Chapter 145: The Ugly Face

Zhang Wenhao finally understood. Ever since Chen Feng had made his stance clear, Yu Hongyu was no longer just doing him a favor; he was repaying him. That was why Yu had deliberately added some extra perks today, selling that model unit to his uncle at the price of an unfinished shell. But that was only part of the incentive; this house itself was Yu Hongyu’s real "gift."

Three or four million yuan, compared to profits of hundreds of millions or more, was less than the interest one might earn in a bank, but for Zhang Wenhao, it was a staggering sum.

Zhang Wenhao couldn't help but sigh. No wonder he had heard that many people with connections started their "self-made" journeys by opening so-called consulting firms. You want to do big business but can't reach the upper echelons? No problem. You put up the money, I help you bridge the connection. I play the "empty-handed wolf" game, you get tangible benefits, and the higher-ups get a satisfactory return from you. Everyone is happy.

Zhang Wenhao didn't know if his parents could accept such a massive "gift"—or "bribe," as it might be called—but he understood that money had been dropped right in front of them. If he didn't take it, it would just pass them by.

Unexpectedly, while Zhang Wenhao hesitated, Yu Hongyu added, "Wenhao, forgive my forwardness, but this house is already in your name."

"In my name?" Zhang Wenhao asked, surprised. "How did that happen?"

Yu Hongyu smiled. "In this day and age, finding someone's personal information isn't difficult. Besides, this is what I do. I know how to handle property deeds. As long as I write your name in the owner's column, the house is naturally yours."

Zhang Wenhao nodded in sudden realization and smiled faintly. "In that case, I thank you, President Yu."

Yu Hongyu breathed a sigh of relief and said with a laugh, "It’s only right. You don't need to be so formal with me, Wenhao."

Zhang Wenhao nodded, smiling. He thought to himself about what to do with the house. Perhaps he would wait until before he left to tell his parents, letting them decide if they were willing to move in.

Returning to the sales hall with Yu Hongyu, they found Manager Li walking out of an office with Uncle Zhang Xingye. Seeing them return, the manager stepped forward and said, "President Yu, Mr. Zhang, the contract is signed. It's all official. Tomorrow, Mr. Zhang Xingye just needs to go to the Hengjian Group and complete the internal purchase procedures with HR." He added, "I have already given all the keys to Mr. Zhang. He can move in whenever he likes."

Yu Hongyu nodded in satisfaction. He patted Zhang Wenhao’s shoulder and said warmly, "Let’s go, brother. My treat for lunch today."

Zhang Wenhao smiled slightly. "President Yu, thank you for the offer, but let me host another time. I have to go on a long trip tomorrow. Now that my uncle’s housing issue is resolved, I think I’ll call the whole family over for lunch to celebrate this wonderful news."

Yu Hongyu nodded. "A housewarming celebration—that’s only right. Absolutely."

Checking the time, Yu Hongyu said, "It’s nearly noon. Since you have other plans, I won't intrude. I’ll take my leave."

Zhang Wenhao and Zhang Xingye saw Yu Hongyu to his car. After some polite exchanges, just as the driver was about to pull away, Yu Hongyu rolled down the window and asked, "Xingye, I didn't ask—what does your wife do for a living?"

Zhang Xingye replied, "She works at the printing plant with me, but because she has rural residency, she’s always been a temporary worker."

Yu Hongyu said instantly, "How about this: bring her to report for duty tomorrow. You’re in your thirties, so I assume she’s around the same age. She’ll definitely be fine in logistics. Once she’s in, we’ll see if there’s a more suitable position. The base salary will be at least three thousand, plus full benefits."

Zhang Xingye waved his hands hurriedly. "President Yu, I am already deeply grateful. I really can't let you trouble yourself further..."

Yu Hongyu laughed. "You are Wenhao’s uncle; we are all family. You don't need to be so formal with me."

Zhang Wenhao thought that this would not only improve his uncle’s life but, with the house—fully furnished with appliances—and a combined monthly income of over eight thousand yuan for the couple, excluding other benefits, they would instantly leap into the ranks of the middle class in Jiangcheng. He turned to his uncle and said, "Uncle, since President Yu is so thoughtful, don't decline. Have Auntie come with you to report tomorrow."

Zhang Xingye looked at Zhang Wenhao, then at Yu Hongyu, his eyes brimming with tears. He wanted to thank them, but Zhang Wenhao couldn't bear to see his uncle so humble. He spoke to Yu Hongyu, "President Yu, I won't take up any more of your time. You have things to attend to; let's get together another day."

Yu Hongyu nodded, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and ordered the driver to leave. Only then did Zhang Xingye say, visibly moved, "Wenhao, I truly don't know how to thank you..."

