Three people walked along a beautiful brick pathway, passing houses numbered 9, 10, and 11, until they arrived outside Villa 12.
From the outside, this detached villa didn't appear particularly special; it still had an elegant metal gate, blending a European-style villa with a touch of Chinese sensibility.
However, upon taking a few steps closer, Xu Lin sensed something different. Unlike the other detached houses which were mostly two and a half or three stories, typical of constructions from over a decade ago, many with structures like two floors plus a loft, none too grand.
But this one seemed to have five floors, noticeably taller. The yard was well-maintained, with a simple yet beautiful design.
There was a standard swimming pool, a small fountain pool, and a very attractive large swing that could accommodate 4 or 5 people.
Of course, there was also an outdoor bar extending from the right side of the villa, with stylish tables and chairs nearby, and a recess that could house a grill or similar equipment.
For barbecues or dining, accommodating at least 10 people was no problem, with room for additional chairs. In the distance, there appeared to be a pond and a small vegetable garden.
Just based on the space alone, Xu Lin was satisfied. Although not overly large, the ratio of decorative plants, rocks, and practical items seemed appropriate.
But what about the interior? If they liked it, they could just buy it. Was there something they weren't sure about that prompted Chu Qingchan to call him over?
"Over here!" Qin Yunhe's voice rang out, and Xu Lin looked up to see Qin Yunhe waving from the second floor.
However, as Xu Lin stepped inside, he understood almost immediately why Chu Qingchan and the others hadn't made up their minds yet—because the interior decoration of this villa was a bit too...
"This Chinese style..." Ji Yun complained.
"High emotional intelligence, but you don't need high emotional intelligence to buy things. It's just so tacky, feels like a decoration style from the last century."
"I think it's okay," Bai Xiaoxiao said, and Xu Lin and Ji Yun looked at her in disbelief.
"No, no, I mean the furniture is quite nice."
"Actually, you're right."
After Bai Xiaoxiao said this, Xu Lin finally noticed that the furniture was indeed modern.
Looking further into the living room, one could also see an open-style kitchen, beautifully combining Chinese and Western modern kitchen styles.
Chinese style could work, but did it really have to be all in golden red tones? Anyway, it's hard to describe.
"Let's go upstairs and take a look."
"Mm."
Upstairs, the impression improved somewhat. Although there were still many screens with plum, bamboo, orchid, and chrysanthemum motifs that looked quite nice, why did they have to be painted in golden colors?
"How does it feel, Xu Lin?"
On the balcony, Chu Qingchan was looking at the greenery below and taking pictures with her mobile phone. She turned around and asked him.
"Um... how should I put it, it's too 'elegant,' I can't handle it."
"Me too, that's why I asked you to come and see."
"What's wrong? Do you want to buy it but dislike the decoration?"
"Yeah, mainly because this house is not cheap, or rather, it's overpriced. But I really like it. However, the whole house has been decorated like this. The overall renovation will cost at least 700,000 or even 1 million. Actually, I didn't care, but Chu Fengyi said that the homeowner has owned it for so many years, how can they let others pay a premium, so she feels we should negotiate with the homeowner."
"Hasn't the homeowner arrived yet?"
"Mm, Chu Fengyi and your Teacher Su have gone upstairs to take a look."
"Mm."
Xu Lin also glanced down at the balcony below, the view was really nice, if he had money, he would like it.
"By the way, weren't you supposed to go to that new villa area this morning?"
"Yeah, but when we got there, we looked at the largest villa and found it was too big and not so good. Plus, the most important thing is that Chu Fengyi knows a bit about house design."
"She felt that the design of that house wasn't very good. The depth could be, but the height and width were short, so it seemed very stuffy."
"Then we went around in circles and found this place. Although it's second-hand, it's also the earliest villa area, a wealthy area. We just came over to try our luck."
Xu Lin nodded. He didn't expect that when he came to Bai Xiaoxiao's house that day, he had accidentally took a look at this villa area, and now Chu Qingchan actually came here.
"By the way, how much is this house? You mentioned a hefty premium?"
"It's about 3 million. Chu Fengyi said it's only worth a maximum of 2.2 million."
"It's an old house. Nowadays, new apartments in Linshui are only 5,100 per square meter, which is indeed expensive."
"But I think this house is good, with plenty of rooms, over a dozen. Perfect for a big family, don't you think?"
Ji Yun said something very clear. Xu Lin didn't dare to answer, but just nodded
foolishly.
"Yeah, everyone in the family can live together."
"Which family?"
"Your family, of course, since you're the one buying this house."
"It's our house, not just mine. But if you want to fill it with rooms for me, I don't mind, but you'll have to pass my dad's approval first."
Chu Qingchan raised his eyebrows mischievously, and Xu Lin shuddered. Your father will surely tear me apart.
At this moment, Su Qingwan and Chu Fengyi also walked back. Qin Yunhe ran over and hugged Su Qingwan's arm.
Then she whispered, "Wanwan, I feel a sense of crisis. That rich woman is so despicable."
"What are you talking about?" Su Qingwan had no idea what her best friend was saying.
"It's just that your idol said the villa is a gift to Xu Lin. Who can handle that?"
"You can't handle it?"
Su Qingwan gave her friend a look. If a relationship could crumble because of a villa, was it really love? But when she glanced at Xu Lin's smile, she began to have doubts herself; perhaps a villa did hold significant sway.
"Wanwan, do you want me as your best friend or do you prefer your idol?"
"Qin Yunhe, what are you talking about? You beat everyone to the punch. If I told Chu Qingchan about that, I might be able to take some advantage."
"Su Qingwan, are you fighting in the palace?"
"Haha, no, I'm just a humble teacher. She's a star and a rich girl; her status is just too high."
Qin Yunhe chuckled, enjoying the banter. They even joked about status stacking. But honestly, she was genuinely jealous just now.
After all, when a woman offers you a villa and suggests moving your family in together, that temptation is massive.
But Xu Lin remained calm. Although he had never lived in a villa, he saw no difference between it and an ordinary house.
He was happy mainly because a villa meant more rooms, so each wife could have her own bedroom.
They could design their own nests and he choose whom to sleep with at night.
Hehehe~
Daydreaming aside, Xu Lin thought having a villa wasn't bad at all.
But unfortunately, he was just a poor guy right now. Forget about buying a villa; according to Chu Qingchan's spending habits, he might only afford a toilet.
"Oh right, Superstar Chu, I asked you to pick someone up. Did you do it?"
"..." Chu Qingchan suddenly froze, then covered her face.
"Did you forget?!"
"Sorry, sorry, I'll go right now!"
"You stay here, I'll go."
"No, you can't go. I'll handle it. With Chu Fengyi, everything here will be fine too."
Chu Qingchan was determined to stop the Little Green Tea from harming her Mr. Xu. Without looking back, she walked straight downstairs.
At the bus stop outside Linshui, a petite girl wearing a mask sat on a suitcase, gazing up at the bright streetlights, sighing.
"Where's my gege(big brother)?"