Chapter Fifteen: Changing Clients

“Wang Min, it’s enough to grumble a little, the client will probably be here soon. Go outside and greet them, or we’ll risk another agency snatching them away,” Xu Ming instructed.

“I’m not going. These clients who only look and never buy—whoever wants them can have them. I’m not wasting my time,” Wang Min replied with a coquettish huff.

“What’s with your attitude, Wang Min? No matter what, they’re still clients. Since they’re here, you need to receive them properly.” Seeing Wang Min openly challenge him, Xu Ming’s expression darkened as he rebuked her, “You’re not the only agent in this office. If you don’t want to greet clients, I’ll have someone else do it.”

“Fine. If someone else wants to waste their time with them, let them. I don’t care,” Wang Min retorted without flinching.

“Alright, you said it. Don’t regret it later.” Xu Ming’s temper flared as well. He pointed at Zhang Wei at the front desk and said, “Zhang Wei, you’re up to receive clients today. This client is yours now, and if you close a deal, it’ll count towards your numbers.”

“Xu, this client is originally Wang Min’s. Isn’t it awkward for me to take over?” Zhang Wei hesitated, surprised to have been dragged into this.

“There’s nothing awkward about it. She’s the one who doesn’t value the client,” Xu Ming said decisively. “It’s settled. Quickly find a property for the client.”

“Why should my client be given to him?” Wang Min grumbled, realizing that most of her earlier complaints had been out of pique. Now that Xu Ming was truly handing over her client, she felt a pang of injustice.

“What? Regretting it now?” Xu Ming’s lips curled into a smile. He hadn’t really intended to take Wang Min’s client away, but just wanted to curb her arrogance and make her yield, hoping she’d accept the client willingly.

“I’m not regretting it. If you want to give my client to Zhang Wei, fine, but then I’ll take his place at the front desk,” Wang Min said stubbornly.

“Wang Min, you’re so shrewd, trading a client you don’t want for a chance to work the front desk,” Wang Jianfa joked.

“Xu, I think Wang Min should continue with the client. She knows them best. Besides, today was originally Zhang Wei’s turn to receive clients. No need to complicate things,” Li Lin chimed in.

Everyone in the office, including Xu Ming, knew about Wang Min’s client—the chances of closing a deal were slim. For Zhang Wei, swapping his turn at the front desk for this client was hardly a fair trade.

Xu Ming realized Zhang Wei might be dissatisfied with the arrangement but, as the manager, he couldn’t backtrack on his words. He asked, “Zhang Wei, what do you think?”

“I’ll do as you say, Xu,” Zhang Wei replied with a smile. Others might not be able to handle this client, but with his mind-reading ability, Zhang Wei found this client intriguing.

“Alright, Xu’s word is law here. Since Zhang Wei agrees, I’ll hand the client over,” Wang Min agreed, delighted to exchange a hopeless client for another shot at the front desk.

“Zhang Wei, are you sure you want to swap with Wang Min?” Xu Ming asked, concerned that Zhang Wei might only be agreeing out of respect for him.

“I have few home-buying clients and not much experience receiving them. This is a good opportunity to learn, whether or not I make a sale,” Zhang Wei replied.

“Good, work hard. I have faith in you. If you have any questions, come straight to me,” Xu Ming said approvingly.

“Thank you, Xu,” Zhang Wei smiled.

“I know a bit about Ms. Huang’s situation. She wants a larger three-bedroom apartment. If anyone has good listings, let Zhang Wei know so he can show them to her,” Xu Ming instructed. “Jianfa, go with Zhang Wei and help him pick up the keys from other agencies.”

“Understood, Xu,” Wang Jianfa replied.

Showing clients properties is never a one-person job; it requires the teamwork of colleagues. For example, some keys are held at other agencies. You can’t let the client know, or they’ll get the impression the other company is better. Usually, another colleague will go ahead to borrow the keys in advance.

As soon as Xu Ming gave the word, Li Lin and Wang Jianfa each found a suitable listing for Zhang Wei. Zhang Wei himself had another one. He called the owners of all three properties to confirm their availability and found that two could be shown: one of Li Lin’s listings, and one of his own.

“Zhang Wei, since I’ve handed over my client, it’s my turn at the front desk. Shouldn’t you move?” Wang Min hurried over to the reception desk, tapping on it impatiently.

“Alright, I get it,” Zhang Wei replied, standing up and tidying his things to give Wang Min her spot.

“Zhang Wei, you’re such a bootlicker. Thought you’d curry favor with Xu, but now you’ve shot yourself in the foot,” Wang Min taunted quietly.

“What do you mean by that?” Zhang Wei asked, unfazed by her sarcasm.

“What do I mean? I mean, if I couldn’t close this deal, how do you think you’ll manage? It’s a joke!” Wang Min sneered.

“And if I really do close this deal with Ms. Huang?” Zhang Wei glanced at Wang Min’s ample, full chest, the white of her skin showing through the deep ravine, and smiled.

“If you manage to close this deal, I’ll take your surname!” Wang Min declared firmly.

“Let’s not go that far. I’m not old enough to have a daughter like you,” Zhang Wei chuckled. He’d been tempted to say, “If I close this, let me touch your chest,” but dared not speak the thought aloud.

Having given up his spot, Zhang Wei prepared shoe covers and the property viewing confirmation, asked Wang Jianfa to collect the keys from other agencies, and arranged for him to open the door and wait for Zhang Wei to arrive with the clients.

A short while later, Huang Fen arrived at Zhongtong Realty with a man in his thirties. The man was tall and handsome, with distinguished features—easily rivaling a movie star and exuding an elegant charm.

Zhang Wei recognized him immediately as Huang Fen’s husband, Li Guang. He hurried out to greet them. “Ms. Huang, Mr. Li, I was just about to come out and meet you.”

“You’re Wang Min’s colleague, right? Weren’t we supposed to be meeting with her?” Huang Fen asked, puzzled.

“Wang Min hasn’t been feeling well lately and doesn’t have the energy for clients, so the manager asked me to take care of you,” Zhang Wei explained.

“Doesn’t matter who helps us, let’s just look at the properties. I’ve got other things to do afterward,” Li Guang said impatiently, frowning.

“If you find it such a hassle, just give me the money and I’ll buy a house myself. You don’t need to tag along,” Huang Fen snapped.

“I’m not saying it’s a hassle, just that I want to get this over with quickly,” Li Guang replied, pressing the bag under his arm.

“Well, I was going to invite you both to sit inside for a bit, but since you’re in a hurry, Mr. Li, let’s go see the properties right away,” Zhang Wei said with a smile.