The Real Big Shot

Sunday, August 6, 2023: Cloudy turning to thunderstorms, 23~30℃.

Early in the morning, Tang Song got up.

I put on a tracksuit and started jogging along the not-so-clean roads of the town.

Because of the bad weather, it was not fully light yet at this time, and there were basically no people on the road.

Only the occasional electric car or car drives by.

After completing his daily aerobic exercise, Tang Song took a quick cold shower and then went straight into the kitchen.

I cooked Xiaomi, stir-fried two kinds of fresh vegetables, and made a few egg pancakes.

When Xu Feng came out of the bedroom, she saw a steaming breakfast on the table and her son Wei Xiao and calling her to eat.

I was instantly moved to tears.

During the meal, Xu Feng took out her Mobile Phone and began introducing the properties for sale in the county to Tang Song.

"The best and most popular residential areas in our county right now are Fengze Garden and Yunjing Terrace, both with fully furnished apartments. The environment is excellent, like a park. Fengze Garden is located on the East Ring, next to the highway, making it convenient for you to travel to and from Yancheng..."

Nowadays, for young people in rural areas to get married, owning a house in the city is a must.

The house was a frequent topic of discussion among neighbors and relatives.

Xu Feng knew quite a bit about the real estate market in the county, and after researching a lot of information last night, she spoke fluently and knowledgeably.

Houses in small county towns, especially those in such good locations and upscale school districts, tend to retain their value very well, making them a good investment rather than a waste of money.

After listening to his mother, Tang Song decisively said, "Fengze Garden is located in a rather remote area and the amenities aren't complete. The house is mainly for you and Dad to live in. Let's buy something more lively. Yunjing Terrace is next to the hospital and shopping mall, and it's all villas, which is quite suitable."

"Then let's go see Yunjing Terrace first!" Xu Feng's face was full of anticipation.

A relative of hers got married before, and the new house was in Yunjing Terrace. She had visited it a few times.

I still vividly remember the shock and envy I felt at the time.

After deciding which development to visit, Tang Jianying said, "We have a relative who works in a government agency and knows many of the developers' leaders. I heard they can get insider discounts, much cheaper than outside. I'll give them a call and ask."

After saying that, Tang Jianying picked up her Mobile Phone, scrolled through her contacts, found a contact, and dialed the number.

The phone rang for a while before it was finally answered.

Tang Jianying cleared her throat, pressed the receiver to her ear, and said with a smile, "Hello, have you eaten yet, Maolin?"

"How have you been lately? Is work going well?"

"Our family is planning to buy a house in the county town, and we wanted to ask you if we could get a discount."

"The Yunjing Terrace Residential Complex next to Hualian."

"Hey, don't you know what's going on between your sister-in-law and me? We can't afford such an expensive house. It's my son, Xiao Song. He's doing live-streaming e-commerce in Yancheng, and he's made some money. He's planning to buy a house here."

"Okay, okay, thank you for your hard work. I'll wait for your news!"

After hanging up the phone, Tang Jianying breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at her son, "Your Uncle Maolin said it should be fine. He'll make some contact and call back later."

Then, Tang Jianying explained the other party's situation.

He is the son of Uncle Tang Song, a few years younger than Tang Jianying. He currently works in the county's Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau and is a leader there. He is considered the most well-connected person in their family.

As a result, the relatives of Uncle Tang Song were very respected in the village.

During the Lunar New Year, the ancestral worship ceremony is always presided over by the family, and it is highly regarded by the family members.

That's how it is in the countryside; when doing anything, the first thing that comes to mind is using connections.

Those who have connections or can provide direct benefits to others are often highly respected.

People like Tang Song, who are simply rich, may be envied, jealous, and fawned over, but if they can't bring any real influence to the other party, it's just a superficial effort.

Some people with dark intentions will even spread rumors behind people's backs.

After breakfast, the three of them set off from the town to visit Tang Song's grandparents who lived in the village.

The two elderly people lived at the north end of the village.

The house is the family's old house, very dilapidated, and has been there for thirty or forty years.

The paint on the walls was peeling off badly, and the house was damp and stuffy, making for a very poor living environment.

