1744 I Want Your House

Xu Ju stood rooted to the spot in embarrassment. Qiao Mei had hit the nail on the head. She really wanted to gain something without risking anything.

"I… My family has a house! I'll use that house to bet with you!" Xu Ju said.

"Then it must be a house in your hometown. How can that house be comparable with a courtyard house in the capital?" Qiao Mei said disdainfully.

The Xu family really did not have much assets. They only had a dilapidated house in the countryside and it was also where their old parents lived now! Xu Ju's family was currently renting a house in the city and the Xia family was the one who paid the rent for them. She really did not have anything valuable to use to bet with Qiao Mei.

"I… I'll stake 30,000 dollars! If our Jiao Jiao doesn't do as well as you, our family will give you 30,000 dollars!" Xu Ju said determinedly.

"Are you giving the money in one go or in installments? Otherwise, what's the point if you give me 30,000 dollars over 10 years? I'm not short of money," Qiao Mei said.

"In one go!" Xu Ju said through gritted teeth.

Xu Ju did not have 30,000 dollars, but if she pooled the savings of all the Xu family members, she should be able to get 30,000 dollars. She was going all out for Qiao Mei's house! She was certain that Qiao Mei was illiterate and would not do as well as Xu Jiao in the examination.

Just as Qiao Mei was about to agree, Xia Wen quickly stopped her. "No, gambling is illegal. Qiao Mei, this can't be done."

The Xia family's house rules stipulated that no one was allowed to gamble, not even placing small bets at family gatherings. Even if they played mahjong, they were not allowed to use money. The Xia family members had to strictly abide by this rule and could not violate it. Otherwise, they would be punished.

Looking at Xia Wen's serious expression, Qiao Mei also realized the seriousness of this matter. She said to Xu Ju, "Then Eldest Aunt, please change the bet."

Xu Ju thought for a long time and said, "How about this! If our Jiao Jiao's score is higher than yours, you let us live in the big house in Lian City… for 50 years! If we still want to live there after that, we'll pay you rent! We will only return it to you when we don't want to live there anymore."

A house in Lian City? When did she buy a house in Lian City?

Qiao Mei looked at Xia Wen curiously and he nodded at her. This was a house that had just been approved to be a reward from the country to her. She nodded in understanding. She did not expect those seeds to be able to exchange for so many good things.

Lian City was located in the north and had a pleasant climate. It was not densely populated and was close to the sea. The house that the country had given Qiao Mei was a villa near the sea. Even the beach outside the house was Qiao Mei's private property. It was said that this house was once occupied by the former leader of the country.

As soon as this piece of news was announced, Xu Ju knew of it immediately. She had dreamed of living in a house like this since forever. She had been to Lian City when she was young and she liked that place very much. She did not know why Qiao Mei was so lucky to get a big villa at such a young age. She wondered if Qiao Mei had the luck to receive such a big house. Otherwise, such a huge present might end up jinxing her!

This bet was getting too big by now. Xu Lan held Qiao Mei's hand and said, "Mei Mei, why don't we just forget about it? Don't gamble. Gambling does not lead to good endings."

It was not that Xu Lan did not believe in Qiao Mei. She really believed that Qiao Mei could beat Xu Jiao, but she did not want Qiao Mei to have to work too hard. She just wanted Qiao Mei to be safe and sound.

"Why are you talking so much! I'm talking to Qiao Mei! Why are you being a hindrance! It has nothing to do with you!" Xu Ju looked at Xu Lan unhappily.

Xu Lan wanted to argue with Xu Ju, but Qiao Mei stopped her and shook her head gently. "Mother, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

"Hmph, do you see that! Your daughter-in-law is willing to bet with me! Don't be a busybody!" Xu Ju said proudly.

"I didn't expect you to know so much. I don't even know about this yet. However, 50 years is too long. Why don't you just say you want it for 100 years? After 100 years, I'll be dead. At most, I can lend it to you for 10 years," Qiao Mei said as she looked at Xu Ju.

"10 years is too short! Don't 10 years pass in the blink of an eye? Then 30 years! I think 30 years is very reasonable! How about 30 years!" Xu Ju said anxiously.

It did not matter to Qiao Mei to fix the period for 30 years. She then asked, "Then what can Eldest Aunt give me in exchange?"