Chapter 106: The Crown Jewel Villa, Classmate

A short while later, Zhang Yang sipped his tea while listening as the sales assistant leaned in close, speaking softly about the property.

“Would you like me to show you around?” she asked.

“Of course,” Zhang Yang said, scanning the villa layout and pointing to the one with the best location. “I want to see this one.”

“Excellent choice, Mr. Zhang. This villa is our crown jewel,” the sales assistant said sincerely.

“Does the crown jewel cost more per square meter?” Zhang Yang asked curiously.

“The price is similar, but the area is larger—about 580 square meters (~6,243 sq ft) on the title,” she explained, handing him her business card.

“Shall we go take a look now?”

Zhang Yang nodded and glanced at the card-her name was Su Xiao, simple and easy to remember.

On the way to the villa, they chatted casually.

“You must have just graduated from university, right? How long have you been in real estate?” Zhang Yang asked.

“I graduated last year, so about a year,” Su Xiao said, wearing a tailored professional outfit with a fitted skirt that highlighted her elegance. “Is this purchase for your own use or for investment?”

“For my parents to live in. I’m in Shanghai myself,” Zhang Yang replied.

“That’s so filial! I also hope I can earn enough to get a new house for my parents someday,” Su Xiao said, smiling and looking wistful.

“Even a villa would be a stretch. Just a small house would make me happy,” she added.

“How much is your commission if I buy this?” Zhang Yang asked curiously.

“It’s… quite a bit,” Su Xiao replied, slightly embarrassed.

That gave Zhang Yang a clear idea.

A villa worth over ten million naturally meant a hefty commission-but of course, she wouldn’t mention the exact amount. Not many girls were that honest.

The Violet Gardens No. 1 villa district was impressive.

Located in the bustling CBD yet surprisingly quiet, each townhouse and standalone villa had its own front garden. The standalone villas even had private grounds.

As they passed several villas, Zhang Yang noticed well-kept gardens, pavilions, and small bridges, all nicely designed.

“Mr. Zhang, it’s right ahead,” Su Xiao said, pausing to let him catch up.

At the very center of the district, facing the central landscape strip, a standalone villa stood out.

Its defining feature was the private courtyard, offering high privacy.

The villa had three floors above ground and a basement with a sunlit atrium. The title showed square meters (~sq ft), but the actual usable space approached 700 square meters (~7,535 sq ft).

Zhang Yang examined it, calculating the costs.

A 700-square-meter city-center villa for just over ten million-it was absurdly cheap. Even in Shanghai’s suburbs, villas of this size were unimaginable.

“The cost of renovations will be another story,” he thought.

For this size, a renovation budget under ten million could still achieve a quality finish without being excessively luxurious. For truly lavish decor, a per-square-meter budget of 20,000 would push the total to about 15 million.

A 700-square-meter villa, including renovations, for around 25–26 million was an incredible deal.

“Please come in, Mr. Zhang,” Su Xiao said, standing at the door.

The villa was bare inside.

Three floors above ground plus the basement.

Zhang Yang toured the space, noting the well-lit atrium and good views from the second- and third-floor terraces, overlooking the central gardens like a private backyard.

The villa also had a garage for three cars-ample for his needs.

He inspected everything while Su Xiao followed, a mix of hope and restraint in her expression, waiting for him to show interest.

After the tour, she asked eagerly, “Mr. Zhang, what do you think?”

“Pretty good,” he said casually.

“So…” Su Xiao blurted, “do you plan to buy it?”

“No rush. Any special offers? Let’s discuss if there are,” he replied. A property over ten million wasn’t something to buy recklessly.

“Yes, I’ll calculate for you,” Su Xiao said excitedly, nodding repeatedly.

“You’re agreeing too quickly,” Zhang Yang teased. “Usually, you’d act reluctant, check with your manager, and finally agree after some back-and-forth.”

“Ah, no, I just didn’t want you to miss out. It’s rare to have a client like you,” she stammered.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s all settled in one step.”

“Alright, let’s see your sincerity,” Zhang Yang smiled, and they walked into the sales office together.

As a high-end residential area focused on townhouses and villas, the sales office didn’t see many visitors. Each client was special.

In the lounge, Zhang Yang watched as Su Xiao calculated all the discounts and offers on paper.

“Mr. Zhang, the final price is this,” she said.

“The lowest?” he asked with a smile.

“As far as I know,” she replied cautiously. “Should I confirm with my manager?”

“See, you still have to go through the process. Go ahead,” Zhang Yang said with a laugh.

A short while later, she returned.

“Mr. Zhang, I got you a few years of free property management and also a Huawei Mate 60 that was originally for a raffle. Here you go,” Su Xiao asked eagerly.

“Fine, I’ll take this one,” Zhang Yang said, nodding. It wasn’t about the money-he mainly wanted to see their sincerity.

“I’ll pay in full,” he added.

Su Xiao’s face lit up.

Standalone villas in this district were rare; selling even one in ten days or two weeks was a big deal. Selling one on the first visit was extraordinary.

She glanced at him-the side profile handsome enough to make anyone stare-and blushed at his full-payment capability.

Next came signing the purchase agreement, payment, and receiving the property certificate, all following standard procedure.

Zhang Yang didn’t blink as he signed everything, paying the entire sum at once.

“Thank you, Mr. Zhang, for supporting my work,” Su Xiao said, bowing in excitement, then energetically assisted with all the procedures.

