Chapter 258: Chapter 258 Treasure Willow (Eight) _1
Ju Desheng felt helpless. Bai Jingyu was indeed his girlfriend. However, she flaunted her family’s wealth and power, bossing him around. Even when she was too demanding, Ju Desheng just had to endure it, since her father was his boss’s boss.
It had been difficult enough returning this one time; was he really about to have a conflict with the people from the orphanage?
Bai Jiangming said, "Rein it in a bit. Don’t make it tough for Little Dog; this place used to be his home."
Ju Desheng breathed a sigh of relief, gratefully saying, "Thank you, Brother Jiang, thank you, Brother Jiang."
Bai Jiangming waved his hand, but then added, "Warn that kid. This should not set a precedent."
When everyone in the orphanage heard Chu Hao was back, they were overjoyed.
This was especially true for the children. There were twelve kids in the courtyard, all fairly young. A few had just graduated from junior middle school, and one was an infant adopted recently.
The elderly director emerged, wearing an apron and still holding a spatula from cooking. He beamed with joy and said, "Little Maozi, come on in, Grandpa is cooking."
Warmth spread through Chu Hao. He rolled up his sleeves and said, "Grandpa Director, let me help you."
Ju Desheng came over, smiling. "Director."
The elderly director glanced at Ju Desheng and asked, "And who are you?"
Ju Desheng immediately felt awkward and responded, "I’m Little Doggie, Ju Desheng."
The elderly director took out his reading glasses, took a look, and exclaimed with surprise, "Little Doggie, how come you’re back?"
Ju Desheng was also very happy. Somewhat excitedly, he said, "This is my home; of course I should come back."
Ju Desheng wasn’t all bad. At the very least, he genuinely cared about the orphanage. After all, without the orphanage, there would be no Ju Desheng.
"Haha... sit down. Qin Ai and a few of the kids will be here soon too."
"Qin Ai?" Ju Desheng was somewhat excited.
Qin Ai was a girl who had grown up with him. After so many years, he wondered how she was doing.
Grandma Ji also came out. The elderly lady was already in her sixties but still very healthy, busy in the kitchen.
Grandma Ji was very happy, inviting everyone to eat sunflower seeds. At that moment, Bai Jiangming looked at the big willow tree in the courtyard and exclaimed in surprise, "How old is this willow tree?"
Ju Desheng quickly answered, "It’s said to be five hundred years old."
Bai Jiangming turned to Brother Ku beside him. Brother Ku nodded and said, "It should be the Treasure Willow among willow trees. It suppresses the land in all four directions: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. It protects the people in this orphanage from evil influences. If I’m not mistaken, those living here can live past ninety."
Bai Jiangming said excitedly, "I didn’t expect to see a Treasure Willow on this trip! I have to take it home. Little Dog, ask the director how much he wants for this willow tree—I’ll offer 100,000. Will he sell it?"
Ju Desheng relayed this to the elderly director, who, upon hearing, shook his head and said, "No, no, that willow tree has been in our yard for many years."
Ju Desheng said, "Director, it’s just a willow tree, isn’t it? Sell it for 100,000. That money could feed and clothe many children."
The elderly director said angrily, "It’s not for sale! It’s not for sale! The orphanage isn’t short of that bit of money. The government gives us subsidies every year, and we’re living quite well."
Ju Desheng was in a tough spot.
Bai Jiangming walked over and said, "Old Director, how about I offer 200,000 for this willow tree?"
"No," the elderly director was resolute.
Bai Jiangming cursed under his breath, then said, "You’d better think it over. I’ll add another 100,000 to buy this big willow tree. In this remote area, 300,000 is already a lot; don’t get too greedy."
The elderly director grew angrier, finding the young man’s words quite offensive.
Chu Hao walked out of the kitchen, wearing a floral apron and with bread dough in his hands. When he heard this conversation, he instantly became infuriated and said, "Not even one hundred million will buy it!"
Bai Jiangming frowned. "Kid, is this any of your business?"
Chu Hao said coldly, "Are you deaf? I’ll say it again: don’t even think about buying it for one hundred million."
Previously, Chu Hao could not see the mystery of the willow tree. But now, at a single glance, he understood how important the tree was to the orphanage. It suppressed the surrounding environment so effectively that even Dark Killing Ghosts dared not enter the orphanage grounds, and it had a nourishing effect on the elderly residents.
Let alone 300,000; even if the price was one hundred million, Chu Hao would not let anyone buy the willow tree.
Enraged, Bai Jiangming said, "Young man, mind your manners. Do you know who I am?"
Trying to show off in front of Brother Hao?
Chu Hao strode over, an invisible pressure making the space around them oppressive.
"DING... Host’s imperceptible show-off is the most deadly. Gained 800 show-off points."
Bai Jiangming, for some reason, felt his heart pounding as if he was being targeted by a savage beast that could pounce at any moment and rip out his throat.
Brother Ku stepped in front of Bai Jiangming, furrowed his brow, and said, "Young man, in that case, we won’t buy it."
This person called Brother Ku was about 1.8 meters tall. Judging by his features, he seemed to understand some metaphysics. He had large hands and was probably a martial artist.
Chu Hao said coldly, "Since you’re friends with Brother Gou, I’ll give you face. Sit down, have a good meal, then go up the mountain to hunt. I’ll pretend this never happened. If you understand, sit down."
The current Chu Hao, where did he seem like a high school student? He was calm and authoritative, his word beyond question.
Bai Jingyu was angry and wanted to say more, but Brother Ku stopped them, saying, "Young man, we have offended you. Please excuse us."
The three sat down again.
Chu Hao nodded. He found Brother Ku somewhat sensible. He then turned to leave.
Bai Jiangming seethed with suppressed fury. "Brother Ku, that kid—!"
Brother Ku’s expression grew solemn as he said, "Don’t provoke him. The aura he emits is that of a killer. If I’m not wrong, he must have killed someone."
Bai Jiangming was shocked. This kid has killed someone?
Brother Ku’s mouth curled into a smile. "This orphanage is getting more and more interesting. Forget about the willow tree. It’s fate. Even if you take it and plant it elsewhere, its aura will have been disturbed. It might not bring good fortune; it could even bring misfortune instead."
Bai Jiangming gritted his teeth. "I can let go of the willow tree, but that kid has killed someone? I don’t believe it."
"Hmm, I don’t quite believe it either," said Brother Ku.
Zhang Qin’ai arrived. She also came from the orphanage.
Zhang Qin’ai was young and beautiful, twenty-four this year. She hadn’t been particularly good-looking as a child, but who would have expected such a transformation? She had become increasingly delicate and beautiful—a true stunner, well-known in the surrounding area.
Bai Jingyu was instantly jealous upon seeing Zhang Qin’ai. Not only did this woman have great skin and look more radiant than her, but her figure was also excellent. She wore a white T-shirt, had a full chest, silver earrings, and radiated youthful vitality.
Ju Desheng stared with wide eyes, gawking at Zhang Qin’ai, nearly drooling.
Upon seeing Chu Hao, Zhang Qin’ai exclaimed in surprise, "Little Maozi!"
Then, she threw herself at him, giving him a big bear hug. Chu Hao’s face was buried in her bosom, much to the envy of the onlookers.
Chu Hao, overwhelmed by her enthusiasm, said, "Sister Qin Ai, you’re going to suffocate me!"