Chapter 9 Renovating his First Home
Looking at the building before him, at the very least, its external aspect was similar to what was shown in the hologram.
It appears that the realtor had a certain level of credibility. Ceid was glad that the realtor did not show a false impression of the property.
He initially had doubts about the realtor company's credibility. But thus far, it seems like a respectable company.
"Now, come this way," Luxell invited.
"As seen here, the front parking lot was spacious enough for dozens of vehicles to park at any given time."
"Over there is the path leading to the back, while the path on the right leads to the underground parking space."
"Do you want to take a look?"
Luxell began his introduction professionally. Ceid, on the other side, despite his calm face, was too excited and could not wait to check the property.
"No need. Let's take a look inside," he said calmly as he took steady steps towards the entrance.
Seeing Ceid's action, Luxell followed behind his heels with a knowing smile.
As they strolled into the reception hall, the spacious space and high ceiling gave a grand feeling. The hall incorporated the space from the ground floor to the first floor, making the ceiling as high as 15 meters above.
From the ground floor, they can see the rooms on the first floor separated by the glass walls.
The view from the upstairs hallway and lounge must be spectacular, Ceid thought.
Although the floor was coated with dust, the decorations on the walls and ceiling were intact. The crystal stair chandelier brightly lit the hall.
He didn't notice when Luxell had turned on the lights and electricity. Even the air conditioners were functioning normally.
While he nodded in approval, Ceid could already imagine the scene of the hall after renovation.
Only to realize he didn't need to do so.
Wyd had conveniently reanimated the reception hall scene with a full simulation in his head, complete with renovation and refurbishment.
Sometimes, having such a handy assistant is that wllful, he smiled by himself.
On the side, Luxell was confused seeing Ceid keep changing his expression.
Noticing how own guff, Ceid coughed lightly and continued to inspect the hall.
He approached the side hall. From the outside, he could see the furnishings and interior fittings via the glass walls.
However, once through the door, he can see the entire shop, including the actual state of the furniture and fittings.
In the introduction, it was merely introduced as a retail shop lot.
But from the looks of it, the previous owner was probably using it as a restaurant or foodcourt canteen.
There were tables and chairs in the dining area, a large counter, and a door leading to the kitchen behind it. The setting was more like a fast-food chain restaurant he was familiar with on Earth.
Even from the counter, he saw various kitchen equipment. It includes kitchen utensils, fryers, ovens, food processors, meat grinders, and refrigerators.
It would be a great place to create a dining hall here since he doesn't plan to open a restaurant.
Put a piano near the corner with several sound absorption panels on the wall.
Arrange rows of bookshelves along the walls. At the same time, partition the floor with bookcases to provide a comfortable private dining experience.
At a corner near the counter, place a table with a complete set of coffee maker machines and an assortment of coffee bean jars.
Ceid may not be a coffee person, as he usually drinks latte or instant coffee. But it is not a bad idea to start appreciating coffee. He now had the money to splurge on his whim.
<...pfft.>
Wyd, you do know I heard that. Are you mocking me? Who said I can't appreciate coffee?
Who knows, maybe I will start to become a coffee lover.
He voiced his complaint to Wyd.
With Wyd interrupting his flight of fancy pleasure, Ceid lost interest in continuing to visit the restaurant.
So, the two continue to climb and inspect other floors.
-
As Ceid examined the fifth floor, he noticed that the floor plan for this floor was the same as the fourth floor.
An idea came to his mind.
At this moment, a voice takes an opportune moment to pull him back into the conversation.
"So, Ceid, what do you think of the building? Quite a gem, isn't it?" Luxell said while gesturing towards the spacious hall.
Hearing his words, Ceid squinted his eyes. However, he doesn't break or deny Luxell's words. The building was indeed in good shape.
In many of the areas, the fittings were exquisite and in good condition. Maybe because it was envisioned as a business hub, the building was renovated with high-quality materials and furnished with elegant furniture.
This way, anyone who purchased or rented the building could use it directly without much renovation.
"Indeed, it's got potential."
Hearing Ceid's words, Luxell's heart was blossoming with delight. "Then,..."
Before he could continue his words, he was interrupted.
"But..."
Hearing the 'but...' words, Luxell's heart thumped.
He knew the moment had come. He prepares himself to fight a prolonged battle.
"...I have some concerns, especially regarding the state of the building and the renovations needed," Ceid said with a smile.
Luxell nodded with a kind smile.
"Understandable. Every property comes with its own set of needs. But, what's important is how we can address them."
"Let us discuss how we can address them. With the right renovations, we can turn these flaws into features."
