Chapter 172: When You Keep Hope in Your Heart, You Keep Going
Somewhat annoyed, the three roommates cast a glance at each other. “If you keep eating like this, I don’t know if you’ll still be able to maintain that figure.”
Seeing Lin Wan Ning’s resentful little gaze, the three buddies couldn’t help but chuckle behind their hands, giving her a teasing yet ambiguous look.
But they knew their limits—there’s a line between playful teasing and actually messing things up.
So, they made up an excuse—”I have things to do this afternoon”—and slid away, though every so often, they’d toss a quick glance back at Lin Wan Ning, whispering and chattering as they headed toward the music academy.
As they disappeared from view, Lin Wan Ning felt a bit embarrassed and said, “Big brother, don’t mind them. They’re just joking around.”
“It’s okay. They’re pretty cheerful, after all,” Long Aotian replied casually, not making a fuss.
That’s just how kids his age are.
“Oh, by the way, brother, where are you headed?”
“Just out for a spin, maybe check out some apartments.”
“Apartment hunting? Are you planning to rent?”
“Yeah, something like that. Just want to take a look.”
“Can I go too?” Lin Wan Ning looked at Long Aotian expectantly.
In her mind, if Long Aotian dared to refuse her, she’d just turn on the puppy eyes and pout—no way was she missing out on this.
Why rent outside campus? She’s not naïve enough to not notice potential tricks—she’s got her reasons…
“If you’re not busy, sure, you can come,” Long Aotian said plainly. It’s not a big secret or anything.
“I’m fine in the dorm, so I might as well go see with big brother,” Lin Wan Ning smiled. “And I also wanted to ask you about that online shop.”
“Alright, let’s walk and talk,” Long Aotian said.
Watching his back, Lin Wan Ning’s lips curled into a slight smile. She’d known Yuying and Qing Xue a little longer, but she still felt that her time with her brother was healthier—they often met or even went out to eat, making up for all the lost time—just a little more togetherness.
She quickened her pace, trotting to walk beside Long Aotian.
“Brother, it seems like the Film Academy’s just up ahead.” From afar, she could see a crowd gathering around it.
Long Aotian also spotted it—a bunch of men and women, young and old, some crouching, some standing, in small groups, smoking and chatting. These people? Not students.
That reminded him of a legend from his own world.
Some aspiring stars would gather here, waiting for auditions when movies started filming, hoping they’d be cast as extras.
They gathered here for just a shred of a chance. On his world, some have gone viral overnight, becoming grassroots stars.
And the lucky ones turned their fleeting opportunities into fame, drawing crowds eager to be the next big thing.
“They’re probably waiting for casting calls,” Long Aotian said. “Heard about this before, but this is my first time seeing it in person.”
Lin Wan Ning looked at the crowd—some young, full of energy; some young but showing signs of exhaustion—she sighed, “They’re working so hard.”
“All for a dream they believe in,” Long Aotian said softly.
“Is that even possible?” Lin Wan Ning asked quietly, leaning closer.
Her instinct told her—her brother seemed to understand everything.
She’d always felt that whatever questions she had, he’d have an answer.
“Maybe. Every person here holds onto a dream — hopes of shining like a star one day. As long as there’s that little hope in their hearts, they’ll keep fighting for it…” Long Aotian’s words drifted into the air.
Lin Wan Ning understood what he meant. Because of that hope, they persist—whether they succeed or fail, it’s all for that one longing.
Maybe someday, when the hope is finally exhausted, they’ll leave. But at least, they once endured and strove for their dreams.
While talking, Long Aotian already led Lin Wan Ning away from the scene.
Not far away, he spotted a man in his early thirties, wearing a white shirt and black suit pants, slightly plump, wiping sweat under a tree while staring at his phone, apparently waiting for something.
“Hello.”
Hearing someone speak, the man looked up at Long Aotian. Instinctively, a smile appeared on his face: “Hello.”
He took a step back, as if trying to clear a path.
Long Aotian chuckled, “Hi, I’m Long Aotian.”
The name coming from that young man stunned Cui Yong—he froze for a moment.
He’d heard Long Aotian’s voice on his phone and thought the guy was pretty young. But to see him in person? Way younger than expected.
Most Four-Courtyard homes are pretty run-down. Honestly, a bit too old—overgrown with weeds, no heating, not even a proper bathroom.
He’d once advised Long Aotian—save the money for a better place—buy something more decent. But Long Aotian’s stubbornness kept him from giving up, which led to their meeting today.
He quickly shook his head, apologizing. “Sorry, I really didn’t think you’d be so young.”
Long Aotian just smiled, understanding.
“Shall we go see it?” he asked, not wanting to waste time.
“Sure—nearby, let’s take a look,” Cui Yong agreed, leading the way.
Soon, they arrived at a battered gate.
Gray bricks, old tiles—the place looked like it’d been built decades ago.
Honestly, it was pretty shabby.
This courtyard—who knows how long it’s been unused. Overgrown with weeds inside. But overall, it was still standing—albeit in rough shape.
About 300 square meters—more like a big hodgepodge yard.
From Cui Yong’s perspective, buying this crumbling, gloomy Siheyuan (courtyard house) was no better than buying elsewhere in more popular districts.
At least a cleaner, more modern place, move-in ready.
But even for a toilet here, you’d have to run across the alley to another building—renovating it all would cost tens of thousands.
In his eyes, none of that was worth it. He wouldn’t tell Long Aotian outright, but as an agent, he knew—if they could sell it, he’d get a hefty commission.
Lin Wan Ning saw all this, and subtly tugged at Long Aotian’s sleeve—telling him to look elsewhere.
No need to settle for this dilapidated place, just a big old yard. Not worth the rent.
