There aren't that many courtyard houses in Beijing, as years of demolition have greatly reduced their number. However, there are still quite a few that remain. A few years ago, the government designated more than forty historical and cultural conservation areas in the city, preserving them as cultural heritage.
Thirty of these protected areas are located in the inner city, where emperors and generals lived in ancient times. They surround the Forbidden City and are in relatively good locations. These courtyard houses are protected by policy and are generally not demolished unless there are very special circumstances.
With over forty hutong areas, the number of old houses remaining is considerable. Add to that the presence of a local strongman like Ouyang Jun, and buying a courtyard house wouldn't be particularly difficult for Zhuang Rui.
However, Zhuang Rui had previously researched the situation of courtyard houses in Beijing. His requirements were quite high. He didn't like small courtyard houses like the one with only one courtyard, like the one owned by Old Master Gu. What he wanted was a complex courtyard house with several courtyards, the kind that wealthy families used to live in.
A typical courtyard house consists of a main house facing north, enclosed by east and west wing rooms. It is a simple courtyard house and the most common type of courtyard house today, just like the one that old men used to live in.
There are also medium-sized courtyard houses, which are separated by a wall and connected by a curved moon gate. The main house and side rooms of a medium-sized courtyard house are naturally twice as many as those of a small courtyard house. In ancient times, they were generally lived in by people with relatively wealthy families.
What Zhuang Rui wanted to buy, however, was a large courtyard house, which in ancient times was generally the residence of high-ranking officials and nobles. It had many front and back courtyards and was very particular about its architectural layout. It was usually a composite courtyard house, which was formed by connecting multiple courtyard houses in depth.
Large courtyard houses have numerous courtyards, including front courtyard, back courtyard, east courtyard, west courtyard, main courtyard, side courtyard, cross courtyard, study courtyard, enclosed courtyard, stable, first courtyard, second courtyard, third courtyard, etc., with covered walkways connecting all parts of the courtyard, covering a very large area.
It should be like the mansion where Bai Laoqi lived in the TV series "The Grand Mansion Gate," a grand mansion with artificial hills and gardens.
This is exactly the kind of place Zhuang Rui wants. In recent years, he has wanted his mother to live permanently in Beijing. A larger place where she can grow flowers and plants, and have birds and fish in the pond would be much more cost-effective than buying a high-rise apartment building or a villa in the suburbs.
Zhuang Rui isn't particularly demanding when it comes to food and clothing, but he's very picky about his living environment. He used to be in a cramped situation, even living in a tiny rented room in the Zhonghai shantytown. But now that he has money, his first priority is housing, which is actually a form of investment.
The apartment Zhuang Rui bought in China Overseas for one million yuan six months ago has now appreciated to one million eight hundred thousand yuan, and the price is still rising. So, spending money on a house not only makes him feel comfortable, but also increases its value. Therefore, Zhuang Rui is definitely willing to spend money on buying a house.
However, the prices of these courtyard houses vary drastically depending on their size. Small and medium-sized courtyard houses generally cost 10,000 to 20,000 yuan per square meter. With a few million yuan, you can buy one. But large courtyard houses are much more expensive and are extremely rare. You should know that there are quite a few wealthy people who like this type of architecture.
Zhuang Rui took a closer look. The materials that Ouyang Jun brought contained eight courtyard houses scattered throughout the capital. The materials included the layout, location, and even a simple floor plan of the courtyard houses, which was very detailed.
The largest of these courtyard houses covers an area of over 5,000 square meters, which is practically a small estate. However, the price is also astonishingly high, requiring 200 million RMB. With Zhuang Rui's current wealth, he cannot afford to acquire it.
"Fourth Brother, are these government houses being put up for auction too?"
Some of these courtyards were sold by real estate agencies, some were listed with auction companies, and two others belonged to government agencies, which puzzled Zhuang Rui.
