Chapter 13: Settling Down
When they reached a less crowded section of the road, Xia Hu took the wheel, driving with practiced ease. The test driver seated beside him breathed a sigh of relief. After two laps, they returned to the dealership.
“This Mulsanne Ultimate Edition is priced at 4.68 million yuan before tax. It's available now, and we can process the paperwork immediately. You could drive it home today,” the sales representative said.
Zhuang Chen swiped his card on the spot. The total came to nearly six million. He went to the VIP lounge to enjoy some tea while he waited. The sales assistant bustled off to handle the formalities, delighted to discover a few excellent Beijing license plate options — a pleasant surprise.
Money truly makes the world go round. Everything was settled before lunch, and Xia Hu was now, in every sense, the official driver. They left in the new car, ignoring the sales assistant’s wistful glance when her request to add WeChat was declined.
Back at the State Guesthouse, they had to register again at the entrance before the armed police let them through. Butler Hu noticed that Zhuang Chen had gone out and returned with a Bentley as well as two additional bodyguards, privately marveling at the whims of the wealthy.
Arrangements for Xia Long and Xia Hu were quickly made; the presidential suite included rooms for both bodyguards and housekeepers. Not only could they provide close protection, but they also wouldn’t intrude on the owner's privacy, saving Zhuang Chen from unnecessary worry.
After a busy morning, hunger struck. At the restaurant, he ordered for three and motioned for Xia Long and Xia Hu to join him. Xia Long immediately declined, “You go ahead, sir. Once we’re back in a secure area, we’ll take care of ourselves.”
Butler Hu smiled from the side, “Bodyguards have a tough job. We’ll pack their meals to go. Once you confirm things are safe, they can relax a bit.”
With no other choice, Zhuang Chen dined alone, though there was more than enough food for everyone. As butler, old Hu couldn’t join him at the table; the bodyguards, of course, stood nearby, alert and watchful.
Was this the loneliness of the fabled nouveau riche?
After the meal was packed up, they returned to the suite. Watching Xia Long and Xia Hu meticulously inspect every corner, Zhuang Chen said helplessly, “This is the State Guesthouse. Isn’t this a bit too cautious?”
He pointed to the food on the table, commanding, “Eat quickly and rest for a bit. We’ll be heading out again this afternoon. Try to relax.”
Xia Long and Xia Hu exchanged a look—since the boss insisted, and given they were at the State Guesthouse, they could only sit down and eat. In less than five minutes, they devoured everything.
Zhuang Chen stared, dumbfounded. He couldn’t help but ask, “Are all ace special forces operatives better eaters than ordinary people?”
“All dressed in black, wearing sunglasses—don’t you think that’s a bit too cool?”
Xia Long watched as the staff tidied up, then stood and replied seriously, “Black suits are the best disguise for weapons, since most firearms are black. Sometimes, bodyguards’ attire should match the person they’re protecting, but more often, it should be distinctly different to deter criminals.”
“As for sunglasses, they’re indispensable. They shield our eyes from sunlight or other distracting lights, but most importantly, they prevent others from knowing where we’re looking.”
He tapped his ear. “Then there are the miniature earpieces, allowing us to communicate at any moment. If we’re separated, we can quickly call for backup.”
Zhuang Chen was curious. “Foreign bodyguards can carry guns, but you can’t, right?”
“Domestic law doesn’t allow it, unless it’s official business. Civilian bodyguards can’t carry weapons,” Xia Long replied gravely. “However, our company is licensed to carry high-voltage stun batons. They can subdue dangerous individuals in an instant.”
“We also have new bulletproof vests. If a crisis arises, our first priority is shielding you and ensuring your safety.”
Noticing Zhuang Chen’s interest, Xia Hu added, “Special operations bodyguards receive the best benefits, since the job is so risky. Celebrity bodyguards, especially in China, are only allowed to carry flashlights and laser pointers.”
“The flashlight is the strongest self-defense tool they’re allowed, while the laser pointer is used during fan encounters or if paparazzi try to take pictures—it’s a way to warn them off.”
Zhuang Chen laughed heartily. He’d once read a news article that said there were now five or six hundred top billionaires in the country, with multimillionaires too numerous to count!
Having assets in the tens of millions was hardly impressive—given real estate prices in the top-tier cities, half a living room could be worth over a million. It hardly made one a tycoon.
Truthfully, domestic public security was good, and strict gun control meant there were almost no armed criminals. He had more money than he could spend, but his social circle was extremely small, with few friends and even fewer enemies.
He sent Xia Long and Xia Hu to rest in the adjacent room, then took a hot shower and slept soundly. At four in the afternoon, he got up, drove out, and headed to Courtyard No.7 to look at properties.
“We only have three left—two at four hundred and fifty square meters, and one top duplex at six hundred square meters,” the saleswoman said enthusiastically, leading Zhuang Chen to view the houses. With a Bentley Mulsanne and bodyguards in tow, he was every inch the wealthy heir.
“Take a look here. We use only imported red brick, stone, and pure copper—the finest materials. The decor incorporates traditional elements: the Twelve Symbols of Sovereignty, Tang grass motifs, fly-whisk patterns, and cloud designs, all crafted with traditional masonry techniques and painstaking detail.”
“Located between the Second and Third Ring Roads, right next to the scenic Yuyuantan Park and the State Guesthouse, with mountains behind and water in front, it’s the ideal setting according to Chinese tradition—a true treasure of feng shui.”
As she spoke, they arrived at the elevator. “Each unit has a private elevator and underground garage, ensuring privacy. Dual security with fingerprint and passcode access, and 24-hour property management—you can rest assured.”
On the third floor, there were only two units, separated by a corridor. When the door opened, the living room alone was at least a hundred square meters—spacious, bright, and supremely luxurious.
A grand piano stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, massive plants thrived in the sunlight, and large oil paintings adorned the walls, highlighting the refined taste of the home.
“This one is European minimalist style, fully furnished with imported brands and the highest quality finishes. You could move in right away,” the saleswoman said, watching Zhuang Chen’s expression and adding, “Of course, if you’re not satisfied, we can contact the decorators immediately and remodel according to your preferences. All costs are on us.”
Zhuang Chen was pleased with the layout and size, but found the decor too ostentatious. “Do you have something more understated?”
“We do—this way, please.” The saleswoman’s heart leaped; she could sense his mood. At a hundred and twenty thousand per square meter, the cost of redecorating was nothing!
They went to the neighboring building and took the elevator directly to the top floor. Opening the door, she presented, “This is our best unit—six hundred square meters, duplex, Western European minimalist style.”
Zhuang Chen’s eyes brightened; his first impression was excellent and matched his taste. After looking through all the rooms, he said, satisfied, “This is nice. Any special offers?”
The saleswoman gave a brilliant smile, leaned closer, and whispered, “The price is already the lowest—one hundred and twenty thousand per square meter—but we can give you a private rooftop garden of one hundred and sixty square meters and three above-ground parking spaces. It’s unbeatable value.”
“Everyone who lives in Courtyard No.7 is a high official or a major celebrity. I can’t tell you their names, but you’d definitely recognize their faces from the Spring Festival Gala.”
Zhuang Chen was pleased. The environment was perfect, the decor was just right, and the convenience of moving in without hassle was ideal. He decided on the spot and swiped his card.