These courtyard houses best embody the life of old Beijing. It is said that the Hong Kong pop diva once lived in a courtyard house as a young wife, emptying the chamber pot for her rock musician husband every morning. Of course, now many courtyard houses have been converted into restrooms, and public restrooms are no longer common.
If it weren't for the clothes worn by the people going to work, Zhuang Rui would have even suspected that he was in old Beijing a hundred years ago. This is a truly authentic scene of Beijing, full of the atmosphere of daily life.
Zhuang Rui made up his mind that once the courtyard house was built, he would definitely bring his maternal grandfather and the others to live with him for a while. Although Yuquan Mountain was nice, it was a bit too deserted. It would be better to gather a group of old men and women here to play chess and chat.
"Hey, there's construction going on inside, don't wander around..."
When Zhuang Rui arrived at the gate of his house, the gate was open, and many workers wearing hard hats were going in and out. Many old residents who passed by the gate would curiously peek in. Just as Zhuang Rui was about to go in, someone called out to him.
"Is Gu Gong here? I'm looking for him..."
Zhuang Rui said to the worker with a name tag around his neck, "Although Gu Yun is the boss of the ancient construction company, he is also an engineer. His subordinates mostly call him Engineer Gu."
"It's too messy inside, please wait here. Gu Gong is inside, I'll go call him for you..."
Zhuang Rui smiled wryly upon hearing this. He couldn't even get into his own house. Fortunately, a minute or two later, Gu Yun appeared at the door, followed by someone Zhuang Rui recognized—Deputy Director Li from the nature reserve. Of course, this director was several ranks lower than Director Zheng from the district office.
"Brother Zhuang, what brings you here so early? Here, put your hat on."
After Gu Yun came out, he handed Zhuang Rui a safety helmet.
"Director Li, what brings you here? I'm so sorry to have troubled you all these past few days..."
Zhuang Rui first shook hands with Deputy Director Li of the nature reserve, then turned to Gu Yun with a smile and said, "Weren't you here even earlier than me? Won't starting construction so early affect the residents next door?"
Zhuang Rui took the hat, put it on, and walked into the courtyard with Gu Yun.
"We just arrived too. It's so hot today, so we took advantage of the morning to remove all the roofs. People in Beijing get up early, so it won't cause any problems. Besides, with Director Li here, many things are very easy to handle..."
"Of course, of course, this is also to better protect the buildings in the cultural area..."
Deputy Director Li also studied ancient architecture and had a bookish air about him. After graduation, he entered the government and was assigned to the nature reserve, a relatively quiet and unimportant department. It took him more than ten years to become a deputy director, but he and Gu Yun got along quite well.
"Protect?"
Following Director Li's words, Zhuang Rui entered the courtyard. He was immediately stunned. This was not protection, but destruction! Although the courtyard was dilapidated inside, it still looked decent from the outside. Now, however, it was riddled with holes and a pitiful sight.
The roofs of all the houses have been removed, leaving only four walls standing there all alone. The ground is covered with broken bricks and tiles, and there is not even a place to step. The hanging flower gates connecting several courtyards have also been demolished. Standing at the entrance of the courtyard, you can see the walls made of blue bricks on all four sides.
"Brother Gu, you have to leave those big trees for me. I can't find trees that old anywhere else."
Zhuang Rui pointed to the jujube and pomegranate trees that were originally in the back garden and said to Gu Yun that these trees were over a hundred years old, with lush branches and leaves, and were an important part of the courtyard. Zhuang Rui also planned to build some stone tables and chairs under the trees, which would be a good place to cool off in the summer.
"Don't worry about it. Not only will we keep this tree, but I'll also get you some lilacs and crabapples later. Those will reflect your status and cultural refinement. Alright, there's nothing much to see here. Let's go to the pavilion. It hasn't been demolished yet. Take a look at the blueprints, sign what needs to be signed, and I'll be able to take over the work later."
"Brother Gu, just say you want money, hehe."
Zhuang Rui understood what Gu Yun meant: without money to buy building materials, they naturally wouldn't be able to take on the subsequent work.
"You little rascal, you want the horse to run but not eat grass? There's no such thing as a free lunch..."
As they talked, they walked to a pavilion by the former artificial hill and pond and sat down. Gu Yun took out a thick stack of documents from his bag and handed them to Zhuang Rui.
The drawings above are photocopies of the original blueprints for this house built by the Ministry of Works of the Qing Dynasty hundreds of years ago. The drawings below are some minor modifications made by Gu Yun based on these photocopies, as well as interior decoration drawings of the rooms. These are relatively simple and can be referenced from other decoration cases.
Gu Yun designed the two courtyards in completely different styles. One is an antique-style decoration, with the furnishings and decorations completely following the style of ancient architecture. The other courtyard, the owner's house, is entirely modern, using the most advanced intelligent management system. All appliances, such as water, electricity, air conditioning, television, and refrigerator, are controlled by computers.
