Free Web NovelChapter 486: Chapter 173: You Are Hives (Part 2)
Qin Mei looked at the smug Jie Jingjue, thought for a moment, and deliberately lowballed him. "Fifty."
The smile froze on Jie Jingjue’s lips. He stared in astonishment, his mouth twitching. ’Fifty? Building a house in the countryside costs more than fifty. Fourth Sister-in-law is giving him a hundred as a finder’s fee but only offering fifty for the house? She must be dreaming!’
Jie Jingjue’s head drooped. He asked irritably, "Fourth Sister-in-law, do you think fifty is realistic?"
"Heh." Qin Mei chuckled, deciding to stop teasing him. "Just kidding. Don’t keep me in suspense. Just tell me the price."
"Five hundred," Jie Jingjue said. He didn’t dare let her guess anymore.
Qin Mei had expected that number. ’Fifty is unrealistic, five thousand is too much. Five hundred is just right.’
Her soul had transmigrated, so she knew what the future held. Even buying it for five thousand wouldn’t be a loss. However, they didn’t know that. For now, it was only worth this price.
Seeing Qin Mei’s silence, Jie Jingjue couldn’t guess what she was thinking. He asked tentatively, "Fourth Sister-in-law, is that acceptable to you?"
"It is." Qin Mei said with a smile. ’More than acceptable.’
Jie Jingjue breathed a sigh of relief. His friend had already offered a "buddy price." If his fourth sister-in-law had tried to haggle, he would have been in a very difficult position.
"Let’s go. Take me to your friend," Qin Mei said, being the impatient type.
"What about Fourth Brother?" Jie Jingjue was worried about him. They were blood brothers, after all; if something happened, he would truly step up.
"He’s asleep and won’t be up for a while. If we’re quick, he’ll probably still be sleeping when we get back," Qin Mei said.
Jie Jingjue stopped dithering. He said a word to Jing Qi, and the two of them headed out happily. Jing Qi knew full well what they were up to and didn’t ask any questions.
Jie Jingjue’s friend didn’t live far. He was at home waiting for news from Jing Wu. When he saw Jing Wu arrive with Qin Mei, he gave them a warm welcome. Jie Jingjue made a simple introduction. "Fourth Sister-in-law, this is Xiao Men, my good friend. Xiao Men, this is my fourth sister-in-law."
"Fourth Sister-in-law," Xiao Men said, following Jie Jingjue’s lead.
Qin Mei felt awkward about what to call Xiao Men. He was the same age as Jing Wu, which made him older than her. Jing Wu called her "Fourth Sister-in-law" because Jie Jingchen was his biological fourth brother, but Jie Jingchen wasn’t Xiao Men’s brother. She felt it would be a bit disrespectful to follow Jing Wu’s example and just call him Xiao Men.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, just call me Xiao Men," Xiao Men said cheerfully, noticing her hesitation.
"Alright, Xiao Men." Qin Mei nodded with a smile. Now that he had invited her to call him that, she no longer felt pressured.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, come on, let’s go see the house first." Xiao Men was also an impatient sort.
The three of them went to the area near the train station. Led by Xiao Men, they arrived at the house he was selling. Xiao Men took out the key and opened the door. Qin Mei was astonished. ’This location... it’s prime real estate!’
It was a two-story building. Both the first and second floors were partitioned into several small rooms. The building was squeezed between its neighbors, with no windows on either side, meaning the partitioned rooms had no natural light. There was also a backyard, one shared by three families. It was overgrown with weeds, a clear sign that the houses on either side were uninhabited. Housing was in short supply in this era, yet here was an empty, unoccupied building.
It was probably because it was too noisy, being so close to the train station. Those who couldn’t afford better had to make do, but anyone with the means would choose to move.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, are you satisfied?" Xiao Men asked, a little nervous.
"I am," Qin Mei answered honestly.
Xiao Men was surprised. He glanced at Jie Jingjue, suspecting he hadn’t fully explained the situation with the house to his fourth sister-in-law. After a moment’s thought, Xiao Men spoke up. "Fourth Sister-in-law, I think it’s necessary to explain the situation with this house to you clearly."
"No need. I’ve already explained everything to Fourth Sister-in-law," Jie Jingjue cut in.
"The whole truth?" Xiao Men looked at Jie Jingjue suspiciously.
"Xiao Men, what’s that supposed to mean? She’s my fourth sister-in-law, my *actual* fourth sister-in-law. Do you think I’d trick her just to help you sell this house?" Jie Jingjue glared at Xiao Men, annoyed.
It was his good friend on one side and his own sister-in-law on the other. If he had to choose, he would side with his sister-in-law without a moment’s hesitation.
"Jing Wu explained it very clearly." Qin Mei was pleased. ’Xiao Men is quite honest. By comparison, I’m the one who feels a bit despicable.’
This train station was a major transportation hub with heavy foot traffic. Even if you didn’t run a business, renting it out would generate a substantial income. As times changed, a storefront in a good location could bring in enough monthly rent to support an entire family.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, you’re not bothered by... it?" Xiao Men asked. He still felt he needed to be clear.
"I’m not." Qin Mei felt a pang of guilt, but then she had another thought. ’Xiao Men is dead set on selling. If I don’t buy it, someone else will. Better for me to get the deal than some stranger.’ Thinking this, Qin Mei no longer felt like she was committing fraud.
