On Manhattan Island, where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold, there are almost no detached houses, including in Chinatown where development is relatively less advanced—the situation is the same.
Yet Shi Xiaolei specifically wanted to find a house with a yard where Kanna could play outdoors.
The conditions were somewhat stringent, making it truly difficult to find.
This was why his previous numerous contacts with real estate agencies had failed to find a house to his liking.
But now...
With a large sum of money suddenly in hand, and with the bank directly reaching out to their resources, the difficulty had drastically decreased.
The properties they found were naturally much better than before.
Take, for example, the house Shi Xiaolei was looking at now.
First, the location.
This house was located at the T-junction where Baxter Street and Bayard Street meet, directly south, across the road was a park.
Although the park was a bit small, it was still equipped with a playground for children and a basketball court for exercise.
To the southwest was the New York National Criminal Court, and to the northwest was the Manhattan Detention Complex.
With these two institutions nearby, the security in the area was obviously better than in other places.
On the east side, there was a modest-sized Asian grocery store.
For Shi Xiaolei, who still maintained Eastern living habits, the daily necessities imported from Asia in the store were sufficient to meet his daily needs.
Most importantly, this top-floor property wasn't far from the small shop Shi Xiaolei had rented in Chinatown.
Even at Kanna pace, it would only take a ten-minute walk to get there.
With a passing grade of 60 points, this location alone would score at least 30 points.
Now let's look at the conditions of the house itself.
Located on the top floor of a six-story building, it wasn't too high and was equipped with an elevator.
There was a parking garage underground; although it wasn't large and didn't have many spaces, when divided among each household, it guaranteed at least two parking spaces per household.
For Shi Xiaolei family, this was more than adequate.
The indoor living area was about 300 square meters.
Adding the space created by the duplex structure, as well as the private rooftop garden exclusively for the top-floor residents, the usable area increased by more than double, reaching nearly 700 square meters.
Four bedrooms, a study, an entertainment room, plus a living room, dining room, kitchen, and three bathrooms, as well as the rooftop garden that was better than a balcony.
Scoring each item one by one, in the end, Shi Xiaolei gave this property a score of 92 points in his mind.
With such a good score, what was there to hesitate about?
Turning around to face the VIP service specialist sent by the bank, Shi Xiaolei asked the question he was most concerned about.
"Paul, how much would it cost to acquire this house?"
Through previous observation, Paul had already confirmed the friendly relationship between Shi Xiaolei and Stark.
Thinking that even if Shi Xiaolei didn't have money, Stark would be backing him, Paul simply skipped the trivial introductions and gave the final answer directly.
"For just $3.68 million, you can own this property."
"$3.68 million?"
"Yes, and I should mention that this includes the underground parking spaces and the rooftop garden."
Paul nodded in confirmation.
Previously, when he had only $1.5 million, he had only thought about renting, never daring to ask about purchase prices.
Now hearing it, the price was much lower than he had imagined, even less than housing prices in first-tier cities in China when converted.
Filled with surprise, Shi Xiaolei couldn't help confirming once more:
"Are you sure? It's only $3.68 million in total, with no additional fees?"
"None."
Unconsciously glancing at Stark, Paul smiled and said.
"You're Mr. Stark's friend. How would I dare to quote you an unreasonable price?"
"I like the sound of that."
Stark smiled, giving Paul an appreciative look that said 'you're quick on the uptake, then patted Shi Xiaolei arm.
"Don't worry, with me here, no one would dare to cheat you on something like this. Don't forget, I'm the boss of Stark Industries, and I employ half the lawyers in the city."
"Since you put it that way."
Shi Xiaolei smiled.
"Alright, let me ask Sylvia and Kanna for their opinions. If they both agree, then it's decided."
After speaking, Shi Xiaolei looked up and called out to Kanna who had gone upstairs to explore.
"I'm here~!"
From the small second floor of the inner duplex came Kanna cheerful response.
With a patter of footsteps, the little girl scampered on her short legs, appearing at the staircase.
Perhaps not having seen enough, she didn't come downstairs but hugged the railing and stood on tiptoe, poking her head out.
"Xiaolei, did you call me? What is it?"
"Kanna."
Gesturing in a circle with his hand, Shi Xiaolei smiled and asked.
"After looking around, what do you think? Do you like this house?"
"I love it~!"
With her chin resting on the railing, unable to nod properly, the little girl deliberately emphasized to express her attitude.
"Xiaolei, there's a small room over there, it's so beautiful, so beautiful, I especially love it."
Recalling the words he had heard from the little girl before, Shi Xiaolei couldn't help but show a doting expression.
"It's the attic, right? I remember you said you wanted an attic most of all."
"Mmm~!"
Kanna smiled happily, her bright, clear eyes full of excitement.
The little girl attitude was already very clear; there was no need to ask further.
Shi Xiaolei raised his gaze to look at 2B, who was standing behind the little girl.
Without asking, 2B smiled gently and nodded slightly, already giving her answer.
"OK."
Looking back, snapping his fingers, Shi Xiaolei extended his right hand to Paul.
"They have no objections, SO, we have a deal."
"Thank you very much."
With the deal concluded, meaning a commission was about to be credited, Paul face also showed a joyful smile.
"When do we sign the contract?"
"If you don't have anything else to do now, we could..."
According to normal procedure, they should go to the bank next to handle the paperwork. But now...
"I'll have someone handle the paperwork for you."
Stark interrupted, looking at his watch.
"Buddy, the most important thing now is to find a place to eat."
"Uh~."
Looking at Stark, then at Paul, Shi Xiaolei couldn't make up his mind.
Raising an eyebrow, Stark looked up.
"Kanna, do you think we should go eat first, or go handle the paperwork first?"
Not even understanding that Shi Xiaolei had already decided to buy this house, how could the little girl think so much?
Hearing Stark words, she made her choice without hesitation.
"Eat first~, Xiaolei, I want fries and a cheeseburger!"
"Perfect choice."
Stark, who also liked cheeseburgers, gave a thumbs up.
"Rock, did you hear that?"
"Fine then, let's go eat first."
Shaking his head helplessly, Shi Xiaolei smiled apologetically at Paul.
"Buddy, I'm sorry, I'll come to the bank to find you later. Is that okay?"
"Of course, whenever you have time, feel free to contact me."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)