The faint smell of new paint still clung to their clothes when the Su family returned from the Riverside Apartments. Su Ning was still chattering about his "biggest, brightest room," while Lin Mei kept reminding him not to get carried away.
Back in their old apartment, the deed and keys were tucked carefully into a drawer. For the first time in years, Lin Mei hummed lightly while tidying the dishes, and even Su Weiguo seemed more relaxed, sitting with his newspaper by the window.
But in neighborhoods like theirs, nothing stayed quiet for long.
The next evening, a knock came at the door.
Lin Mei wiped her hands and opened it. Standing outside was her husband's younger brother — Second Uncle — with his daughter, Su Meiling. Both were smiling, but the sharpness in their eyes was hard to miss.
"Elder Brother, Elder Sister-in-law," Second Uncle greeted warmly, stepping in as though he owned the place. "I heard some good news. Congratulations are in order!"
Su Weiguo folded his newspaper, his expression calm. "What good news?"
Meiling stepped forward with a smile that was too polished. "The new apartment, of course. Who would've thought Cousin Wanqing would be the first in our generation to own a home?"
Lin Mei's brows knit slightly. "It's just a modest apartment. Not worth spreading around."
Second Uncle chuckled, his tone smooth. "Ah, Elder Sister-in-law, don't be so modest. These days, even a small home is impressive. You should feel proud." His eyes, however, were busy scanning every corner of their modest living room.
Wanqing stepped forward, her tone calm. "It's just a modest apartment, within what our family could manage."
Meiling tilted her head, her voice sweet but edged. "Modest? Cousin, you must be very capable. Not many people can afford three thousand yuan."
Wanqing's lips curved faintly. "Everyone has their own pace. What suits one family may not suit another."
Her father's voice cut in, quiet but firm. "That's enough. We bought something small after years of saving. There's nothing more to it."
Second Uncle's smile stiffened for a moment, then smoothed out again. "Of course, of course. We are family. If in the future it feels like too much to handle, don't forget you still have us."
He reached for the teacup Lin Mei had set out, sipping slowly as if he were in no hurry to leave. Meiling sat with a practiced smile, making small talk about neighbors and work, though every few minutes her eyes flicked toward Wanqing.
Finally, after a stretch of empty chatter, Second Uncle set down his cup and rose. "We won't disturb you further. Elder Brother, Elder Sister-in-law, may your new home bring fortune to your family."
Meiling followed, her last glance at Wanqing carrying more calculation than warmth. "Congratulations again, Cousin. Truly impressive."
The door closed behind them with a soft click.
Lin Mei sighed. "They didn't come to congratulate. They came to measure."
Su Weiguo nodded once, his expression steady. "Let them measure. They'll find nothing that belongs to them."
Wanqing leaned back, her eyes cool. Let them wonder. The truth will never be theirs.
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✨ End of Chapter 5 ✨