Seventies Sweetheart: From Breakup to Billionaire-Chapter 282: The Military Compound

Cheng An adjusted the glasses sliding down his nose. "Hmm, I’ll go back with you."

Lin Family.

Lin Xiang and Mrs. Lin each occupied a deck chair, eating watermelon and enjoying the fan’s breeze comfortably.

"Once the small restaurant opens tomorrow, we’ll have to move the fan over there; otherwise, nobody can stand the heat."

Although it’s already mid-September, this year’s autumn heatwave is especially harsh, making one sweat easily with any movement.

Lin Xiang accurately tossed the watermelon rind into the trash can. "This summer is almost over, we’ll make do for now. Next summer, we’ll buy another fan, one for the restaurant and one for home, so we don’t have to move them back and forth."

Mrs. Lin glared at Lin Xiang. "This isn’t a consumable item; having one is enough. Buying more is simply a waste of money."

Even though the family isn’t short on money now, that’s no reason to spend it frivolously.

"By the way, if you get back early this afternoon, go check on Yuanyi at the medical college. She didn’t come over this week, not even a phone call. I’m really anxious."

"Okay, I’ll go see her this afternoon."

Soon enough, Cheng Jinyun and Cheng An walked in together.

Both stood over 1.78 meters tall, lean and fit, making quite an impressive sight as they entered one after the other.

But the brothers gave off completely different vibes.

Cheng Jinyun was in a light military green shirt paired with black pants, his shoes were military combat shoes. Standing there, he resembled a sturdy pine tree.

But he couldn’t smile; the moment he did, his sternness disappeared, making him look a bit goofy.

Cheng An wore a white shirt and black suit pants, with leather shoes and gold-rimmed glasses, embodying a scholarly demeanor to the fullest.

Even in the seventies, a man like Cheng An would woo countless girls in her time.

But he teaches mathematics.

Lin Xiang immediately withdrew her gaze, pointing to the watermelon on the table, "Just cut it, and the fan is blowing right on it; it’s nice and cool. Want a bite?"

Cheng An checked the time on his wristwatch, "It’s already 3:47. It takes twelve minutes to walk to the bus stop, so we’ll just make the 4 o’clock bus. Let’s go."

"Oh." Lin Xiang washed her hands at the tap, picked up some cloth from the main room, and handed it to Cheng Jinyun.

She popped a small hat on her head and didn’t feel too hot.

On the way to the bus stop, Lin Xiang initially wanted to chat with Cheng Jinyun, but every time she looked up at Cheng An’s impassive face, she lost the urge to talk. The trio walked in silence, trimming the twelve-minute walk down to ten.

They waited a bit at the bus stop, and then the bus came.

Huaqing University is only three stops from the starting point, so the bus wasn’t crowded, and all three found empty seats.

Lin Xiang sat by the window, Cheng Jinyun next to her, and Cheng An sat behind Cheng Jinyun.

After a few shaky stations, the bus entered the city.

The bustling scene inside the second ring could not be matched by smaller places.

Even now, in ’78, Beijing’s streets and alleys already had many foreigners with blonde hair and blue eyes.

On the way to the Cheng Family, the bus passed through a hutong where Lin Xiang vaguely saw a notice for house sales posted on a wall.

She pulled out pen and paper from her crossbody bag to jot down the address but realized she didn’t know the hutong’s name, so she asked Cheng An behind her.

Cheng An had accompanied Lin Xiang for the transfer of three properties. Though he didn’t understand, he knew Lin Xiang was passionate about buying houses.

"I don’t recommend buying a courtyard in this area because the houses are in poor condition, and some have tenants. If you don’t find a reliable seller, you might have trouble evicting the tenants after buying."

"Brother Cheng, do you know where I can find a reliable courtyard house? Preferably within the second ring, and price isn’t a big issue."

Cheng An looked at Lin Xiang, "Didn’t you buy a house near Huaqing University?"

"This is different; it’s a courtyard house!"

Courtyard houses and small Western-style houses are different, but they’re all houses, right?

Besides, it’s a bit far from Huaqing University, so it wouldn’t be practical to live there.

However, because of his nature, Cheng An didn’t question Lin Xiang but simply said, "I’ll find some time to help you ask around."

Lin Xiang beamed, "Thank you, Brother Cheng. But don’t look for something too expensive, as my funds are limited."

Cheng An glanced at her again, without speaking.

It was actually Cheng Jinyun who had been watching Lin Xiang intently, lost in thought.

After about another ten minutes on the bus, Cheng An told Lin Xiang and Cheng Jinyun to get off the bus.

Uncle Cheng’s family lived in the military district compound, which had strict controls. Without a registered public vehicle, cars were not allowed entry.

Bicycles were an exception.

But even bicycles had to be registered.

So the bus stopped about a kilometer from the military district compound, and the three of them walked for another ten minutes before reaching it.

In past and present lives, this was Lin Xiang’s first time entering a military district compound.

Regardless of whether the house was grand, just the gate itself exuded a solemn and dignified aura.

After Cheng An registered and led them in, Lin Xiang reviewed everything she had done in both of her lifetimes in her mind.

She was not a good person in the traditional sense, but as a bona fide citizen of Hua Country, she never committed any unlawful acts.

So there’s no need to be afraid.

After mentally preparing herself, Lin Xiang followed Cheng Jinyun closely.

Seeing her tension, Cheng Jinyun said, "Girl, no need to be afraid. High-ranking officers live in the military district compound."

Lin Xiang: ...

That made her even more nervous.

In truth, it wasn’t fear but rather the natural reverence she had for soldiers.

Yet the military district compound was truly quiet; she hardly saw anyone, nor did she hear any sounds along the way.

Because Uncle Cheng held a high enough rank, his assigned house was quite large, a two-story courtyard.

The yard was about ten square meters, divided into two halves, one for colorful flowers and plants, which was particularly striking.

The other half had plum blossom posts, uneven bars, and a large sandbag.

From this small garden alone, one could discern Uncle Cheng and Aunt Cheng’s personal tastes.

Cheng Jinyun handed the cloth to Lin Xiang, "You can give this to Aunt Cheng later."