Fortunately, my grandparents are in good health. They raise more than a dozen old hens at home and often go out to work in the fields.

Seeing the brand-new Tang Song, the elegant and grand Mercedes-Benz- Benz, and a whole case of Moutai Liquor and bags of gifts, the two elderly people held Tang Song's hand and sighed for a long time.

They are just ordinary rural people with little worldly experience, but they are genuinely happy to see their grandson living such a prosperous life.

Tang Song's grandmother even lit several incense sticks and prayed to all the gods in the house.

She said that she sincerely made a wish every year during the Lunar New Year, and this time it finally came true.

I chatted with my grandparents for quite a while.

Tang Song said directly, "Mom and Dad, how about we buy two houses and bring Grandpa and Grandma over? That way it will be easier for you to take care of them."

Xu Feng and Tang Jianying exchanged a glance, both hesitant.

"No need, no need, why spend that money!" Grandpa quickly waved his hand and said, "We're used to living here. We raise chickens, grow vegetables, and chat with our old neighbors. It's great!"

Grandma also advised, "Yes, Xiao Song, it's not easy for you to earn money. You should find someone soon and get married."

The main reason was that they didn't want Tang Song to spend so much money, and Tang Jianying wasn't the only son in the family; he had two younger brothers.

It's unfair to ask Jianying's family to help them buy a new house in the county town.

If the other two sons later set their sights on this house, things will really get messy.

They've seen similar things many times over the years.

Tang Song Pondered for a moment and said, "Then let's renovate this place properly. You're all getting old, and for your health, you should move to a better living environment."

With his insistence, the matter was finally settled based on his advice.

Grandma held Tang Song's hand, tears streaming down her face.

At 10 a. m., the three got into the car and left the old rural house.

Xu Feng patted her husband's arm and urged, "Jianying, call Maolin again and ask him about the internal price. He said he'd get back to you soon; it's been almost two hours."

Tang Jianying nodded and dialed again.

"Hey, Maolin."

"No rush, no rush. It's the weekend, and the kids are home. I was thinking of going to check out the apartment today, and if I can decide on a place, I'll just book it."

"Oh, okay? Great! Let's go to the sales office now."

"By the way, Maolin, don't cook lunch at home. Call Qiaoling, let's go to a restaurant for a meal. Xiao Song brought back Moutai Liquor from Yancheng, let's have a few drinks at lunch!"

"Okay, okay, you go ahead and do your work. We'll contact you when we arrive."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Jianying said, "Maolin told us to go to the sales office to look at the houses and discuss the price first. After we reach an agreement, he will then speak to the developer's leaders and ask them to give us an even lower price."

"Great!" Xu Feng said with a beaming smile, "Let's go see the house! Come on, son, I'll give you directions."

"Okay." Tang Song Wei Xiao. With his current net worth, he naturally didn't care much about this discount, but his parents would definitely be happier to be able to save some money through his connections.

Soon, the car turned a corner and headed towards the county town.

The town where Tang Song's family lived was very close to the county seat, only 3 kilometers away as the crow flies.

More than ten minutes later, the car arrived at the Yunjing Terrace sales office.

This is a detached two-story building located in the northeast corner of the community, with luxurious and exquisite decoration.

The exterior is covered with a large lawn, and there is also a small garden landscape, which looks very high-end.

As you walk through the bright and airy glass revolving door, a smiling salesperson quickly greets you.

To be able to work as a salesperson in such a popular high-end residential project, one must naturally possess excellent qualities and keen insight.

Upon seeing Tang Song's clothing and demeanor, their expressions became even more vivid and enthusiastic.

They were fetching hot water and serving fruit platters.

After a brief chat about their housing needs, the three of them, led by the salesperson, first toured the neighborhood and then visited several apartments with different layouts.

The area boasts excellent landscaping, a low plot ratio, separation of pedestrians and vehicles, a dedicated electric vehicle shed, comprehensive amenities, and standardized property management.

Tang Jianying and Xu Feng were increasingly satisfied with the neighborhood, feeling that it was truly impeccable.

The only problem might be that it's hard to choose a house.

