Although the house was brick and tile, it was indeed somewhat dilapidated.
As soon as the homeowner opened the door, Zhao Xinxin had taken one look and knew it.
"Are you here to see the house?"
The homeowner was a man who looked to be about fifty-six years old.
"Yes, we’re here to see the house. Can you show us around?"
The homeowner glanced at Mrs. Wang, then at Zhao Xinxin, noting the way they were dressed, which suggested they had money.
If they decided, they might sincerely buy it.
He began to show them the house, room by room.
Mrs. Wang, while looking around, complained.
"These beams are all termite-eaten..."
"These doors and windows won’t do either. It’s about to get cold, and they can’t keep out the winter wind and snow..."
In any case, Mrs. Wang pointed out flaws in every room they looked at.
Listening to them, the homeowner felt completely uncertain.
Would they buy it or not?
"Comrade, how much are you asking for this house?"
The homeowner spat out the figure, "Fifteen thousand, my price is the cheapest in the neighborhood."
Mrs. Wang, hearing the price, was dissatisfied, "You’re not seriously selling. Although your price is low, the house is too old."
"Comrade, twelve thousand and it’s a deal. We’ll pay cash and transfer the property right away." That was Zhao Xinxin’s bottom line.
Would you agree to drop three thousand just like that?
You were told to negotiate, but were you told to haggle ?
"That’s too low, add a bit more."
"If you buy this house and move in, it basically needs major repairs. Otherwise, it can’t withstand wind, rain, or snow."
The homeowner looked at his old house, which indeed needed major repairs.
In Capital City’s winter, it wasn’t just a day of snow, or a single snowfall; by November, it typically snowed every few days. Last year, he had to redo the roof tiles, and after each snowfall, he hurriedly cleared the snow from the roof for fear it would collapse.
"Aren’t you planning to go abroad? It’s not like just anyone can come up with so much money," Mrs. Wang added from the side.
"If you agree, we can go and gather the money."
The homeowner took a deep breath, "Add five hundred, add five hundred, and I’ll sell."
Zhao Xinxin agreed very promptly.
After leaving the house with Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Wang then asked, "Where is your Third Brother? I’ll bicycle you there."
"My Third Brother is at the University of Science and Technology studying. We’re going to the electronics store; Sister-in-law Lanhua is still in confinement, so currently only Brother Cao and my second brother are in the store. After class, Third Brother also helps out at the electronics store."
University of Science and Technology?
Jingdu University of Technology?
Mrs. Wang still took Zhao Xinxin to the electronics store.
Cao Dali and Zhao Tianhe didn’t recognize Mrs. Wang.
But seeing Zhao Xinxin seated at the back of the bicycle, they noticed her.
"Thanks to this elder sister for bringing my little sister here." Although Zhao Tianhe didn’t know how their little sister had ended up at the electronics store, thinking she had come by bicycle, he quickly offered his thanks.
Although Mrs. Wang had heard many people address her that way,
the man before her could very likely be Zhao Xinxin’s brother.
"Second brother, this is Auntie Wang."
Her last name wasn’t Wang either.
"I am Wang Jianguo’s mother."
With this introduction, even Cao Dali looked over.
It took a moment for Zhao Tianhe’s mind to clear up before he could respond.
"Good to meet you, auntie."
Cao Dali also came over to greet her, "Good to meet you, auntie."
This auntie seemed quite young, like a female cadre.