40: Chapter 40 Buying a House for Parents

"The scenery here in Qingxi is peaceful, and it's rare for you to visit. Why not stay for a couple more days and look around? The old streets, ancient bridges, and riverside walkways are quite pleasant. I'll be heading back to Jiangcheng in two days, so we could travel together; it would be more convenient."

Lin Wan shook her head gently, a polite and apologetic smile on her face, her tone crisp and decisive.

"There's really no need, thank you, Jiang Chen. The firm has several pending files piled up, and I must get back to organize them. I really can't spare any extra time."

"I've truly troubled you this time. Next time I'm free, I'll definitely come specifically to enjoy myself for a few days."

"Alright, then I won't keep you. I'll take you to the station."

Jiang Chen nodded and didn't press her further. His manner was natural and appropriate, maintaining the perfect professional distance of a partner.

They walked all the way to the county train station. Sunlight spilled through the glass of the waiting hall onto the floor, bright and warm.

Jiang Chen helped Lin Wan carry her suitcase to the ticket gate, checked the ticket information for her, and gave a soft reminder.

"Stay safe on the road. Remember to send a message when you get to Jiangcheng to let me know you've arrived safely."

"Mhm, definitely. Thank you."

Lin Wan waved, turned to go through ticket control, and her figure quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Jiang Chen stood there for a moment before turning back to his car.

Sitting in the driver's seat, he immediately took out his phone, opened his banking app, and skillfully entered the business account of Lin Wan's law firm to transfer the full remaining balance for the case.

After handling the official business, Jiang Chen took out that unremarkable canvas bag from under the passenger seat.

He gently unzipped it and took out the Qing Dynasty Gilded Bronze Statue that had recently been unearthed.

He then took a clean soft cloth from the storage box and carefully wiped away the surface dust bit by bit. His movements were gentle, fearing he might damage the original patina.

Once cleaned, he got out of the car, retrieved a shockproof velvet storage box from the trunk, and placed the statue securely inside.

He padded the sides with sponge for cushioning, carefully closed the lid, and stowed it away properly in a hidden storage space inside the cabin.

He planned to find a buyer to sell it to once he returned to Jiangcheng.

Jiang Chen took out his phone but didn't contact anyone. He simply started the car and drove slowly toward the new residential community with the best reputation in Qingxi County.

This place was only eight hundred meters away from the old alley where his home was; it was a location he had carefully selected.

In just a few minutes, the car came to a steady stop in a parking space at the entrance of the community.

Just as he pushed open the car door to get out, a shout full of surprise and slight uncertainty came from behind him.

"Jiang Chen? Is that you?"

Jiang Chen looked back. The man walking toward him was dressed in a neat real estate sales uniform. His features were familiar; it was his high school classmate, Zhang Lei.

Zhang Lei recognized Jiang Chen at first glance, but his gaze subconsciously swept downward, instantly freezing on the top-spec panamera behind Jiang Chen.

The Volcano Grey metallic paint shimmered with a matte cold light under the sun, and the smooth coupe body outlined sharp lines.

The quad exhausts were tucked away, and the iconic Porsche crest was a top-tier luxury car rarely seen in a small county like Qingxi.

Zhang Lei's heart jolted, a wave of shock crashing over him. "A panamera? That must cost at least 1.5 or 1.6 million yuan!"

"Jiang Chen had average grades in high school and a low-profile personality. How has he ended up driving this kind of car after just a few years? It looks like he's really made it."

Beyond the shock, there was mostly admiration and joy for his old classmate.

Zhang Lei quickly composed himself and stepped forward with a warm, sincere smile.

"It really is you! I thought it looked like you from a distance, but I didn't dare come over to say hello! Not bad, Jiang Chen, you've done so well for yourself. This car is seriously impressive!"

Jiang Chen smiled faintly, not intending to show off. His tone was calm. "It's just a car for getting around. By the way, are you working as a salesman in this community?"

"Yeah, I came back to do this after graduation. I've been in charge of this development for almost three years now!"

Zhang Lei responded quickly, already categorizing Jiang Chen as an "absolute VIP client."

"Are you looking for a retirement home for your parents? Then you've come to the right place!"

Zhang Lei led the way enthusiastically, introducing the place as if he knew every detail by heart.

"Our community is only eight hundred meters from the old alley—less than a ten-minute walk. There's a vegetable market right next door. Aunt Liu, whom your parents usually chat with, and Uncle Wang, who they play chess with, several of them have bought places here. All their acquaintances are together, so the elderly won't be lonely!"

"Plus, the community consists entirely of mid-rise buildings, so it's not depressing like high-rises. The second and third floors are best for elders—not damp, not too sunny, and it's not tiring to walk. It's two stops from the county hospital, and all the lifestyle amenities are available. It's specifically built for our local long-term residents."

Zhang Lei first took him to see a two-bedroom unit on the first floor. The layout was small and the lighting was average. He shook his head first. "No, this would be unfair to your parents. I'll take you to see a truly good one."

With that, the two arrived at the second floor of Building Two. Zhang Lei took out a key and gently pushed open the door.

The moment the door opened, sunlight rushed in to meet them.

It was a three-bedroom unit with north-south ventilation. The living room connected to a wide balcony, providing ample light and smooth airflow.

The three bedrooms were moderately sized; the master bedroom had a bay window, the second bedroom was bright and square, and even the smallest room could serve as a study or storage room.

The kitchen and bathroom layouts were regular. The developer had already finished the basic renovations—environmentally friendly walls and level floors. They could move in directly just by buying some furniture.

Jiang Chen walked to the balcony and looked out. He could see that familiar large locust tree at the entrance of the old alley at a glance. The figures of neighbors were faintly visible, and his heart instantly felt incredibly settled.

This layout, whether in terms of lighting, floor level, or distance, perfectly met his expectations.

Zhang Lei lowered his voice and gave the most honest internal price. "Chenzi, we're old classmates, I'm not playing any games with you."

"For this three-bedroom on the second floor, it's 300,000 yuan for a full payment. This is the employee internal price; outside customers definitely can't get this. It's close to your old home, has a good layout and a great floor—it couldn't be more suitable for your parents."

Jiang Chen had already calculated clearly. He had over 500,000 yuan in cash on hand. The remaining money would be enough for renovations and buying appliances.

Most importantly, they wouldn't be leaving their circle of acquaintances. His parents would live comfortably, and he would be at ease.

"I'll take this one. Full payment. We'll handle all the procedures today."

Jiang Chen's tone was certain, without the slightest hesitation.

Zhang Lei couldn't help but feel envious. "It's really nice to have money."

He didn't dare delay and immediately ran back to the sales office to print the contract and prepare the materials. He explained the terms to Jiang Chen item by item, confirming that the property rights were clear and the procedures were complete.

After Jiang Chen carefully verified everything, he signed his name and swiped his card on the spot to complete the payment.

In less than half an hour, all the processes were finalized.

Zhang Lei held a set of brand-new keys in both hands and solemnly handed them to Jiang Chen.

"Everything's done. The house is yours. If there are any issues with renovations or property management later, just find me anytime. I'm at your beck and call."

"Thanks, brother."

Jiang Chen took the keys. The cool touch of the metal reached his fingertips, but his heart felt warm.

The setting sun slowly slanted westward, dyeing the buildings of the community in a warm gold.

Jiang Chen drove back to his home in the old alley alone.