"Some traditional building materials must be custom-made from manufacturers, so the price is much higher than that of ordinary building materials, but the quality is also better..."
The last few sheets of paper contained the project cost budget and the expenses for purchasing materials. Gu Yun was very meticulous in his work. Although it was a project for an acquaintance, he listed every expense clearly, even marking out his share of the profits. This was something he did when taking on other jobs.
Zhuang Rui glanced at the last number, a total of 13.86 million, and nodded, saying, "Okay, Brother Gu, I'll give you 14 million in one go. If the project is completed ahead of schedule, you don't need to return the extra; consider it a bonus for the workers. If it's not enough, just come to me, okay?"
Gu Yun readily agreed, as many of his friends in the real estate industry knew. Developers were notorious for dragging their feet on payments. For example, a project might be divided into three phases, with the initial agreement being 95% payment upon completion of all three phases, and a 5% quality deposit to be paid a year later.
However, once the project is completed, it's considered very generous of the developer to pay 70% of the amount. As for the remaining 30%, it's not that they won't pay, but it can drag on for several years, and by the time the houses are sold, they might still be owing money.
"Alright, brother, don't worry. Once this house is built, I guarantee I can live here for hundreds of years without any problems..."
Gu Yun understood that Zhuang Rui's decision not to deduct the house quality deposit was clearly out of respect for his father. Moreover, he knew Zhuang Rui's background and was very clear about what money he should and shouldn't earn.
As for the construction period, if we work hard, it can be completed in two months at most. Gu Yun plans to build the house and then immediately have another decoration team move in. This will greatly speed up the overall progress. By the time the garden is finished, the house construction and decoration can basically be completed at the same time.
Zhuang Rui discussed the garage and basement issues with Gu Yun for a while. Director Li seemed to be there for the whole day and didn't leave. However, since he also had an architectural background, he could offer some suggestions based on the blueprints. The morning passed quickly.
Zhuang Rui checked the time; it was already past 11 a.m. He quickly said, "Brother Gu, Director Li, let's go have lunch together. I won't be in Beijing for a while, so I'll leave the house matter entirely in your care."
"No need, no need. There's a cafeteria at my workplace, it's not far away, I'll just go there to eat."
Director Li is a kind-hearted person, and he waved his hand repeatedly. If it were Director Zheng, he would definitely have followed him eagerly, and then paid the bill after the meal.
"Director Li, let's go together, let's rip off a big spender today..."
Gu Yun grabbed Director Li's arm. He knew that Director Li and Director Zheng, who had come yesterday, were giving Zhuang Rui face. Since Zhuang Rui wouldn't be around after construction started, if he could get along well with them, he would avoid a lot of trouble in the future.
Seeing that he couldn't refuse, Director Li followed him out of the courtyard.
Just as Zhuang Rui stepped out of the house, his phone rang. When he answered, it was Liu Da, the host who had scratched his palm when he got out of the car yesterday.
"You're inviting me to dinner tonight? No, let me treat you to lunch. I don't have time tonight..."
Zhuang Rui has now learned to speak fluent Beijing dialect, and his speech is full of Beijing accent.
Chapter 325 Invitation
As a popular host on Beijing TV, Liu Jia has a relatively flexible work schedule. Apart from the programs she hosts, she can use her remaining time as she pleases. Usually, Liu Jia is busiest during prime time in the evening, but today the TV station adjusted its programming, so she can finally get a night off.
Women are usually quite organized. Knowing that she was free that evening, Liu Jia originally planned to invite some friends to go shopping for clothes. However, after picking up the phone, Zhuang Rui's face inexplicably popped into her mind, so she made the call instead.
"Teacher Zhuang, I've finished making the DVD of our trip to Jinan, but it might not be ready until this afternoon. If you're not busy tonight, how about we meet tonight..."
This morning, Liu Jia had someone make a DVD of the Jinan folk treasure appraisal event. This was a perfect excuse for her to say that she already had the DVD, but she deliberately said she could only get it in the afternoon, so she could schedule dinner for the evening.
Although Liu Jia didn't have anything to do at noon, wouldn't it be better to make dinner more romantic? They say it's easy for a man to pursue a woman, but easy for a woman to pursue a man. Since the host Liu had this idea, she naturally had to make some careful arrangements.
"I really don't have time tonight. I'm not in a hurry for the disc. Let me treat you to dinner first."
Zhuang Rui had no idea what Liu Jia was thinking. She had repeatedly invited him to dinner, and as a man, he felt he should take the initiative. Of course, he only invited her to dinner; he had no other intentions.
"Are you spending tonight with your girlfriend?"
The voice coming from the phone was somewhat low.
"My girlfriend is in England, spending the evenings with my mother and grandfather. I'll be leaving Beijing for a while in a few days..."
Zhuang Rui answered honestly that Qin Xuanbing was indeed his girlfriend, and that they had even met each other's parents recently. Although Zhuang Rui was quite unethical, he had earned more than 20 million from his future mother-in-law and father-in-law on their first meeting.
