"Life is indeed hard, isn't it?" James smiled and patted Selene's shoulder.
Selene laughed and shook her head, thinking that James's life has been much harder for the past few years.
"Anyway, what are you doing here then, if you're not looking for a job?" Selene raised his eyebrows, glancing at the people who came with James.
"I'm looking for a property to buy." James chuckled and introduced his siblings and Lan Yaolei to Selene right away without giving her a chance to respond.
"They're my siblings, Kai and Liora." James patted their heads with a smile before looking at Lan Yaolei. "This is Lan Yaolei, you can say that she's our bodyguard."
"This is Selene, she's my friend from high school." James introduced Selene to his siblings.
After exchanging simple greetings, Selene looked at James with a doubtful expression. "Did you just say that you were going to look for a property to buy, or did I mishear it?"
"Yeah, I said that I'm here to look for a property to buy." James smiled faintly.
"Do you know that the property here is expensive, and even the cheapest one is at $1 million?" Selene knitted her eyebrows.
"Of course, I know." James replied patiently since it was understandable that someone who knew his situation would be surprised when they heard that he wanted to buy a property at this place.
"That's why I'm here because I want to buy a property that can be used right away." James explained and directly walked inside as he continued. "I'm looking for something that costs around $3 million, can you show me the options available?"
Selene opened her eyes wide, then immediately came back to her senses and led James inside since this might become her opportunity if James was really going to buy a property here.
Selene led them deeper into the showroom, her heels clicking softly against the polished marble floor.The Skyline Gallery truly lived up to its reputation as one of the city's top real estate showrooms.
Elegant chandeliers sparkled overhead, while holographic displays showcased breathtaking properties with rotating 3D projections of luxurious villas, apartments, and mansions.
"Here at Skyline Gallery, we specialize in premium properties." Selene explained with a smile. "Within the range you mentioned earlier, we have three main categories: Apartments, villas, and mansions."
James nodded casually with his hands in his pockets, while Liora's eyes wandered across the shining holograms. Kai quietly observed with a calm expression but he was actually impressed since this was his first time coming to such a fancy place.
"Before I show you the list, do you have any requirements?" Selene turned around and asked.
James thought for a few moments before answering with a faint smile. "At least four bedrooms and a safe location. Those are my main concerns."
"Big brother!" Liora suddenly tugged on James's sleeve, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she requested. "Can we get one with a swimming pool too?"
"Alright, add a swimming pool to the list." James chuckled, rubbing her head affectionately.
Selene smiled at the sibling interaction before making adjustments. "Understood. Four bedrooms, a safe neighborhood, and a swimming pool. Let me show you some options within your budget."
Several property images floated into the air, each accompanied by detailed descriptions. Selene highlighted three standout villas, each with lush gardens, private pools, and state of the security systems.
After carefully reviewing the details, James's eyes lingered on one particular villa. It was a modern design with a private garden, a decent size swimming pool, and spacious glass-walled living areas that opened to a quiet neighborhood view.
However the listed price was at $3.8 million.
"This one." James said calmly, pointing at the projection. "I like this villa. But the price is too high."
He then tilted his head to look at Selene with a calm gaze. "Can I buy it right now for $3.3 million, full cash?"
Selene knitted her eyebrows, surprised by the sudden offer. "$3.3 million?" She repeated softly, murmuring to herself.
"That's quite a big discount. I'm not sure if we can satisfy you but let me try talking to my manager in case she could give you a special discount." She winked at James playfully and contacted her manager.
A few minutes later, a middle-aged woman in a fancy business suit approached. She looked with a doubtful expression as she scanned James and the others.
"Hi, I'm the sales manager here, Diana Crowell." She introduced herself politely, then went straight to the point. "I heard that you wish to purchase a villa for $3.3 million cash? That's a significant price cut from the listed amount of $3.8 million."
"That's correct," James replied calmly. "And I'm ready to pay right now."
The manager frowned slightly, clearly weighing her options. "I'm afraid we can't approve such a drop. Even if you're paying in full, that's a half million dollars off. It's really difficult to justify."
Before Selene could speak, James added something with a confident smile. "If you can agree to this price, I'll return next week to buy an even more expensive property."
The manager raised an eyebrow, feeling skeptical. "And how do I know you'll actually come back? Anyone can make promises, you know."
James tilted his head slightly, then looked toward Lan Yaolei. "Yao Yao, show it to her."
Lan Yaolei, who had remained silently composed the entire time, took a step forward. The moment she took a step forward, a wave of pressure filled the showroom.
The air itself seemed to tighten as the aura of a genuine B-rank Awakener radiated from her slender body. Several nearby staff members instinctively held their breath, their knees nearly tumbling from the overwhelming presence.
The manager's eyes widened, recognizing the unmistakable energy since she was a C-rank Awakener herself.
"B-rank?" She mumbled softly, her voice trembling slightly.
Lan Yaolei smiled faintly and withdrew her aura as quickly as it appeared, returning to her calm and elegant stance.
The manager hesitated, glancing between James's calm posture and the B-rank powerhouse standing leisurely at his side.
After a tense pause, she finally exhaled and nodded. "Very well. $3.3 million, full cash. We'll process the paperwork immediately."
"Good." James said with a satisfied smile. "Let's get it done then."
Selene stood silently beside them nervously as her heart was still racing. In all the time she had known James, she had never imagined he had such a side.
Let alone the fact that he was being accompanied by such a strong and beautiful awakener by his side as if he was her superior.