Days went by very fast, and a week passed. Li Chen and his team buried themselves in the game design, and Li Chen continued making money in the stock market. One Saturday morning, Zhang Mei came out of her room with signs that she had been crying. Li Chen’s heart skipped a beat. In the almost two weeks of living together, he had noticed that he only wanted to see her smile and focus on her work. His heartstrings pulled when he saw her sad.

Li Chen sized up Zhang Mei and jolted up from his seat. He went to the kitchen, got a glass of water, and sat beside Zhang Mei, offering it to her. "Please have some water to calm you down."

Zhang Mei was startled by the fact that Li Chen had noticed that she was sad, and she was touched by it. "Thank you," she said as she took a sip of water.

Li Chen, genuine concern in his eyes, said, "If you want to talk about it, I am here."

Zhang Mei cleared her throat, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to come out again. Li Chen got closer, held her hand, and caressed it, sending an electrifying feeling through both their bodies. Zhang Mei pulled back her hand softly, and Li Chen said, "I’m sorry; I didn’t mean..."

Zhang Mei interrupted, "It’s okay. I understand."

Li Chen nodded, a silent understanding passing between them.

After a moment, Zhang Mei said, "The hospital called."

Li Chen asked with concern, "How is your mother?"

Zhang Mei replied, her voice choked with emotion, "The doctor said her body is rejecting treatment..." Before she could finish her statement, tears streamed down her eyes.

Li Chen, his empathy evident, said gently, "You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to."

Zhang Mei insisted, "It’s fine; we are friends, after all."

There was a brief flash in Li Chen’s eyes, a moment of vulnerability that quickly transformed into composed reassurance. "Yes, you can talk to me about anything."

Through sobs, Zhang Mei continued, "The doctor says she has to be sent home to spend her last days there because there is nothing more they can do for her. Her system is even rejecting simple pain medication, and she would just vomit. The cancer cells are spreading at a much rapid pace than before." Zhang Mei paused, wiping off her tears with her hand, and continued, "I am losing her, Li Chen. I am really losing my mother, the only parent I have left."

Li Chen was at a loss for words, witnessing the pain in Zhang Mei’s eyes. He wanted to comfort her, to hold her, but he hesitated, afraid that she might push him away.

Finally, Li Chen softly asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Zhang Mei, her voice trembling, responded, "You have done so much for me."

Li Chen insisted, "I thought you just said we are friends."

Zhang Mei coughed awkwardly before saying, "I just need to spend time with her before her time is up."

Li Chen nodded understandingly, "Okay, I have a plan. How long did they give you at the hospital to take her home?"

Zhang Mei replied, "A week."

Li Chen determinedly stated, "It’s enough."

Zhang Mei questioned, "What will you do?"

Li Chen grinned mysteriously, "It won’t be a surprise if I tell you now, would it?"

Zhang Mei sighed, "You don’t have to go too far."

Li Chen reassured her, "Don’t worry, please let me help you with this."

Zhang Mei expressed her gratitude, "Thank you," and then said, "I need some fresh air. I’ll be in the backyard if you need me."

Li Chen nodded, "Sure."

Li Chen took his laptop and began browsing for new houses. He had been planning on buying a larger house at a later stage, but now he felt like the time was right, given the circumstances. With enough money for a big house, he started his search, eventually coming across a villa in Pinnacle Estates with an asking price of 45 million yuan. Li Chen promptly called the sales agent and scheduled an appointment for an hour.

Heading to the backyard, he informed Zhang Mei, "I’ll be back after an hour or two. Call me if you need anything."

Zhang Mei nodded, "Sure."

Li Chen then drove to the agency’s office and met the lady at the front desk. He informed her about his appointment, and she confirmed it, guiding him to a seat. After a brief wait, the sales agent he had spoken to, a young lady who looked like she was fresh out of college, arrived.

"Hi, Mr. Chen. My name is Miss Ping," she greeted, and Li Chen smiled, extending his hand for a handshake.

Miss Ping and Li Chen drove to the location of the villa. Li Chen was impressed; the actual property exceeded the beauty of the pictures he had seen. Miss Ping enthusiastically began introducing every single room of the villa. With 10 bedrooms, 2 study rooms, a fully fitted kitchen, and spacious dining and living rooms, the villa seemed perfect.

Li Chen, taking in the grandeur, remarked, "It’s perfect."

