C70 Four Seasons Cloud Summit

Lin Xuan set his phone aside and made his way back to the bustling sales center. Despite the late hour, the center was a hive of activity, bathed in light as if it were midday. Clearly, the local residents were keenly interested in the new properties on offer.

He noticed a striking saleswoman providing details to Pei Qiuyu. Qiuyu was nodding occasionally, though her mind seemed to be elsewhere.

Approaching with a grin, Lin Xuan inquired, "Honey, what do you think? Do you like it?"

Pei Qiuyu excused herself from the saleswoman and pulled Lin Xuan aside. "What's the matter, honey?" he asked.

In a hushed tone, Qiuyu confided, "Lin Xuan, we should really get going. I just found out the prices here are through the roof. We can't afford this. Let's look somewhere else."

"But you seemed to like it a moment ago," Lin Xuan chuckled.

Qiuyu replied with a hint of frustration, "I do like it, but our bank account doesn't."

His smile unwavering, Lin Xuan reassured her, "If you like it, that's all that matters. We're here now, so let's at least take a look inside."

Before Qiuyu could respond, Lin Xuan gently took her hand and led her back to the saleswoman.

He understood that Qiuyu had been quite fond of the development's environment and location before the sticker shock. If she loved it, he was determined to make it hers.

Buying a house was one thing, but Lin Xuan had the means to purchase the entire complex if he so desired.

The saleswoman resumed her pitch. The development was the brainchild of a highly reputable builder and covered an extensive area.

The residential high-rises varied in size from 70 to 120 square meters, with the average price being the most affordable in the area. Even the most basic units and floors were priced around 31,000 per square meter.

Tucked away in the development was a scenic lake, the crown jewel of the neighborhood, surrounded by charming garden villas.

These premium homes ranged from 160 to over 200 square meters, complete with garages and basements. As expected, the luxury came with a hefty price tag—starting at sixty thousand per square meter.

Pei Qiuyu clutched Lin Xuan's hand tightly, yet Lin Xuan maintained a natural smile, nodding attentively as he listened to the sales pitch.

The saleswoman, noticing Lin Xuan's pleased expression, added, "Sir, choosing our western-style housing area is a decision you won't regret."

"Our community offers top-notch property management and round-the-clock security. Although the high-rise and bungalows share the same complex, there's an additional security checkpoint exclusively for the bungalow area."

Nearby, a woman complained to another sales associate, "How does that make sense? Those of us in the high-rise can't access the inner gardens, yet the bungalow residents have free rein over the entire complex. We're all part of the same community, so why the disparity?"

Others chimed in with their grievances, "Exactly, we all live in the same complex and pay hefty property fees. Why are we being treated differently?"

"This is just segregation between the rich and the poor, isn't it? You start discriminating right from the sales office. Do you think less of us because we're spending money?"

Lin Xuan glanced over to see the woman who had spoken first. She had a Band-Aid on her nose and a faint bruise under her eye, though makeup had mostly concealed it.

She was Pei Qiuyu's cousin, Pei Qiusha.

How could she stir up such drama? She'd come straight to the sales office after a scuffle?

Behind her were her parents, Pei Jiang and Sun Lanping.

Was the whole family here to buy property?

Upon spotting them, Pei Qiuyu murmured to Lin Xuan, "They're here. Let's slip away before they notice us."

"Why should we leave?" Lin Xuan countered. "Are we supposed to stop looking for a house just because they show up?"

Pei Qiuyu tugged at him, "Isn't it better to avoid unnecessary drama?"

Lin Xuan chuckled, "Honey, have you ever heard the saying 'what you fear most has a way of happening'? It's fine, let's just focus on finding our home."

"Fine," Pei Qiuyu reluctantly conceded.

Meanwhile, the saleswoman was patiently explaining to Pei Qiusha, "Miss, our Four Seasons community is designed to offer the pinnacle of garden living and the finest services. These amenities are tailored for those seeking quality and an upgraded lifestyle, including exclusive health clubs, expansive fountain garden squares, fitness centers, and Western restaurants, all situated within the bungalow area and catering to our most discerning residents."

Pei Qiusha, clearly disgruntled, said, "From what you're saying, it sounds like we're getting second-rate treatment because we bought in the high-rise. Didn't we spend money too? Why shouldn't we have access to the same great amenities?"

The saleswoman offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry if I wasn't clear earlier. The high-rise residents also have access to the restaurant and some recreational facilities. You're welcome to use them."

Pei Qiusha, growing more irritated, pressed on, "What do you mean by 'some' recreational facilities? Just slides for kids and exercise equipment for the elderly? Why don't we have access to the upscale clubhouse?"

"I'm sorry, Miss, but that's not a question for me," the saleswoman replied, her smile unwavering.

Pei Qiusha, now fuming, demanded, "Then who should I ask?"

Sun Lanping chimed in, "Exactly. I chose this wedding house for my son because of the lush greenery and facilities. Now you're saying high-rise residents don't get to enjoy them? That sounds like a runaround to me!"

The saleswoman smiled again. "If you're interested in the full range of amenities, they're available to you if you purchase one of our detached homes."

"Furthermore, I haven't dictated which property you should buy. If it doesn't suit you, you're not obliged to buy. We've nearly sold out two of our high-rise buildings since launch!"

Sun Lanping's face stiffened.

She had assumed the saleswoman would be eager to make a sale and would be patient with them, but it turned out she wasn't concerned at all.

It was clear from the saleswoman's attitude: take it or leave it, there was no pressure to buy.

Pei Qiusha, unable to hide her frustration, pushed Sun Lanping, "Mom, let's not bother with this place. Let's go. We can spend our money elsewhere!"

But Sun Lanping was reluctant to leave. "Buying in this community carries prestige. No other place will have the same grandeur!"

It was then that everyone understood the family's true motive: they were after the prestige of the community, hoping to buy into the high-rise and enjoy the reflected glory of the more luxurious detached homes.

Pei Qiusha reasoned, "This place is primarily serving those who buy detached homes. Are we really buying into the high-rise just to boost the status of those homeowners and be looked down upon?"

"What do you know!" Sun Lanping exclaimed with displeasure, "Can't you consider your brother's situation? Buying a house here would surely make it easier for him to find a wife, don't you think?"

Pei Jiang chimed in, "Your mother's right, owning a place here is prestigious! It doesn't matter if it's a villa or an apartment!"

Pei Qiusha's face flushed with embarrassment. Her parents were making a spectacle of themselves. Moments ago, she had been posturing in front of the saleswoman, and now she felt utterly humiliated.

As she turned away, her gaze inadvertently fell on two familiar faces. Her brow furrowed as she remarked, "I was wondering why things felt so off, and here you two are as well?"

Pei Qiuyu, caught in an awkward position of being associated with such a disgraceful scene, felt her own face burn with embarrassment.

Nevertheless, adhering to politeness, she managed a smile and responded, "Shasha, Lin Xuan and I were just casually browsing."

"Casually browsing?" Pei Qiusha scoffed with contempt. "With the little money your family has, you dare to look here? You might deceive others, but do you think you can deceive me?"

"Do you even realize the prestige of this place? Are you aware of the cost per square meter? To come to such an upscale area to house-hunt—you must have forgotten who you are!"