The apartment complex has been handed over for more than half a year. The best floors and building numbers have all been sold out, and the remaining units all have some minor issues.

After discussing it for a while and going to see the actual place, the three of them finally chose a set that they were relatively satisfied with.

A spacious three-bedroom apartment of 143 square meters, on the third floor, not entirely facing the street.

It comes fully furnished and is priced at 8400/㎡.

Right now, there's a really good promotional event, and the total price after the discount is 1.18 million.

If it's a full payment, you can get an additional discount of 30,000, which brings the total to 1.15 million.

Upon hearing this number, Xu Feng and Tang Jianying both clenched their fists.

1.15 million! They've never seen so much money in their lives.

If they were buying it for their son, that would be better.

Now that my son is buying for them, I always feel a little flustered and uneasy.

Xu Feng whispered, "Can you offer a further discount? We're really interested, and if it's suitable, we can finalize the deal quickly!"

"Well... I've already given you the best discount I can offer, I really can't go any further." The salesperson hesitated for a moment before saying, "How about this, I'll ask my supervisor if we can get a few years' worth of free property management fees."

"Okay! Then I'll trouble you to go and ask."

"Okay, please wait a moment." The salesperson bowed politely and walked quickly toward the office.

Tang Jianying checked the time. "Why hasn't Maolin arrived yet? I'll go make a call."

After saying that, he picked up Mobile Phone phone, dialed Tang Maolin's number, whispered a few words, and hung up.

He told us to wait a few more minutes, and he would be here soon.

"That's good." Xu Feng breathed a sigh of relief and turned to whisper to Tang Song.

I'm imagining what it will be like to live here in the future.

After waiting for about ten minutes, I saw that Tang Maolin still hadn't arrived.

Xu Feng was getting anxious and immediately picked up Tang Jianying's Mobile Phone and dialed the number. They had called early that morning, and they had been at the sales office for an hour, but the other party still hadn't shown up.

The phone rang a few times and then was hung up.

"Oh my god, why aren't you answering the phone? I'm so worried! What does this mean?!" Xu Feng wasn't a gentle person, and her tone was a bit impatient.

Immediately afterward, a somewhat shrill middle-aged woman's voice came from the doorway. "Sister-in-law, you really have a temper! We rushed over to help, and now we're the ones being blamed?"

Tang Song frowned slightly, and when he looked up, he saw a middle-aged couple walking towards him.

The man was Tang Maolin, a member of the same clan. He was in his forties, well-dressed, and had the air of a leader.

The woman was his wife, Li Qiaoling, who had a shrewd look and a head full of curly hair.

I've seen it many times in the village before.

Xu Feng gave an awkward smile, her face slightly embarrassed, and said, "Maolin, Qiaoling, you're here. I was just waiting anxiously, nothing more."

Tang Jianying also tried to smooth things over, saying, "It's almost noon, and I was thinking of treating you to a meal at the Huajing Grand Hotel next door, but I was afraid there wouldn't be any seats if it got too late."

Li Qiaoling said with a smile, "You really don't need to worry about that. My Maolin knows the owner of Huajing, so reserving a private room shouldn't be a problem."

"Hehe, I was worrying for nothing," Tang Jianying said warmly. "Come, come, let's sit down and talk."

Listening to their conversation, Tang Song felt a little uncomfortable, feeling that these two relatives were being a bit too presumptuous.

However, since the other party was an elder in the family, and his parents had taken the initiative to ask for their help, he couldn't say anything.

She took the initiative to greet them, saying, "Uncle Maolin, Aunt Qiaoling."

Noticing the young man sitting on the sofa, Tang Maolin raised his eyebrows. "Jianying, is this your son, Tang Song? He's changed quite a bit since the New Year. I heard he even started a business and made money. He's really promising at such a young age."

Hearing the other person praise her son, Tang Jianying smiled broadly. "Yes, he used to be a little chubby, but now he's lost weight and looks much more energetic."

Li Qiaoling looked surprised when she saw the handsome young man sitting there.

They would return to the village every year during the Spring Festival and had seen Tang Song many times, but none of them were as outstanding as this.

