Chapter 33: Cloud Residence on the Hillside, A New Home

Having arranged a late-night meal, Cheng Yao left the university. As soon as he got into a taxi, a saleswoman from Cloud Hills Residences called, “Mr. Cheng, our office is closing soon. When do you think you’ll arrive?”

“Ten minutes. I’m already on my way.”

“All right, I’ll wait for you at the sales center entrance.”

“Okay, see you soon.” Hanging up, Cheng Yao checked the message Cheng Cheng had sent.

A parents’ group? Why are they starting with that today? Don’t tell me they want me to grade homework? Cheng Yao found that unlikely—Cheng Cheng’s grades were quite good—so he joined anyway. Once inside, the teacher tagged him, asking him to change his display name. Cheng Yao switched it to “Cheng Cheng’s Brother,” then set the group to mute.

Soon the taxi arrived at the Cloud Hills sales center. The project was within the school district of Jinling Primary and Secondary, and Xianlin Lake Campus, making it likely to be included in the new school zone. It was close to the university town and the subway, so commuting to school would be like walking out the front door.

The downside was the sparse population nearby; it felt a bit like the city’s edge. Coming down Xianlin Avenue, he passed by High-Tech Glory, Wanda Mall, and other commercial complexes. After getting out, Cheng Yao surveyed the surroundings. The roads looked well-maintained.

He soon spotted the saleswoman waiting at the building’s entrance.

“Hello.”

“Hello, are you Mr. Cheng?”

“That’s me.”

“You look so young! Are you still a student?”

“Yes, I’m at the University of Finance.”

“Oh, that’s close by. It’s getting late, so I’ll take you straight to view the apartment. To be honest, it’s hard to see much detail at night.” She sounded a little helpless.

“I’m already familiar with the location and surroundings. I mainly want to see the units themselves—the layout, the style, the amenities. As long as the place isn’t subpar, I’m fine.”

“In that case, let’s go right away.”

“Let’s.”

Following her inside, Cheng Yao noted the security and landscaping—both impressive for a high-end residential area. Only Poly Roland Spring could compare in this part of town.

As they walked, the saleswoman explained, “The blocks in front are all small units and have sold out. Luckily, you’re looking for a large one—the F layout: four bedrooms, two living rooms, three baths, one kitchen, about 165 square meters. Buildings 10, 11, and 12 still have availability…”

She wasted no time, briskly leading him to Building 10.

“Do you prefer a higher or lower floor?”

“Higher, otherwise the view’s blocked.” Cheng Yao glanced ahead; the lower floors only overlooked the complex’s inner gardens.

“Then I’d recommend the eleventh or twelfth floor. There are spacious rooftop terraces.”

Inside Building 10, the corridors were tiled. They took the elevator to the eleventh floor, and, stepping into the unit, were greeted by a foyer with a custom shoe rack and a large living room beyond.

“This is a blend of Chinese and Western styles—elegant and upscale. Here’s the master bedroom, over there is the guest room. Let me show you around…”

Cheng Yao took a tour. The décor was tasteful. Having dealt with enough “turnkey” units to know the pitfalls, he wasn’t worried about money now, but rather whether the developer cut corners or left defects.

He inspected every nook and cranny but found nothing of concern. There were plenty of horror stories out there—certain big-name developers were notorious.

On these upper floors, the view barely changed. Cheng Yao wasn’t picky; he doubted he’d stay here forever. Once Cheng Cheng went to college, he’d buy her a new place. When he married, he might opt for a quiet villa.

“How much is this unit?” he asked.

“For this layout, it’s about 5.9 million yuan. If you need a mortgage—”

“I’ll pay in full. Any discount?” Cheng Yao was direct.

“We can offer you the maximum available. There’s a company promotion, but I don’t have the authority to add anything personal…” She was courteous but surprised by his decisiveness.

With a full payment, there was nothing more to discuss.

Cheng Yao stepped onto the balcony. The space was good—perfect for drying laundry or growing flowers.

“When would you like to proceed?” the saleswoman asked.

“Can we sign the contract now?”

He wasn’t interested in overthinking—if there were no issues with the property itself, the price was irrelevant. He’d surprise the little one this Saturday.

“R-right now? Wonderful…” The saleswoman was momentarily stunned. She’d prepared a whole presentation and persuasion strategy, none of which was needed. She was left a little dazed.

If every client was like this, what would salespeople even be for?

She wasn’t upset—just wished there were more buyers like him. Her commission would be endless.

So they went back down to the sales center.

“Sister Fang, you’re still here?” the saleswoman exclaimed, surprised to see Fang Ting hadn’t left.

“A client came to buy a place,” Fang Ting replied, glancing outside.

“Buying a house this late?”

“He’s a college student—no time during the day. I suggested Saturday, but he insisted on coming now.”

“You’re already drafting the contract? What’s the story?”

“F layout, full payment—nearly six million. He looked around for ten minutes and bought it without batting an eye!” Fang Ting shook her head. This must be what wealth looks like.

The saleswoman’s expression was exaggerated—a college student with six million in cash?

“He’s the one sitting in the lobby? He looks so young—and handsome…”

“I’ll treat you all to milk tea!” Cheng Yao called out.

He waited in the lounge, sipping juice. After paying nearly six million in full, he still had two million left.

Fang Ting brought over the contract. Cheng Yao checked the details—parties, rights, obligations, signatures, and seals—then signed.

Fang Ting processed the paperwork. “Mr. Cheng, we’ll hand over the keys within two weeks. We need to check the facilities and disinfect—though it should only take a few days.”

“Can it be ready by Saturday?”

“Absolutely, don’t worry. One more thing—the property tax…”

After clarifying the last details, Cheng Yao left the sales center. In about two weeks, he’d receive the property certificate. Once he’d confirmed everything, there’d be no more concerns. The inspection and disinfection would only take a day or two; by Saturday, he could move Cheng Cheng in.

Checking the time, Cheng Yao called Cheng Cheng. “Done with your homework?”

“Yep, all finished!”

“How about crayfish for supper?”

“Really!?” Her delighted voice came through the phone.

Cheng Yao took a taxi to the community entrance. Cheng Cheng was already dressed up in a skirt, waiting for him.

When she saw Cheng Yao, the little one ran over, full of excitement.

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