"Okay then, where should we eat? I'll drive there myself..."
Hearing that Zhuang Rui was going to spend the evening with his elders, Liu Jia was reluctant but couldn't say anything.
"Please wait a moment."
Zhuang Rui covered the microphone, looked at Gu Yun, and asked, "Brother Gu, where should we eat for lunch? How about Quanjude? Are there any private rooms left?"
"You little brat, you don't even show any sincerity in inviting me to dinner. You didn't even make a reservation at the restaurant. Whatever, we'll just eat in the main hall if there are no private rooms."
Gu Yun laughed and joked, listening to Zhuang Rui's phone call, it seemed he was going to invite a guest.
"Alright then, let's go with Quanjude..."
Zhuang Rui only knew this one restaurant in Beijing. He had wanted to go there several times but hadn't been able to. However, he had eaten at Ouyang Jun's club several times.
After informing Liu Jia over the phone, Zhuang Rui opened the car door but tossed the keys to Gu Yun. Gu Yun wasn't familiar with Beijing Road, and if he were to drive, it was uncertain when they would find Quanjude.
"Hey, Fourth Brother, what's up?"
Just as the car drove out of the alley, Zhuang Rui's phone rang again; this time it was Ouyang Jun calling.
"Nonsense, what is it you're talking about? It's the thing your brother asked you to do yesterday. This morning, my dad seemed to be in a good mood when he left. He might be going to Grandpa's for dinner tonight. Find an opportunity to bring it up then."
Ouyang Jun really lacked patience, but he was also being pressured by the big star. The other person had been following him for several years without any official status, and now that they were both approaching forty, it wasn't something a man should do if he didn't give her an explanation.
"Fourth Brother, I don't think it's appropriate for me to bring this up..."
"Hey kid, you promised me yesterday, why are you going back on your word?"
Zhuang Rui was interrupted by Ouyang Jun before he could finish speaking.
"Don't worry, I think if I let my mom talk to her, it'll definitely work. Think about it, I haven't even settled my own affairs yet, how can I be your advocate?"
What if my aunt doesn't agree?
Ouyang Jun thought about it on the other end of the phone and realized that Zhuang Rui's words made sense. However, he had some concerns. Could his aunt put in a good word for him?
"I'll definitely agree. Leave it to me."
Zhuang Rui knew his mother's personality; she always abhorred things like marriage between equals, which was why he dared to give Ouyang Jun his assurance.
"That's true, didn't my aunt do the same back then..."
Ouyang Jun was halfway through his sentence when he realized that it was inappropriate to comment on an elder, so he changed his words and said, "Where are you now? Let's have lunch together and discuss this matter again."
"What, are you treating me to dinner?" Zhuang Rui chuckled. His buddy had good character; two groups of people had offered to treat him to dinner this morning.
"Stop talking nonsense, where are you?"
Ouyang Jun was getting impatient.
"I'm on my way to Quanjude..."
Zhuang Rui replied.
"Quanjude? It's not far from here. Have you booked a private room? Never mind, I doubt you can. Just call me when you get to Quanjude."
Ouyang Jun was in a hurry to leave and didn't even ask Zhuang Rui if he was alone before hanging up the phone.
After arriving at Quanjude, Zhuang Rui called Liu Jia and Ouyang Jun respectively. Since the two were still on their way, he didn't rush in. Instead, he chatted with Gu Yun and Director Li at the entrance.
"Teacher Zhuang...you still have friends?"
After Liu Jia parked her car, she immediately spotted Zhuang Rui. However, to her surprise, Zhuang Rui had brought two other people with him. But since she was already there, she could only pretend to be generous and walk over, nodding to Gu Yun and the other person.
"Uh, let me introduce you. This is Liu, the host from Beijing TV. You've probably seen him on TV before, right? This is Brother Gu. Our families are old friends. This is Director Li..."
Zhuang Rui didn't notice Liu Jia's expression much. It was just a meal, and it would be more lively with more people. Little did he know that Liu Jia was secretly furious. This was clearly a lack of sincerity; she invited people to dinner but brought two others along.
Gu Yun and Director Li both recognized Liu Jia. They had just exchanged greetings when Ouyang Jun arrived. Of course, he was accompanied by Xu, the famous actress who had just returned from filming out of town. Despite the sweltering heat, she was still wearing a hat, scarf, and sunglasses. Zhuang Rui even wondered if that was how she managed to maintain her fair skin.
Ouyang Jun was no Liu Jia. As soon as he arrived and saw this group of people, he immediately pulled Zhuang Rui aside and asked with a displeased expression, "Hey bro, what's going on here?"
According to Ouyang Jun, what we two brothers wanted to talk about was a family matter. How could I possibly say those things after you've brought such a large group of people? His resentment was far greater than Liu Jia's.
"We're all friends, let's have a meal together. I'm still counting on someone to build my house for me. Look, that's a TV host. Why are you looking at me like that? I already said we're friends. Okay, come on in. It's your treat today."