Chapter 156 - 154: Elder Sister’s Advice

Chapter 156: Chapter 154: Elder Sister’s Advice

He had to find a way to clear up everyone’s doubts once and for all.

His only option was to use Wang Tao as a cover.

"The fishing ground has an investor?"

Chen Li was quite surprised to hear Chen Yuan’s explanation.

"Otherwise? I started with nothing. If I was going it alone, I could only do things on a small scale. Where would I get the money to make such a big splash?"

Riding his tricycle, Chen Yuan gave a self-deprecating laugh.

This was the plan he had concocted: claim an investment partner was involved. That would provide a reasonable explanation for his funds, and the construction projects would no longer draw suspicion.

"No wonder you want to pursue both leisure and sport fishing, and have the ambition to build the fishing ground into a brand. It’s because you have financial backing."

On the way back, Chen Yuan had discussed his vision for the fishing ground. At the time, Chen Li thought he was being too ambitious, but now she understood.

Her earlier suspicions gradually faded away.

’It was the only explanation that made sense.’

"Boss Chen."

As they rode up to the guesthouse, Chen Yuan had just jumped off the tricycle when he saw Wang Tao approaching with a broad smile. He seemed different from before.

The most obvious change was that he seemed more energetic, his smile more brilliant.

Chen Yuan could understand.

As the saying goes, a happy occasion lifts the spirits. He had paid his employees yesterday and hadn’t forgotten Wang Tao’s share. Plus, with plenty of points on the books, Chen Yuan hadn’t been stingy with the bonus.

Base salary, project bonus, and other rewards added up to tens of thousands of points.

Wang Tao must have used the points for some "maintenance." It was just like how a person’s condition changes after they get some good rest when they’re tired.

"Let me introduce you. This is my sister, Chen Li. In the future, she’ll be in charge of the leisure side of things. You can discuss any related projects with her."

Chen Yuan patted his pocket, pulling out a cigarette as he introduced his sister. Then he introduced Wang Tao. "This is Wang Tao, the representative for our partner here at the fishing ground."

’Partner?’

Wang Tao paused as he reached for the cigarette. But when he caught the subtle look from Chen Yuan, a knowing smile instantly spread across his face. He turned and extended a hand to Chen Li.

"Hello, Miss Chen."

"Hello."

Chen Li extended her hand and shook his lightly.

"Boss Chen, want to check out the guesthouse first?" 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

Wang Tao lit his cigarette, tilting his head and gesturing with a finger toward the guesthouse behind them.

"Of course."

Chen Yuan lit his cigarette, an expectant smile on his face.

From the outside, the guesthouse was a two-story building. It wasn’t visually stunning or overtly luxurious; instead, it exuded a simple, elegant charm.

The first impression was one of warmth and familiarity—it had the strong, rustic feel of a country home, yet it didn’t lack a certain refined style.

The front and back yards were enclosed by a wall just over a meter high. Various delightful and pleasant potted green plants were placed around the exterior, along with blooming flowers that crept up the walls.

"The design of both courtyards is similar. They each have a pond with ornamental fish for guests to enjoy. They can also feed the fish—it adds a touch of leisurely charm."

Wang Tao led the two into the courtyard.

The front yard was quite spacious, around sixty or seventy square meters. To the left, a small pond of a few square meters was built into the corner where two walls met, bordered by greenery.

A winding wooden path, reminiscent of a country lane, crossed the yard. To the right stood a Wutong tree with two swings hanging beneath it.

It was a nostalgic touch.

"A Wutong tree in front of an old house... that’s the feeling of home. That’s why I named this place Wutong Residence. When autumn arrives and the leaves fall, sitting under the Wutong tree creates a beautiful scene."

"’Wutong Residence.’ The design is great."

Chen Yuan offered his praise.

"This guesthouse has a unique style."

Chen Li was also very satisfied.

Her company sometimes held team-building events, and she’d been to her share of so-called "guesthouses." But most modern guesthouses were far too commercialized, lacking the warmth and intimacy they were supposed to have.

You couldn’t feel any rustic charm or homelike warmth; they were more like commercial hotels.

"I designed a leisure pavilion over here."

Near the fish pond stood a pavilion of ten-odd square meters. It was elevated on a platform several steps high, open on three sides, with its back built against the courtyard wall.

The wall it was built against was flanked by decorative plants and planters. The back wall of the pavilion itself, made of wood, had built-in bookshelves filled with various books.

A wooden table and chairs were arranged along that wall.

"You can drink tea here, read a book, or bask in the sun during the spring. It completely maxes out the relaxed, leisurely vibe."

Chen Yuan and Chen Li were both impressed.

Across from it was a small, child-sized basketball hoop. A family staying here could even play a little parent-child basketball.

Next, they headed to the house itself. After climbing a few steps to the entrance and walking inside, they saw that the layout was much like a normal home. The domestic atmosphere was very strong, with no trace of a hotel’s impersonal design.

"Isn’t the guesthouse two stories? How do you get upstairs?"

Chen Yuan looked around but surprisingly couldn’t find the stairs.

"I designed them as separate units. A guesthouse needs to feel like a home, so privacy is important. That’s why the second floor is accessed from the back yard."

Wang Tao led the brother and sister to the left side of the guesthouse, where a small door opened into the back yard.

"The Wutong Residence in the front has three separate bedrooms in addition to the living room and bathrooms. It can accommodate a family of seven or eight. It’s also suitable if a group of friends wants to visit with their children."

"The Ginkgo Residence in the back has two bedrooms. It’s also suitable for a family, or it could be for couples or friends traveling together."

"If a single large group books both floors, they can use this door to connect them. Otherwise, it’s best to maintain the privacy and separation of the two units."

Wang Tao explained as they walked.

After they finished touring the Ginkgo Residence out back, Wang Tao offered Chen Yuan a cigarette. "So, Boss Chen, what do you think of the two-story guesthouse? If you have any feedback, just let me know. I can make adjustments."

"It’s great."

Chen Yuan nodded with a cigarette dangling from his mouth.

Wang Tao’s smile was brilliant.

’A simple response from the boss was best. He didn’t need a heap of praise.’