Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Smuggling Manifest

This time, Wang Min was generous with her treat, ordering two dishes and a soup, and insisting on paying the bill. Zhang Wei didn’t argue, having already treated his colleagues several times before; thus, he accepted Wang Min’s offer with a clear conscience.

During their meal, they clarified their rights and obligations: Zhang Wei would pay 3,800 yuan in rent per month, Wang Min 1,000 yuan, utilities split evenly. Wang Min would keep the apartment clean and help Zhang Wei with his laundry.

At first glance, Zhang Wei seemed to be paying more than his fair share, but it was actually a win-win arrangement. Zhang Wei disliked studio apartments without living rooms, so if he rented alone, he would have chosen a one-bedroom, which cost about 3,800 yuan—the same amount he was paying now. He would have had to do his own laundry, and being somewhat lazy, he would definitely have hired someone to clean each week, adding to his expenses.

By sharing an apartment with Wang Min, Zhang Wei not only gained a free housekeeper but also a beautiful roommate—a situation sure to inspire envy among other men if word got out.

Of course, there was a downside: should their colleagues discover they were living together, gossip would inevitably circulate at the office, regardless of how innocent their relationship was. So, they agreed to keep their cohabitation a secret.

After the meal, Wang Min returned directly to the Zhongtong branch because she had work, while Zhang Wei headed to the largest supermarket nearby to buy bedding, daily necessities, and clothing—a shopping spree.

Previously, Zhang Wei had little spare money, so despite the supermarket being close to Yayuans residential complex, this was his first visit. The supermarket had five floors: the first for food, the second for clothing, the third for electronics, the fourth for furniture, and the fifth for accessories.

He went straight to the second floor, buying a quality mattress, bedding, towels, and other daily items. He also bought shirts, underwear, ties, three suits, and a casual outfit—each suit cost 3,000 yuan, the casual outfit 1,000, and he spent over 10,000 yuan on clothes alone.

Since the items were valuable, the supermarket assigned a sales assistant to help him store his purchases while he went up to the fifth floor for more shopping.

There, Zhang Wei bought leather shoes for 3,000 yuan, sneakers for 600, a belt for 1,000, a watch costing over 10,000, and a mobile phone for 5,000—spending another 10,000 plus yuan.

His haul from the supermarket amounted to nearly 30,000 yuan. The supermarket promptly granted him VIP status, and with so many things, Zhang Wei rented a car to bring everything home.

He hadn’t bought so many expensive clothes out of a desire to splurge, but to elevate his status and taste. One’s attire can speak of identity, wealth, taste, and character; to change oneself, one must begin with one’s appearance.

After moving everything in and arranging it, it was already past six in the afternoon. He went out for dinner, took a shower, and when he finally lay in bed, it was past eight. Looking up at the twinkling stars outside the floor-to-ceiling window, Zhang Wei felt the warmth of home for the first time since arriving in Beijing.

The next morning, Zhang Wei rose early, freshened up, donned a new shirt, trousers, leather shoes, and took his expensive phone and watch. He stepped out feeling invigorated, a far cry from his days living in the basement.

Wang Min, because of her work schedule, hadn’t yet moved in; she would wait until her shift rotation to avoid suspicion if they moved together.

Zhang Wei strode into the Zhongtong branch, impeccably dressed and radiant. Wang Jianfa, Li Lin, and Wang Min were already there. Zhang Wei greeted them with a smile, “Morning.”

They all replied in kind, then looked up at him, surprised at his transformation.

“Zhang Wei, this material is really nice! Where did you buy it? I want to get my boyfriend a set too,” Li Lin’s eyes sparkled as she got up and felt his sleeve.

“Not just the clothes, the watch is an international brand! Anyone who doesn’t know would think you’ve become a millionaire overnight,” Wang Min teased, though a hint of envy flashed in her eyes.

“Wow, your shoes are shinier than our mirror at home. I bet a fly would slip right off!” Wang Jianfa exaggerated, crouching to touch Zhang Wei’s shoes.

“Alright, enough with the fuss, you’re making me embarrassed,” Zhang Wei waved his hand, sidestepped them, and went to clock in, his face calm but a little smug inside.

Soon, Xu Ming and Wen Fang arrived. They couldn’t resist making jokes about Zhang Wei’s new look. Only Guo Bin was absent today, as he was off duty, but even if he had come, Zhang Wei doubted he’d hear anything nice from him.

Today was Zhang Wei’s turn at the front desk. He took his notebook and pen, sat at the reception, browsing the new property listings in the Fangyou system, and crossed out those already rented or sold.

Understanding listings is the most basic and vital task for an agent. Only by finding properties clients like will they sign a contract; otherwise, no matter how eloquent you are, it’s just a castle in the air.

Perhaps due to the hot weather, there were no clients all morning. Near noon, a middle-aged woman finally entered. Zhang Wei stood to greet her warmly and asked if she was looking to rent or buy.

As it turned out, she was neither buying nor renting—she wanted to sell a property: a south-facing studio, sixty square meters, on the twentieth floor, listed at 1.7 million yuan.

In tower buildings, unit orientation isn’t fixed, but larger units usually command better directions and prices. Studios and one-bedrooms mostly face north, northwest, or northeast; south-facing units are rare.

So, a south-facing studio in Yayuans residential complex was exceptionally valuable. Small units sell easily, and the price wasn’t high, making it a prime listing.

While Zhang Wei entered the property information into the Fangyou system, Xu Ming emerged from his office, intrigued by the listing. He suggested taking the team to view the property.

Usually, agents preview properties before renting or selling so they can accurately assess and confidently present them to clients.

The owner was eager to sell, so upon seeing Xu Ming’s interest, she was pleased and agreed to show them the unit. Xu Ming instructed Li Lin to mind the shop and took Zhang Wei, Wang Min, and Wang Jianfa to see the property.

Zhang Wei accepted without hesitation; after waiting all morning for clients, it was good to get out, learn about a new listing, and clear his mind for a more productive afternoon.

The owner’s apartment was in Building 9, just a few minutes away. They slipped on shoe covers and entered. The décor was simple, basically what the developer provided, but the overall condition was well maintained, likely never rented before.

Xu Ming chatted with the owner while Zhang Wei and the others inspected and photographed the apartment. Once they had all the details, they took their leave, the owner courteously seeing them out.

As they stepped into the hallway, a familiar voice rang out: “Miss Murong, this southwest-facing one-bedroom is the best layout in Yayuans residential complex. Renting it for 3,900 yuan is a steal, haha.”

“Mr. Guo Bin, could you help me move?” came a pleasant female voice.

“Of course, since you’re renting from me, it’s my duty to help you move. If you need anything, just ask,” replied Guo Bin.

“Nothing else, but please don’t tell Zhang Wei I rented from you!” the woman said seriously.

“Don’t worry, Miss Murong, I’ll never mention you rented from me. But I’m curious—what did Zhang Wei do to offend you that you avoid him like this?” Guo Bin wondered.

“I… don’t ask,” Miss Murong frowned, hesitated, and said coldly, “Thank you for your help today. You should head back.”

“Honestly, I feel the same—Zhang Wei gets on my nerves too. Rest assured, I’ll deal with him if I get the chance,” Guo Bin promised, then added sheepishly, “But please don’t tell our manager I rented to you. It’s an off-the-books deal; if she finds out, I’ll be fired!”

No sooner had Guo Bin finished speaking than the sound of teeth grinding echoed in the hallway—Xu Ming was on the other side, having overheard their conversation and now fuming, while Zhang Wei, Wang Jianfa, and Wang Min looked on with amused expressions, eager for the drama to unfold.