This is a typical Chinese courtyard house, featuring a main building, east and west wing rooms, and a small farmhouse-style courtyard within, planted with flowers and plants, forming a character resembling "口" (kǒu), which is said to gather wealth.
As Chinese people, many seem to have a deep-seated affection for "courtyard houses," especially in places like the capital.
Qin Chuan was no exception. He disliked oppressive apartment buildings, preferring either villas or courtyard houses. In his previous life, he lived in a villa.
This time, when buying a house in the capital under Li Ya's name, his first thought was to find a suitable courtyard house, especially in an excellent location like the Second Ring Road.
As someone who had been reborn, he was all too aware of the future value of these courtyard houses; they were the best investment. After making money this time, he would buy several more courtyard houses to hoard whenever the opportunity arose, waiting for their appreciation.
Standing in the courtyard, Qin Chuan surveyed the courtyard house before him. He was surprised to find it had a large built-up area, estimated to be at least three hundred square meters, possibly even four hundred, and it was very neatly maintained.
The windows and doors were wiped clean and sparkling, and the gray brick floor connected each room, reflecting light as if polished. It was evident that the owner cherished their home.
There was also a thick old peach tree in the courtyard. It was April, and the peach blossoms were in full bloom, delicate and pink, with lush foliage, adorning the courtyard with the vibrancy of spring and a beautiful environment.
The peach tree is said to ward off evil and bring good fortune in residences, symbolizing auspiciousness.
Qin Chuan liked the place at first sight. It was very nice.
As he was inspecting the layout of the courtyard house, Ye Huai'an, who was leading the way, was already conversing with an elder of over seventy years with snow-white hair.
Qin Chuan learned that this elderly gentleman was the owner of the courtyard house, named Li Baoqing, and he was a retired professor from a hospital.
Ye Huai'an introduced Qin Chuan to the elder, and Qin Chuan behaved very politely and respectfully.
According to the elder, he had only one son, who lived in the east wing. The reason for selling this courtyard house was that his unfilial son had failed in business, incurred substantial debt, and was forced to sell the courtyard house.
Furthermore, the elder mentioned that the courtyard house had a rich history, having once been the residence of Li Lingyi, a high-ranking official in the Qing Dynasty. Its total land area was three hundred and ninety-six square meters. Besides the three main rooms, there were two rooms in each wing and a row of rooms facing the courtyard.
The rooms facing the courtyard were historically where servants lived. Qin Chuan took a special look; there were three of them, not very large. If he bought it, he could knock them all down and renovate them into a place for tea, entertainment, and exercise.
"Elder, how much do you want for your courtyard house?" Qin Chuan asked.
"Talk to my son about this. I am old and cannot make the decision!" Li Baoqing sighed and said in a low voice.
It was clear that the elder was very reluctant to sell the courtyard house, but there was no alternative. He was old, and his wife had passed away early, leaving him alone.
All of this was for his son and grandson.
Qin Chuan signaled to Ye Huai'an, who directly took out his phone, got the son's number from the elder, and made a call.
About an hour later, there was a commotion outside the gate, and a man and a woman entered. They were in their forties or fifties. The man was wearing a suit, was somewhat bald, and had a prominent belly, exuding an air of a businessman.
The woman was adorned with jewels and dressed like a wealthy wife.
These were Li Baoqing's son and daughter-in-law, Li Guangliang and Zhu Cuiqin.
The couple was in the foreign trade business in the capital, but their business had gone awry since last year, accumulating a large foreign debt.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, both parties got straight to the point.
"Young Master Ye, we are acquaintances, and you are very familiar with the situation of our courtyard house. As I said before, if you want to buy this courtyard house, it will be no less than five million," Li Guangliang's voice was firm.
Five million in the year 2000 was not a small sum. At that time, housing prices in Beijing were generally around four thousand yuan per square meter, and even in slightly better locations, it was no more than five to six thousand. Courtyard houses in prime locations like the Second Ring Road would be around eight thousand, not even reaching ten thousand.
This courtyard house, with a land area of three hundred and ninety-six square meters, had a built-up area of at most three hundred square meters.
To sell three hundred square meters for five million was indeed a high price, averaging sixteen to seventeen thousand per square meter, twice that of others. No wonder it couldn't be sold.
"Boss Qin, I know this price is a bit high, but what I want to say is, if you buy this courtyard house, besides taking away a few necessary personal items, we will not take any of the furniture. If you buy it now, we can move out tonight."
"You probably don't know, but the materials used to build this courtyard and much of the furniture are made of fine rosewood, huanghuali, and even sandalwood."
"This furniture is worth a lot of money. If you don't believe me, you can find professionals to authenticate it!" Zhu Cuiqin, Li Guangliang's wife, spoke volubly.
Although Qin Chuan had money, he didn't want to be taken advantage of. The two parties began to haggle over the price. After some negotiation, it was finally settled at four million five hundred thousand yuan.
The average price per square meter was fifteen thousand.
Once the price was agreed upon, Li Guangliang and his wife were overjoyed, while only the elder, Li Baoqing, looked lonely and full of reluctance.
That afternoon, both parties signed the contract. The transfer of ownership was handed over to Ye Huai'an, who had plenty of connections for such matters. The owner's identity was naturally Li Ya, as this courtyard house was bought by Qin Chuan for her.
The following evening, Qin Chuan brought Li Ya to the courtyard house. Li Guangliang's family had indeed moved out, taking only their personal belongings.
Looking at the spacious, bright, and clean courtyard house, Li Ya's large eyes sparkled with excitement as she followed Qin Chuan, examining the environment and layout of each room.
Qin Chuan proposed many constructive ideas, such as renovating the three rooms in the main hall, replacing the old doors and windows, building a fish pond in the courtyard, and knocking down the rooms facing the courtyard to create a dedicated space for entertainment and tea, among other things.
The east and west wings also needed some work...
Of course, all of this was for Li Ya to make the final decision, as she was the future mistress of the house and could decorate it as she pleased.
Looking at the man beside her making such a grand gesture for her life, buying a courtyard house in an area with excellent transportation and geographical advantages, it was impossible for Li Ya not to be moved.
Perhaps, as he had said, this life he could only not give her a complete relationship, but anything else she desired, he could fulfill.
However, the thought that Qin Chuan had no intention of getting married in this life made Li Ya feel uneasy. What if he changed his mind halfway and married another woman? Wouldn't she then become a true mistress?
Human hearts are fickle. Who could guarantee that this man wouldn't, after a few more years, find a younger, more beautiful girl when she grew old and faded?
Having been hurt before in matters of love, Li Ya had developed a lingering fear.
"Qin Chuan, have you told Yang Zimo that you don't plan to get married in this life?" Li Ya suddenly asked.