Chapter 116: Aunt's Charm

Without giving Lao Huaqiao a chance to speak, Xu Yuexin continued speaking methodically.

"The house is 350, the courtyard can't also be 350, right?"

"I'll give you a folded price, 175."

"Then we'll calculate according to the blueprint, see the courtyard's area, the house's area, and finally arrive at a total price."

"Of course, I haven't accepted your 350 quote; I'm just explaining the calculation method."

When Xu Yuexin finished his speech, Qiao Qiao beside him brightened, while Lao Huaqiao showed a look of difficulty.

This youngster is really hard to deal with.

No wonder him, his words left a loophole.

"The 350 I mentioned is an average price, not the price of the house alone."

Lao Huaqiao had to correct, "You misunderstood."

He felt guilty.

Even though Lao Huaqiao insisted verbally that this was Xu Yuexin's mistake, Qiao Qiao could still clearly sense his lack of confidence.

"But I was talking about the house's price."

Xu Yuexin smiled faintly, "Imagine, the courtyard must be much cheaper than the house; with your calculation, the house's unit price would exceed 500."

"Do you think this is appropriate?"

Xu Yuexin's algorithm was logical and evidence-based, and Lao Huaqiao found it rather tricky.

However, he finally shook his head, "280 is absolutely unacceptable."

"I won't quote 280 now either. Even at 280, your per-square price for the house would still be 400."

"This is a private house; you could also demolish the house and rebuild. Then the courtyard could become a house as well."

"Rebuild? It's not as simple as you say—no time or cost? Besides, I live in a Four-Courtyard House for its antique charm; if we truly rebuilt it, wouldn't that defeat the point?"

"Then tell me, what price is appropriate?"

Lao Huaqiao retorted.

Heh, he relaxed.

From Lao Huaqiao's anxious demeanor, Xu Yuexin discerned a few clues.

"Since you quoted an average price, I'll quote an average price too, 200."

"No, you're joking; at 200 per square, I'd rather not sell."

"That's what you said."

After speaking, Xu Yuexin took Qiao Qiao's hand, turned, and left.

Lao Huaqiao stared at him with a resentful expression, and only after several deep breaths did he calm down.

He was specifically returning to the country to sell houses, with little time to waste.

It was hard enough to find a buyer, and the haggling was this ruthless.

"220, love it or not!"

When Xu Yuexin mounted the motorcycle and was about to start, he finally couldn't help but rush to the courtyard entrance, trembling at the corners of his mouth, and said.

When one's assets are slashed with a big knife, emotions can easily spiral out of control.

Ha, I knew it would be like this.

Their time for selling houses back home is limited; they can't afford to waste it.

"220, right? I'll go ask my family; once I have news, I'll definitely send you a Letter."

Xu Yuexin looked at Lao Huaqiao and said, then revved the throttle and left with Qiao Qiao.

In June, once the motorcycle started, the wind came.

Xu Yuexin and Qiao Qiao breathed in the oncoming cool breeze, feeling undeniably refreshing.

"Your haggling is truly impressive."

"He was trembling even when he spoke at the end."

On the back seat, Qiao Qiao laughed and praised.

"This house of his is my stepping stone."

"Later I can use the 220 price to bargain down further."

Xu Yuexin said joyfully as if returning victorious.

In the afternoon, he and Qiao Qiao, accompanied by Zhu Chen, went to the next house.

"The owner of this house has the surname Shen, 33 years old; just call her Aunt Shen."

"Aunt Shen's ancestors were major merchants of the Tianjin Garrison, and followed Sheng Xuanhuai in handling foreign affairs."

"The house was just returned to her last year; she now plans to sell it and go abroad, and the Visa has just been processed."

"Aunt Shen has no children; if you sweet-talk her a bit, perhaps you can cut the price further."

Zhu Chen introduced every detail.

Xu Yuexin listened silently, occasionally nodding with Qiao Qiao.

He could see that Zhu Chen was clearly favoring him in this transaction; otherwise she wouldn't have disclosed so much.

The group weaved through the alleys of the Dong Erhuan, turning many corners, and finally stopped before a vermilion-painted gate.

Unlike those newly built Da Zayuan courtyards, this courtyard's walls were much taller, showing Xu Yuexin what a deep-walled mansion truly is.

Zhu Chen stepped forward and knocked on the gate.

Knock—.

"Aunt Shen, I've brought Xiao Xu over."

"Zhang Ma, go open the door."

A graceful, lazy voice came from within the gate.

"Squeak—, clank clank…"

After a moment, the vermilion lacquer gate slowly opened, and Xu Yuexin's party crossed the threshold, entering the courtyard under the nanny's guidance.

The instant he stepped into the courtyard, he felt a sense of temporal dislocation.

