Chapter 25: The Despicable Man

“Heh, the harder something is to obtain, the more determined I am to get it! I want to prove that there’s nothing in this world that I, Pan Yixuan, desire yet cannot seize!” Pan Yixuan declared emphatically.

On the bustling, traffic-laden avenue, a slowly passing Bugatti Veyron drew countless gazes from passersby. There was no denying the reputation of the Bugatti Veyron—within the borders of China, this luxury brand was legendary. Anyone able to drive such a car was certainly no ordinary person.

Thus, all along the street, pedestrians cast fervent, admiring glances at the two Bugatti Veyrons, especially the single women, whose eyes seemed to burn with the intensity of flames as they gazed at the gleaming vehicles.

The owner of this luxury car, of course, was Jiang Hao.

Jiang Hao’s slow driving was not for show. Though this was Maple Leaf City’s bustling downtown, not some remote district, he had seldom visited this area. Today, he’d come to purchase a home for himself, so he was following the GPS to locate the sales center of Zhao Real Estate.

Finally arriving at his destination, Jiang Hao parked his car at the entrance. As soon as he stepped out, the sidewalk was awash with envious, jealous, and resentful stares; even two passing beauties threw flirtatious glances his way.

But Jiang Hao paid them no mind. After what had happened with Su Qingli, he had lost all interest in women—not that he lacked desire, but his heart was simply too wounded to care. No matter how beautiful a woman might appear before him now, he would not spare her a second glance.

Striding into the first-floor lobby of Zhao Real Estate’s sales center, Jiang Hao hadn’t even spoken when a sweet-looking saleswoman hurried over to greet him.

“Hello, sir. Are you here to look at properties?” she asked with a smile.

“Yes,” Jiang Hao nodded.

“May I ask how I should address you, sir? And what price range are you considering?” the saleswoman continued.

Jiang Hao thought for a moment before replying, “My surname is Jiang, but you can call me whatever you like... I’m looking for an ordinary apartment in a residential community.”

Upon hearing his answer, the saleswoman’s expression visibly dimmed. Apartments in ordinary communities were the least expensive, hardly the lucrative deals in the real estate business. Commission on such sales wasn’t much.

Thus, hearing Jiang Hao’s intent, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Yet she quickly composed herself, smiling again as she said, “Alright, sir, please follow me. Over here is the exhibition area for our ordinary community units at Zhao Real Estate.”

“Alright,” Jiang Hao replied, nodding, his opinion of the saleswoman rising slightly. She had been visibly disappointed, but had swiftly regained her composure, neither showing displeasure nor changing her attitude towards the client. Such professionalism marked a truly competent salesperson.

Inside a spotless, brightly-lit glass display was a beautifully crafted model of the residential community. Twenty buildings intertwined, with abundant greenery—a layout that looked comfortable and inviting at a glance.

Jiang Hao was immediately impressed. He had no extravagant requirements for his house; as long as it was livable, that was enough. There was no need to buy something overly luxurious. Though his bank card held fifty million yuan, that didn’t mean he needed to waste it on a villa.

Moreover, Jiang Hao was planning to break away from the Su family and strike out on his own. Buying an apartment now would serve as a temporary measure; once he had amassed more wealth, he could always purchase something grander.

“Sir, this community is the latest modern development invested by Zhao Real Estate Group. The internal and surrounding facilities are complete—hospitals, large supermarkets and malls, entertainment venues, transportation infrastructure, everything you could need. And I can share an insider tip with you…” the saleswoman said mysteriously.

“What insider tip?” Jiang Hao feigned interest, playing along with her performance though he was genuinely indifferent.

“Next to this community, a new experimental elementary school will soon be built. In two or three years, these units will become highly coveted school district housing. Whether you live here or buy to resell, the appreciation potential is excellent,” the saleswoman enthused, painting a dazzling picture. Had Jiang Hao been an ordinary buyer, he might have been persuaded to hand over his money on the spot.

“I don’t have children; school district housing isn’t important to me,” Jiang Hao replied calmly.

“But you could sell it later!” the saleswoman persisted.

“I’m buying for myself, to live in—not to speculate,” Jiang Hao answered with a smile.

At this, the saleswoman lost some of her enthusiasm. She realized this young man was not someone easily swayed by rhetoric. As she pondered another approach to persuade Jiang Hao, laughter suddenly drifted down from the second floor.

“Zhou Chen, our conversation today has been delightful. I’m feeling much better. Next time, I’ll come chat with you again!”

“Master Pan, let me see you out.”

Hearing the words “Master Pan,” Jiang Hao frowned slightly. Master Pan? Which one? Could it be Pan Yixuan, the eldest son of the Pan family in Maple Leaf City?

Jiang Hao looked up toward the stairs, immediately seeing Pan Yixuan following behind Zhou Chen, smiling as they descended from the second floor.

It was indeed him!

Jiang Hao felt a wave of irritation. He hadn’t expected to run into Pan Yixuan while house hunting—what rotten luck.

“Mr. Jiang, is something wrong?” the saleswoman asked, noticing Jiang Hao’s changed expression. She followed his gaze and saw Pan Yixuan and Zhou Chen descending the stairs.

Realization dawned on her. She smiled and said, “Are you interested in that gentleman, Mr. Jiang? His name is Zhou Chen, our sales manager here. Do you know him?”

“No, I don’t,” Jiang Hao replied, turning to leave.

He wasn’t afraid of Pan Yixuan; he simply didn’t want to argue or become entangled with him. It was like spotting a pile of dog excrement on the sidewalk—why confront it? Just skirt around it and be on your way, pinching your nose if necessary.

Getting involved would only make matters more troublesome and sordid.

Although the Zhao family was the largest real estate group in Maple Leaf City, there were other companies as well. Jiang Hao could easily go to another sales center to buy his apartment—a place to settle down, nothing more.

But before he could leave, Pan Yixuan’s voice rang out from behind.

“Well, if it isn’t Jiang Hao! What a coincidence—fancy running into you here!”