Furthermore, considering his intention to buy a house in Yunjing Terrace, it indicates that he is in good financial condition.

Absolutely a top-notch prospect!

Her eyes lit up, and she asked with a smile, "Little Song, do you have a boyfriend yet? Would you like me to introduce you to someone? She's my niece from the same clan. She works in the Within the System and is very pretty."

Tang Song glanced at his aunt's appearance and shook his head, saying, "No need, thank you for your kindness, Aunt Qiaoling."

"Hehe, alright then." Li Qiaoling pouted and said in a joking tone, "Xiao Song, you were a bit impolite just now. You didn't even get up when you saw us coming. Now that you're a boss, you can't forget about our family, can you?"

After a brief encounter, she felt that her nephew was a bit arrogant, which made her, who was used to being respected and fawned over by her relatives, feel uncomfortable.

I couldn't help but want to write a few words.

Seeing Li Qiaoling speak of her son in such a way, Xu Feng's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore. We're all family, no need to be so petty. Let's get down to business." Tang Maolin took out his Mobile Phone, waved to the salesperson standing next to him, found the contact, and dialed the number.

The phone rang for quite a while before it was answered.

Tang Maolin smiled warmly. "Hey, President Wang, are you busy right now?"

"Yes, it's the thing I told you about on WeChat this morning."

"Okay, then I'll trouble you."

Tang Maolin handed his Mobile Phone to the male salesman next to him, "This is your President Wang's phone number."

The salesperson quickly took the phone and said in a clear and loud voice, "Hello, President Wang, this is Xiao Lin from the Sales Department."

"Okay, I understand."

"Okay, don't worry, I understand."

After exchanging only a few words, the call was disconnected.

Salesperson Xiao Lin handed the phone back, smiling enthusiastically, "Our President Wang said that on top of all the previous discounts, we can offer an additional 100 yuan per square meter discount, which is equivalent to a total price reduction of 15,000 yuan. This price is already very reasonable!"

Although the discount was smaller than expected, Tang Jianying and Xu Feng were still genuinely grateful.

"Alright, we're all family, no need to be so polite." Tang Maolin waved his hand. "The developer of Yunjing Terrace is Handing Group. This President Wang from Yancheng, not a local. Otherwise, we could get an even better price."

Upon hearing the words "Handing Group," Tang Song raised his eyebrows slightly, realizing he hadn't paid attention to the developer's name before.

I took out my Mobile Phone and searched, and sure enough, I found "Handing Real Estate Development Co., Ltd."

As a well-known local real estate developer in Yan Province, Handing has businesses in various parts of the province, Yunjing Terrace is one of them.

Xie Yue has been frequently talking to him about the short drama base lately, and the two have gotten along quite well.

If it were just for this small discount on housing prices, Tang Song wouldn't have needed to ask him for help, since favors are much more valuable than money.

However, he knew that many developers would reserve a few units in their projects that had the best lighting, the best floors, and the best floor plans.

They were either directly reserved by senior management of the company, or kept to cultivate relationships.

He didn't mind taking a roundabout way to make his parents more comfortable.

Just then, someone patted my shoulder.

Tang Song looked up and saw Tang Maolin's somewhat serious face.

"Xiao Song, we're having a chat, don't just keep looking down at your Mobile Phone."

Having spent a long time in government offices, coupled with the presence of elders in charge of affairs within his family, he naturally exuded an aura of oppression.

Actually, I didn't mean any harm to Tang Song, this younger member of the family. I just wanted to give him a heads-up and teach him a lesson.

Tang Song nodded calmly. "I know Uncle Maolin because you mentioned that the developer is Handing Group, so I looked it up."

I know someone at Handing Group. I'm not entirely satisfied with the apartment I've chosen. I'd like to call him and see if he can help me get one on a Golden Floor, but not facing the street.

Tang Maolin paused for a moment, then laughed and said, "I didn't realize you had such a wide network, Xiao Song. But with a company as large as Handing Group, each region has its own person in charge. Even if you know the head of a department, it won't make a difference."

"Yeah, there are a lot of twists and turns involved," Li Qiaoling added jokingly.

