A Dream

Fireworks were still blooming sporadically in the distance, and the evening breeze was slightly cool, but it couldn't dispel the warmth between the two.

The two drove back to the courtyard together, with Lin Xiao carrying the remaining snacks from the orphanage.

Returning to the familiar courtyard, Qin Yanan did not go straight upstairs to her own residence as usual.

At Lin Xiao's invitation, the two entered Lin Xiao's room together.

Upon re-entering the room, Qin Yanan's mindset had changed.

Sitting on the sofa, Qin Yanan looked at the dilapidated state of the rented room and finally couldn't help but say:

"Lin Xiao, have you considered moving to another place? This place is too remote after all."

Lin Xiao handed a glass of warm water to Qin Yanan, shaking her head as she said, "No, I think it's actually quite nice here, at least it's quiet."

Qin Yanan nodded slightly upon hearing this.

The reason we chose this location as our base was because it was quiet.

Even if something happens, it won't cause too much panic.

After all, the evil spirits they were responsible for dealing with were not ones that ordinary people could come into contact with.

But now that she has a boyfriend, she wants a better environment.

What she didn't expect was that Lin Xiao was unwilling to leave.

After thinking for a moment, Qin Yanan spoke again, "In that case, why don't we just tear this side down and rebuild it?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiao couldn't help but laugh and tease, "Sister Ya Nan, your suggestion is very good, but I'm afraid the landlord won't agree."

"Oh, really?" Qin Yanan smiled slightly, a mysterious smile appearing on her face. "What if I agree?"

"Sister Ya Nan, what's the use of your agreement? You're not renting it..."

Lin Xiao stopped speaking halfway through her sentence.

Staring blankly at the name on the electronic property certificate displayed on Qin Yanan's open phone.

Seeing Lin Xiao standing there in a daze, Qin Yanan smiled slightly and said, "How about it? From today onwards, this is our real home."

Lin Xiao suddenly woke up and stared blankly at the clear name of the property owner on the phone screen.

His brain seemed to have been emptied instantly, and he couldn't process it for a long time.

The electronic property certificate is clear and transparent.

In the head of household section, his own name was prominently displayed.

Lin Xiao opened his mouth, but the words that were about to come out got stuck in his throat.

He always thought he was just an ordinary tenant in this remote little courtyard.

I pay rent monthly, but I may move out at any time.

He never dared to consider this place as his real home.

But who would have thought that this place would become his property?

"You... what time is this...?"

Lin Xiao's voice was slightly unsteady, and his eyes were filled with disbelief as he looked at Qin Yanan.

He wouldn't be surprised even if the property were registered in Qin Yanan's name.

After all, given the other party's status, buying such a small suburban courtyard would be a piece of cake.

but now……

The owner of this house has somehow become himself?

Qin Yanan put away her phone, leaned forward slightly, and looked at his stunned expression with a gentle smile in her eyes.

"As you know, my job is special. I actually bought this courtyard from the very beginning."

After you helped save Li Yunchuan, this is to give you a safe and secure place to stay.

So, I simply transferred ownership of this little courtyard to you, without telling you.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiao suddenly realized what had happened.

only……

"Doesn't the property transfer require the buyer's personal presence?"

"Hmph, have you forgotten what I do? This is such a trivial matter..." Qin Yanan snorted lightly, her tone very calm.

Lin Xiao's Adam's apple bobbed violently.

At that moment, his heart felt as if it were being tightly enveloped by a warm tide.

From childhood to adulthood, he was used to bearing everything alone and enduring everything by himself.

He never dared to hope that someone would quietly pave a safe road for him.

Qin Yanan reached out and gently grasped his slightly cold hand, her fingertips warm as she said:

"Since you don't want to move, we won't move."

If you like it here, we'll make it the best it can be.

Whether you want to tear it down and rebuild it, or renovate it, as long as you're willing, we can gradually transform this place into the way you like.

There's a yard, lights, warmth, you, and me.

She looked up at him, speaking each word clearly and solemnly.

"From today onwards, this is no longer a rental apartment, it's our home!"

Lin Xiao looked at the girl in front of him, whose eyes were filled with gentleness and sincerity.

The emotions he had suppressed all night surged up completely at this moment.

He didn't speak, but leaned down slightly and gently pulled Qin Yanan into his arms.

His movements were careful, as if he were holding the most precious treasure of his life.

"Thank you, Sister Ya Nan!"

Lin Xiao buried her face in Qin Yanan's hair, her voice slightly hoarse but incredibly firm: "Together, we'll make this our home."

