Chapter 144: An Assertive Property Purchase (Part Two)

Zhang Wenhao walked into the Hengjian Group building with his uneasy uncle. The building, named Hengjian Tower, was developed by the group itself. It stood twenty-eight stories tall, but since the group did not need that much space, they rented out twenty-five floors to other companies, keeping the eighth, ninth, and tenth floors for themselves.

Yu Hongyu’s office was on the eighth floor. The two men took the elevator up, and upon stepping out, they were greeted by a reception desk long enough to seat five people. Behind it stood a three-meter-high feature wall engraved with the Hengjian Group’s name and logo, creating an air of grandeur.

Zhang Wenhao walked up to the counter and said to one of the receptionists, "Hello, my name is Zhang Wenhao. I’m here to see Mr. Yu."

The receptionists had long since received personal instructions from Yu Hongyu: if anyone by the name of Zhang Wenhao arrived, they were to be shown to his office immediately. The young woman smiled and said, "Mr. Zhang, please follow me. Mr. Yu has been waiting for you for a long time."

The girl led Zhang Wenhao and Zhang Xingye to Yu Hongyu’s office, knocked gently, and announced, "Mr. Yu, the Mr. Zhang you were waiting for is here."

Yu Hongyu immediately opened the door himself. Seeing Zhang Wenhao standing there, he stepped forward enthusiastically, shook his hand, and said with great courtesy, "Wenhao, you’ve finally arrived. Come, please, come in."

As he spoke, he caught sight of Zhang Xingye behind Zhang Wenhao. He stepped forward and smiled, "You must be Wenhao’s uncle, right? Hello, I’m Yu Hongyu."

Yu Hongyu’s name was known to almost everyone in Jiangcheng. Zhang Xingye felt a mix of excitement and bewilderment. He had not expected that Zhang Wenhao truly had a connection with Yu Hongyu, and that their relationship seemed quite close. This made him eighty percent inclined to believe what Zhang Wenhao had told him the night before.

Nervously, he shook hands with Yu Hongyu and introduced himself. Yu Hongyu invited them into his office and asked them to sit on the sofa in the reception area.

Yu Hongyu personally brewed tea for them. Even though Zhang Wenhao insisted there was no need for such formalities, Yu Hongyu persisted, serving them high-quality Jin Junmei tea before sitting down opposite them.

Zhang Wenhao began, "Mr. Yu, regarding my uncle's situation, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you further."

Yu Hongyu’s expression turned serious as he replied, "Wenhao, never use the word 'trouble' when you’re with me." He then added, "Everything is arranged for Brother Xingye. He can start today. I’ll have the head of the HR department come in shortly to process his entry paperwork right here in my office. Afterward, I’ll drive you both to Swan Bay to pick out a house. Since Xingye is facing some financial difficulties, don't worry about it. I have some decorated model homes there—truly high-end finishes, fully furnished with appliances and furniture. Aside from showing them to a few clients, no one has ever lived in them. They are perfect for Xingye’s situation."

Zhang Xingye quickly interjected, "Mr. Yu, you’ve already done me a massive favor. I really can't let you go to any more trouble. A bare-bones unit is fine; I can just renovate it simply later."

Yu Hongyu laughed and said, "My relationship with Wenhao speaks for itself. Your business, Xingye, is my business. Just live in that house with peace of mind. Work hard in the group, and I guarantee you'll be making over ten thousand a month within half a year."

Zhang Xingye was flattered but genuinely dared not accept such generosity. He turned to Zhang Wenhao and said, "Wenhao, you have a good relationship with Mr. Yu, please tell him it’s really not necessary to be so generous. I am already eternally grateful for just securing an employee purchase slot."

Zhang Wenhao was calculating in his mind. Although Yu Hongyu had been polite on the phone yesterday, it was nothing like the intensity he showed today. It seemed clear that Chen Feng must have called him last night, and Yu Hongyu had received the promise regarding the land plot from Chen Feng.

Zhang Wenhao smiled and said, "Uncle, don't be in such a rush to decline. Let's go to Swan Bay and take a look first. Since we haven't even seen the house yet, wait until you've seen it before you make a decision."

Yu Hongyu nodded in agreement. "That's right, see it first. Just a moment, I’ll have the HR manager come up."

Zhang Xingye said awkwardly, "Mr. Yu, I didn't bring any documents or anything. I left in such a hurry today, so..."

"It’s fine," Yu Hongyu waved it off nonchalantly. "Just remember your ID number for now. You can submit your personal documents and certificates once you officially start, so we can set up your social security and housing fund."

Zhang Xingye nodded, struggling to suppress his excitement. It seemed all the major problems had been solved so easily. His nephew, Zhang Wenhao, was truly inscrutable. How could he, having just graduated from high school, have such a close relationship with a big figure like Yu Hongyu?

