Chapter 124: Wang Ziqiang

This transaction was of great importance to Zhang Wei. Securing this deal would not only increase his chances of being promoted to store manager but also provide an opportunity to build rapport with Zhang Wenyuan and Li Yun. If he could manage to get acquainted with that executive deputy director, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous boon to his future career.

On his way back to the store, Zhang Wei kept analyzing the situation. Through his interactions with Li Yun over the past few days, he realized she was a woman of strong principles who held significant sway in the decision to purchase a home.

Once Zhang Wei learned that the unit Wang Zhen had shown Li Yun was 1018 in Building 10, he essentially had two choices. The first was to claim he also knew of unit 1018, take Li Yun to see it himself, and compete with Wang Zhen, hoping to convince Li Yun to sign the contract through him.

However, Zhang Wei did not favor this approach. For one, he had not yet contacted the owner and was unfamiliar with the specifics of the unit. Furthermore, given Li Yun’s strong principles, since Wang Zhen had shown her the property first, she might not buy it through him even if he took her to see it. Moreover, competing over the same client and the same property would get very complicated. The most likely outcome would be a price war between the two agencies, with the one charging the lowest commission winning the deal—a result Zhang Wei wanted to avoid.

Therefore, Zhang Wei decided on the second approach: stalling the property to prevent the owner from selling to Li Yun, thereby buying himself enough time to find alternative listings. It was a simpler strategy. In plain terms, Zhang Wei’s method was to entice Li Yun with a superior property, discouraging her from rushing into buying unit 1018, while simultaneously finding a way to delay the owner from selling to her. With neither party ready to sign, he would have the time he needed to find a new listing.

Zhang Wei had already fabricated a property listing that successfully piqued Li Yun’s interest. Now, he needed to obtain the owner’s contact information, call them, and invent a credible buyer to ensure the owner wouldn’t make a firm decision to sell in the short term.

Back at the Zhongtong branch, Zhang Wei retrieved the property records for Building 10. Building 10 consisted of four units—A, B, C, and D—which were interconnected. Zhang Wei had been responsible for calling the owners of units A and B, while Wang Jianfa had handled units C and D.

He had already called unit 1018 in Building 10A, but the owner had no intention of renting or selling. He had not yet had the chance to call 1018 in Building 10B, while Wang Jianfa had already checked units C and D, where the owners also had no interest in selling.

Zhang Wei suspected that unit 1018 in Building 10B was likely the one Wang Zhen had shown Li Yun. He located the details for the owner of 10B-1018, whose name was listed as Wang Ziqiang, along with his mobile and landline numbers.

After reviewing the file, Zhang Wei picked up his phone and dialed the number. After a few rings, someone finally answered.

"Hello, may I speak with Mr. Wang from unit 1018, building 10B?" Zhang Wei asked.

"That's me! Which agency are you with?" Upon hearing Zhang Wei’s professional tone, the owner, Wang Ziqiang, immediately guessed his profession.

"I’m with Lianjia Real Estate. Is your property currently for sale?" Zhang Wei didn't mention he was with Zhongtong; instead, he posed as an agent from another firm, a common tactic used by agents.

"Lianjia again? Didn't you people look at the house yesterday? Why are you asking me again today if it's for sale?" the owner asked, puzzled.

"Mr. Wang, I am an agent with Lianjia, but not from the Yayuan Community branch. I have a long-term client looking for a two-bedroom duplex, so I’m calling personally to inquire about the details," Zhang Wei explained.

"Oh, I see. Go ahead and ask," Wang Ziqiang replied.

"Mr. Wang, what is your asking price, and is it convenient to show the property?" Zhang Wei asked. He had already seen every floor plan in the Yayuan community. Once he knew the unit number, he didn't need to ask about the area, layout, orientation, or renovation—he had it all memorized. This was why agents were expected to pound the pavement and view as many properties as possible.

"I’m still living here, so you can bring clients to see it anytime. The price is 3.2 million yuan. I won’t sell it for a penny less. If your client can't accept that price, don't waste your time," Wang Ziqiang said firmly.

"Don't worry, Mr. Wang. My client is very serious. As long as the property is good, price is not an issue," Zhang Wei promised confidently.

"As long as they accept the price, that’s fine. I’ll be home today and tomorrow; just bring them by to take a look," Wang Ziqiang said.

"Mr. Wang, my client is currently away on business and won't be back for a couple of days. Would it be alright if we viewed the property in two days?" Zhang Wei asked.

"That’s hard to say. Several agencies in the community are talking to me about this place. There’s a young couple getting married at the end of the year who are very serious—we’ll likely sign in the next two days. If your client is truly interested, bring them over as soon as possible," Wang Ziqiang countered.

Hearing the mention of a young couple getting married at the end of the year, Zhang Wei knew it was almost certainly Zhang Wenyuan and Li Yun. The sense of crisis in his heart deepened. *I must find a way to stall the owner,* he thought.

"Brother Wang, my client is absolutely reliable. I’ve already shown them the floor plan, and they are very satisfied. I can guarantee that a full cash payment of 3.2 million will be no problem," Zhang Wei said forcefully.

"Save it. Every agency tells me that before they see the place, and then they haggle more than anyone else once they do," Wang Ziqiang replied.

Wang Ziqiang had quoted 3.2 million to every agency, but without exception, everyone tried to negotiate after seeing the property. Even the highly motivated Li Yun and Zhang Wenyuan were only offering 3.1 million. Thus, Zhang Wei’s promise of a 3.2 million cash deal remained quite attractive.

"Brother Wang, if you can just wait two more days, I will definitely bring them to see it the day after tomorrow. The property isn't going anywhere—it won't hurt to wait those two days, will it?" Zhang Wei urged.

"Alright then. Two days at the latest. If your client isn't back by then, I’m going to sell it," Wang Ziqiang said after a moment of silence.

"Understood, don't worry. I will be there with the client the day after tomorrow," Zhang Wei said, relieved that the owner had finally relented.

"Fine, let’s leave it at that. I’m hanging up now," the owner said, and promptly ended the call.

After hanging up, Zhang Wei tapped his fingers on the desk, deep in thought. While he had temporarily stalled the owner and the client, preventing them from signing immediately, this was a rather underhanded tactic. To truly secure the deal, he still needed to find a property that would satisfy Li Yun.