……

However, just as the ambiguous atmosphere between the two was getting stronger, several cars suddenly stopped outside the courtyard.

The next moment, steady footsteps, carrying a sense of pressure, landed on the stone path outside the courtyard gate.

In just a moment, the gentleness on Qin Yanan's face vanished.

Instead, a sense of solemnity and coldness prevailed.

The sharp aura she possessed when dealing with evil spirits resurfaced.

"Someone's coming."

She spoke in a low voice, her tone carrying a barely perceptible tension.

Lin Xiao was slightly taken aback, and just as he was about to speak, a deep and respectful voice came from outside the courtyard gate:

"Miss, the master has ordered that you return with us immediately."

The moment the words were spoken, the courtyard gate was violently pushed open.

Two men dressed in black suits, exuding a calm and composed aura, stood at the door.

With his upright posture and sharp eyes, one could tell at a glance that he was a highly trained expert.

They didn't enter, yet they exuded an irresistible sense of oppression that enveloped the entire courtyard.

Qin Yanan's expression darkened slightly, and she stood up to block Lin Xiao from view.

"How did you find this place? Who sent you?"

"Please forgive me, Miss, but this was an order personally given by the head of the family."

One of them bowed slightly, speaking respectfully, but leaving no room for negotiation.

"With many family matters to attend to during the New Year, you should not stay out too long."

"I said I'm not going back," Qin Yanan said firmly.

Another person stepped forward, his breath slightly lowered, and said, "Miss, please don't make things difficult for us."

"You two think you can take me back?!" Qin Yanan smiled slightly, her tone extremely cold.

However, just as Qin Yanan finished speaking, another white-haired old man walked out of the door.

"The patriarch has ordered that if you, Miss, are unwilling to return voluntarily, I will have no choice but to... forcibly invite you back."

Lin Xiao's heart tightened, and he stood up as well, instinctively wanting to protect Qin Yanan.

But the moment he moved, the eyes of the two black-clad experts fell on him instantly.

There was no murderous intent in his eyes, but they were as cold as ice, carrying a superior-down scrutiny and indifference.

It's as if you're looking at an insignificant, yet annoying, ordinary person.

Qin Yanan immediately turned around, pressed Lin Xiao's arm, gently shook her head, and said in a very low voice:

"Don't be impulsive. They are Qin family's direct guards, and this old man is a family elder with unfathomable strength. Don't get into a conflict with them."

As the eldest daughter of the Qin family, she was well aware of the Qin family's methods and the strength of these people.

She wasn't actually afraid to take action.

But she didn't want to implicate Lin Xiao, an innocent person.

Moreover, she had to go back and take care of some things.

The white-haired old man's gaze swept lightly over Lin Xiao before he slowly spoke.

The voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached their ears, carrying a blatant warning:

"Sir, my young lady has a special identity and bears heavy responsibilities; she is not an ordinary woman."

Some distances should not be approached; some thoughts should not be entertained.

From now on, please behave yourself and stay away from prostitutes.

The white-haired old man spoke calmly, yet each word was like a needle, piercing the heart and making one's heart tighten.

Lin Xiao subconsciously clenched her hands, her knuckles turning white.

He wanted to speak, to refute, to tell the white-haired old man that his relationship with Qin Yanan was genuine.

But faced with such an absolute difference in strength and status, all his words seemed pale and powerless.

Qin Yanan's face turned completely cold. She glared at the white-haired old man and snapped, "Shut up! Don't speak to him like that!"

She took a deep breath, knowing that she had to go back today no matter what.

She turned to look at Lin Xiao, her eyes filled with apology, reluctance, and a stubborn determination.

"Lin Xiao, wait for me, I will come back!"

No matter what happens, no matter who tries to stop me, I will come back to you.

Her voice was soft, yet every word was sincere.

Before Lin Xiao could respond, the two men in black bowed slightly, gesturing for him to enter.

Qin Yanan gave Lin Xiao one last, deep look.

Then he turned around and walked out of the room step by step.

The footsteps gradually faded into the distance.

The soft sound of the car door opening and closing could be heard.

Then, with a low hum, the engine quietly drove away from the secluded alley.

The courtyard returned to quiet.

All that remained was lukewarm water that hadn't cooled down completely, snacks on the table, and a faint aroma lingering in the air.

Lin Xiao stood there alone, feeling utterly empty inside.

The little house, which was just a moment ago full of warmth and sweetness, suddenly became cold.

It all felt like a dream; he became a person again!