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55: Chapter 55 Tests Between Women
Another ten minutes passed before Xing Zhenkun's phone rang, and the caller ID showed it was indeed Shen Zhendong.
He quickly picked up the phone, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation: "Uncle Shen, how is it? Any news?"
"Mm, it's quite a coincidence. The person on duty last night just happened to be Jianan. I've already sent the surveillance footage to your WeChat. Remember, you absolutely cannot share this. If Jianan finds out it was leaked, she'll scold me again." Shen Zhendong's voice carried a trace of helplessness.
Hearing this, a smile curled at the corner of Xing Zhenkun's mouth, and he readily agreed: "Haha, don't worry, Uncle Shen. I'll just watch it privately and definitely won't share it!"
"Mm, that's good." Shen Zhendong paused, seemingly remembering something, his tone revealing a bit of curiosity. "Oh, by the way, in this footage, the guy who fought one against six—is that your guest? His skills are pretty good; he's comparable to the special forces in the army. Who is he?"
Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Xing Zhenkun's eyes, and he then laughed: "Is that so? His skills can compare to special forces?"
"Indeed. Fighting those first five thugs wasn't anything special. However, the last thug used Eight Extremities Fist, and your guest didn't fall behind at all while fighting him. He's definitely a trained martial artist. To have such skills at such a young age is truly incredible." Shen Zhendong's tone was full of admiration for Qin Yi.
"Haha, to be recognized by you, Uncle Shen, it seems this Young Master Qin is truly extraordinary," Xing Zhenkun said with a smile.
"Young Master Qin? That young man in the video?" Shen Zhendong followed up curiously.
"Mm, that's right. The kid is named Qin Yi. According to him, he's from Jingnan and is currently studying at Modu University." Xing Zhenkun didn't say much more; this basic information was likely already recorded by the police last night, so if Shen Zhendong wanted to know, it wouldn't be difficult.
"Oh... I see." Shen Zhendong nodded. He searched through the information in his mind and found he had no impression of any Qin family from Jingnan, so he didn't ask further.
After all, the Huaxia Dragon Kingdom was so large with so many extraordinary people and events that he couldn't concern himself with everything.
Thus, he pondered for a moment before changing the subject. "Alright then, you go ahead and watch it. I have a meeting later, so I won't chat more."
"Mm, alright, Uncle Shen. Then I won't disturb you further," Xing Zhenkun said quickly. Just as he was about to hang up, Shen Zhendong's voice came through again, carrying a hint of hesitation and hope: "Oh, right, Ah Kun, there's one more thing."
"Mm, go ahead, Uncle Shen..." Xing Zhenkun immediately became serious upon hearing this.
"It's like this... You see, Jianan isn't getting any younger. You know a lot of people; if there's someone suitable, could you introduce her?" Shen Zhendong's tone carried a mix of helplessness and hope, clearly worried about his precious daughter's lifelong happiness.
Xing Zhenkun was stunned for a moment before laughing loudly: "Uh... Uncle Shen, you must be joking. Jianan is beautiful, has great temperament, and has a father who is the Bureau Chief. I imagine the line of people chasing her at the police station must be very long, right? Why would she need me to introduce anyone..."
Shen Zhendong sighed lightly and said helplessly: "Sigh, I wanted her to find someone in the police force, but your aunt doesn't agree!"
"Uh, then what kind of person does Auntie want Nannan to find? Or, how do you think I look?" Xing Zhenkun said jokingly.
Shen Zhendong was taken aback and laughed it off: "Ah Kun, don't joke with your Uncle Shen. Don't I know you? You've changed girlfriends so many times. If you were with Jianan, I'm really worried she wouldn't be able to resist hitting you! By the way, your mother called your aunt a few days ago, asking me to keep an eye on you in Modu so you don't mess around..."
"Hahaha, I was just speaking casually, just a joke. Don't take it seriously, Uncle Shen." Having his little secret exposed by Shen Zhendong, Xing Zhenkun rubbed his nose awkwardly and replied with a sheepish laugh.
"Mm, I know. Your aunt's idea is for her to find someone with good character who knows how to care for people. As for work, as long as it's not in the legal or public security system, it's fine. Regarding family background, as long as it's not too bad. Anyway, I only have this one daughter; won't all the family assets be theirs in the future..." Shen Zhendong added unhurriedly.
"Haha, alright. Then I'll keep an eye out for Jianan. If there's someone suitable, I'll help mediate," Xing Zhenkun agreed readily, though he was secretly pondering potential candidates in his heart.