The HR manager soon arrived. Yu Hongyu was very thoughtful, explicitly telling the manager that Zhang Xingye was his relative and reminding him to look after him in the future.

The manager was flattered, not expecting the boss to entrust his own relative to him. Although Zhang Xingye was being assigned to the procurement department, the HR manager oversaw all entry-level staff, and Yu Hongyu’s request was clearly a sign of trust. As long as he arranged things properly for Zhang Xingye and provided extra care and support, having a good relationship with him would surely benefit him in the future.

Yu Hongyu knew that there was infighting between departments and that newcomers were sometimes bullied—a common occurrence in every company. He knew that if he didn't give this hint, Zhang Xingye might not have an easy time in the procurement department initially. But with this warning, no one would dare treat him unfairly.

The HR manager produced a form for Zhang Xingye to fill out and then asked, "Mr. Zhang, when can you come in to process your official entry formalities?"

Zhang Xingye blurted out, "Tomorrow. I'll go back today to resign, and I'll be here first thing tomorrow morning to start work."

"Very well." The HR manager nodded, handed over his business card, and said, "When you arrive tomorrow, call me directly. Bring your ID card, household registration booklet, social security documents, and your resignation letter from your previous employer. Once we finish the paperwork, you can go to your new post to familiarize yourself with the work."

After Zhang Xingye expressed his gratitude, Yu Hongyu dismissed the HR manager. He then called his driver to prepare the car for the Swan Bay sales office and phoned the manager there to prepare for their arrival. With that, Yu Hongyu took Zhang Wenhao and Zhang Xingye to Swan Bay.

Sitting in the back seat, Zhang Wenhao noticed his uncle was so excited that his body was trembling slightly. He reached out, patted his uncle’s knee, and whispered, "Uncle, don't be so nervous. This is just a new beginning for you."

Zhang Xingye looked at Zhang Wenhao with gratitude. He called out his name, but didn't know what else to say. He was clearly overwhelmed with emotion.

When the car stopped at the Swan Bay sales office, a man rushed over to open the door, only to find that it wasn't his boss, Yu Hongyu, but two strangers sitting in the back. At that moment, Yu Hongyu pushed open the passenger door and said, "Manager Li, take us directly to the model homes."

Manager Li nodded immediately, sensing that Zhang Wenhao and Zhang Xingye must have a special background. He said respectfully, "Mr. Yu, which unit type would you like to show these distinguished guests?"

Yu Hongyu looked at Zhang Wenhao and smiled, "Take us to see the 88-square-meter model home first."

Manager Li led the three of them to the unit. When he opened the door with the key, the luxury inside surprised even Zhang Wenhao.

Developers spared no effort on model homes, hiring professional designers and construction teams to maximize the potential of every unit. This apartment was exquisitely decorated. From the ceiling to the walls and floors, every detail was perfect. The appliances and furniture were high-end, imported goods. A glance told him that the renovation alone must have cost hundreds of thousands.

Yu Hongyu walked them through the house and asked with a smile, "Well, Wenhao, Xingye, are you satisfied with this house?"

Zhang Xingye hurriedly said, "Mr. Yu, why don't you show us a raw unit instead? A house this nice... I'm not worthy of it."

"Who says that?" Yu Hongyu laughed. "Houses are meant for living. What do you mean 'not worthy'? My relationship with Wenhao is what matters here. Plus, you’ll be an official employee of Hengjian Group tomorrow; you deserve this house."

He glanced at Zhang Wenhao and asked, "Wenhao, what do you think?"

Zhang Wenhao knew that if Chen Feng helped Yu Hongyu secure that land, the profits for Yu Hongyu would likely be worth hundreds of houses like this. Chen Feng wouldn't help for nothing, and he would get his own reward from Yu Hongyu as well. For Yu Hongyu, this amount of money was a mere drop in the bucket.

Zhang Wenhao took the initiative and nodded. He pulled his uncle aside and whispered, "Uncle, I think this house is quite suitable. The decoration is elegant, and the eco-friendly materials are definitely high quality. It’s perfect for you and Auntie right now. Let’s take this one."

Zhang Xingye was anxious. He dared not accept the house because he feared the favor was too large to ever repay. Just as he started to object, Zhang Wenhao waved his hand decisively. "Uncle, don't worry about Mr. Yu. I’ll handle it. You don't need to feel like you owe him anything."

"But how can I..."

Seeing that Zhang Xingye still wanted to refuse, Zhang Wenhao said, "If you really refuse, then let's just go back. Forget about the house."

Zhang Xingye looked troubled, knowing Zhang Wenhao wasn't giving him any room to maneuver. He nodded with a hint of trepidation and said, "Wenhao, you decide."