By three or four in the afternoon, he had the villa keys and documents in a small suitcase. The property was ready, so taking the keys now would simplify future renovations.

“By the way, if you need renovations, we have partnered companies, and some villas are already fully decorated,” Su Xiao suggested.

“Give me your card; I’ll compare later,” Zhang Yang said.

“Also, Mr. Zhang, I added you on WeChat. Looks like you haven’t accepted yet,” she added, hesitant but hopeful.

WeChat? Zhang Yang checked and accepted the request. When he looked up, he caught a subtle, unusual look in her eyes.

“Thanks for today. I’ll reach out if I need anything,” he said, winking and offering his hand.

Su Xiao handed over her fair, soft hand confidently.

Zhang Yang shook it naturally, feeling the smooth warmth. Her cheeks had a faint blush, making her look even more radiant. She didn’t pull away.

“Mr. Zhang, you’re too kind,” she said.

He released her hand, already noting that if he wanted to ask her out in Haicheng, it would be easy.

With the villa settled, Zhang Yang left the sales office, Su Xiao accompanying him.

It was still early, just approaching evening.

Thinking about whether to stop by his parents’ small restaurant for a bite, a Range Rover stopped beside him.

“I didn’t see wrong, Zhang Yang?”

The passenger-side window rolled down, revealing a familiar face with shoulder-length hair.

“Eh? Meng Baihan?” Zhang Yang was surprised to encounter her here.

“You live here?”

“My brother does. What about you? Why are you here?” Meng Baihan asked curiously.

“I?” Zhang Yang replied casually. “I just bought a house here today.”

The Range Rover stopped.

The driver’s door opened, and a capable-looking young man stepped out. Zhang Yang vaguely recognized him-probably Meng Baihan’s brother.

“Which villa did you buy?” the young man asked, smiling, handing over his business card. “I run a renovation company-call me if you need work done.”

“Which one?” Zhang Yang thought for a moment. “26, I think.”

“26?” The young man frowned slightly, pausing mid-step, then laughed. “26? That’s the crown jewel standalone villa. It hasn’t sold in years. You bought it?”

“Yes, that one,” Zhang Yang nodded.

The young man handed him the card silently, then turned and left.

“Brother, what are you doing?” Meng Baihan murmured, half displeased, looking at Zhang Yang. “Alright, Zhang Yang, we’ll talk later. I’ll head back first.”

“Sure, we’ll talk later,” Zhang Yang replied, watching the Range Rover drive off.

Once the car left, he examined the business card in his hand.

“EliteCraft Interiors?”

He glanced at the address-it was in an office building full of small leather-goods companies. That kind of building usually had ten or so businesses per floor, and very few were legitimate.

So this EliteCraft Interiors was probably one of those small companies where the owner handled everything personally, relying on a freelance crew to do the work.

Zhang Yang shook his head with a smile and tucked the card away.

No way he’d hire such a small firm for a fifteen-million deal.

Looking at all the renovation companies in Yinghai City, only a handful could handle a project of this scale. Naturally, Zhang Yang would choose from among the top-tier firms.

A short while later, he drove the Cayenne straight to his parents’ little restaurant for a meal.

By five in the evening, Haiqin Snack Shop was at its peak hour, every seat occupied.

Nearby construction workers, building-material salespeople, neighbors, and residents-all regulars-came for the restaurant’s affordable and tasty dishes.

In the kitchen, the sound of frying and sizzling never ceased.

Inside, Song Wenqin and an aunt were busy serving dishes and clearing tables.

“Boss, your place is basically becoming my go-to cafeteria,” a young woman said, patting her stomach after finishing her meal.

She was the daughter of a neighboring shop owner, whose family business kept her meals irregular. Ever since discovering Haiqin Snack, she mostly ate there.

“If you like it, come often,” Song Wenqin said with a smile.

“Oh, Auntie, last time we were chatting, I heard the boss praising your son nonstop. My mom even assigned me a task-to find a match for my homebody sister. So when will we get a chance to meet your son?” the girl teased.

“Listen to him ramble,” Song Wenqin scoffed lightly. “We don’t interfere with our son’s personal life; it’s all up to him.”

“Still, I have to see him. I’ve never seen anyone praise someone the way he does,” the girl giggled, covering her mouth.

She remembered a few days ago, watching the restaurant owner boast endlessly about his son.

It’s normal for parents to praise their children, but his relentless, zero-modesty approach was rare.

“He doesn’t always watch his words; he likes to brag. Don’t take it seriously. Our son is just a normal boy-two eyes, one nose, one mouth-nothing special,” Song Wenqin said, shaking her head.

“A very ordinary boy?” the girl asked softly, smiling.

They were chatting when, without warning, a tall figure stepped out of a Porsche parked in front and walked straight into the shop.

“Mom, what did you say about two eyes and a mouth? What are you talking about?”

The voice came suddenly, leaving everyone stunned.

Song Wenqin looked over in shock.

The girl at the table instinctively tilted her head upward, staring at the tall figure before her, mouth slightly agape.

Her heartbeat nearly stopped.

Those thin lips, straight nose, striking features-handsome and imposing.

Was this the protagonist suddenly stepping out of a novel?

“Mom?” Zhang Yang waved his hand in front of his still-dazed mother, clearly noticing she hadn’t yet come back to her senses.