Chapter 919: Chen Enters the Grand View Garden
Xiao He was unaware of Shi Yi's complaint.
But even if he knew, he probably wouldn't care.
After leaving the National Theater, he rushed to the Jinhe Prince's Mansion.
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This story begins with Xiao Chen.
In the afternoon, following the arrangements made by Brother Xiao, Xiao Chen took Wei Feng by car to Jinhe Prince's Mansion.
On the road, Lao Qi was naturally in charge of driving.
The only people in charge of viewing the house this time were Lao Qi and Xiao Chen, oh, and a retired police dog, how impressive.
Xiao He was busy with rehearsals for the stage play, and Liu Rulan was busy with Xiao He's other work, so the task of "looking for a house" unexpectedly fell to the two of them.
To be honest, they didn't expect that they would see the condition of the house before the homeowner.
This is something to look forward to, and at the same time, it adds a sense of responsibility to shouldering heavy duties.
On the way, Lao Qi chatted with Xiao Chen while driving: "Going south from here, the area is the core protected area of the old city. It's surrounded by hutongs, ancient trees, and old houses. It's said that many native Beijingers came from this area."
While saying this, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Property prices here have changed very little, and it's extremely difficult to buy one. It's incredible that Teacher Xiao was able to buy one; it can't be described as just a matter of wealth and luck."
However, Lao Qi also knew that Xiao He was a rare person with great potential.
Having followed Xiao He for so long and experienced so many things together, he had long held Xiao He in high esteem.
This respect was not based on an employment relationship, the kind of respect a subordinate has for their boss, but rather on the respect for Xiao He's personal abilities and character from the perspective of an observer.
In fact, the more someone like Lao Qi is, the easier it is for him to demystify actors in the industry.
He's been in the industry for so many years, what kind of monsters and demons hasn't he seen?
But someone like Xiao He is a first.
Sometimes, even Lao Qi himself felt like he was dreaming.
While his peers began to complain about the economic downturn and poor market conditions, he was enjoying steady growth and a better life.
Look—
People can freely enter and exit the palace gardens.
Even though it's not my own, it's still got plenty of face!
Once the renovation is complete, those of them who follow Xiao He around all day will surely have a place to stay.
As Lao Qi drove, he couldn't help but start daydreaming.
But when the car stopped in front of an antique vermilion gate, his breath caught in his throat for a moment.
—It was a true Qing Dynasty princely residence.
The heavy doors stand solemnly, their door studs neatly arranged, flanked by stone lions, their expressions dignified and their presence imposing. The continuous, high walls with their green tiles stretch along the terrain, their upturned eaves hidden among the dense shade of ancient trees, with pavilions occasionally peeking out, exuding an antique charm and grandeur comparable to an A-level scenic spot...
Wait, where did this come from?!
Isn't this a tourist attraction?!
Old Qi was dumbfounded, once again gaining a real understanding of why Xiao He had bought a "scenic spot mansion." Xiao Chen, leaning against the car window with a blank expression, pointed to the historical information board at the entrance of the mansion and said tremblingly, "So private residences can also have historical plaques erected on them?"
This must be incredibly valuable!
It was directly marked as a historical building!
The two men gazed at the vast royal gardens outside the car window and fell into an eerie silence.
Carlanson, who had received the news first and had been waiting for them, came out and opened the car door for Xiao Chen. He said earnestly, "Welcome to Jinhe Prince's Garden, Mr. Dai Xiao. We met once before. Do you remember me? You can call me Carlanson."
Xiao Chen's pupils dilated in shock at being treated like this for the first time. Somewhat embarrassed, she got out of the car. Only when she grabbed the majestic dog leash did she manage to find her voice and say in a dry voice, "...Thank you, Mr. Caranson."
Carlanson smiled and shook his head, then walked to the driver's seat and gestured for Lao Qi to get out of the car. They would find someone to park it. Finally, he bent down and greeted Weifeng separately before warmly leading the two men and the dog towards the gate.
Looking at the gate, Xiao Chen's envious tears slowly slid down her cheeks.
—Damn it, is this the world of the rich?!
Oh dear, thank you, Brother Xiao, for letting the child broaden their horizons!
But Brother Xiao's wealth is truly beyond the comprehension of an ordinary guy like him!
Xiao Chen belatedly realized that Brother Xiao used to take them to street-side barbecue restaurants after work every now and then, drinking free mini-beers from the shops' promotions. His life was no different from that of ordinary people like them, and he couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead.
What a misleading view of daily life!
I almost thought that Brother Xiao was just an ordinary rich celebrity.
In reality, this level of wealth far surpasses his imagination by a mile!
However, what Xiao Chen didn't know was that not only would he be shocked when he arrived, but even Xiao He himself would be stunned by the sight of the real Prince's mansion.
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The group continued walking inside.
As they walked, Carlanson explained, "This place is currently under renovation, so the conditions inside might not be great. Please be prepared."
"Okay, sure."
Xiao Chen nodded in understanding.
Sure enough, once they entered through the main entrance and went inside, the interior decoration was immediately visible.
The mansion looked glamorous on the outside, but inside it had become a mess due to construction. In many places, there were not only various planks and stones that needed to be used, but also all kinds of cement bags and other building materials that would be used for decoration in the corners. There were even used modern plastic bags piled on the ground, which were dirty and had no trace of their original purpose.
The surrounding area was dusty, and the air smelled not only of the old house that had been vacant for a long time, but also of the complex odors from the building materials used in the renovation.
Further inside, the open space that should have been planted with greenery, had a tranquil lake, and was full of Chinese garden style has now been dug up by the construction team, leaving it pitted and uneven, with traces of the construction workers everywhere, and its original appearance is no longer visible.
Carlanson's words were still a euphemism; the major renovations and changes here are truly enormous!
Xiao Chen watched from a distance, and couldn't help but click her tongue in amazement: "Did Brother Xiao request this?"
It's like the entire garden has been completely renovated!
Carlanson nodded: "Yes, it's Mr. Xiao's request."
"I see—"
Xiao Chen nodded, unable to resist letting out another sigh of poverty.
This must be a huge project! And how much will it cost?!
Just then, Carlanson continued, "It's quite messy here. Let's go to the other side! It's in a better condition over there. We've already taken care of it, but the house repairs haven't officially started yet. There are still a lot of furniture and items left behind by the previous owner. Although they're not particularly valuable, we can't just deal with them directly. You can check them first, and then we'll sort them out after Mr. Xiao makes his final decision."
Let's see if we can just throw it away, or resell it.
Xiao Chen peeked out and looked into the distance. Sure enough, he saw several more buildings there and was immediately shocked: "So those buildings also belong to our Brother Xiao?"
Carlansen nodded: "Yes."
Yes, it can be said to perfectly embody the symmetrical aesthetics of traditional Chinese gardens.
"Okay, okay! Let's go take a look!"
Xiao Chen was also very curious about what the previous homeowner had left behind.
Weifeng, on the other hand, was led around by him. He sniffed around, sneezed, and then tilted his head and lay down with some confusion.