Zhang Wenhao gave a slight smile. "Uncle, we're family. No need to be so polite." He continued, "Tell Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie to come over and see the new house. Don't forget to invite Aunt and Uncle’s family too. Tell them we’re hosting a meal to celebrate."

Zhang Xingye said worriedly, "Is that really appropriate?"

Zhang Wenhao asked with a smile, "Why not? Don't tell me you're worried about being too high-profile?"

Zhang Xingye nodded slightly, looking troubled.

Zhang Wenhao spoke sternly: "Uncle, your life is about to undergo a qualitative change, but this is just the beginning. The Hengjian Group has plenty of opportunities. You must work hard; the potential for advancement is huge. Some people have always looked down on you. Now is the time to show them that you are no longer who you were before. Make them show you the respect you deserve!"

Zhang Xingye, stirred by Zhang Wenhao's words, nodded heavily and pulled out his phone to make the calls.

When Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie heard the house was ready, they were ecstatic. Auntie immediately went home to pick up the grandparents, and the three took a taxi straight to Swan Bay. Zhang Wenhao’s parents were also thrilled and immediately promised to come over as soon as possible.

His younger aunt didn't believe Zhang Wenhao had really secured a house for Zhang Xingye, but hearing how sincere the invitation was, she came over in a state of suspicion, as did the eldest uncle’s family.

Zhang Wenhao waited at the entrance of the Swan Bay complex with his uncle. As people arrived, it wasn't until the younger aunt’s family finally rushed in that Zhang Wenhao said, "Let’s go see Uncle’s new place. It’s quite nice."

The younger aunt was the most surprised. She asked with extreme skepticism, "Wenhao, the house issue... it's really solved?"

Zhang Wenhao nodded. Still disbelieving, she asked, "And Xingye’s job?"

"That’s solved too," Zhang Wenhao said calmly. "He starts at Hengjian Group tomorrow." He looked at the excited auntie and said, "Auntie, you should go with Uncle to report tomorrow, too. President Yu has arranged a logistics position for you with a base salary of three thousand, and the same benefits as Uncle."

The auntie was stunned into silence, and the younger aunt’s jaw dropped. The eldest aunt was also in total disbelief. She was shocked beyond measure because her own husband worked in construction, but his operation was tiny compared to the Hengjian Group. The biggest project he had ever touched was only worth three or four million—nowhere near a group that handled billion-yuan projects.

The younger aunt’s expression turned ugly, colored by deep jealousy. What kind of joke was this? Before, the two of them earned barely over two thousand yuan together, belonging to the lower class, unable to afford even one house, forced to live with their parents. Now, in the blink of an eye, their monthly income would easily exceed eight thousand? And the housing issue was solved? Where in the world did such good luck come from?

His mother, Song Huafang, grew impatient. "Wenhao, stop keeping us in suspense. Take us to see your uncle’s new house!"

The younger aunt muttered, "Even if this is true, it’s probably just a shell without even doors. What’s there to see?" Although she was dying to verify it, she couldn't resist a sarcastic dig.

Zhang Wenhao felt a deep sense of revulsion toward her but said calmly, "Uncle’s unit is a model home. It’s fully renovated and furnished with appliances. It’s move-in ready."

"As if," the younger aunt sneered without hesitation. "Renovations alone would cost hundreds of thousands. Are you trying to bleed your uncle dry?"

"I’m afraid not," Zhang Wenhao smiled coolly. "The renovation, furniture, and appliances were all free."

Every word hit the younger aunt like a heavy hammer, making her gasp. But she still didn't believe it!

In her mind, she was the second most successful person in the Zhang family—the eldest brother was in construction, so she couldn't compete with him—but her and her husband’s income was slightly better than the second brother's. Most importantly, she had bought an 80-square-meter apartment years ago when prices were low, and she always bragged about her foresight. As for her brother Zhang Xingye, he was a world away from her. If he were to surpass her overnight, she couldn't accept it.

But reality was cruel.

When Zhang Wenhao and Zhang Xingye led the group to the front door, Zhang Wenhao signaled for his uncle to open it. The moment the door swung open, even the eldest uncle’s family was stunned.

This kind of renovation was not something an ordinary person could manage. Even if one had the money, they might not achieve such a professional effect. Many wealthy people ended up with a "nouveau riche" aesthetic, but this home was different.

It was luxurious yet elegant. Every detail felt purposeful. From the foyer to the living room, the bedrooms, the kitchen, and the bathrooms, everything exuded class.

The younger aunt wandered into the kitchen, her face turning pale. The kitchenware was top-tier Kohler. When she had renovated her own home, she had checked the prices—a single sink cost thousands. This one gleamed, reflecting light, and it was said to be stain-resistant and rust-proof. She had coveted it for years but ended up with a cheap, generic one.

