Old Harden, can you handle having your vision-shifting abilities on all the time?

"A kindergarten teacher?"

Xu Xing was somewhat surprised. "Which kindergarten?"

"Chang'an International Bilingual Kindergarten"

Liu Qing gave the name with a hint of pride, "It's the one over on Gaoxin Road, one of the best private kindergartens in Chang'an."

Xu Xing nodded, his impression of the woman improving even more.

He had heard of Chang'an International Bilingual Kindergarten. It was one of the top private kindergartens in Chang'an. Children who could get in were either rich or noble, and the teachers there were naturally not ordinary people either.

"It's quite impressive that Ms. Liu is able to teach at such a top-tier kindergarten at such a young age."

Xu Xing gave a sincere compliment.

"Mr. Xu, please don't flatter me. I'm just a little teacher who takes care of children."

Liu Qing smiled and waved her hand, then changed the subject, "Let's get down to business first, Mr. Xu, are you really interested in buying that house?"

"sincere."

Xu Xing put down his teacup, his expression serious.

Liu Qing nodded, pondered for a moment, and then quoted a price: 2.8 million.

Xu Xing did not answer immediately after hearing this, but instead picked up his teacup, took a sip, and quickly made a mental calculation.

The price was slightly higher than the market price, but considering the location and renovation of the house, it wasn't outrageous.

"Ms. Liu, this price is a little too high."

Xu Xing put down his teacup and said calmly, "I've looked into the transaction prices of second-hand homes of the same type and location in the High-tech Zone. The price you quoted is about eight percent higher than the market average."

Liu Qing blinked her clear, large eyes, a sly smile appearing on her face: "Mr. Xu really is a restorer, he even knows so much about housing prices."

She thought for a moment, then held up three fingers: "Then how about this, I'll lower the price by 30,000, as a discount for Mr. Xu, this excellent tenant."

Xu Xing shook his head: "Ms. Liu, I won't beat around the bush with you. I'll offer a price, and if you think it's acceptable, we can complete the formalities today."

He quoted 265, which was about 5% lower than Liu Qing's quote.

After hearing this, Liu Qing frowned slightly, looking rather cute like a young girl.

She thought for about ten seconds, then looked up at Xu Xing and said, "Mr. Xu, you're really ruthless with your bargaining, cutting the price down so much at once."

"I genuinely want to buy, so I'm offering the fair price."

Xu Xing smiled and said, "If Ms. Liu thinks it's okay, we can go to the housing management office now to complete the formalities and exchange money for goods."

Liu Qing looked at him, a thoughtful glint in her amber eyes. After a moment, she smiled and nodded, "Okay, it's the price Mr. Xu quoted. Deal!"

She stood up and extended her hand to Xu Xing: "It's a pleasure working with you."

Xu Xing grasped her hand; its touch was still warm and smooth. "It's been a pleasure working with you."

Both of them were straightforward people. Since the price had been agreed upon, they didn't linger and got up to leave the teahouse and drive to the housing management office in the high-tech zone.

The housing management office closes at 4:30 p.m., and the two arrived at 4:10 p.m., which was still plenty of time.

Because it's a full cash purchase, the procedures are much simpler than with a loan.

Under the guidance of the staff, the two filled out various forms, submitted their ID cards, property ownership certificates and other relevant documents, and paid the deed tax and other fees.

The whole process took about forty minutes.

When the staff stamped the property certificate with their official seal and handed the brand-new real estate ownership certificate to Xu Xing, the apartment officially became his.

"Congratulations, Mr. Xu, that house is now yours."

Liu Qing stood to the side, smiling as she offered her congratulations.

Xu Xing took the property certificate, glanced at the information on it, and didn't take it seriously.

A house at this price is nothing to him now. After all, compared to the large single-level apartment in Yunxi Terrace, this duplex apartment is still too small.

However, that apartment is in a good location, so there is still room for future appreciation, and Zhang Ming is making the best use of it by living there now.

"Ms. Liu, thank you so much for today."

Xu Xing put away the property certificate and sincerely thanked them.

"Don't mention it, this is a fair trade."

Liu Qing smiled, then glanced at her watch; it was almost 5:30.

She looked up at Xu Xing, her eyes filled with anticipation: "Mr. Xu, I wonder if you're free tonight? I'd like to invite you to a simple meal as a way of celebrating the successful transaction."

Xu Xing initially wanted to refuse, but then he thought that he had just made a big deal with them today, and it would seem petty of him not to go if they offered to treat him to a meal.

"Then I shall respectfully comply."

He readily agreed.

Liu Qing's eyes lit up, and a delighted smile spread across her face: "Great! I know a private restaurant nearby that's really good. I'll take you there!"

The two drove their own cars, one after the other, out of the housing management office's parking lot.

Liu Qing was driving a white Tesla Model 3, a small and agile car that suited her petite figure quite well.

The two cars navigated through the evening rush hour traffic for about twenty minutes before finally stopping in front of a private restaurant hidden deep in an alley.

The restaurant has a small storefront decorated in an antique style. A plaque hangs at the entrance with the words "Yinlu" written in vigorous strokes, showing the style of a famous calligrapher.

"This shop is owned by a friend of mine. The ingredients are all air-freighted from Yunnan on the same day, so the taste is very authentic."

As Liu Qing spoke, she led Xu Xing inside.

The proprietress, a woman in her early forties, greeted Liu Qing warmly upon seeing her: "Little Qing's here! Did you bring a friend today?"

"Yes, I've brought a new friend to try your cooking."

Liu Qing introduced with a smile, "This is Mr. Xu. He just completed a transaction with me today."

The boss glanced at Xu Xing, a knowing smile flashing in his eyes, and then led the two into an elegant private room inside.

The dishes were served quickly, all exquisite Yunnan dishes: steamed chicken in a clay pot, stir-fried wild mushrooms with cured pork, lemongrass grilled fish, pineapple purple rice...

Every dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate. Xu Xing took a bite and confirmed that it truly lived up to its reputation.

The two ate and chatted, and the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

Liu Qing raised her glass and toasted Xu Xing: "Mr. Xu, it's a pleasure to meet you today. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need any help in the future."

"Ms. Liu, you're too kind."

Xu Xing clinked glasses with her, "If I get married and have children who need to go to kindergarten in the future, I might really need to trouble you."

"No problem, leave it to me!"

Liu Qing patted her chest to assure them, and that gesture, combined with her youthful face, looked somewhat adorably incongruous.

She put down her wine glass, then suddenly changed the subject, asking curiously, "Mr. Xu, the agent said you do antique restoration? What exactly do you restore?"

"Porcelain restoration".

Xu Xing didn't hide anything and casually replied, "Mainly restoring some ancient porcelain pieces."

"Wow, isn't that really high-class?"

Liu Qing's eyes lit up, and an expression of amazement appeared on her face. "When I was a child, I saw those porcelain restoration programs on TV. They were so amazing! The restorers could put those pieces of porcelain back together like magic!"

Xu Xing smiled and said, "It's not that magical. It's just a craft that requires patience and meticulousness."

"That's still amazing!"

Liu Qing exclaimed sincerely, "Unlike me, I deal with a bunch of kids every day, coaxing them to eat, sleep, and play games. Sometimes I'm so tired that I can't even straighten my back."

As she spoke, she subconsciously rubbed her waist, a gesture that, combined with her exaggerated figure, forced Xu Xing to look away.