Li Changfeng and Zhao Jiwei still had tasks to attend to.

Since buying a house wasn't something they could provide much advice on, the visit to Shanshuijian only included Ye Chen and Zhang Jingshan.

"Welcome to Shanshuijian!"

As soon as they entered the sales center of Shanshuijian, a mechanical greeting immediately echoed in their ears.

But when Ye Chen saw the saleswoman quickly walking toward him, he froze.

Not only was Ye Chen stunned, but the saleswoman also looked utterly shocked.

It wasn't a stranger.

It was none other than Ye Chen's high school classmate—one he had even pursued romantically.

Unfortunately, his attempt ended in failure.

Coming from an orphanage with a humble background, Ye Chen's status made it impossible to catch the attention of their class's beauty.

Even though Ye Chen was one of the best in class, both in terms of looks and grades, his achievements meant little in the presence of the rich and powerful second-generation students. Especially when compared to the winner of a school-wide essay contest titled "My District Mayor Father."

His exceptional academic performance paled in comparison, and it failed to spark any romantic interest from the class beauty.

Of course, those melodramatic scenes of disdain and humiliation often seen in novels didn't occur.

The class beauty simply replied to Ye Chen's confession with, "You're outstanding, but I want to focus on my studies right now."

At the time, Ye Chen naïvely believed her.

But a few days later, when he saw her walking into the woods after evening self-study with the essay contest winner from the neighboring class, he finally woke up to reality.

And with that, the budding emotions of a young boy came to an abrupt end.

Later, Ye Chen was admitted to a top-tier university, while the class beauty's scores didn't even reach the cutoff for a second-tier university.

Since then, their paths had never crossed.

Being strapped for cash, Ye Chen had never attended any class reunions, so he hadn't seen the class beauty again.

Who would've thought fate would play a joke like this?

To meet again in such a manner.

While she sized up Ye Chen, Ye Chen was also examining her.

Ten years had passed, and not only had she avoided growing unattractive, but she had become even more alluring.

"Ye Chen?" The saleswoman exclaimed in disbelief.

Wasn't this the academic star who supposedly fell from grace, becoming a gambler and a drunkard, barely able to afford food?

How is he standing here in Shanshuijian's sales center?

"Lin, long time no see!" Ye Chen greeted her with a calm smile, his heart unperturbed.

"Y-yeah, long time no see. Ten years have passed, and I can't believe you still recognize me!" Lin Mengxi said, dazed.

"I should be the one surprised you still recognize me!" Ye Chen chuckled.

"Uh... Ye Ge, you two know each other?" Zhang Jingshan, who had been a bystander, finally spoke up.

"Yeah, high school classmates," Ye Chen replied with a smile.

"Ye Chen, aside from looking a bit more mature and fairer, you haven't changed a bit!" Lin Mengxi commented as if forgetting she was a saleswoman.

"And you? No, you're even more beautiful now," Ye Chen said with a laugh.

"Cough. Thank you."

Lin Mengxi tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, suppressing her emotions, and shifted to business. "Ye Chen, are you here to look at houses?"

"Yes, with you here, I don't need to bother finding someone else. Do you have any move-in-ready houses? Recommend one," Ye Chen replied, showing no bitterness from his failed confession years ago.

But Lin Mengxi was stunned.

Just a few days ago, their high school group chat had brought up Ye Chen.

Some classmates claimed he was socially dead, drowning in gambling and alcohol, constantly being chased by debt collectors.

They said most people who still had his WeChat had deleted him to avoid being asked for loans.

The chat was full of messages mocking Ye Chen as a jinx and a joke.

How could this be the same person?

Leaving aside whether Ye Chen could afford a house, his demeanor and speech bore no resemblance to the gambling drunkard they described.

"Hmm?" Ye Chen's voice snapped her out of her daze.

"Ah, sorry! I got distracted!" Lin Mengxi quickly composed herself with an awkward smile.

She led Ye Chen to the model display. "We have both standard and luxury-furnished units. The dimly lit ones are standard; the brightly lit ones are luxury. Take a look and let me know if there's a floor or layout you like!"

With a few button presses, she controlled the lights on the model display, showcasing the available units.

"Building 6, 21st floor, Unit 02. That's a luxury one, right?" Ye Chen asked after a glance.

"Yes, that's a luxury-furnished unit," Lin Mengxi confirmed.

"What's the price?"

"Well, because it's luxury-furnished and located in Building 6—the flagship building—designed by a top domestic team with premium materials, it's a bit pricier. The unit is 262.5 square meters, priced at 82,000 yuan per square meter, totaling just over 20 million yuan. But if you're really interested, I can try to get you a discount!"

Despite her detailed introduction, Lin Mengxi didn't believe Ye Chen could afford it.

After all, 20 million yuan wasn't a small sum. Even among all their high school classmates, no one had the financial strength for this.

Yet she maintained a warm and respectful attitude, giving Ye Chen face.

"Ye Ge, if you like it, why not check out the actual unit?" Zhang Jingshan chimed in.

"Can I see it?" Ye Chen turned to Lin Mengxi.

"Of course! Follow me!" she replied cheerfully.

As they walked, Lin Mengxi's gaze flickered toward Zhang Jingshan.

Though new to the real estate industry, her sharp instincts told her Zhang Jingshan exuded an air of wealth and power.

She began hatching a plan.

Though unsure how Ye Chen knew someone like him, she thought of leveraging Ye Chen to build a connection.

Inside Unit 2102 of Building 6, the decor wasn't overly extravagant but was undeniably high-end and elegant. The warm and homely atmosphere made it instantly appealing.

With all-new furniture, appliances, and furnishings still in their original packaging, it truly embodied a move-in-ready home.

After touring the spacious unit, the group returned to the sales center.

"This one, then?" Zhang Jingshan asked.

"Yes, this one," Ye Chen nodded with a smile.

"You're really buying?" Lin Mengxi finally lost her composure.

A 20-million-yuan house? Was he serious?

"Did you think I was joking? This one, Unit 2102 of Building 6," Ye Chen confirmed.

"I... I'll go talk to the manager to see if I can get you a bigger discount!" she stammered, still in disbelief.

Before she could leave, Zhang Jingshan interrupted, "No need for that. I'll make a call."

"Wha—?" Lin Mengxi was dumbfounded as Zhang Jingshan casually pulled out his phone.