EFB Chapter 81 Is it daring or blind spot?
Chapter 81 Is it daring or blind spot?
As Fang Shuwen stepped out of Wenxuan Pavilion, the cold wind cleared his head considerably.
Birds of a feather flock together.
Although they are only middle school students in their early teens, it is clear that they have already formed different circles.
Guo Ziming brought him to this event today.
It was clearly a circle composed of wealthy young people from Xikou County and promising students from schools.
One side has money, the other side has a bright future.
They hit it off immediately and set up the event.
In the future, if everyone helps each other, that will also be considered a network of connections.
However, for Fang Shuwen...
If we're not on the same wavelength, there's no need to rush to get closer.
Besides, the circle he's in is still a bit too low for him.
Given his age and level of cultivation, it would be normal for him to associate with the elders of these spoiled brats on equal footing.
Fang Shuwen pushed his bicycle slowly along East Street, his mind still preoccupied with the matter of buying a house.
Old Fang can't stay at Zheng's house forever.
They can't stay in the Zhao household as servants forever.
Old Fang's lifelong hope was that his son would become successful, capable, and a cadre.
Moving out of the Zhao family home and living a life that ordinary people envy is a kind of success.
If you're going to buy a house, it's best to buy one with a yard.
Build a training ground so he can practice his skills.
It's a pity, of course, that there will be fewer opportunities to spar with Zhao Wanqing in the future.
However, it's not a big deal.
Anyway, Zhao Wanqing will be taking up a position at the school soon, and there will always be opportunities to practice together then.
Fang Shuwen thought about it more and more and it seemed more and more reliable.
Where should I buy it?
Near the Zhao residence?
No, that's not safe enough.
North District?
That's the territory of established families like the Zheng and Guo families.
Not only are houses expensive, but there's also no guarantee that you'll find a suitable one.
Next to the concession?
This thought suddenly popped into Fang Shuwen's mind.
The concession of Xikou County was located next to the North District, by the Qingshui River, and was territory designated by the Proc Kingdom.
The concessions were mostly inhabited by compradors of foreign firms and wealthy merchants. Crucially, the concessions had an independent judiciary.
Safety is well guaranteed.
Even ordinary soldiers, police, gangsters, and thugs wouldn't dare cause trouble in the concession.
After all, the guns and cannons of the foreigners are not to be trifled with.
It is even said that the consulate inside has special steam-powered guards.
Even a master of internal energy would not easily take risks.
Moreover, houses on the outskirts of the concession were much cheaper than those in the northern district, and the location was not bad.
"It's right on the edge of the concession."
........
Fang Shuwen went out early the next morning.
He didn't go to those intermediaries or brokers; those people rarely told the truth and specialized in ripping off outsiders.
He went directly to the place, found Hu Da's son, Hu Desheng, and asked him bluntly:
"Brother Hu, I'd like to buy an apartment on the outskirts of the foreign concession. Do you have any connections?"
Hu Desheng was directing the workers to unload goods when he heard this and glanced at him: "Xiao Fang, what did you say? You want to buy a house?"
"Not bad, Brother Hu. I've got some extra money lately and I'm thinking of buying a small courtyard house."
Hu Desheng was shocked, but he didn't show it on his face.
Although he didn't know where Xiao Fang had made his fortune, he had seen Xiao Fang and Zheng Gong chatting and laughing from afar.
And on several other occasions, he saw Xiao Fang get into the Zheng family's car.
Accompanying him was Zheng Shulan, who appeared to be from the Zheng family.
Could it be that Xiao Fang has caught the eye of that Miss Zheng?
Will he marry into the Zheng family in the future?
Thinking of this, Hu Desheng couldn't help but look at Xiao Fang.
With delicate features, a tall stature, and a sunny, capable, and approachable demeanor, he exudes confidence and charm.
Sure enough, her appearance is impeccable.
"Houses on the edge of the concession aren't cheap, and you don't have... "
"Don't worry about the money, just find something suitable."
Hu Desheng glanced at him and realized that he had gotten close to the Zheng family.
You've really made something of yourself!
"Wait a minute, let me ask for you."
Hu Desheng turned and went into the warehouse. After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he came out.
"What a coincidence, there's a courtyard house for sale on West Street in the concession. The owner is in a hurry to sell, so the price isn't high."
