Chapter 132: House Hunting 1
Jiang Jue considered the situation for a moment before offering a practical compromise: “Since everyone prefers the security and environment of the Villa District, but we still want to keep the team together, why not look for two adjacent or neighboring properties? Having two houses side by side gives everyone personal space without getting in the way of our daily routines or mutual support.”
The suggestion made everyone’s eyes light up.
It solved the issue of cramped living conditions while letting them enjoy the district’s top-tier benefits, leaving plenty of room for future growth.
“I think that works!” Wang Qiang was the first to chime in, grinning widely. “The Boss’s idea is great! Having two houses right next door is basically the same as living under one roof!”
The others nodded in quick succession, agreeing that this approach covered all their bases.
Chu Yang smiled. “Then it’s settled. Let’s check out the available listings in the Villa District and see if there are two units that fit.”
With a clear plan in mind, Chu Yang stepped back up to the service counter with Little Zhang.
Addressing the middle-aged clerk, Chu Yang said, “Hello, we’ve talked it over and would like to go directly to view properties in the Villa District.”
The clerk raised his eyes, asking in a strictly professional tone, “The prices in that sector are quite steep. Are you certain you want to view them?”
“Yes, we’re sure,” Jiang Jue stepped up beside Chu Yang, taking over the conversation with calm authority. “Furthermore, we’re looking to secure two units—ideally adjacent to each other or very close by. Do you have any matching listings?”
“Two units?” The tired indifference on the clerk’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp, respectful focus. “Well now… you folks certainly have deep pockets. Two adjacent units… let me check.”
He flipped through a thick binder on the desk, picked up an internal intercom, and murmured a few quick inquiries.
A moment later, he looked back up with a far warmer smile. “What a coincidence—we actually have just the pair! There are two neighboring properties in the West Sector, one larger and one slightly smaller, which matches your requirements perfectly. Little Zhang,” he called out, waving over the young escort, “take our distinguished guests over and connect them directly with Xiao Chen. He handles on-site property sales for that area. He’s sharp; tell him to take good care of them.”
“Understood! Leave it to me!” Little Zhang agreed enthusiastically, turning to Chu Yang and the group with a beaming grin. “Gentlemen, shall we head out now?”
“Thanks for your help,” Chu Yang nodded.
The vehicle pulled away from the transaction center, driving deeper into the inner city.
The further inside they traveled, the cleaner and more orderly the streets became. Even the clothing and demeanor of the pedestrians looked noticeably better maintained.
Peering through the window, Wang Qiang couldn’t help but sigh. “The inside of this base really feels like an entirely different world compared to the outskirts.”
Behind the wheel, Little Zhang replied, “That’s how it goes. This is the core zone, so resource allocation, security, and public order are the best in the city. The sector we’re heading to is called ‘Emerald Mountain Court,’ widely considered one of the premier residential areas in the entire base.”
After driving for about twenty minutes, the road began to incline. Chu Yang noticed that they were climbing toward a noticeably higher elevation.
“This area sits pretty high up,” Lin Xiao observed.
“Exactly,” Little Zhang explained. “Emerald Mountain Court was built on this hillside, which gives it great views and excellent ventilation. More importantly, it offers great natural defense. If there’s ever an emergency or severe flooding on the lower ground, the high terrain becomes a huge strategic advantage.”
Tall trees and reinforced boundary walls soon lined the roadside, and the frequency of security checkpoints increased significantly. Armed sentries in uniform black tactical gear stood at every major intersection, their sharp eyes scanning passing cars and pedestrians with intense vigilance.
At each checkpoint, Little Zhang had to slow to a crawl, present a specialized authorization pass, and explain that he was escorting clients for a property viewing before they were cleared to proceed.
“The security here is seriously tight,” Li Yu murmured under her breath.
“It has to be,” Little Zhang said with clear pride. “The people living up here are the most influential figures in the base; security can’t afford to be sloppy. These guards are all handpicked elites, and many of them are powerful Ability Users themselves.”
Arriving at the main entrance of Emerald Mountain Court, they were greeted by an imposing wrought-iron gate flanked by a fortified guard post and a watchtower. Little Zhang brought the car to a stop, rolled down his window, and called out to a stern-faced sentry: “Brother Liu! It’s me, Little Zhang! Bringing some distinguished guests to view properties—we’re meeting Chen Fan!”
The guard approached, thoroughly inspecting Little Zhang’s credentials before sizing up the passengers inside. His gaze lingered for several seconds on Jiang Jue, Chu Yang, and Lin Xiao, clearly picking up on their commanding presence. Satisfied, he spoke a few brief words into his communicator, and the heavy gate slid open with a low mechanical rumble.
“Alright, everyone, let’s head in,” Little Zhang said, easing the car forward.
Entering the grounds, everyone’s eyes were drawn to the surroundings. Wide, smooth asphalt avenues were flanked by neatly maintained green belts. Although some of the landscaping had grown a bit untamed from the lack of regular upkeep during the apocalypse, the district’s former elegance remained clear.
Distinctive villas were spaced comfortably along the road, separated by generous buffers that guaranteed excellent privacy. The neighborhood was remarkably quiet, completely isolated from the chaotic noise of the lower city.
“This place is fantastic!” Wang Qiang marveled. “It looks just like those luxury estates you’d see on TV.”
“Of course,” Little Zhang laughed. “Before the fall, Emerald Mountain Court was designed specifically for the city’s top elite. Only the best materials were used, and the seismic and disaster-resistance standards are exceptionally high. Who would have guessed that after the world collapsed, it would end up being one of the safest strongholds around?”
The car pulled up in front of an impressive villa. A young man of about twenty-five or twenty-six, dressed in a sharp suit, was already waiting on the sidewalk. Seeing them step out, he immediately greeted them with a warm, energetic smile: “Brother Zhang! Thanks for bringing them by! Hello, everyone, my name is Chen Fan, and I handle property sales for this sector. Please, just call me Xiao Chen! Welcome to the viewing!”
Xiao Chen appeared sharp, professional, and well-spoken, striking an enthusiastic tone without coming across as overly flattering.
“Hello, Mr. Chen. Thanks for taking the time,” Chu Yang replied courteously.
“Not at all, it’s my pleasure to host you!” Xiao Chen unlocked the iron gate leading into the front courtyard. “Let’s start with this unit. It has an excellent position, fantastic natural light, and plenty of room—roughly 450 square meters, featuring three above-ground floors plus a full basement for parking and storage.”
The group followed him into the yard. While not massive, the courtyard was neatly paved with stone tiles, featuring a small flower bed in the corner, though the plants inside had long since withered away.
Stepping inside the main house, the first floor opened into a living room, dining area, kitchen, and a guest suite with an attached bath. The living room offered high ceilings, but the overall layout felt somewhat restricted.
Chu Yang and Jiang Jue toured the upper and lower levels together.
Tracing a hand along the wall, Chu Yang examined the room proportions, shaking his head slightly as he whispered to Jiang Jue, “Brother Jiang, the living room is alright, but the rooms feel tight—especially the bedrooms upstairs. There’s barely enough room to turn around. With so many of us, it’s going to feel suffocating.”
Jiang Jue nodded in agreement. “The layout lacks functional balance as well; there’s no dedicated space for group meetings or daily combat training.”
Wang Qiang scratched his head from the doorway. “Isn’t this kitchen a bit small? If we’re cooking for the whole group, people are going to be bumping into each other.”
Lin Xiao walked the halls in silence, though his face made it obvious that he wasn’t impressed either.
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