Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Which Families Young Master Is This?
Alexander didn't care about Claire's cold attitude.
"I want to renovate the house," he said casually.
Hearing these words, Claire's expression softened, and she immediately put on an enthusiastic smile.
The older generation in the old town couldn't afford houses in the new city. To ensure their sons could marry, they had no choice but to spend money renovating the old homes.
Claire led Alexander to the second floor and began introducing the model rooms. In the past, Alexander wasn't even worth her attention. Now, in her eyes, Alexander was a fat piece of meat ready for the taking.
Claire knew her strengths well. While introducing the different interior designs, she carefully flaunted her curvaceous figure. Her short, tight skirt would ride up unintentionally when she bent down, revealing legs wrapped in black stockings. Occasionally, she would brush against Alexander, her fragrant perfume wafting into his nose.
A slight smile tugged at the corner of Alexander's lips. After three years of co-renting, Claire had always maintained the image of a cold older sister. This was the first time he had seen such a seductive side of her.
She was smart—a professional and goal-oriented woman. It's common knowledge that renovating an ordinary house would cost at least a hundred thousand solars. Claire could easily earn a commission of nearly ten thousand from just one job. Alexander didn't even know how large of an area he wanted to renovate, but Claire knew she could make enough from his project to live lavishly for years.
"This modern minimalist design is quite popular with young people," Claire said, gesturing toward a room. "It's economical too, just a hundred thousand solars."
She led him to another model room. "And this one? Italian-style kitchen, French-style living room—absolutely stunning. The total comes to about 150,000 solars, but I could get you a fully customized package, little brother."
Room after room, Claire introduced the different designs tirelessly. She put in a great deal of effort, and under her professional guidance, Alexander found himself gradually drawn in. He hadn't realized house renovations could come in so many styles.
Finally, Claire couldn't resist asking, "Little brother, how big of a house are you planning to renovate?"
Alexander, who had been lost in thought, looked at her. "Pretty big," he said simply.
Claire's eyes brightened slightly as she imagined the possibilities. She had Alexander sit on the sofa, leaned in close, and let a few strands of her hair brush against his face. Pulling out her phone, she brought up a 3D virtual video.
"House renovation is a big deal," she whispered. "You've got to choose something good. If you've got a vegetable garden, you could go for this European style. The price is a bit higher—300,000 solars for a hundred square meters. I could help you get an 80% discount, plus you could pay in installments."
After a while, Claire asked again, "So, little brother, how big is the house you want to renovate? I'll give you an estimate."
Alexander did a quick calculation. "About five thousand square meters," he said.
For a moment, Claire froze. Then, her face turned sour.
"I remember you said you awakened the Farmer talent. Are you planning to build greenhouses? That's something you should take to an agricultural company. It doesn't really fall under house renovation."
She paused and then added, "If you need help, I can connect you with someone. I'm sure we can work something out."
Alexander shook his head. "No, it's a house renovation. I'm quite interested in that European style."
…
Claire stormed downstairs in her high heels, seething with anger. Her chest heaved as she muttered to herself.
"Five thousand square meters? Does he think he can spout nonsense without a care in the world? Renovating five thousand square meters, even without the expensive European architecture, would cost at least ten million solars!"
She scoffed. "With ten million solars, you could buy a luxury apartment in Northern Waters! Is he here to impress girls with this kind of nonsense?"
Trying to calm herself, she turned to the intern. "James, go take care of the client upstairs."
James was a young man who had failed to awaken any abilities. His family had pulled some strings to get him a job at New Era Homes. Seeing Claire's furious expression, James immediately sensed that the client upstairs might be problematic.
But Claire was a senior employee. How could James disobey her?
"Got it, miss Claire," he said.
Alexander went upstairs, giving him a warm smile.
"Hello, mister, Claire had something to handle, so I'll take over and introduce things to you," James said.
Alexander had already figured out what was going on and smiled playfully.
"I like this style," Alexander pointed to a model. "It's about 5,000 square meters. Can you give me an estimate?"
James was momentarily stunned but, staying professional, furrowed his brow and calculated carefully.
"That would be a European garden style. If the 5,000 square meters is just the land area, with the loft included, it'd come out to around 7,000 square meters. The price would be approximately 21 million solars, but the designer will need to measure it on-site for precision."
Alexander nodded. "That'll do."
He pulled out his card and handed it to James.
"Swipe 21 million solars. If it's not enough, I'll add more. Hurry up with the plans—time is of the essence."
James took the card in disbelief, his hands trembling. He could hardly believe it.
Did he really just land such a huge deal on his first day? No way, right?
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Worried there's not enough money on the card?"
James snapped out of his daze and, almost running, rushed out of the model room.
Seeing how flustered and excited he was, Alexander couldn't help but smile.
Is this the power of money? Men and women alike bow under the weight of this source of all evil.
As for the 21 million, Alexander wasn't even impressed. Money, for him, was about to become nothing more than a number.
When James reached the finance department, the entire company was in shock over the multi-million solar deal.
Claire watched James, his face full of excitement, and couldn't help but laugh inwardly.
She knew Alexander's background. There was no way that card had any money on it.
She'd seen this kind of showboating before—guys trying to leave a lasting impression by acting clever. For a recent graduate, pulling something like this already took courage.
Claire thought, just for that bravery alone, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to let Alexander take her out for dinner sometime. Who knows? A gutsy kid like that might just make something of himself in the future.
Straightening her skirt, Claire was about to head upstairs when she noticed the company staff suddenly spring into action.
Every procedure was being carried out smoothly.
James's lips were dry, and he was visibly excited as he clutched a contract and dashed upstairs.
Claire stopped him.
"Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
James held the contract tightly, looking at Claire with a mix of gratitude and nervousness.
"I'm… I'm going to sign the contract! Thank you, Claire, for giving me this opportunity! I'll definitely remember this favor!"
With that, he rushed upstairs, leaving Claire standing there in disbelief.
Signed? He signed the contract?
She hurried to the front desk, staring at the finance department.
"That guy, Alexander, did he…?"
Before she could finish, the girls in finance, their faces full of admiration, chimed in.
"Twenty-one million solars, just like that! He swiped it like he was buying veggies! Definitely a rich guy!"
"Yeah, that's what you call young, rich, and handsome. If only I could date someone like that."
"Keep dreaming! A guy who can drop millions on a garden isn't looking to date regular girls. He's aiming for celebrities!"
"Well, if anyone has the looks to land someone like that, it's Claire."
"Wait, wasn't it Claire who was handling this client? How did James end up with the deal?"