“Cough, cough, it’s not like you don’t know our Andrew. He’s been more mature than others since he was a child, and now he’s already sixteen. In the old days, he could have started a family and career by now. There’s really nothing to worry about with him renting a place on his own. Since he doesn’t want to stay at his uncle’s house, just let it be. It’ll also save big brother from being put in a difficult spot.” William Grant said hesitantly.

He really didn’t want his own son to end up like him, suffering the cold shoulder from his brother-in-law’s family.

When Grace Howard saw William Grant speaking up for their son, she was about to lose her temper when the voice of Matthew Grant from the village convenience store called out for Aunt Suya, saying there was a phone call for her.

In the 1990s, installing a phone cost quite a bit, and not every household was willing to pay for it. Especially in a small mountain village like Gejiayang, aside from the village chief’s house, only the village convenience store had a phone installed. Of course, the latter was for making money.

Hearing there was a call for her, Grace Howard temporarily suppressed her anger and got up to answer the phone.

“Then you can go find a place to live on your own, but you need to be careful in all aspects.” After finishing the call and coming back, Grace Howard looked a bit upset.

“Was it a call from big brother?” William Grant asked cautiously.

“Mm!” Grace Howard nodded.

When Andrew Grant saw his mom nod, he knew for sure that his uncle hadn’t been able to persuade his aunt, and he was afraid his dad would say something inappropriate, so he quickly kicked his dad’s foot under the table. His dad, who was about to speak, immediately shut his mouth.

So, because of this little episode, the atmosphere at the meal became a bit heavy, and it wasn’t until later that laughter gradually returned.

Chapter 0007: Hero Saves the Beauty

Early the next morning, Andrew Grant carried his suitcase and boarded the minibus that ran between the countryside and the city.

Gejiayang Village wasn’t actually far from the county seat, Songyang Town—only about forty kilometers. But since it was all mountain roads, and the roads back then weren’t as good as they are now, plus there were stops along the way, it took almost an hour and a half for Andrew Grant to finally reach Songyang Town.

Andrew Grant had been to the county seat twice before with his parents. But both times were for a purpose—once the matter was done, they left. He had never stayed overnight in the county, let alone played around there. But this time, he was coming to study and live here. For the next three years, he would basically be spending his time here.

Today was Saturday, not the official registration day for Changxi County No. 1 High School. Andrew Grant had arrived two days early because he needed to find a place to rent before school started.

Carrying his suitcase, standing at the station, Andrew Grant roughly sensed the flow of energy in the county town, then walked toward the direction of the sun.

The east belongs to wood. Looking from the station, there was a small hill over there, lush with trees. The air nearby should be relatively fresh, and there would be more wood spirit energy—a relatively suitable place for his cultivation. Of course, it couldn’t compare to Baiyun Mountain.

Dragging his suitcase, he walked east along the street.

Back then, the streets weren’t as wide as they are now. The buildings on both sides were mostly only four or five stories high, and it was rare to see any high-rises. Cars were still a rarity; most of the traffic on the street was people and bicycles, and it was rare to see even a few cars, so traffic was very smooth.

But all this was only relative. Andrew Grant hadn’t walked far before he saw a young woman being blocked by a Honda motorcycle.

The young woman had her hair in a ponytail, wore a white casual T-shirt on top, her chest full and perky, and a pair of denim shorts on the bottom that hugged her hips tightly and accentuated their curves, revealing two long, shapely, snow-white legs. She was about 1.65 meters tall. Just her figure alone was enough to attract a lot of attention, and with her pure yet naturally charming oval face, it was hard not to draw the eyes of every passerby.

“Xinyu, isn’t this bike cool? Hop on, I’ll take you for a ride.” On the motorcycle, the young man said to Emily Foster with a proud look, his eyes constantly glancing at her chest and those long, white legs.

In the 1990s, motorcycles were still a cool and flashy mode of transportation for young people with money. This was obvious from the envious looks many young people on the street cast at the bike. Some girls even looked at Emily Foster with envy, as if wishing they were the heroine.

“Thanks, but I don’t need it.” Emily Foster frowned slightly and replied coolly, then stepped away.

But she had only taken a few steps when the young man caught up and grabbed her arm from behind.

“Hey, Jason Brooks, what are you doing?” Emily Foster hadn’t expected Jason Brooks to grab her arm directly, and she became anxious, struggling to shake off his hand while shouting.

“Emily Foster, don’t think you’re all that just because you have a pretty face. There’s no girl I, Jason Brooks, can’t chase. Today, whether you want to or not, you’re coming for a ride with me.” Jason Brooks refused to let go of Emily Foster’s hand, speaking in a domineering and overbearing tone.

“Jason Brooks, let go of me!” Emily Foster cried out.

But Jason Brooks ignored her, instead raising his eyebrows and sweeping a fierce gaze around at the crowd. “What are you looking at? Never seen a couple have a fight?”

Seeing how fierce Jason Brooks was, and that he was riding a motorcycle, and from their conversation it was clear they knew each other, the people around didn’t dare to interfere.