Chapter 79

David Sullivan looked surprised. "Why did we wander over here?"

Sophia Sullivan was about to answer.

A sales agent from the property center approached them warmly. "Are you interested in viewing some properties? We have a full range of unit types. We can meet both starter home and upgrade needs."

Sophia replied, "Just browsing."

"Over here is our model display. You can see the overall planning for Phase Three is very comprehensive. The surrounding area has supermarkets, schools, and hospitals. It's very convenient for daily life."

Sophia's gaze swept over the model. "The distance between the buildings seems a bit close."

"Because these are high-rise residences, the buildings are relatively compact."

"I heard you also have a villa section?"

Lakeside Pearl offered two types of products. One was standard high-rise apartments. The other was detached villas.

The villas were only two stories. Their size was moderate. But they came with a front yard and a back garden.

They featured a modern interpretation of classic design. The layout included three sequential entrance courts. This met living needs without feeling empty. It had become a trendy development in the city.

Sophia had done her homework beforehand.

"I'd like to see the lakeside villas."

David Sullivan enjoyed gardening. He needed a large yard.

Isabella Sullivan liked reading and writing outdoors. She needed a quiet backyard. Preferably with a pavilion for tea and relaxation.

The agent heard her request for a villa. She could even name the specific type. She was clearly informed.

She quickly assessed Sophia. No makeup, but very pretty. Her clothes had no visible branding. She wasn't carrying a purse.

Based on appearance alone, it was hard to judge her purchasing power.

That face certainly didn't look like it belonged to someone short on money.

But...

"Sophia, don't talk nonsense." David hurriedly pulled his daughter aside. "Looking at the model is enough. Are you really going to see a villa? They'll take you seriously."

Sophia asked, "Dad, what do you think of this development?"

"It's nice. Several of my colleagues bought apartments in the high-rises here."

It was very close to the Second High School. Just cross the street and a five-minute walk.

But the prices were terrifyingly high!

With premium finishes and the prime location, the price per square foot was double that of other high-rise complexes.

"Should we buy one too?" Sophia's words were shocking.

David's eyes went wide. "Don't joke around. What if the agent goes to all that trouble for nothing?"

Isabella nodded. "Working on the holiday isn't easy. We're just browsing casually. Let's not waste their time."

David urged, "Let's go quickly..."

They kept their voices low, but the sharp-eared agent still overheard.

Her smile instantly faded.

All this time, they were just playing around!

That middle-aged couple looked like average working-class folks. What kind of money could they have?

And buying a villa?

Are they dreaming?

Sophia gave her parents a reassuring look. She walked to the model and asked directly, "Can we see the villas?"

The agent smiled. "I'm sorry. Our detached villas are only shown to VIP clients."

Sophia knew high-end properties had asset verification requirements. "What are the conditions for VIP clients?"

"First, you need eligibility to purchase property in the city. That's basic. Second, liquid assets in your account must reach two million. Alternatively, holding a black card from one of the top five domestic banks works. You can also provide other proof of financial capacity."

Cash, deposits, a black card—Sophia had them all.

She was hesitating which one to show. David already grabbed her arm and pulled her away.

As they walked, he muttered, "This is getting more and more ridiculous. Two million in liquid assets? We're not in a movie..."

Isabella whispered a complaint, "I wouldn't even dare write this in my novels. Yet you had the nerve to ask. Your years away have made you bold."

She then turned and smiled apologetically at the agent. "Sorry, the child is just playing around. We've wasted your time."

At this, the woman didn't even bother pretending. She outright rolled her eyes.

"Where did these bumpkins come from? Can't afford a villa, yet come here pretending to be rich. Are they insane?"

Isabella was stunned. David's face darkened.

But because they were in the wrong, they couldn't argue. They could only keep apologizing.

Seeing this, the woman became even more relentless. "People like you, wanting to buy a villa? You probably can't even afford a bathroom in the high-rise! What kinds of people exist? Such bad luck, running into you on the holiday!"

Working overtime during the Spring Festival was annoying enough. She thought a big client had arrived. Turns out, it was three paupers!

So infuriating.

Isabella frowned. "Even if we were wrong, your words are too harsh. We are still guests, after all..."

"If you can't take it, then don't come in! What kind of guests are you? Do you have any purchasing power? If you can't afford it, why look? My time is precious. It's not for you to waste!"

"How do you know we can't afford it?" Sophia frowned deeply. "Please show some respect."

"You say you can afford it, so you can? I could say I'm a billionaire. Boasting costs nothing."

Sophia sneered. "Even if I could afford it, I wouldn't buy from someone like you."

"Oh, talk to me when you can actually afford it then."

She sneered inwardly, convinced Sophia was a pauper pretending to be rich. She'd seen plenty of that type.

"Fine." Sophia nodded. She looked around, her gaze settling on a spot.

She walked right past the woman, heading diagonally across the room. "Are you staff here?"

The young girl wasn't very old, fairly new to the job. Her face still held a touch of naivety. She was holding a tray. Hearing the question, she paused, then nodded.

"Yes, I am... How can I help you?"

"Can you show us the floor plans for the lakeside villas?"

"Well..." The girl pressed her lips together, looking hesitant. "Company policy requires asset verification before viewing villas. So..."

"I know." Sophia nodded. She pulled a black card from her down jacket pocket and handed it over. "Will this do?"

The girl was stunned for a moment. Then she nodded vigorously. "Of course! Please, follow me..."

"Wait!" The ignored woman suddenly spoke up. She rushed over in her high heels, pointing at the black card on the tray. "It's not fake, is it?"