Chapter 6: You Can't Catch the Wolf Without Letting Go of the Lamb

Just as Xu Qing was about to speak, two elderly people descended the stairs.

One man and one woman—Lin Xiao’s gaze was instantly drawn to them.

Their age was obvious at a glance, yet both radiated a remarkable vitality. Even now, traces of youthful elegance lingered in their features.

When they spotted Lin Xiao, the two paused in surprise, then made their way over to the reception desk.

“Little Xu, who’s this handsome young man? He doesn’t look familiar at all.”

Xu Qing’s face immediately took on a respectful expression when she saw the elders.

“Granny Liu, Grandpa Zhao, I don’t know how he got in, but he says he wants to check in here.”

“Check in? Are we welcoming a new friend? That’s wonderful! It’s been ages since anyone new arrived.”

Seeing their enthusiasm, Xu Qing felt a bit helpless—how was she supposed to explain this?

“It’s not what you think. I have a feeling this kid is just here to cause trouble—he wants to check in by himself.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Jiao and Zhao Hua grew even more interested in Lin Xiao.

“Young man, how old are you anyway? Why would you want to move into a retirement home?”

For reasons he couldn’t explain, Lin Xiao felt an unexpected warmth toward Liu Jiao and Zhao Hua the moment he saw them.

“Miss, may I ask why you live here?”

“My, what a sweet talker you are! I’m over eighty—old enough to be your grandmother—and yet you call me ‘miss’?”

Though she said this, Liu Jiao couldn’t help but smile.

After a brief pause, she answered his question.

“I live here because I’m retired, of course. My children are busy, and I have old friends around so I’m not lonely.”

“Exactly. Well then, Miss, you can just call me Lin Xiao. I don’t know when you moved in, but if a retirement home is everyone’s final destination, why not move in now? At eighteen, if I start early, I’ll skip decades of detours.”

Liu Jiao: (٥≖_≖)

Though it sounded odd, she had to admit the young man had a point.

Zhao Hua watched Lin Xiao with great interest, as only those staying here truly understood the nature of this retirement home. The fact that this boy had managed to make it inside and wanted to check in directly was quite fascinating.

“You’re an interesting one, young man. We were about to head to Old Sun’s birthday celebration, but there’s no rush. We’ll watch you check in first.”

Xu Qing couldn’t help but roll her eyes. These two really did love a bit of drama—there was no way she’d let him move in.

Still, she already had a plan; there was no way he’d succeed in checking in.

“Mr. Lin, we’ve heard your request. Let me tell you about our requirements. Here, we charge by the year—one million per year, three million for five years, and five million for a lifetime. In other words, the longer you stay, the better the deal. You’ve come to the right place.”

At the mention of the price, Lin Xiao’s eyes went wide—was this place robbing people?

Or was this how the wealthy had their fun?

Seeing the change in Lin Xiao’s expression, Xu Qing’s smile flickered briefly—this should be enough to scare him off.

In truth, there were no actual fees here. She could have refused him outright, but worried he’d become suspicious and start asking questions, so she quoted a price she was certain he couldn’t possibly afford.

She prided herself on her keen judgement, and, judging by his attire and demeanor, Lin Xiao couldn’t possibly come up with a million.

But to her surprise, Lin Xiao’s gaze soon steadied again.

He was already calculating: the environment here was excellent, and a rental of this standard outside would cost at least several thousand, or even ten thousand a month—so about a hundred thousand a year.

If he lived to a hundred, that would be over eight million.

By that math, the lifetime package was the smartest option.

He dismissed the one-year and five-year deals outright.

Still, he didn’t rush to agree—he had other questions. He did have some money, but just over five million in total.

Most of the original owner’s funds had gone to Liu Ruyan, leaving less than a thousand yuan to his name. If this price only covered check-in, and meals and other expenses were extra, he wouldn’t be able to afford it.

Better to clarify things first.

“Miss, I understand the pricing—is there any chance for a discount?”

“Prices are set. No bargaining, no refunds.”

Lin Xiao: (๑˃᷄ก˂᷅)

How tough!

“Fine, I won’t haggle. But if I pay for a lifetime, are there any other fees? Do I have to pay extra for meals or anything?”

Xu Qing was momentarily stunned—she hadn’t expected Lin Xiao to persist.

She quickly sneered—she could see right through him.

He didn’t have the money, but was embarrassed to say so, so he was looking for a way out by finding fault and shifting the blame to her.

How childish. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

“Rest assured, sir. We charge once, no matter how long you stay. Everything is included—meals, living, everything.”

Lin Xiao fell silent again. If everything was covered, it was actually acceptable.

But the money had barely warmed his pocket before he’d have to hand it over—not easy to bear.

Seeing Lin Xiao’s conflicted expression, Xu Qing was all the more certain of her guess.

She didn’t press him, simply watching the show unfold.

Liu Jiao and Zhao Hua stayed silent too. Liu Jiao turned to Zhao Hua, “What do you think?”

Zhao Hua chuckled, “Not to look down on the boy, but he doesn’t seem wealthy enough to pay that much.”

Liu Jiao agreed, though for some reason, she sensed something unexpected might happen.

Inside, Lin Xiao was at war with himself. He thought of the thugs waiting outside, ready to rough him up if he left.

And after seeing how formidable the old man at the door had been, he suspected this place was nothing like it seemed.

Damn it! Do or die!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It was only five million!

Money—can’t take it with you when you die. If it’s spent, so be it!

Even so, he still felt an ache in his heart.

To avoid second-guessing himself, Lin Xiao slapped his brand-new bank card onto the counter in front of Xu Qing.

He then rummaged in his pocket, retrieving a dime and placing it on the card.

“There’s four million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine and ninety cents in this card. Add this dime—it’s five million even. Set me up for a lifetime stay!”

In that moment, Lin Xiao understood what it meant to spend money like water.

He also understood the agony of parting with hard-earned cash.

It was real money, after all!