Miss Ping, unable to contain her excitement, blurted out, "The villa is 45 million yuan."

Li Chen, smiling, responded, "I know."

Li Chen and Miss Ping returned to the real estate office to complete all the necessary paperwork for the villa. The office ambiance was a mix of efficiency and anticipation. Li Chen sat across from Miss Ping, a stack of documents neatly arranged on the desk between them.

As they delved into the paperwork, Li Chen’s mind was already envisioning the transformation of the villa into a comfortable haven. He was excited about the prospect of creating a space where Zhang Mei and her mother could find solace during challenging times.

Miss Ping, the diligent sales agent, efficiently guided Li Chen through the contractual maze. She explained each document, ensuring that he understood the terms and conditions of the purchase. Li Chen appreciated her professionalism and attention to detail.

Amidst the signatures and legal jargon, Li Chen couldn’t help but wonder about the next steps. He asked, "Miss Ping, do you have any recommendations for a fast and reliable interior design company? I want to get the renovations started as soon as possible."

Miss Ping, with a smile, responded, "Certainly, Mr. Chen. I can connect you with a reputable design firm that has a track record of completing projects promptly. They’ve worked on properties in Pinnacle Estates before."

Li Chen nodded in approval, thankful for the guidance. The paperwork continued, and Li Chen couldn’t shake off the feeling of satisfaction. This investment was not just about acquiring a luxurious property; it was about creating a haven for someone in need.

As they approached the final pages of the documentation, Miss Ping handed Li Chen the keys to the villa. "Congratulations, Mr. Chen. I’m sure you’ll be very happy in your new home."

"Thank you, Miss Ping. And please, call me Li Chen," he said with a warm smile. The exchange of keys marked the official beginning of a new Chapter, not just for Li Chen but for Zhang Mei and her mother as well.

With the paperwork completed, Li Chen left the real estate office with a sense of accomplishment and a clear vision for the days ahead.

Li Chen, propelled by his determination to swiftly complete the preparations for the villa, drove to the nearest furniture store. The atmosphere in the store was a blend of elegance and practicality, reflecting Li Chen’s vision for the villa. He moved through the aisles, carefully selecting everything from bedroom sets to office equipment, ensuring that each piece resonated with the comfort and style he aimed for.

The sales agent assisting Li Chen was efficient, swiftly organizing deliveries and coordinating with the interior design company through Miss Ping.

After finalizing the purchases and payments, Li Chen instructed the sales agent to contact Miss Ping to open the villa for the interior design team. He had entrusted Miss Ping with a spare key to facilitate the process. The speed at which Li Chen was moving showcased his commitment to bringing the villa to life in record time.

As the delivery and installation teams were mobilized, Li Chen’s mind was already envisioning the finished product. With the wheels set in motion, Li Chen left the furniture store with a sense of accomplishment.

Li Chen drove back home, the anticipation of the day’s events still lingering in his mind. As he approached the familiar surroundings of the house he shared with Zhang Mei, he couldn’t shake off the sense of accomplishment. The plan to surprise Zhang Mei with a new home had unfolded seamlessly, and now, he looked forward to sharing the news.

Upon arriving, Li Chen found Zhang Mei in the kitchen, engrossed in preparing dinner. He greeted her, "Where have you been?" Zhang Mei looked up, curiosity in her eyes. Li Chen replied, "I had some things to settle."

Not delving further into details, Li Chen decided to leave the bags of furniture and decorations in the car for now. However, before he could relax, there was an unexpected knock on the door. Li Chen opened it to find Madame Tang, Tang Ziyi, and Tang Junjie standing there.

Tang Ziyi explained, "Brother Chen, sorry to bother you. My brother wanted to talk to you about something and insisted it be today." Madame Tang chimed in, "I’m sorry for the unexpected visit. We hope it’s not a bad time."

Zhang Mei came forward, expressing her delight at their presence. Madame Tang apologized for the timing, considering dinner was underway. Tang Junjie interrupted, stating he had something important to discuss with everyone as witnesses.

As they settled in the living room, Tang Junjie wheeled himself to a more open space, prompting a surprising revelation. With determined movements, he rose from the wheelchair, leaving everyone in awe. The room fell into a hushed silence, and Madame Tang couldn’t contain her emotions, asking, "Junjie, what’s happening? How can you stand?"