Blue‑stone paved the path, orchids grew beside it, and on the ridge of the eaves‑bracketed main hall were carvings of chi‑wens, hawks, and wind‑taunting beasts.

The elder brother only sits on the bed, the second brother likes to squat on the room…

In the poem written by Jia Huan in Dream of Red Mansions, the second brother refers to this kind of ridge beast.

The carved lattice windows are exceptionally exquisite, the rosewood doors are well preserved, and the window paper has also been newly replaced.

Xu Yuexin passed through the front courtyard, then went through the Hanging Flower Gate and the passage hall to the central courtyard, finally stopping in front of the largest, most meticulously crafted Guogong Mansion Main Hall.

The main hall's gate stood open, and as Xu Yuexin's party's footsteps drew near, an elegant, well‑kept lady emerged from inside.

This lady, I suppose, is the Aunt Shen that Zhu Chen mentioned.

Aunt Shen was dressed in a red cheongsam, her skin fair and figure plump, moving with a graceful, refined bearing, truly a genteel lady of a prominent family.

"Aunt Shen, this is the Xiao Xu who wants to view the house, and this is his beloved Qiao Qiao."

"Greetings, both of you; Linlin and I have spoken of you."

Aunt Shen gave a faint smile, appearing very gentle.

"Hello Aunt Shen, I'm here today to view your house."

Xu Yuexin said politely, and then Chen Qiaoqiao also greeted her.

"Alright, take a look. Before you do, let me give you a brief introduction."

"This courtyard was originally a Guogongfu, with a Four Halls Layout, covering two mu eight fen, and was purchased fifty years ago by my great‑uncle."

"After the house was handed over last year, I carried out another round of renovations, improving living conditions while preserving its original appearance."

"As for the specifics, you can see for yourselves."

Aunt Shen's face kept a faint smile as she introduced at an unhurried pace.

Xu Yuexin said nothing after listening, only asked, "All the rooms are easy to view, right?"

"Yes, all are convenient."

After finishing the conversation with Aunt Shen, Xu Yuexin, Chen Qiaoqiao, and Zhu Chen set off from the Guogong Mansion Main Hall to survey the entire courtyard.

The main hall, bedroom, study…

The party was more traveling than house‑viewing.

Each room in the main hall was tastefully arranged; the bedroom's bed was crafted from golden‑thread nanmu wood, and the study's brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone were all top‑grade…

"Squeak."

After viewing the main hall, Xu Yuexin pushed open the back door and stepped into the rear courtyard.

When the gate opened, he perceived what is called a hidden realm.

In the rear courtyard stood an artificial rock garden and fish pond; beneath the overlapping peaks, golden carp swam, and the deep‑green pool reflected blue sky and white clouds.

Seeing this, Xu Yuexin outwardly remained composed, but inwardly took a deep breath.

He decided to buy this house!

Chen Qiaoqiao and Zhu Chen were also fully immersed in the beautiful scenery, not speaking a word for a long while.

After viewing the rear courtyard's scenery and buildings, Xu Yuexin's party turned forward, passing through the central courtyard to inspect the middle and front courtyards.

Having seen all the houses, Xu Yuexin returned to the Guogong Mansion Main Hall, intending to chat with Aunt Shen again.

He realized Aunt Shen probably wasn't eager to sell the courtyard, since she hadn't even accompanied the viewing.

Visas for going abroad have strict time limits, but someone like Aunt Shen, from a prominent clan, has relatives everywhere at home and abroad. Even if she is overseas, she could fully entrust a domestic acquaintance to handle the sale, unlike the impatient Lao Huaqiao earlier.

"Having viewed the house, I already have a clear sense of its specifics."

Inside the main hall's main room, Xu Yuexin and Aunt Shen sat at the table and said calmly, "After I finish viewing this round of houses, I'll make a comparison."

"When the Letter arrives, I'll let you know."

Aunt Shen was unhurried, so he could be even less so.

"Alright, take your time. It's fine if I'm not there later; before going abroad I'll hand the keys to a relative."

Aunt Shen smiled calmly, her words confirming Xu Yuexin's suspicion.

"Alright, you stay here busy, we'll be leaving."

Xu Yuexin rose and took his leave.

After stepping out, Xu Yuexin's party returned to Keyuan Community.

Upon entering the house, Chen Qiaoqiao and Xu Yuexin began discussing.

"Her house is truly beautiful."

"It's just too big—two mu eight fen."

Chen Qiaoqiao, recalling the courtyard's layout and scenery, still exclaimed, "How much would this cost?"

"Let me calculate: two mu eight fen equals 1,800 square meters."

"Given her house's condition, it must be far pricier than Lao Huaqiao's place."

"At least prepare five hundred thousand."

Xu Yuexin estimated mentally.

Chen Qiaoqiao's mind buzzed, leaving her stunned.

"Then… should we just skip it?"

"I feel… such a fine house isn't for us."

