The real estate agent took Lou Xi and Bai Lu to a neighborhood that looked very upscale. It’s only a half-hour bus ride from here to Nan University.
But the rent must be really high...
"Mr. Li, our budget isn’t that high..." Lou Xi didn’t want the enthusiastic Mr. Li to end up disliking her, so she mentioned in advance that her budget wasn’t that high.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Li said nonchalantly, "No worries! There’s no harm in taking a look. Besides, let me tell you, the owner of this house is in the process of immigrating. They don’t want to sell the house, nor rent it out to just anyone. I brought you because you seem like a decent girl."
Lou Xi and Bai Lu exchanged glances, surprised that such a good opportunity still existed.
Renting based on first impressions?
After arriving, Lou Xi found that the house wasn’t just good; it was really good.
The interior was fully furnished, in other words, you could just move in with your bags.
It was a one-bedroom apartment, which wasn’t especially large, but more than enough for Lou Xi to live comfortably alone.
The house faced south, receiving plenty of sunlight.
The balcony looked out onto the neighborhood’s artificial lake, with a beautiful environment.
Then, the most important part came.
"Mr. Li, how much is the rent here per month?" Lou Xi thought it surely couldn’t be less than five thousand...
Forget it, she was just asking and didn’t really plan on living here...
"A thousand a month, including utilities."
"A thousand, including utilities??"
"Yes, as long as you don’t damage the furnishings or appliances, and take good care of the home."
"This house... it can’t be haunted, right? Otherwise, why is it so cheap..." Lou Xi thought there couldn’t just be a windfall, there must be something wrong with this house.
"Well, you’re underestimating our real estate agency. Our company never introduces problematic houses to clients!" Mr. Li became serious after Lou Xi’s remark, "Our company is famous in the agency circle and has an excellent reputation — ask around, absolutely no bad reviews..."
So Lou Xi and Bai Lu listened as Mr. Li gave them a brainwashing session on the trustworthiness and honesty of his agency.
The implication was if Lou Xi didn’t rent the house today, she’d be disrespecting Mr. Li!
"Fine, I’ll rent it, okay?"
"Great, here’s the contract." Mr. Li quickly pulled the contract out of his briefcase. "Just sign your name here, and you can move in today."
Mr. Li handed Lou Xi a pen, directing her to sign her name on the last page.
Three copies were made, with one handed to Lou Xi afterward.
"Congratulations, from today, you can live here."
Lou Xi was momentarily stunned by Mr. Li’s smile, wondering how she had signed the rental agreement without realizing it!?
"Well, I won’t disturb you two any longer; I’ll be off. Here’s the key, goodbye." Mr. Li placed down the key and quickly left the apartment.
Lou Xi remained stunned in place, "Lu Lu, pinch me. Am I dreaming?"
Bai Lu really pinched Lou Xi.
"Ouch, that hurts—" Lou Xi clutched her wrist, "Why didn’t you stop me just now? I still feel something’s off."
"You seemed to be under a spell; the moment he asked you to sign, you did, and I couldn’t stop you!" Bai Lu shook her head and said.
"Really?" Lou Xi felt nothing...
"Never mind, since we’re here, let’s make the best of it. This place is quite nice, and the rent is cheap!"
"Ah, I haven’t even paid Mr. Li the rent yet!"