle was completed, Feng Lin had unconsciously started treating Xiao Cheng with the same respect he reserved for the most revered architects in the field.

"Mr. Xiao… I apologize for my earlier arrogance," he said sincerely.

Xiao Cheng simply smirked.

"It's fine. Just remember—true professionals recognize skill, no matter where it comes from."

Feng Lin nodded.

And with that, the fairy tale castle took shape.

(To be continued…)