However, with Xing Zhenkun's social circle, Shen Jianan probably wouldn't like any of those Young Masters he knew.
But that Young Master Qin was an exception. He didn't know what his character was like, but he might be a good candidate; he'd have to observe him properly later.
"Haha, good, then I'll leave this matter to you." Shen Zhendong's voice carried a hint of relief and gratitude.
"Don't worry, Uncle Shen. I guarantee the mission will be completed!" Xing Zhenkun said firmly.
After hanging up, Xing Zhenkun opened WeChat and downloaded the surveillance video Shen Zhendong had sent, watching it with great interest.
...
By now, nearly two hours had passed since Qin Yi drove back to Jingnan.
Inside the Shenjiang Bay Community, the property Manager Bai Lu accompanied Xu Qian on a tour of the neighborhood, meticulously introducing the garden landscape and surrounding facilities.
The two walked to the community's artificial lake. Feeling a bit tired, they found a spot with a pleasant view and sat down.
Curiosity and inquiry flickered in Bai Lu's eyes. She gently brushed her hair and asked seemingly casually: "Honestly, I really envy Miss Xu. You are young and beautiful, tall, and have such a great figure. You and Mr. Qin are truly a perfect match; it's quite enviable."
Xu Qian was made a bit self-conscious by Bai Lu's sudden praise. Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she smiled awkwardly, responding: "Manager Bai is joking. You are also very beautiful and have an outstanding temperament." As she spoke, she unconsciously tucked a stray hair behind her ear, trying to change the subject.
"Haha, thank you for the compliment, Miss Xu." Bai Lu laughed even more brightly, though a light seemed to flash in her eyes.
Then, she leaned a bit closer to Xu Qian and said with a playful tone: "If I may ask, how did you and Mr. Qin meet? I'm guessing you weren't classmates, were you?"
After walking together this far, their relationship seemed to have grown closer, and Bai Lu's questioning appeared less formal.
Xu Qian's heart tightened slightly upon hearing this. She didn't want to reveal too much about her relationship with Qin Yi, but she also didn't want to seem too cold.
So, she responded vaguely: "Young Master Qin and I weren't classmates. Our meeting was just a matter of chance." As she spoke, her gaze drifted, and her fingers unconsciously rubbed the hem of her clothes.
"Oh? Could it be... love at first sight?" Bai Lu's eyes widened, full of curiosity and gossip. She leaned forward, clearly extremely interested in this topic.
"Uh..." Xu Qian was slightly stunned, then followed along and said: "Mm, you could say that."
"My god, that's so romantic. Honestly, I dream of meeting a man and falling in love at first sight. Unfortunately, in this job, I deal with either owners or tenants every day. Occasionally I meet a few handsome ones, but they're all married..." Bai Lu said, a trace of helplessness and longing flashing in her eyes.
Xu Qian asked with a light laugh: "They can't all be married, right? Is there not even one who is both single and handsome?" Her words carried a bit of teasing, trying to lead the conversation in a lighter direction.
Bai Lu shook her head with a smile, a flash of craftiness in her eyes: "Those who can live in our community are all either rich or noble. To be both wealthy and handsome, how could they possibly be single? Just like Mr. Qin—doesn't he have a great beauty like Miss Xu by his side..." As she spoke, her eyes drifted casually over Xu Qian.
Xu Qian gave another awkward smile. Just as she was about to change the subject, she saw Bai Lu suddenly lower her voice and lean even closer, as if afraid of being overheard, whispering: "Oh, by the way, there are even celebrities living in our community."
"Really? Who? Male or female?" Xu Qian perked up upon hearing this, her curiosity thoroughly piqued. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
After all, they were just ordinary people. Hearing that they lived in the same community as a celebrity naturally made them curious.
"A man. He lives in the building right in front. He's a singer. I'm telling you, but don't tell anyone else. Celebrities are quite concerned about privacy." As Bai Lu spoke, she leaned into Xu Qian's ear and continued in a low voice: "His surname is Wu, Wu Yifan."
"Wu Yifan?" Xu Qian recalled for a moment, then her eyes widened as she followed up, "Is it the one... who sang the Noodle Song?"
Bai Lu nodded with a smile, then made a shushing gesture and lowered her voice: "That's right, it's him. However, he doesn't come here to stay very often. I've only seen him two or three times."
"I see... Hey, how is his character? I've heard the entertainment industry is quite messy..." Xu Qian asked like a curious child.