"The house was renovated the year before last. It has two courtyards and a back garden."
Fang Shuwen thought it sounded plausible and nodded: "Let's go take a look."
......
Xingshu Street is located on the edge of the concession and is adjacent to Xikou North District.
It's less than a 15-minute walk from the pier.
The street is not wide, and most of the houses on both sides are traditional Chinese courtyard houses with blue bricks and gray tiles, interspersed with a few Western-style buildings, with vines climbing all over the walls.
Hu Desheng led him to the end of the street and stopped in front of a black lacquered wooden door.
"This is it."
Hu Desheng raised his hand and knocked on the door.
After knocking a few times, footsteps came from inside, and the door opened a crack, revealing the face of a middle-aged man.
He has a round face, small eyes, and downturned lips; he looks like a shrewd businessman.
Who are you looking for?
"Looking at apartments," Hu Desheng said.
Upon hearing this,
The man opened the door and stepped aside to let the two people in.
"Come in, feel free to look around."
Stepping into the courtyard, a bright and open space suddenly appeared before me.
The front yard is not large, and the ground is paved with blue bricks.
A pomegranate tree grows in the corner of the wall, with a few unripe fruits hanging on its branches.
There are three main rooms and two side rooms on each side. The doors and windows are all newly replaced, and the glass is polished to a shine.
Passing through the hanging flower gate into the middle courtyard, which is much more spacious than the front courtyard, there are three main rooms and two rooms each in the east and west wing rooms.
The backyard consists of three rear-facing rooms with a small back garden planted with several osmanthus trees.
If these trees are cut down, it will be just the right amount of space to build a training ground.
Fang Shuwen looked around and felt quite satisfied.
The house has a square layout and good natural light.
"How much?" he asked.
The man's eyes darted around, and he held up three fingers: "Three thousand dollars."
Hu Desheng frowned beside him: "Manager Chen, isn't your price a bit too high? I know the market price around West Street; your courtyard is at most 2,500."
"Two thousand five?"
The man raised his voice.
"I spent over 800 yuan renovating this yard two years ago, and those few glass windows alone cost me 120 yuan. 2,500? You want me to sell it at a loss?"
Fang Shuwen ignored his words, walked to the door of the main room, pushed the door open, and went inside to take a look.
The room was empty; most of the furniture had been moved out, leaving only a few heavy cabinets.
Fang Shuwen looked around and suddenly frowned slightly.
"Hmm? There's a faint smell of blood? Was someone in this house just now?"
The person who showed them the house was clean, but had a medicinal smell.
The smell of blood must belong to someone else.
The smell hadn't dissipated yet, indicating that there were people in the house not long before they arrived.
Fang Shuwen didn't pay much attention to it, since it had nothing to do with his house purchase.
"Two thousand eight. If you want to sell, I'll pay right now."
The man hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "Deal."
Fang Shuwen took out his money pouch from his pocket, counted out two hundred and eighty silver dollars, and placed them on the table.
"This is the deposit. I'll bring the balance in three days. Prepare the property deed."
The man glanced at the silver coins on the table and reached out to take them.
Fang Shuwen pressed his hand down: "No rush, let's write the contract first."
Hu Desheng took out paper and pen from his bag and quickly wrote a sales contract. Both parties signed and sealed the contract, each keeping a copy.
Fang Shuwen folded the contract and tucked it into his pocket, then nodded to the man: "See you in three days."
The man put the silver dollar into his pocket, forced a smile, and said, "Alright, alright, see you in three days."
Fang Shuwen and Hu Desheng left the courtyard and walked back along West Street.
"Thanks, Brother Hu. I'll treat you to drinks another day."
Hu Desheng waved his hand: "Don't mention it. You helped my dad carry things, and I'll help you find a house. It's nothing."
The two parted ways at the street corner, and Fang Shuwen rode his bicycle toward the Zheng residence.
He had to tell Lao Fang the news to make the old man happy.
Halfway there, he suddenly squeezed the brakes.
Across the street, a familiar figure flashed by.
He had a scarred face, a burly build, and walked with an unnatural gait, as if he were injured.
Wang Yue.
Fang Shuwen's pupils contracted slightly.
Wang Yue is actually hiding in Xikou!