“There wasn’t a government before. These were just offices assigned to some departments after liberation, and then somehow they ended up belonging to those departments. Now all government offices are unified, so these courtyard houses are vacant, but they don’t plan to sell them. I brought them here for you to see first, and we’ll talk about it if you like them…”
Since Ouyang Jun was able to obtain all the information, he must be confident. While he might not be able to intimidate ordinary businessmen, his influence is evident when dealing with government officials. Besides, it's not their own property; why would they bother offending Ouyang Jun?
"This price is way too expensive. Even if you like something, you need to have the money to buy it."
Zhuang Rui pointed to the courtyard house, which was over 5,000 square meters, and smiled wryly.
"Hmm? You're still short of money? Isn't that jade mine a golden egg?"
"Fourth Brother, that mine has only been open for a few days, how can we expect to make money so quickly..."
Zhuang Rui skipped over the large courtyard and continued looking down. He had just been saying that more than 5,000 square meters was too big. It was too spacious for just the two of them, mother and son.
"Zhuang Rui, I'm here! Wow, White Lion. It's been so long..."
Zhuang Rui, who was looking at the documents, heard Miao Feifei's voice. He looked up and saw that Officer Miao had already run to the white lion's side and was stroking the white lion's fur. The white lion opened its eyes and saw that it was a familiar person. It lazily lay down on the ground, squinted its eyes, and enjoyed itself very comfortably.
Miao Feifei's actions made Ouyang Jun extremely envious. He said to Zhuang Rui, "Brother, can you tell it so I can touch it too?"
Before Zhuang Rui could reply, the white lion opened its eyes and let out a low growl at Ouyang Jun, who frightened him so much that he waved his hands repeatedly, shouting, "Fine, fine, I won't touch it anymore..."
"Zhuang Rui, here you go. This is the first time I've ever asked someone for a personal favor."
As Miao Feifei spoke, she took out a green ID card from her bag and tossed it to Zhuang Rui, but Ouyang Jun, who was sitting nearby, snatched it away.
"City dog ownership license?"
When Ouyang Jun saw the name on the ID, his gaze turned somewhat strange as he looked at Zhuang Rui and Miao Feifei. He knew that Miao Feifei, who appeared gentle and charming, was actually a female tyrant inside, and had an excessive sense of justice. He had never heard of her doing anything for private individuals before.
"There must be something going on, something untoward."
Seeing the tone of Miao Feifei's voice when she spoke to Zhuang Rui, Ouyang Jun was also full of admiration for Zhuang Rui. His little brother was really a hidden talent, actually managing to handle this little firecracker.
However, Zhuang Rui's mind was focused on the documents in his hand, and without looking up, he said, "Feifei, I'll treat you to a big meal later."
"I don't need you to treat me to dinner. I have the day after tomorrow off. How about you come with me to Panjiayuan? If we can find a treasure, we'll have made a profit."
Miao Feifei wasn't very interested in shopping for clothes, but she had a deep impression of her experience visiting the antique market in Zhonghai last time.
"the day after tomorrow?"
Zhuang Rui glanced at the documents in his hand, then turned to Ouyang Jun and asked, "Fourth Brother, I've taken a liking to two courtyards. Can we go see them tomorrow during the day?"
Which two places?
When Ouyang Jun saw the photos Zhuang Rui pointed to, he nodded and said, "Okay, one of these is a house in Xuanwu District, which used to be used as a subdistrict office. The other one is listed for auction by an auction company because the owner went abroad. I'll drive you there first thing tomorrow morning. Let's go take a look."
"Okay, Feifei, I have time the day after tomorrow, but you can't go shopping in your police uniform."
In places like antique markets, the origins of the goods are diverse, and many items are unearthed from tombs. Therefore, whether you own a shop or set up a stall, you are very wary of the police.
"Zhuang Rui, you're buying another house? I'm going tomorrow too..."
