Chapter 1398 - 1394: Crashing a Meal at the Diplomat’s Home
When it comes to houses, Chloe Winston’s eyes lit up, and she asked hesitantly, "Only sold to government insiders, wouldn’t it be particularly difficult for me to buy this kind of house?"
Moreover, the price could be astronomical. Nowadays, in Imperial City, every inch of land is worth its weight in gold. Buildings are getting taller, but a building with only 14 households is surprisingly low in land utilization.
"The government reserves quota for family housing for officials who meet the level. I can help you apply, it’s not difficult." Finnian, who mingles in politics, looked at the young lady in front of him like she was a blank slate and laughed immediately, "The main thing is the security level is top-notch in the country; generally, senior officials and their families live here. It’s very reassuring for you to live here alone. The government subsidizes the price, about 3 million for a flat and around 5 million for a small house."
Even senior officials generally don’t qualify to apply for purchasing this type of house. Houses developed by the government are priced symbolically; it’s half sold, half gifted, essentially a benefit for senior officials.
For those who reach this level, there are free houses to live in, but Finnian still bought a unit for convenience.
Chloe Winston was so excited that she almost bit her tongue, 3-5 million? That might only be enough to buy a kitchen in some good locations in Imperial City, not to mention government-developed houses.
"Trevor, head over to Spring Prosperity Garden." Seeing her delighted face shining, Finnian smiled and instructed the driver to head directly to Spring Prosperity Garden, to take the young lady to see the house and have a meal; as for the afternoon appointments, they weren’t that important, so he took a leave.
Although Chloe Winston was somewhat moved, it was only the second time she met Finnian; she was quite familiar with Desmond Wood and said awkwardly, "I-I might not have that much money right now, plus you have to apply with the higher-ups, it seems very troublesome."
"I’ll take you to have a look." Finnian smiled, thinking that if the young lady really buys a unit, they would become neighbors, which for Finnian, who excels at socializing, might even resolve lifelong matters, naturally putting in more effort.
The car drove all the way to Spring Prosperity Garden. Finnian, an incredibly chatty person with impressive affinity, deals with complex diplomatic situations year-round, while Chloe barely noticed before an hour had flown by amid their conversation.
"Mr. Wood, back so early today?" The guard greeted warmly, then let the car pass.
"On holiday today." Desmond Wood smiled warmly at the guard.
"Your house? You live here too?" Chloe asked.
"Yes, I bought a house here. This side doesn’t have a sales office, so there are no model houses to see. I bought a three-story small house. Sometimes Desmond will come to stay, occasionally some elders will visit. I’ll take you to my place for a look. Actually, considering cost-performance and living comfort, it’s best to buy a small house; both front and rear come with gardens. If you live here, just buy a two-story small house." Finnian said with a light smile.
Inviting a young lady to one’s home on the second encounter might seem bold for others, but there’s no awkwardness when Finnian does it.
Finnian’s strong affinity made Chloe, usually highly vigilant, drop her guard. With Desmond Wood’s brother absolutely being trustworthy, plus he’s a high official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chloe felt like she was on a good deal visiting his home.
"Then I’ll trouble you, Brother Wood." Chloe gave a sweet smile.
Upon entering Spring Prosperity Garden, Chloe realized why this area is known as the dwelling for officials; she almost suspected she had entered a forest. The greenery here is incredibly lush, with significant spacing between each house, all having exquisite designs merging Chinese and European styles, partially hidden among lush trees and flowers, and built along the lakeside, turning the lakes and green fields into perceived private space.
Even the small multi-story, as Finnian mentioned, with two households per floor, has great architectural beauty, and the entire community is tranquil and extremely quiet, with only the chirping of birds noticeable, vastly different from the commercial properties outside.
Finnian led Chloe out of the car, having the assistant drive it to the garage, then walked Chloe along the densely shaded path to a three-story small detached house, crossed a little garden fenced by white railing, and upon entering, smiled and said, "There are no servants here, feel free to look around while I get you some water."
Chloe couldn’t help but nod, noting the decor in Finnian’s house was modern minimalist, distinct from the private mansion of Constantine Stewart on Fulham Road.
"The ceiling height is 4 meters, so living here feels quite comfortable, with no sense of oppression in the view." Finnian twisted off the cap of a bottle of purified water, handing it to her, and gave a tour of his home, smiling, "Normally, I’m a workaholic, so the house feels rather empty, but when Desmond stays here, it turns into a dog’s den."
"Are you an astronomy enthusiast?" Chloe asked, admiring all the astronomy equipment, telescopes, celestial models, "Can I take pictures?"
"Feel free to photograph." Finnian laughed and then made a phone call.
Chloe was somewhat excited, quickly snapped several photos, intended to send them to Wendy Starling, but instead decided to tease Desmond, directly posting them in the group chat, tagging Desmond, and smugly saying, "Desmond Wood, come back and cook for me."
A minute later, Desmond replied in the group with a string of bowing emojis, exclaiming, "Boss, I doff my cap to you. You’ve leveled up, Chloe Winston~ When did you manage to sneak into my brother’s house? Just don’t tamper with my brother’s telescope; I broke one last time, and he pinned me down for a beating, which was my life’s shame."
"Wow, the house’s decor is really impressive, definitely having that cool elite vibe, nice taste, Chloe. Clearly a big shot’s house. Wait, weren’t you doing a charity event and then leaving with a diplomat?"
"Yeah, I’m at Desmond’s brother’s place." Chloe laughed, "He’s showing me houses, and these houses around here are so good, they’re making me cry."
"Whoa, boss, you’re recording shows non-stop and as soon as you return to Imperial City, you’re off house hunting, 66666666." Wendy Starling admired profusely.
Actor Charles Taylor felt slightly sulky, responding with a smiley face, "Chloe, are you buying a house? I know quite a few great listings, I can help introduce you."
"Pfft, old Charles, you’re an actor, not a salesgirl, don’t lure our Chloe away. The houses at my brother’s place are all occupied by officials. I also want to buy one." Desmond said with a cheeky face, naturally favoring his own brother.
Charles Taylor’s face fell, plastic brotherhood! Goodbye!
Mr. Stewart, waiting below Chloe’s apartment for nearly an hour, just sneered text: "Hehe."