Hearing Luxell's response, Ceid gave an approval nod. "Hmm, I suppose you have a point there. Let's start with the reception hall."
"Although the hall retained a grandeur and luxury outlook, let's face it—it's so dull and outdated. There's no way it'll impress any clients."
The two began to bargain back and forth, discussing Ceid's renovation and refurbishment requirements.
Ceid had a clear image of a simulated model made by Wyd in his mind. Thus, he could vividly describe the vision he had in mind.
He had envisioned the reception hall to retain most of its original fittings.
With a touch of exquisiteness, the originally elegant, modern, and sleek interior would turn into a sophisticated but humble layout.
Installing top-notch hologram technologies and display panels would showcase Ceid's wares and give an interactive introduction to his products and services.
The original restaurant beside the reception hall would be converted into a dining café, with a piano set in a corner and an effective acoustic sound isolation system installed.
The walls would be filled with rows of bookshelves, giving a cozy, bookish vibe. Taking advantage of the picturesque aesthetic of the glass walls, it would exude a relaxing but novel experience for patrons, a perfect spot for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Hearing Ceid's description, Luxell had a better understanding of the man.
In simple words, it was seeking pleasure and novelty.
Then they started discussing the other floors. Ceid's demand for the first floor's rooms could be perfectly described by its use, exclusive VIP reception and negotiations rooms.
To put it in simpler words, the setting needed to be luxurious but low-key, elegant but humble, and technologically advanced while maintaining confidentiality and privacy.
"Absolutely."
"We could take inspiration from the VIP suites of the Meza Grand Hotel. With a touch of elegance and the latest technology, those rooms and floors will leave your guests in awe."
Luxell carefully gave several suggestions on how to renovate the two floors. He understands that the two floors would become the facade and image for people to see. It would be used to welcome business partners and clients alike.
It could even be used to host events.
"Alright, I like where this is going. Now, onto the office floors." Ceid was very satisfied with Luxell's suggestions.
As for the office spaces on the other two floors, he requested the space to be separated into several rooms.
There should be a work cubicle hall, conference rooms, training/workshop rooms, server and network room, pantries, rest and break room, activity room, etc.—all equipped for efficiency and comfort.
He wasn't sure whether he'd need it, but it's better to be prepared.
He also voiced his interest in having his CEO's office on the front side of the third floor, facing the outside view through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
"Consider it done."
"We've dealt with many corporate building owners. As a company, we are familiar and experienced in renovating and optimizing the office space."
"With the right layout and facilities, the work environment would be more suitable for productivity."
"I'll also ensure they renovate the CEO room that gave a novel and elegant experience."
Hearing the last sentence, Ceid glanced at Luxell. But all he could see was a professional smiling face. He only heard him continue...
"If you want, we could even arrange various other electronics and devices to be installed."
"Plus, you'll probably require a centralized security room with a complete monitoring system. We can refer you to the right people to get everything at the best bargain."
Luxell professionally noted all the details Ceid talked about. He even enthusiastically introduced a supplier for the security system.
If Ceid installed a complete security system from his business partners, Luxell would get a hefty sum of commissions.
As long as he could coup his losses from the profit from commissions, he didn't mind reducing his sales profit by helping Ceid renovate the building better.
" Great to hear."
"Lastly, let's talk about the fourth and fifth floors. I planned to turn it into a penthouse for me to live in."
"Look at this view," Ceid said, pointing at the high floor-to-ceiling glass. "It has such a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole neighborhood."
"So, it would be a waste not taking advantage of it. So, I planned to knock down the floor of this front section between the two floors. This way, I could create a high-ceiling lounge."
"On that side, a portion of the fourth-floor glass walls would be hollowed out, forming an open-air balcony. If there's an outdoor pool with reclining seats, this would be my oasis in the sky."
He said with great interest.
He imagined lying down under the starry sky on the open-air balcony. A voluptuous cat woman and a beautiful elven girl would be seen swimming and chatting by the side.
He was already smiling lasciviously.
"I can already envision it. With the walls knocked down and extending the floor further outside, a garden balcony is within sight."
"At night, the view would be breathtaking."
Luxell said in approval.
But in his heart, he secretly criticizes Ceid.
Wouldn't it be better to buy a proper penthouse directly? It would have a better design with a ready-made jacuzzi and a swimming pool.
He continued to complain inwardly.
But he also probably knew that the reason Ceid settled with this building. Besides being cheaper, it was likely because he needed the office space below.
It could be said that Luxell's guess was right on the spot. Since Ceid got money, he was that willful.