Miao Feifei released Bai Shi and sat down next to Zhuang Rui. She took the stack of documents from his hand without any politeness and started flipping through them. Her actions made Ouyang Jun increasingly believe that the two were having an affair. He was thinking about whether he should go back and tell his father that it would be a great thing if the two families could get married.
When Zhuang Rui heard that Miao Feifei was also going, he asked curiously, "Don't you have to work tomorrow? Is the criminal investigation team so free? By the way, aren't you a deputy captain?"
After Miao Feifei was transferred back to Beijing from Zhonghai, she became the deputy captain of the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the XX District Branch. Since Beijing is a municipality directly under the central government, its level is higher than that of a provincial capital. So she is now a deputy director. If she were in a prefecture-level city, she could be the director of a branch bureau.
Zhuang Rui's words must have offended Miao Feifei for some reason. Officer Miao glared at her and said fiercely, "What do you care if I'm busy or not? If you don't want me to go, then forget it."
In fact, Zhuang Rui did not understand Officer Miao's current situation. Although he had been promoted after his training, he was still in the training phase. The fastest promotion in the public security system was in the criminal investigation team. If he stayed in the branch office for another two years, he could be promoted to the position of director, and then his career development would be even greater.
However, Miao Feifei's family couldn't let her spend all her time staking out and arresting people with a bunch of men. So, Miao Feifei's duties as deputy captain were to be responsible for logistical support and file management. These tasks were originally handled by specialists, so she didn't have much to do at work.
"Alright, let's go together tomorrow then. Fourth Brother, I'll stay at your place tonight..."
Zhuang Rui glanced at the white lion at his feet, thinking that bringing this big guy into the hotel was probably impossible. He decided to stay at his uncle's house for the night instead.
"Zhuang Rui, what exactly is your relationship?"
Upon hearing that Zhuang Rui was going to stay at Ouyang Jun's house, Officer Miao showed a hint of suspicion.
Chapter 289 The Grand Mansion (Part 2)
"Zhuang Rui is my cousin, my aunt's child."
Before Zhuang Rui could speak, Ouyang Jun suddenly interjected. Zhuang Rui gave him a strange look but didn't say anything more. It was the truth, and there was no need to deliberately hide it. Once it was said, it was said.
"You have an aunt?"
Miao Feifei opened her mouth in surprise. Given the status of the Ouyang family, their family members were basically known to others. Miao Feifei only knew that their grandfather had three sons, but she did not expect that there was also a daughter, who was Zhuang Rui's mother.
"Yes, my aunt has always lived in another city. Okay, let's go downstairs."
Ouyang Jun didn't say much this time. Since it concerned someone else's family privacy, Miao Feifei didn't press the matter further.
After descending into the hall, Zhuang Rui saw Liu Chuan boasting about his adventure in Tibet, his spittle flying everywhere. The group of people surrounding him were completely stunned. Although these people often went hunting and exploring, they had never encountered a pack of wild wolves before. They looked at Liu Chuan with envy in their eyes, wishing they were the protagonist in his story.
"By the way, could you arrange a place for my friend to stay?"
Zhuang Rui asked Ouyang Jun beside him, and Liu Chuan, who had a Tibetan Mastiff with him, was obviously not suitable to stay in a hotel.
"Let's stay at the club. The rooms here are no worse than those in a five-star hotel, and..."
Ouyang Jun glanced at Miao Feifei but didn't continue. Zhuang Rui naturally understood that what Ouyang Jun wanted to say was that if Liu Chuan was capable, he might even be able to hook up with a female celebrity to warm his bed.
"Fourth Brother, why don't I stay here too? Arrange a room next to Liu Chuan's..."
Zhuang Rui was a bit tired after driving all day. More importantly, he wanted to keep an eye on Liu Chuan to prevent the kid from getting carried away with his lust and actually hooking up with a minor celebrity. Otherwise, he would have let his old classmate down.
"Okay, the old man might not be free today either. Do you want to play for a while before going to rest, or do you want to go now?"