Tang Song smiled, didn't say much, and took out his Mobile Phone to dial Xie Yue's number.

The phone rang twice and was quickly answered.

They exchanged a few pleasantries.

Tang Song stated their purpose directly.

"Yes, it's the Yunjing Terrace Residential Complex in Quancheng Jing County, Quancheng."

"Okay, I'll wait for your message. Bye."

After hanging up the phone, Tang Song's parents smiled and said, "We've already talked to him, it should be fine."

Upon hearing this, Xu Feng and Tang Jianying instantly beamed with delight. "That's good, that's good!"

They are very satisfied with the community, but because they bought it relatively late, they didn't have much to choose from.

After all, this is a place we'll be living in for decades, so naturally, the more satisfactory it is, the better.

Tang Maolin's eyebrows twitched, and his eyes flickered.

Tang Song's attitude and tone clearly indicated that he was not joking.

He works at the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, so he naturally knows that these kinds of housing developments all have reserved rooms.

However, his position was not high, and although he knew some mid-level leaders of developers, their relationship was not close.

Even if you shamelessly ask for it, they will definitely just brush you off.

A few minutes later.

"Ring ring—" Tang Song's Mobile Phone suddenly rang.

The call connected. "Hello?"

"Yes, I am Tang Song."

"Okay, Manager Wang, I understand. Bye."

Upon hearing the title "Manager Wang," Tang Maolin's heart skipped a beat, and he asked softly, "Tang Song, who just called you?"

"Wang Yanbin, the sales manager."

"Uh... it's President Wang..." Tang Maolin grinned, his gaze towards Tang Song filled with disbelief. "This..."

Wang Yanbin is not only the sales manager of Yunjing Terrace, but also the regional head of Handing Group in Jing County.

Tang Song's ability to get Wang Yanbin to contact him within minutes with just one phone call demonstrates a terrifying level of influence.

Just then, "thump thump thump—" hurried footsteps approached.

Immediately afterwards, a middle-aged man in a suit jogged over.

Looking at them, he asked somewhat nervously, "Which one of you is Mr. Tang. Tang Song?"

"Hello, it's me." Tang Song Wei Xiao and stood up.

"Hello, Mr. Tang. Tang!" The middle-aged man bowed slightly and said, "I am Sun Qiwen, the Sales Department manager. Our President Wang is on his way and will be at our sales office soon. If it's convenient for you now, I'll take you to see Building 8 first. There is a large four-bedroom apartment on the fifth floor there, 160 square meters, with a square layout and excellent natural light."

Upon hearing this, Tang Jianying and Xu Feng were overjoyed and quickly stood up from the sofa.

Building No. 8 is located in the very center of the community, with no obstructions in front, making it the most desirable building in the community.

When the salesperson Xiao Lin, took them to the community before, he said that the houses there were sold out as soon as they were launched.

"Okay, then I'll trouble you, Supervisor Sun."

"Mr. Tang, you're too kind!" Sun Qiwen took a deep breath and asked nervously, "There's one more thing. Director Zhao of the group's Quancheng branch would like to invite you to dinner. Would that be convenient for you?"

Tang Song raised his eyebrows, knowing that it must have been arranged by Xie Yue.

After a moment's consideration, he said calmly, "Have him contact me tomorrow or the day after."

"Okay, thank you, Mr. Tang!" Sun Qiwen nodded with a flushed face, carefully following beside Tang Song.

Seeing this unbelievable scene, Tang Jianying and Xu Feng behind them were stunned.

Why does it feel like my son has more influence than Maolin? And by a lot!

This attitude can't even be called friendly; it's downright groveling!

Tang Maolin hissed, his expression shifting several times.

He nudged his wife, Li Qiaoling, who was still lost in thought, and whispered, "Hurry up and catch up! Say nice things to her later!"

After saying that, he jogged towards the door.

Director Zhao of the Quancheng branch of Handing Group? Isn't that General Manager Zhao Mingbo?

He was already considered Middle and Senior Management at Handing Group, yet he took the initiative to invite Tang Song to dinner, and did so with such caution.

Is their family about to produce a truly great figure?