Bai Lu had an expression that was hard to describe, with a complex emotion flashing in her eyes. She said hesitantly: "That's really hard to say. Although he's an owner in our community, he doesn't stay often. I've only heard the security guards mention privately that whenever he comes back to stay, he always brings some women with him, and it's a different one every time..."
Hearing this, a look of disgust appeared on Xu Qian's face: "Ugh, how can he be like that? He doesn't look like that kind of person on TV..."
"Sigh, tell me about it. You can know a person's face but not their heart. But I'm only telling this to you, so don't tell anyone else... Otherwise, if that celebrity finds out and sends me a lawyer's letter, what would I do..." Bai Lu smiled craftily and winked at Xu Qian.
Xu Qian naturally knew the meme about celebrities sending lawyer's letters.
She immediately patted her chest and promised: "Hahaha, don't worry, Manager Bai. My lips are sealed; I definitely won't spread it!"
...
The two had rested enough. Xu Qian stood up, gently smoothed her hair, and continued: "Manager Bai, it's about time. Why don't we go look at the houses? It was already very late last night; I shouldn't delay you from getting off work today."
Bai Lu nodded with a smile: "Mm, alright. Miss Xu, this way please."
After that, the two walked toward Building 7. Along the way, Bai Lu was secretly calculating. Mr. Qin had already handed over the apartments below the 18th floor to her for rental and sale; she certainly wouldn't make any money from the one given to Miss Xu, as it was purely to help Mr. Qin.
In that case, the apartments they were about to see would naturally have to be above the 18th floor. And considering Mr. Qin's feelings for Miss Xu, it was better for Miss Xu to live closer to Mr. Qin. Therefore, the 32nd floor would be perfect.
Entering Building 7, as soon as the elevator doors opened, Bai Lu said enthusiastically: "Miss Xu, although you and Mr. Qin will live separately, I think Mr. Qin still hopes you can live closer to him. The layouts for floors 18 to 32 are all similar, but considering the view and comfort, why don't we look at the 32nd floor first?"
Xu Qian nodded; she didn't have any objection to this. Being closer to Qin Yi was indeed convenient.
Bai Lu nodded with a smile, then swiped her access card and pressed the button for the 32nd floor. The elevator doors slowly closed.
Inside the elevator, Bai Lu continued her hard sell: "There are only two units on the 32nd floor, both large layouts over 400 square meters. The one we're looking at now is the east unit, which is closer to Shenjiang Bay. The view is better than the west unit."
Stepping out of the elevator, Bai Lu found the key for the 32nd-floor east unit from her ring. After opening the door, the two walked inside.
This was a layout with 5 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, and 6 bathrooms, with a total area of 460 square meters. It was about half the size of the house on the top floor, but for Xu Qian, who had always lived in a rented room in a tenement building, this apartment was luxurious beyond imagination.
"How much does this apartment cost?" Xu Qian asked curiously and with a hint of nervousness.
Bai Lu smiled and explained: "Since Mr. Qin is giving it to Miss Xu, then naturally it's free. However, based on this layout and area, the total price of this apartment should be around 120 million. Considering the floor level, the price would go up even more."
After saying this, she deliberately observed Xu Qian's reaction, secretly thinking about how to further persuade her.
"One... 120 million? My god, that's way too expensive... How about we look at a smaller one..." Hearing the price, Xu Qian found it hard to accept. This gift was simply too valuable. She frowned, appearing somewhat hesitant.
But Bai Lu just smiled faintly and continued: "Miss Xu, I think since Mr. Qin said he'd give you a house, then Miss Xu shouldn't refuse Mr. Qin's kindness. Besides, the layouts and areas above the 18th floor are all similar, and this 32nd floor is right next to the top floor. It's so comfortable to live here! With a high-quality boyfriend like Mr. Qin, Miss Xu should hold on tight... A person in a favored position gains the advantage..."
After speaking, she gently patted Xu Qian's shoulder, then slowly walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. Looking at Shenjiang Bay, which was reflected red by the setting sun, she sighed: "Look at this view, it's so good. If someone were to give me a house like this, I wouldn't hesitate..."
Xu Qian fell silent for a moment, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
She was moved by Qin Yi's generosity, but also worried that such a valuable gift would become a burden.
However, thinking about being able to live so close to Qin Yi, she still couldn't help but be tempted.
After some mental preparation, she finally made up her mind and nodded in response: "Then... alright, let's go with this one!"
"Haha, that's the spirit! Then let me show Miss Xu around the layout some more." Bai Lu was secretly delighted, but she still maintained a proper smile on her face.