Ouyang Jun readily agreed. If Zhuang Rui went home to live, he would go back with him. Home was not as comfortable as the club where he could live.
"I'm going to rest first. I'm a little tired today. Fourth Brother, could you find someone to take Feifei home?"
Zhuang Rui wasn't particularly interested in the noisy crowd; he figured Liu Chuan could handle things like that. Like his mother, he preferred quiet.
"No need, I drove here. Zhuang Rui, call me first thing tomorrow morning."
Miao Feifei waved the car keys in her hand, said goodbye to Zhuang Rui, and left on her own.
"Brother, I didn't realize you could tame this little firecracker. Impressive, truly impressive."
After Miao Feifei walked out the door, Ouyang Jun gave Zhuang Rui a thumbs up with a smile. In terms of appearance and family background, Miao Feifei was one of the best in Beijing. There were quite a few people who wanted to marry into the Miao family. However, Miao Feifei was known for her strong personality. She had been arranged to go on several blind dates by her family, but she didn't like any of them. No one dared to force her.
"Fourth Brother, you can't say things like that. It's fine for me, but Officer Miao is a good person. If this gets out, it won't be good for his reputation."
Upon hearing Ouyang Jun's words, Zhuang Rui quickly denied them.
"Still not admitting it? That girl's eyes are all wrong with you. Give it your all and win her over, brother, I support you..."
Ouyang Jun chuckled, with a knowing look on his face.
"Don't talk nonsense, Fourth Brother. I have a girlfriend. You go ahead with your work, I'm going to take a shower and go to bed..."
After Zhuang Rui entered the room, he pushed Ouyang Jun out. If he let his cousin continue talking, who knew what unpleasant things he might say.
"I said you... Fine, I'll leave, I'm going to sleep with the big star."
Ouyang Jun wanted to say a few more words, but when he saw the white lion blocking the door, he became a little timid. However, before leaving, he couldn't help but tease Zhuang Rui, saying that people are prone to getting a sore throat in this hot weather.
Zhuang Rui was indeed provoked. Ouyang Jun's concubine was the dream lover of everyone from children to the middle-aged and elderly. Although Qin Xuanbing was no less beautiful, she was far less charming in her demeanor. Zhuang Rui had to go to the bathroom and take a cold shower to calm down the heat in his heart.
"Damn it, if Xuanbing doesn't come back before the New Year, I'm going to England..."
Lying in bed, Zhuang Rui made up his mind. Although they talked on the phone every day, and Qin Xuanbing was more open than before, often kissing on the phone, it wasn't a quick fix. Every time they finished talking, Zhuang Rui had the urge to trouble Fifth Sister. ...
The next day, Zhuang Rui got up very early, went to the restaurant for breakfast, and took a walk with the white lion. There weren't many people staying there, and Zhuang Rui was the only one in the restaurant besides the staff.
After dinner, Zhuang Rui woke Liu Chuan up. The guy probably slept very late last night, as he opened the door with dark circles under his eyes.
How was the harvest yesterday?
Zhuang Rui took a bottle of drink from the refrigerator in the room and looked around the room. Fortunately, there seemed to be no trace left by a woman.
"Hey, Wood, we're rich! Do you know how many people ordered our Tibetan Mastiff puppies yesterday?"
Liu Chuan, who was brushing his teeth in the bathroom, excitedly ran out with a mouthful of foam after hearing Zhuang Rui's words.
"Get lost, stay away from me..."
Seeing the foam splattering from Liu Chuan's mouth, Zhuang Rui kicked him in the butt.
"Listen to me, I got two breeding orders yesterday, 300,000 for each breeding. Also, eight people have ordered puppies for next year. We'll see if they're purebred. As long as they're similar to my black lion, each one can sell for three million. How about that, Wood, you're rich now!"
Liu Chuan ran back to the bathroom, quickly rinsed his mouth, and then rushed back to tell Zhuang Rui about it as if it were a treasure.
"Holy crap, really? There are so many?"