As for the custom cabinetry, it was flawless. Imitations cost at least eight thousand to ten thousand, but this was the genuine luxury brand—Oppein. It was something she hadn't even dared to dream of!

The stove, the range hood, the refrigerator, and the microwave were all world-renowned brands. Cooking here wouldn't be a chore; it would be a pleasure.

In the living room, the genuine leather sofa was so comfortable one wouldn't want to get up. The 50-inch LCD TV was a popular 3D model, and the TV wall was beautifully crafted. Even if the TV weren't on, one could sit there for hours. She thought of her own 42-inch TV, which she had agonized over spending six thousand yuan on—compared to this, it was garbage.

And the bedrooms... the bedrooms were the most painful part.

That was where you slept every night. The luxurious leather bed, the texture of the headboard, the perfect mattress—that mattress alone must have cost thousands. The wall-mounted TV in the bedroom was 46 inches. Was this meant to drive people crazy?

And the closet... every woman’s dream closet! A luxurious, custom-made closet that blew hers away by miles.

The younger aunt felt like she was about to vomit blood. Every look made her feel worse, as if she were being slapped across the face repeatedly.

Why? Why!

Two people who were so poor they didn't dare have children, two people who had lived frugally for years with only a hundred thousand in savings—why did they deserve such a house? Why had they suddenly become so much better off than her overnight? It was unbearable!

The eldest aunt’s face was equally grim. Even she hadn't spent this much on her own duplex, which was twice as large. How did it all fall into Zhang Xingye’s lap?

Grandpa and Grandma were beaming. Auntie couldn't believe it was real, hugging Uncle and crying, asking if she was dreaming. His parents were deeply relieved, a heavy weight lifted from their hearts. The eldest uncle looked awkward, unsure whether to be happy or depressed.

"Wenhao," Grandpa said, his eyes filled with tears. His youngest son, the one he worried about the most, had his biggest problem solved overnight, and in a way that far exceeded their wildest dreams. He grabbed Zhang Wenhao and said, "Your uncle’s life is all thanks to you. When he has children, I can die in peace."

Zhang Wenhao comforted him with a smile, "Grandpa, the good life is just beginning. What are you talking about?"

Zhang Wenhao!

Right! The younger aunt and the eldest aunt suddenly remembered: Zhang Wenhao was the one pulling the strings behind all this. A single phone call from him had exchanged Zhang Xingye’s life for this dream. Though they didn't know how he had such power, they both saw immense potential for their own gain.

The younger aunt’s depression instantly transformed into a fake, wide-mouthed joy. She praised him, "Wenhao, you’ve really made something of yourself! How come I never heard you had this kind of relationship with the boss of Hengjian Group? Next time, help me ask if there are any good positions left at Hengjian. Also, are there any more houses like this? Your uncle has been an accountant for years; I won't brag, but he’s more than qualified to be a finance supervisor. And I have some spare cash—if there are more homes like this at Swan Bay, I’ll sell my old place and buy one here to be neighbors with your uncle!"

Before Zhang Wenhao could speak, the eldest aunt shot the younger aunt a look of disgust, though the younger aunt was too focused on Zhang Wenhao to notice. To the eldest aunt, her sister-in-law was a total weathercock. Her husband had only been working for the eldest uncle for a short time, and she had already forgotten all gratitude, trying to leech off Zhang Wenhao and have her husband switch jobs, kicking the eldest uncle to the curb without a second thought.

Zhang Wenhao smiled coolly. "Aunt, good things like this don't happen every day."

The younger aunt blurted out, "Waiting is fine too! As long as there’s a chance, I don't mind waiting a few months."

Zhang Wenhao felt extreme disgust. *You don't mind? I mind.* Now she says she has "spare cash"? Now she isn't being sarcastic? Zhang Wenhao wanted to ask where all that biting irony from earlier had gone, but since she was an elder, he kept it to himself. "We’ll talk about that if the opportunity arises."

The eldest aunt didn't want to miss out either. "Wenhao, your uncle is in construction too. Since you have a good relationship with President Yu, invite him to dinner sometime so your uncle can meet him. Who knows what opportunities that might bring?"

The eldest uncle was awakened by this thought. *Right!* Yu Hongyu’s reputation in the industry was huge. If he could latch onto that ship, even the scraps would be enough to make him rich.

Zhang Wenhao had his own thoughts. Yu Hongyu had already done enough; how could he keep bothering him? If he did, what would he become? A small-minded person who tried to exploit every connection to its breaking point. He didn't have that petty mindset, so he wouldn't agree, and he wouldn't do it.

Zhang Wenhao found an excuse. "I have to go on a long trip tomorrow. We’ll talk about it later."