Chapter Ninety-Five: The Decision to Buy a House

The two arrived at the real estate development that Qin Xueer had set her sights on. Even just from the advertisements, the place projected an aura of distinction. Unlike other sales offices, this one was not only exquisitely decorated but also provided detailed information about the properties and offered free lunch and beverages in the lounge—a level of service unheard of in ordinary real estate offices.

As they stepped inside, they were immediately swarmed by sales staff. "Sir, Miss, are you here to view the properties? Our listings are quite excellent. If you pay the deposit now, there are certain discounts available."

Though the staff kept pestering them with questions, Xiao Ye and Qin Xueer merely nodded; they wanted to first see if the development truly lived up to its reputation. Before coming, Qin Xueer had made her stance clear: "There is no need to buy an overly expensive house. Use your money for the down payment, and we will pay off the rest together once the company starts turning a profit." Even though Xiao Ye had repeatedly told her not to worry about such things, she remained firm in her decision. Since they had decided to buy a home together, she felt they both needed to contribute. Seeing that he could not sway her, Xiao Ye agreed on the surface, though he had never intended to let Qin Xueer shoulder the burden. He would just have to find another way to handle it when the time came.

They walked around the scale model of the development, and Qin Xueer eventually selected the most standard layout, approximately 120 square meters. Xiao Ye had no objections; he had never cared much for such things and had no interest in living in a massive mansion. However, their choice drew looks of disdain from the surrounding staff. This development attracted only the wealthy and elite, and the nearest school was a famous private institution in Jianghai City. Naturally, those who could afford to buy here were well-off. Seeing that Xiao Ye and his wife were dressed only modestly, the staff found their choice of a "budget" unit to be stingy and refused to serve them.

"I really don't think these two have any sense of reality," one staff member whispered. "We usually serve the children of the wealthy. Look at these two—do they look like they belong here?"

"If it weren't for the manager’s requirements, I would have kicked them out already."

Though the others remained silent, their expressions confirmed their agreement. These comments reached the ears of Qin Xueer and Xiao Ye, though it did nothing to change their plans. After browsing for a while, Qin Xueer took the brochures for two layouts to study further. As they prepared to leave, Xiao Ye caught a glimpse of the staff member who had been gossiping, wearing a look of derision as if to say, "Finally, they're leaving." Xiao Ye chuckled softly, said nothing, and left the office with Qin Xueer.

The morning slipped by, and as Qin Xueer was needed back at the company, Xiao Ye dropped her off. Thinking back to the arrogant salesperson, he decided not to let it slide; he wanted to teach her a lesson. He drove back to the sales office. It was nearing noon, and the office had a dedicated dining area designed to allow staff to host clients and understand their needs. Xiao Ye walked in, requested a meal voucher, and, ignoring the stares of others, began to eat heartily. Though he was usually disciplined with his diet, his high physical exertion allowed him to indulge, and he ended up consuming a quarter of the food in the dining hall.

Seeing his behavior, the staff grew even more contemptuous. "Is this guy just here to mooch off our food? He’s dressed decently, but to do something like this—I suppose you find all sorts of people in this world." The salesperson from earlier, who now recognized him, was even more biting in her tone.

"We are in the service industry, after all. If we actually closed a deal with him, we’d all get a commission, right?" another staff member suggested.

"Don't be ridiculous. If I could actually close a deal with him, I’d resign on the spot!" the woman scoffed, looking at Xiao Ye with mockery. "Look at him—so pathetic. He probably can't even afford the down payment."

Although the group was some distance away, Xiao Ye heard every word. He smiled faintly; they had fallen right into his trap. He had returned specifically to provoke her, hoping to goad her into saying something even more egregious so he could crush her with the truth. After eating, he returned to the main floor, bypassing the others and walking straight to the woman.

"Excuse me, I would like to see the cheapest layout available."

The woman looked up, her eyes filled with disgust. She pulled out some brochures and slammed them onto the table in front of him. "Take a look. This is the cheapest one. Though I doubt you have the money to buy it."

Xiao Ye smiled. "That is no concern of yours. I suspect you don't even have the courage to look at this house, do you?"

"Pah! You poor wretch. Coming to a sales office—do you really think you're some kind of VIP? If you can pay the full amount right now, I’ll eat this scale model. And not only that, I’ll quit my job!" The woman’s pride was stung, and her attitude became even more hostile.

The crowd began to gather. Another salesperson, the one who had tried to reason with her earlier, rushed over. "Sir, you want to view the property, right? We are quite busy today, and I apologize if you’ve heard anything unpleasant. If you don't mind, let me show you around."

She was trying to save face for the office, but the woman scoffed, "Are you out of your mind? It’s obvious this guy has no money. You really intend to do business with him? Forget it, I have nothing to say to either of you." She shrugged and walked away.

While Xiao Ye didn't mind the insults directed at him, he could not tolerate anyone else being harmed because of him.