On Saturday morning, Lu Chen brought the whole group to Ling Shan Bay on the eastern side of the city.
It was their first group outing since the seaside barbecue—and this time, there was one more person. After getting out of the car, Yae Miko took off her stylish sunglasses and looked around with interest.
Just like Venti had described, the area was nestled halfway up a scenic hillside, offering a stunning view of the most beautiful part of the coastal city below.
The sky was a clear, brilliant blue. A sea breeze blew gently from east to west, ruffling everyone's hair. The fresh air, tinged with the salty scent of the ocean, instantly lifted their spirits.
"People here really know how to enjoy life." Yae Miko slid her sunglasses back on, turning to glance at the row of detached villas behind them.
"Only if they're rich. Be thankful I can earn money to support this household," Lu Chen said with a grin. "Otherwise, the entire population of Teyvat would be crammed into that four-bedroom apartment."
"Are the people of Teyvat made of paper or something?" Yae Miko laughed and turned toward him, raising a fair hand to block the sun.
Lu Chen studied her in the sunlight. She wore a light-colored mid-length coat over a floral dress decorated with pink petals, and a small sunhat perched neatly atop her head. She radiated elegant charm.
Her hair looked soft and well-styled, and those cute fox ears were hidden in her pink locks, giving Lu Chen an irresistible urge to reach out and rub them.
Yae Miko caught the look in his eyes immediately and let out a snort. "What? You want to duel me again, right here?"
Lu Chen couldn't help but laugh. Whenever things got like this, Miko was just like a fox with its fur standing on end.
And the moment she saw that "annoyingly doting elder's smile" on his face, she got even more upset. Not even her sunglasses could hide the chilling resentment in her eyes.
Just as another round of chaos was about to erupt, Lu Chen felt warmth on his hand. He turned and saw Ei had gently taken it.
Unlike Yae Miko's carefully chosen outfit, Ei wore a simple white dress Lu Chen had bought her. When the sea breeze passed, her fair, shapely legs were revealed—beautiful and elegant.
Lu Chen looked at her, but Ei gave him a helpless look. "We're outside. Can you two behave?"
"She started it!" Lu Chen pointed at Miko, quick to blame.
"You were clearly the one who..." Miko pulled off her sunglasses and glared. "You were the one who wanted to..."
"Wanted to what?" Lu Chen asked, completely innocent.
He didn't believe Miko would blurt out "Lu Chen wanted to rub my ears" in front of everyone.
Sure enough, silence fell for a beat, and Miko backed down.
She snorted coldly, crossed her arms, and refused to look at him again.
Lu Chen flashed a peace sign. The first round of the day still went to him.
Ei sighed at their childish antics.
"Like kids..."
...
Lu Chen led the group into the sales center of the villa community. He'd done some research beforehand and learned that the occupancy rate here wasn't very high.
Probably due to inconvenient transportation—this area was a bit remote. Wealthier buyers preferred the villa district on the north shore of the port, where land was more expensive and status more easily flaunted.
But Lu Chen wasn't concerned about location or school zones. His priorities were space and environment.
The scenery here was great, and he was happy with the atmosphere. That only left one box to tick.
"Are you here to look at properties?"
A saleswoman walked over, smiling warmly. She looked surprised when she saw how young Lu Chen appeared.
She instinctively glanced behind him—and was even more stunned.
Everyone in the group was young, attractive, and stylish. There was even a cute little girl among them. This was nothing like the clients she usually dealt with.
She had no idea which of them was the actual buyer.
"Could you introduce the properties here?" Lu Chen asked with a friendly smile.
"Ah—of course!" The saleswoman quickly regained her composure, flashing a professional smile.
"Please follow me."
"Thanks, I appreciate it." Lu Chen nodded.
She led him toward the model display, with Ei quietly following.
Yae Miko pulled out a small mirror to check her makeup, while Venti and Qiqi wandered off to study a fog-emitting ice sculpture in the lobby.
The other agents couldn't help sneaking glances at the group.
Just standing there, they drew attention like spotlights were fixed on them. With looks that stunning, it was impossible not to stand out.
Some of the younger agents started whispering, laughing among themselves.
They figured this must be a film crew shooting a drama here—maybe even a celebrity moving in.
Some even pulled out autograph books, just in case...
Under the saleswoman's explanation, Lu Chen got a rough idea of the prices.
Townhouses were a bit cheaper, averaging around seven to eight million. Standalone villas were closer to ten million or more.
Of course, depending on the size and location, prices could vary widely.
Lu Chen turned to ask for everyone's opinion—only to realize that Ei was the only one still with him.
Yae Miko was already lounging on a sofa reading a novel. Venti and Qiqi were still examining the central ice sculpture.
He called out in frustration. Venti and Qiqi finally came over, and Yae Miko reluctantly returned her book to the shelf.
"What do you think?" Venti asked, confused. "We don't really have preferences. The environment's nice—any one you pick, I'll like."
"This is going to clean out my wallet, so I'd appreciate a little input…" Lu Chen sighed. "Don't any of you have specific requests? Just say it!"
The saleswoman maintained her professional smile. She had figured it out by now—the young man was the one footing the bill.
You really couldn't judge a book by its cover. He looked so young, like a student...
Maybe he was a young master from a wealthy family? That was the only way she could make sense of it.
Especially since he didn't even blink at prices in the tens of millions—definitely someone with money to spare.
"Please feel free to make any requests," she said warmly. "We'll do our best to accommodate you!"
And it was true—whether it was about layout, gardens, or even swimming pools, everything was negotiable.
Ling Shan Bay had it all. As long as you had the money, anything was possible.
"Well, if that's the case..." Venti suddenly lit up.
"Go ahead!" the saleswoman replied, still smiling.
"Build me a wine cellar. I want to brew my own wine!"
"Ah!" The saleswoman thought for a second, then nodded. "That's definitely doable."
"Build me a library," Yae Miko chimed in. "One where I can read whatever I want, whenever I want. That's my ideal life."
"Um..." The saleswoman hesitated, looking slightly troubled.
"Qiqi wants a freezer room..." Qiqi tilted her head, her big eyes sparkling. "A really, really big one... like the kind at the fresh market... cold and cozy..."
"Uh..." The saleswoman's smile froze.
"If we can really ask for anything..." Ei added thoughtfully.
She paused for a moment, then said,
"I'd like a martial arts hall. It'll make training easier. And if Lu Chen and Miko want to fight, they'll have somewhere to go."
"Ooh! That's a good one!" Miko gave a thumbs-up.
"..." The saleswoman finally stopped smiling.
Something felt... off.