Led by the salesperson, the group proceeded.
Ahead, Hu Lili chatted animatedly with Bai Xue, while Lin Xiao Tian's side remained in quiet contemplation. Lin Xiao Tian paid it no mind; he had no desire to socialize with someone as clearly superficial as Hu Fu.
"You're not actually planning to buy a place in this building, are you?"
"Alas, Bai Xue, you are indeed too young."
"Look, the front of this building is completely blocked. The lower floors barely get any sunlight. If you buy here, you'll regret it!"
"Well, perhaps... buy a higher floor?" Bai Xue replied.
"Ah, that's far too expensive! It's not easy for you to earn money, and the market for agricultural products is poor right now. You should save where you can!" Hu Lili said with earnest concern.
"Oh..."
Hearing Hu Lili's response, Bai Xue clearly looked displeased. However, Hu Lili seemed accustomed to this, showing no regard for Bai Xue's feelings.
"Tian Sheng is so close to the city center, the prices are exorbitant. I generally advise people not to buy here. You can find residential properties anywhere; this place truly isn't worth it," Hu Lili added.
Bai Xue offered no reply.
At this moment, the salesperson who had been chatting with Lin Xiao Tian couldn't help but glance towards Hu Lili's group.
"What? Did I say something wrong?" Hu Lili retorted impatiently.
The salesperson smiled but did not refute her. It wasn't that he *didn't want* to; Hu Lili's words had clearly diminished Tian Sheng's prestige. The reason for Tian Sheng's high prices wasn't solely its prime location. Among many residential projects in the city center, Tian Sheng commanded the highest price due to its superior quality and service. His silence was mainly because of Lin Xiao Tian. As a patron who was looking to purchase a villa, even he remained silent, so why should the salesperson intervene unnecessarily?
"Alas, if you're going to buy here, I suggest we don't bother looking any further," Hu Lili declared, waving her hand, acting as if she were making the decision for Bai Xue. Lin Xiao Tian almost felt as though *he* were there to buy the property for *her*.
But before she could finish speaking, the salesperson ahead made a gesture.
"Ladies and gentlemen... please, this way."
The salesperson pointed in the opposite direction of the building they had just been discussing. This forced Hu Lili to swallow her prepared lecture to Bai Xue. However, upon seeing the rows of buildings that appeared once more, Hu Lili's smugness returned.
"Alas! This one won't do either; it has the same problem – poor natural light."
"This one is out too, it's right in the middle of the complex, inconvenient for getting around..."
...
Along the way, almost every building that appeared was subjected to Hu Lili's nitpicking, always delivered with an air of condescending instruction. Yet, almost every time, she wouldn't finish her criticism before they had already moved past the building she was discussing. Soon, Hu Lili's commentary began to dwindle, for she suddenly realized that further ahead lay the villa district. Tian Sheng's current development primarily focused on sea-view villas; the residential properties were merely supplementary. Near Jiang City, there was an inland sea that had initially been planned as a scenic area. Tian Sheng later acquired the land and developed it into villas. Because it was initially intended as a tourist attraction, the area had been meticulously preserved, drawing considerable attention to these sea-view villas. The price, however, was truly astronomical! Could it be that Bai Xue and her companion were considering buying a villa? Hu Lili mused internally. Impossible. One a farmer, the other a rural girl who hadn't even finished middle school. How could they possibly afford a villa?
As Hu Lili pondered, the group arrived at the entrance of the villa district. Since Lin Xiao Tian had chosen a property near the entrance, their destination was only a few steps away. A uniquely designed villa stood before them, with the vast azure sea not far off. The few cars occasionally passing on the community road were all luxury vehicles costing over a million.
"Mr. Lin, please!" the salesperson gestured.
Hu Lili, standing beside them, was stunned. Were they really going to buy a villa? Impossible! Absolutely impossible! How could two country bumpkins afford a villa? They must be here just to gawk! Hu Lili exchanged a look with Hu Fu, and they quickly reached a consensus from each other's eyes.
"Let's go! Let's follow them and see. I don't believe they can actually afford a villa!" Hu Lili whispered to Hu Fu.
"They're just showing off, for sure! I already checked him out; Lin Xiao Tian is just a farmer," Hu Fu chimed in.
Just as the two were about to follow, Hu Fu suddenly stopped.
"What is it?" Hu Lili nudged Hu Fu.
"Is that... President Song?"
Hu Fu immediately recognized a figure not far away as the CEO of their company.
"Forget it, let's go in later. I'll go say hello to President Song first." Hu Fu then walked away on his own, ignoring Hu Lili's repeated attempts to stop him. After all, what were two country folk compared to the company CEO?
"Hello, President Song," Hu Fu said, approaching with a fawning smile.
Song Ying Deng turned abruptly and quickly spotted the obsequious Hu Fu. "Oh... you're from sales, aren't you? Your name is..." Song Ying Deng paused.
"Hu Fu," Hu Fu quickly added.
"Ah... right, Hu Fu..." Song Ying Deng actually had little impression of Hu Fu; an ordinary salesperson wasn't noteworthy enough for him to remember. Hu Fu was well aware of this, but a sycophant would try their best to flatter, even in awkward situations.
Meanwhile, led by the salesperson, Lin Xiao Tian had begun inspecting the interior of the villa. Lin Xiao Tian knew little about villas, having only seen them in movies. Experiencing one firsthand was certainly a thrill. He had to admit, even compared to those in the movies, this sea-view villa was no less impressive. This vast mansion occupied a large area, featuring nine bedrooms and ten bathrooms, with an unparalleled crystal-blue ocean view beyond. Furthermore, the mansion boasted two private swimming pools, a helipad, a gym, and a home control system operable by mobile phone. The luxurious living room opened directly onto the terrace, creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living. Open-air skylights above the stone-paved corridors ensured ample light within the house. Lin Xiao Tian took it all in, finding no fault.
"What do you think?" Lin Xiao Tian asked Bai Xue.
"I'll listen to whatever you decide."
"Good! Then we'll take this one," Lin Xiao Tian nodded and then turned to the salesperson, "How much is it?"
"Sir, this villa is priced at 19.99 million in total."
"Okay! How do we sign the contract?"
Upon hearing this, the salesperson's face bloomed like a prize chrysanthemum. "Certainly, sir, please follow me!"
Soon, led by the salesperson, the two exited the villa. As they stepped out, they encountered Hu Lili, who was preparing to enter.
"You finished so quickly?" Hu Lili blinked in surprise. However, she quickly recovered. If Lin Xiao Tian truly intended to buy a villa, he would have examined it thoroughly. Why would he come out so soon? This was clearly just a visit to sightsee! With this thought, a subtle smile curved Hu Lili's lips.
"Oh my! You are truly too hasty. Who looks at houses like you do?" Hu Lili patted Bai Xue's shoulder. "Come! Let your sister take you inside for a look!" Hu Lili started to lead Bai Xue in.
But at that moment, the salesperson, who had been silent all along, blocked her path.
"Excuse me, madam, are you also interested in purchasing this villa?"
"I'm not buying, but my friend here is. What's the matter? Are you not going to let people view the house? Who do you think you're looking down on? Do you think my friend can't afford it?" Hu Lili scoffed.
The salesperson remained unruffled and calmly replied, "I apologize, madam, that's not what I meant. But this property has already been reserved by Mr. Lin. We are about to sign the contract. If you are not interested in purchasing, there's no need to view it again."
Hu Lili froze upon hearing this.
"What did you say?"
"He's buying?"