Zhang Wenhao walked back to Yu Hongyu and said, "Mr. Yu, I think this house is indeed perfect. I’ll take the liberty of accepting it on my uncle's behalf. Thank you for your help."

Yu Hongyu beamed and waved his hand. "What are you talking about?" He turned to Manager Li and said, "Manager Li, take Mr. Zhang to handle the relevant procedures and sign the internal purchase contract."

Manager Li nodded. Yu Hongyu added, "Xingye, sign the contract first, and you can take the keys today. When you come in for your official start tomorrow, I’ll have someone handle the rest of the paperwork for the house."

Zhang Xingye nodded gratefully and thanked him profusely. Manager Li told him, "Mr. Zhang, let’s go to the sales office to sign the contract."

Yu Hongyu could have given the house away for free, but he remained cautious. Helping someone to the right extent was enough; the house wasn't for Zhang Wenhao, and what he had done already far exceeded Zhang Wenhao's original request. That was sufficient. As for Zhang Wenhao, he had other plans.

While Zhang Wenhao and his uncle were talking, Yu Hongyu took another set of keys from Manager Li. He called to Zhang Wenhao, "Wenhao, they’ve gone to the sales office. Let me take you somewhere else to have a look."

Zhang Wenhao nodded and went downstairs with Yu Hongyu. They went to another residential building, took the elevator to the 18th floor, and Yu Hongyu opened one of the doors for him.

"Take a look at this house. How is it?" Yu Hongyu smiled. "This floor plan is a rarity here. There are only ten of them, and they aren't part of the standard sales inventory."

Zhang Wenhao was surprised to find that this was also a fully furnished model home, but the decoration was even more luxurious than the 88-square-meter unit. The place looked massive, and there was an open staircase in the living room. Zhang Wenhao exclaimed in surprise, "This is a duplex!"

"Yes," Yu Hongyu smiled. "The main floor is 138 square meters, there's another full floor, and above that, a 68-square-meter attic and a 70-square-meter terrace."

Zhang Wenhao realized that since the building only had 18 floors, this unit actually spanned three levels, totaling nearly 500 square meters.

Zhang Wenhao laughed, "No wonder it's not on the sales list. With a house this big, few people could afford it."

"The high price of real estate is mostly bubbles and the layers of connections involved. From the developer's perspective, the actual cost of the house is quite low."

Zhang Wenhao nodded, and Yu Hongyu suggested, "Come on, let's go up and see."

They checked the second floor and then went up to the attic. The attic had a sloped design, not ideal for living, but given the size of the house, it was mostly used for storage.

Yu Hongyu opened the door to the terrace. As soon as it opened, Zhang Wenhao was captivated by the view.

The terrace was paved with off-white tiles and surrounded by 1.5-meter-high white carved railings in a pastoral style. There was a large sun umbrella, a beach table with four chairs, three lounge chairs, and an exquisite barbecue grill. It was incredibly atmospheric.

Crucially, this building was positioned at the very back of Swan Bay. The terrace faced the river, and with no high-rise buildings in between, the view of the entire riverbank was unobstructed.

Compared to his own home, this was unparalleled. Zhang Wenhao did a quick mental calculation: even if the average price were 8,000 per square meter, with the attic and terrace as bonuses, it would be over two million, not including the high-end renovations and furniture. If those were included, it would easily be over three million. And given the location and view, it would certainly be worth more than 8,000 per square meter.

Zhang Wenhao thought to himself: if he weren't prioritizing the learning system, he would have to find a way to make more money so his parents could live in a place like this. He already had many ways to make money—for instance, using his internet security skills to find system vulnerabilities or software bugs.

But that was too flashy and high-profile. If he made that kind of money, he wouldn't be able to hide his identity, and the subsequent trouble would be unimaginable. He knew he shouldn't expose more of his skills yet; he didn't have the absolute power to protect himself and his family. Staying low-profile was best. Besides, what he lacked now wasn't money, but points.

After looking at the view, Zhang Wenhao turned to Yu Hongyu and said, "Mr. Yu, let's go back to the sales office. They should be done with the contract by now."

Yu Hongyu smiled, stepped forward, and placed the keys into Zhang Wenhao’s hand. "This house is yours now."

Zhang Wenhao frowned, surprised. "Mr. Yu, what is this?"

Yu Hongyu smiled slightly, sighing, "Wenhao, you’ve done me a massive favor. If I didn't show my appreciation, I wouldn't be able to live with myself."

Zhang Wenhao chuckled, "You’ve already done a great deal by helping my uncle. I really can't accept this house."

Yu Hongyu hurriedly said, "Helping your uncle was a small favor based on our relationship. But you specifically called Brother Feng, and he promised me that land plot I wanted. That is a massive favor. If I don't reciprocate, where would I show my face in the future?"