Chapter 79: Buying a House
Though Li Dong remembered that he was supposed to have forgotten something, he couldn't recall what it was right away.
It wasn't until he arrived at the entrance of Wanyuan Community and saw the large promotional billboard hanging in front of the sales center that he remembered he had been planning to buy a house.
"Wanyuan Phase II, Year-End Special Offer"—these words caught Li Dong's attention.
He didn't realize that Wanyuan Phase II had already been launched. He had thought it was still under construction.
Since he remembered now, Li Dong decided to go take a look.
He recalled that Wanyuan Phase II was more modern and had a better environment compared to Phase I.
In his previous life, a client of his had bought a unit in Wanyuan Phase II. Li Dong had visited the client's home once, and the lighting and ventilation were both excellent.
If he bought a good house now, he could start renovating it after the New Year.
With this thought in mind, Li Dong walked into the sales center.
...
As soon as he entered, a saleswoman dressed in a professional suit approached him.
Seeing Li Dong's age and noticing he came alone, the saleswoman's enthusiasm waned considerably.
In her experience, young people who came alone to look at houses were usually just browsing, with very few actually buying.
Despite her thoughts, the saleswoman maintained a professional smile and said, "Sir, are you here to look at the houses?"
Li Dong nodded without speaking and walked straight towards the model of the development.
The saleswoman followed him but didn't say anything or start a lengthy introduction.
Li Dong didn't need an introduction. He walked around the model to inspect it.
Wanyuan Phase II offered both two-lift four-house units and two-lift two-house units.
Li Dong was interested in the two-lift two-house type. It offered better privacy, and the ventilation and lighting were superior to the two-lift four-house units.
After observing for about three to four minutes, Li Dong pointed to the model and asked, "Are there any units available in that building?"
The saleswoman looked at the building Li Dong indicated and smiled, "Sir, you have a good eye. Building 8 is the best one. It has the best ventilation and lighting in Wanyuan Phase II. It's right next to the central garden of the community, with an excellent location. The design was done by foreign designers, and it has two lifts with two units per floor, which makes it very convenient…"
Li Dong interrupted after a while, "I know all that. I'm asking if there are any available units!"
The saleswoman was momentarily taken aback, thinking to herself, "If there are available units, you probably can't afford them anyway!"
Despite her internal thoughts, she replied, "Please wait a moment while I check."
She went to the front desk, got a notebook, and came back to report, "There are a few units left, but they're all large four-bedroom, two-living room, two-bathroom units. All the smaller units have been sold out."
Building 8 was indeed the best, and the price was steep.
If not for the high cost of the large four-bedroom units, Li Dong wouldn't even consider it.
Li Dong frowned. Four bedrooms and two living rooms seemed a bit too much.
Even if he lived alone now, or even if Qin Yuhan joined him later, it would still be a bit too large.
Unless his parents came to live with him, which Li Dong doubted would happen since they were unlikely to leave their hometown.
However, Building 8 was indeed excellent in terms of both layout and location.
After a moment of hesitation, Li Dong asked, "What's the price per square meter?"
"The average price is 5500 per square meter, with the top and bottom floors being slightly cheaper," the saleswoman replied, observing Li Dong's reaction.
5500 was considered exorbitant compared to current prices. When Wanyuan Phase I opened, the price was only 3000 per square meter.
The commercial buildings in Longhua Square were priced at 6000 per square meter. For residential buildings, this price was something most people would hesitate to bear.
Li Dong, however, was unfazed. At 5500 per square meter, it might seem expensive now, but in three to four years, the average price of Wanyuan's units would exceed 10,000.
Especially since Building 8 was the best, buying it would certainly not be a loss.
With this thought, Li Dong shrugged off his concerns. If the place was a bit large, it was just as well. If he didn't like it later, he could sell it. For now, he considered it an investment.
"Alright, show me the house," Li Dong said.
The saleswoman was momentarily stunned but quickly put on a professional smile and said, "Sir, all large units have a standard size of 148 square meters."
Li Dong smiled and said, "Are you worried I can't afford it?"
"That's not what I meant. I was just suggesting that if your family isn't large, buying such a big house might not be cost-effective…" Although she thought this, she didn't say it out loud. Complaints were a small issue, but getting fired would be a significant loss.
Li Dong raised an eyebrow and interrupted, "Whether I buy it or not is another matter. Do I need to pay a deposit to look at the house now?"
The saleswoman felt awkward but quickly said, "No, no. If you're interested in a unit, I'll take you to see it right now."
"Show me the available units on the middle to high floors. No need to show me the lower or top floors," Li Dong instructed.
"Please wait. I'll get the keys," the saleswoman said, though she was annoyed.
She saw this trip as a way to exercise and thought to herself, "Let's see if you're just looking or actually buying. I'll make sure to tease you if you're just browsing!"
When the saleswoman returned with the keys, as soon as they stepped outside, Li Dong noticed she shivered.
The air conditioning inside the sales center had kept her comfortable, but the cold wind outside made her professional outfit insufficiently warm.
Despite her annoyance towards Li Dong, the saleswoman kept a stiff smile on her face.
Arriving at Building 8, the saleswoman said, "Sir, the middle to high floors available are 1801, 2201, and 2601. Should we start with the 18th floor?"
Li Dong shook his head. "No need for the 18th floor. Let's go to the 22nd floor."
In Dongping, the number 18 was considered unlucky. Older people generally avoided living on the 18th floor due to its association with the "eighteen levels of hell."
Although Li Dong didn't mind, he thought of possibly bringing his parents to live with him in the future and didn't want to upset them with the 18th floor.
The saleswoman said nothing further and led Li Dong to the 22nd floor.
When they opened the door, Li Dong took a look around.
Building 8, indeed the best of the lot, was impressive in Li Dong's eyes.
The unit was well-ventilated and lit. The master bedroom, secondary bedrooms, and even the kitchen and bathroom all had windows, ensuring bright light.
The master bedroom had an en-suite bathroom and a walk-in closet. The room height was appropriate, with no sense of being cramped.
Li Dong was particularly pleased to see Pingchuan Park from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The touch of greenery was soothing after a busy day in the bustling city. He preferred not to return to a view of high-rises.
Satisfied, Li Dong asked, "What's the shared area?"
The saleswoman replied, "24 square meters. For high-rise buildings with two lifts and two units per floor, Wanyuan's shared area is the lowest in the city."
This was indeed true. Generally, the shared area for a 148-square-meter large unit would exceed 30 square meters.
With this aspect and the good quality of Wanyuan's properties, which Li Dong had not heard of any issues with in his previous life, he said, "Alright, let's head back."
"Don't you want to see the 26th floor?"
Li Dong shook his head. With a total of 29 floors, the 26th was a bit high.
The saleswoman, eager for him not to see more, thought to herself, "I can tell from your attitude you're just browsing. Who looks at a house and then just leaves?"