Shen Ci nodded in understanding and then asked, “How much is this set?”
“This one is 9,800, and it comes with three years of free property management and greenery trimming service.”
Because she was standing nearby, Shen Ci also overheard most of the conversation going on next to her.
That couple seemed to have taken a liking to a second-hand house. The previous owner had been among the earliest buyers who reserved one of the best spots, so the house’s location and layout were both outstanding—and naturally, so was the price.
The couple appeared interested in buying but were still haggling with the male sales agent, hoping to bring the price down.
With such an expensive house, even a small discount would save quite a bit of money.
“Mr. and Mrs. Wang, I really have done all I can on the price. The seller has made it clear that 12,000 is already the lowest possible price. It can’t go any lower.”
The male sales agent looked helpless. He had thought this deal would close today, but the clients were still trying to bargain.He was just a salesperson—if the seller said no discounts, what could he do?
The Wang couple exchanged a glance, silently communicating. Then Mrs. Wang folded her arms, putting on the air of a haughty rich lady, and said to the agent, “It’s not that we can’t afford the difference, but after all, this is a second-hand house. Selling it at the same price as the opening rate is unreasonable. Xiao Liu, you’ve worked hard all month—you wouldn’t want this deal to fall through at this stage, would you?”
The sales agent forced a smile and nodded.
Mrs. Wang chuckled lightly. “Exactly. Just talk to the seller again. We’re not asking for much—surely cutting off 500 yuan is possible, right?”
“Mrs. Wang, 12,000 is indeed the opening price, but houses in this villa district have always appreciated in value. This one has already risen since opening, so in truth, the seller has lowered it somewhat already. It matches the current market rate.”
Listening, Shen Ci curled her lips.
Only 500 cheaper? Compared to the prices in her old world, that was equivalent to slicing off five million.
“How’s the house they’re discussing?” Shen Ci whispered.
The intern froze at the question, instinctively glancing at the couple bargaining. She then lowered her voice too. “The location is excellent. The former owner seems to be in a rush to sell due to company financial issues. If you’re interested, Miss Shen, I can get the details.”
Shen Ci asked, “They look like they’re serious buyers. Can I cut in?”
The word cut in made the intern laugh. She nodded. “Of course. Our sales department has only one rule: sell the house. Whoever signs first gets it. Buying a house isn’t about who came first—it’s about whose money arrives first.”
Shen Ci smiled. She suddenly got up, walked straight to the male agent, and took the house file right off the table in front of him under his startled gaze.
“Hey? What are you doing?” Mr. Wang asked unhappily.
Shen Ci ignored him, quickly flipping through the property details. Sure enough, the location and layout were superior.
The one she saw earlier was good, but this one was clearly better.
She turned to the young intern and said softly, “I’ll take this one. Let’s sign now.”
Her words left everyone else frozen.
“Who are you?” Mrs. Wang came back to herself and raised her voice sharply. “We’re still negotiating! Don’t you know about first-come, first-served? Have you no manners?”
Shen Ci smiled faintly, imitating her tone: “Buying a house isn’t about first-come, first-served. Whoever pays first gets it.”
Mrs. Wang: “…”
Mr. Wang grew anxious, pulling his wife aside to whisper, “What now? Should we just buy it?”
The agent quickly added, “Yes, Mr. Wang, this property is in high demand. Don’t hesitate.”
Hearing the agent still trying to push it toward them, Shen Ci’s face darkened. “Are you deaf? I already said I want this house. You still plan to sell it to someone else?”
Her sudden authority made the agent stiffen. He quickly stood and tried to explain, “Madam, please listen. Mr. and Mrs. Wang have been considering this house for over a month. The seller entrusted me with selling it, so I think it’s only fair to prioritize them, since they—”
“You think?” Shen Ci cut him off with a cold laugh, staring at him incredulously. “And who exactly do you think you are, may I ask? You high-end salespeople really don’t seem to know your place. Do you have the right to decide who gets the house?”
“They’ve been ‘considering’ for a whole month and still haven’t bought. And I’m supposed to yield to them? What kind of logic is that? If I now say I’ll ‘consider’ every house here, does that mean you won’t sell any of them to anyone else?”
Realizing she was genuinely angry, the agent understood the situation could get serious. After all, anyone who could afford a house here was bound to be wealthy and influential.
“Please, don’t be upset, Madam. What I meant was—”
“I don’t care what you meant!” Shen Ci’s eyes sharpened, cutting him off. “I’m asking you right now: I want this house. Are you refusing to sell it to me?”
The agent’s expression turned fearful. He shook his head quickly. “Of course not.”
“Then why are you still wasting time talking?” Shen Ci snapped. The words spilled out sharper and sharper, leaving no room for argument.
The commotion soon drew the manager’s attention. A woman in business attire walked over briskly in low heels.
Seeing the anger still on Shen Ci’s face, the manager wisely addressed her first: “Madam, I’m so sorry. Have we failed to serve you properly in any way?”
Shen Ci wasn’t one to vent at the wrong person. Since the manager hadn’t crossed her and spoke politely, she eased her tone. “I want this house. Let’s sign now.”
The manager immediately nodded. She glanced at the sales agent, then at the Wang couple, already guessing most of what had happened.
Her expression darkened as she said to the agent, “Xiao Liu, the client has made her decision. Go get the contract.”
“Yes, Manager. Right away.” Xiao Liu quickly agreed and hurried off.
The Wang couple, after whispering together for a while longer, finally gave up. Without a word, they stood and left.
Behind them, the young intern saw Shen Ci had decided to buy through the other agent after all, and she couldn’t quite hide her disappointment. But she quickly pressed her lips together, took a deep breath, and calmed herself.
Just then, Shen Ci turned back to her and said, “I’ll take the one from before too. Go get the contract.”
End of Chapter