Chapter 324: The Detached House
Chapter 324: The Detached House
Today, Nie Zhan was tied up with work at the company and couldn't get away, but he had already communicated with the real estate agent. Once Lu Jiaxin arrived, the agent would take her to view the properties.
The villas in this area were all built in a European style. Lu Jiaxin preferred the traditional Chinese architectural style, like the grand five-section mansion in Si Jiucheng that she particularly adored. However, since they were only renting for a year as a temporary arrangement, she didn't have many requirements. Thus, after viewing three properties, she made her decision.
Qian Xiaoxiao thought the annual rent of HK$960,000 was too expensive. But considering that staying in a hotel would cost even more, she kept quiet. In fact, this was already a discounted price, as the market rate was over a million.
When signing the contract, Lu Jiaxin asked the agent, "What's the typical rent for a high-end apartment near the University of Hong Kong?"
"That depends on the size of the apartment. The rent varies based on the area. Larger ones can be over ten million a year, while smaller ones are around three to four million."
Lu Jiaxin indicated that she would contact him again if needed, and the agent readily agreed with a broad smile. He loved clients like this—generous and open-minded.
After the agent left, Qian Xiaoxiao, unable to understand Lu Jiaxin's actions, asked, "Sister Jiaxin, didn't you say you'd consider it after starting school?"
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "I was just asking. Asking doesn't cost anything."
Gu Wenfeng, who was beside them, remained silent. He felt that Lu Jiaxin wasn't just asking casually and actually intended to rent a place. She probably didn't want to trouble Nie Zhan with everything, which was a good thing. It would prevent her from developing a sense of dependence, which could hinder her future growth.
Although this bungalow was regularly cleaned, a thorough cleaning was necessary before moving in. Lu Jiaxin wouldn't do the cleaning herself, and when she tried to hire someone, Qian Xiaoxiao and Gu Wenfeng stopped her. "We have the time, so we'll take care of it slowly."
Since they had the time to spare, why waste money on something they could do themselves?
Lu Jiaxin didn't object and let them handle it. She called Nie Zhan instead. "I'll give you the phone number for this place. Take note of it."
After Nie Zhan jotted down the number, he asked, "Let's have lunch together."
"No need. You must have a lot of work piled up after being away for so long. Take care of your work, and I'll take care of the unpacking here. We can have dinner together later."
After hanging up, Lu Jiaxin went to the backyard garden. The garden was one of the main reasons she chose this bungalow. It was beautifully maintained, with a green lawn that resembled a soft green carpet, and colorful, vibrant flowers that were a delight to behold.
When Nie Zhan finished work and came to see the place, he wasn't very satisfied. "It's too small. The house is small, and so is the garden. You can stay here for now, and I'll find you something bigger later."
Lu Jiaxin recalled Su Heyuan mentioning that he had moved out and asked, "This bungalow has a total area of three hundred square meters. It's already a huge mansion, and you still think it's small? How big is your villa?"
Nie Zhan replied, "My villa is thirteen thousand square feet, which is around twelve hundred square meters."
Lu Jiaxin teased with a smile, "Living alone in a thirteen-thousand-square-foot mansion—no wonder you're known as Hong Kong's famous diamond king. It's truly enviable."
Nie Zhan had grown up in a large house and considered it normal. "Jiaxin, renting is still inconvenient. It's better to buy a place so you can decorate and arrange it according to your preferences."
This bungalow was in the European style, and he knew Lu Jiaxin didn't particularly like it. However, now that they had just confirmed their relationship, it wouldn't be appropriate for her to move in with him. People might get the wrong idea and think they were cohabiting! The simplest solution was for Lu Jiaxin to buy her own place.
Lu Jiaxin stuck to her previous answer. "Let's talk about it next year."
Nie Zhan made a reservation at Fulummen and came to pick her up for dinner.
As fate would have it, Su Heyuan was at the entrance with a stunning beauty by his side.
Lu Jiaxin marveled at the alluring lady, secretly impressed by Su Heyuan's luck. Marrying such a beauty would be a delightful sight every day!
Su Heyuan was surprised to see her and asked, "Jiaxin, when did you get back?"
"I returned yesterday. I tried calling your office yesterday and today, but no one answered," Lu Jiaxin explained. She hadn't called his home, as Su Zhanming had mentioned that his father had gone back to his hometown.
Su Heyuan smiled and shared that he had been busy at the company for the past two days. He then introduced the lady beside him, "This is Miss Ye, the manager of the publicity department at ATV. Miss Ye, this is Nie Zhan and my sister, Jiaxin."
Miss Ye enthusiastically reached out to Nie Zhan, "Mr. Nie, it's an honor to meet you."
Nie Zhan merely nodded slightly, without offering his hand.
Lu Jiaxin had never seen him be so impolite. Considering that Miss Ye was Su Heyuan's companion, she took the initiative and extended her hand, "Miss Ye is very capable, holding such an important position at ATV at such a young age."
Miss Ye complimented Lu Jiaxin in return, "Mr. Nie, Miss Lu, since we've met here by chance, why don't we have dinner together?"
Before Lu Jiaxin could respond, Nie Zhan declined, expressing that he was not accustomed to dining with strangers. Lu Jiaxin didn't understand his decision, but she stood by him.
Miss Ye looked disappointed and glanced back at Nie Zhan and Lu Jiaxin as she left with Su Heyuan.
Once they were inside the private room, Nie Zhan closed the door and said, "Ask Su Heyuan about his relationship with Miss Ye. If it's just a professional connection or a regular friendship, it's fine. But if she's his girlfriend, advise him to be cautious."
Lu Jiaxin knew that Nie Zhan would never speak ill of others behind their backs, so she asked, "Can you tell me the reason?"
Nie Zhan frowned, "Once during an entertainment event, I saw her leading two flamboyantly dressed little stars into a private room filled with playboys. Of course, I might be mistaken."
Although he maintained high standards for himself, he was well-informed about the industry. He didn't look down on others; as long as they didn't affect others, he was indifferent to their lifestyles.
Lu Jiaxin was astonished, "Do you mean that Miss Ye is a procuress?"
Nie Zhan shook his head, "I'm not sure about that, but she's part of the entertainment industry, and she's incredibly beautiful..."
He left the rest unsaid, but Lu Jiaxin understood his implication.
Lu Jiaxin suddenly realized why Nie Zhan hadn't shaken Miss Ye's hand. This guy valued cleanliness, to the point of having a mild case of mysophobia (a slight obsession with cleanliness). Thankfully, it was only a mild case; she wouldn't be able to handle it if it were more severe.
She recalled the interaction between Su Heyuan and Miss Ye earlier; although they walked side by side, they had maintained a noticeable distance. "They're probably just regular friends."
"That's good," Nie Zhan said. It was also because Su Heyuan had been taking good care of Lu Jiaxin, and their relationship was quite close, that he bothered to give advice on this matter. After all, Su Heyuan was almost thirty years old, and if he were to be deceived, it would only be due to his poor judgment of character.
Lu Jiaxin didn't take it to heart, "I'll find an opportunity to talk to him about it. Ah Zhan, I'll start work tomorrow, and I'll come to see your mansion on Sunday."
"You can come after work tomorrow as well. If there's anything you don't like, I'll have it changed."
His tone implied that she was the mistress of the mansion, which made Lu Jiaxin smile, "It's too rushed, and you'll be busy these few days. A few days won't make a difference."
"As you wish."
(End of Chapter)
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