She said hesitantly.

"Damn, what's this about being able to stay or not?"

"If you like it and have money, then go buy it."

Xu Yuexin advised his daughter‑in‑law, "The key is to work hard to negotiate the price down."

Chen Qiaoqiao fell into thought.

Expensive—truly expensive.

But who could see a house like this and not be moved?

Pavilions, towers, fake hills, emerald waters…

It's practically a courtyard built to the standards of her dreams.

After much hesitation, Chen Qiaoqiao was persuaded by Xu Yuexin.

"Shall I go negotiate with you?"

Chen Qiaoqiao asked.

"No need, you have many classes; I can go negotiate alone."

Xu Yuexin wrapped his arm around his daughter‑in‑law's fragrant shoulder and said, "Besides, if you don't go, it gives me an excuse as a buffer; when she quotes a price I can say I need to go back and discuss with my family."

…

After a while, Xu Yuexin rode his motorcycle straight to Dong Erhuan to meet Aunt Shen again.

This time Aunt Shen wore a black long dress, the fabric contrasting sharply with her fair, delicate skin.

Her high heels and flesh‑colored stockings highlighted her beautiful legs even more.

"Xiao Xu, would it be better to go home?"

Seeing Xu Yuexin, Aunt Shen asked lightly.

"I looked at it too hastily that day and didn't ask the price."

"Going back, I can't compare, haha."

Xu Yuexin offered an excuse, saying.

"Are you asking about the price?"

Aunt Shen slightly lifted the corner of her mouth and said, "I can tell you, I quote different prices depending on the person I'm dealing with."

"Oh? I'd like to hear the details."

"Simply put, this courtyard holds my childhood and is also rich in cultural value."

"I hope the next owner will cherish the house and not waste it."

"So when I meet someone who knows its worth, I prefer a lower price. When I meet someone who doesn't, the price will be high."

"I can understand."

Xu Yuexin nodded in agreement, while actually speculating whether Aunt Shen was inflating her own value.

With that in mind, Xu Yuexin steered the conversation away from the house and chatted with Aunt Shen.

During the talk, he learned that Aunt Shen's full name is Shen Qingru, a 1963 graduate of Fudan's History Department, still unmarried, and she most enjoys collecting cultural relics and calligraphy.

From her speech and résumé, it was clear that Shen Qingru has deep achievements in cultural history and possesses many unique insights.

No wonder she's a distinguished lady from a famous family; her cultivation is truly impeccable.

Xu Yuexin thought, and finally humbly began to exchange ideas with Shen Qingru.

By the end of the discussion, Shen Qingru also seemed rather worried.

"Society is developing, cities are being built; that's a good thing."

"However, the fate of these courtyards is hard to say."

Shen Qingru slightly furrowed her brows and said, "I'm worried whether these courtyards can be preserved during future urban expansion."

"Indeed."

Xu Yuexin took a deep breath and said, "As long as the money is in place, countless skyscrapers can be built."

"But once these courtyards are demolished, they can never be restored."

"It's like boiling an egg: turning a raw egg into a hard‑boiled one is easy. Conversely, turning a boiled egg back into raw is impossible."

Shen Qingru was moved by Xu Yuexin's insight and brilliant metaphor.

"So, you also acknowledge the cultural value of this courtyard, right?"

Shen Qingru looked into his eyes and asked.

When answering this question, one must be a bit careful.

According to typical real‑estate practice, Xu Yuexin shouldn't easily show approval or praise in front of the homeowner.

That would not help in haggling.

But… today, with Shen Qingru, the situation is indeed special.

Xu Yuexin combined these two points, thought briefly, and gave what he considered a perfect answer.

"I agree, the problem is a limited budget."

Xu Yuexin forced a wry smile.

"You name a price."

Shen Qingru lightly opened her mouth and said.

"You go first."

Xu Yuexin declined.

"Including the courtyard and house, how about 400 yuan per square meter?"

"No, really no, that price is too high."

That's not bargaining; it's genuinely too expensive.

400 per square meter, the total price is over 700,000.

It's almost wiping out most of Xu Yuexin's fortune.

He still wants to keep surfing the Hong Kong stock market.

"Then you name a price."

Shen Qingru said.

"I asked a company before; they offered me a price of 220. If I haggle a bit more, it should go even lower."

"This price is also the limit of what I can afford."

Xu Yuexin spread his hands and said.

Shen Qingru, after listening, said nothing.

220 per square meter… this price truly pierces her psychological bottom line.

The problem is that a discerning buyer who meets her requirements is indeed hard to find.

A couple of days ago a buyer came to view the house and actually said on the spot that they wanted to remove the window frames and replace them with glass windows.

Compared with Xu Yuexin, it's like night and day.

What should we do…?

Shen Qingru was at a loss for a moment.

(End of chapter)