dtnovels Chapter 1331 - 644:
Chapter 1331 - 644:
After completing the overall assessment, he said:
"The space is indeed a bit cramped, and there’s limited natural light. If we want to create a large flat on the top floor, we need to acquire the neighboring houses and open up the non-load-bearing structures.
"Then we can replan the overall load-bearing structure. The south side could be transformed into a full-length window to significantly enhance indoor lighting."
"I’ve already acquired the two adjacent apartments."
Fang Cheng then chimed in calmly:
"Yesterday, I already negotiated with the two neighboring families, giving them a breach of contract penalty and compensation that’s enough for them to rent a better place nearby and still have some savings. They’ll be moving out as soon as they find a suitable home in the next few days."
Designer Liu had a flicker of surprise in his eyes, then nodded and said:
"Mr. Fang, you really work efficiently. If you open up the two units on the west side, the total area could be nearly two hundred square meters. Do you have any specific living needs?"
"It’s just my mom and me living here, with the occasional guest. It doesn’t need to be too complicated; just open and well-lit."
Designer Liu nodded slightly and offered some professional advice:
"Since space is ample, we could combine the living room and kitchen into one space, have the master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, and reserve a study for you. Also, the top floor needs waterproofing and thermal insulation, so we’ll need to lay a new waterproof layer."
Renovating the entire building and designing a large flat is a significant project for the studio, so he was very diligent and responsible.
The two discussed several details in the room, after which Designer Liu put away his notebook:
"Mr. Fang, I understand the situation, and I’ll provide you with a draft design within three days."
"Thank you."
Fang Cheng saw Mr. Liu downstairs, and they shook hands by the roadside before parting ways.
Watching the silver sedan merge into the street traffic, Fang Cheng turned around and returned to the ninth floor.
Just stepping out of the stairwell on the ninth floor, there was a sudden noise in the hallway.
The green iron grille door of Apartment 906 was pushed open, and Zhou Xiumei peeked out halfway.
Today, she wore a light yellow loungewear, her hair casually tied at the back, looking especially fresh and elegant.
"Brother Cheng, have you finished your work?"
Seeing Fang Cheng return, Zhou Xiumei smiled warmly and asked gently.
"Yes."
Fang Cheng nodded with a smile.
Zhou Xiumei then stepped aside and opened the inner wooden door:
"My mom made American ginseng and black chicken soup for you. Come in and have a bowl."
Fang Cheng waved his hand, about to politely decline.
He Huiqin came out of the kitchen wearing an apron, still holding a ladle:
"Ah Cheng! Don’t linger at the door. Come in quickly! Auntie simmered this pot of soup all afternoon; you have to try it."
With this said, Fang Cheng had no choice but to change his shoes and enter the house.
The Zhou family’s layout was similar to Fang Cheng’s, though slightly larger, yet crowded with more people.
The old-fashioned color TV in the living room was on, playing an opera program.
Grandma Zhou was sitting in a rocking chair, wearing presbyopic glasses, squinting and dozing.
Zhou Xiumei’s younger brother Zhou Peng was squatting by the coffee table, fiddling with a few plastic Ultraman figures.
He was clearly a teenager, but his cheeks were still round, exuding a childlike innocence of a seven or eight-year-old.
Hearing movement, Zhou Peng looked up and grinned broadly: "Brother Fang Cheng!"
"Pengpeng is behaving well today."
Fang Cheng walked over and ruffled his hair.
"Ah Cheng is here, take a seat."
Sitting at the other end of the sofa, Zhou Yongnian put down the newspaper in his hand and greeted warmly.
Rarely having a day off at home, he was only wearing a loose tank top and shorts.
Having recently been promoted to Senior Inspector, his work had not become any less busy.
Instead, he often had to go to the frontlines to investigate cases, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes seemed deeper than before.
Fang Cheng pulled over a plastic stool and sat at the table:
"Uncle Zhou, not going to the office today?"
"Taking a day off."
Zhou Yongnian looked at Fang Cheng with an expression that held a mix of scrutiny and thoughtfulness.
He Huiqin came out holding a bowl of steaming soup, placed it in front of Fang Cheng, her face beaming with a smile:
"Ah Cheng, your mom told me a few days ago that you got into the... Special Search Team, right? They said it’s a genuine civil servant position!"
Neighborhood news spreads fast.
He Huiqin didn’t quite understand what the Special Search Team did specifically.
She only knew it was an enforcement unit similar to the police, a stable and decent job with lifelong employment security.
But Zhou Yongnian was different.
As a Senior Inspector within the system, he knew clearly what the Special Search Team was about.
It’s a special division that operates above the regular police system, specifically handling various extreme cases.
The members inside aren’t ordinary people; each is a highly skilled specialist.
Zhou Yongnian took a sip from his teacup, speaking with a mildly complex tone:
"The work at the Special Search Team is quite dangerous, with significant responsibilities. That you got in shows your skills are strong, and if you work diligently there, your future is limitless."
Fang Cheng nodded, responding calmly:
"Uncle Zhou is right. I will act with caution and stay true to my responsibilities."
He Huiqin stood nearby, looking at Fang Cheng with increasing satisfaction, as if seeing a son-in-law, and chimed in with a smile:
"You’ve been reliable since you were a child. Now you not only have a stable job but have also bought this entire building."
"Earlier, when I met Old Li downstairs, he said you gave them a generous settlement fee, and praised you for being decisive."
Zhou Yongnian gazed at Fang Cheng’s face, seemingly seeing the shadow of an old friend from years past, and couldn’t help but sigh:
"Ah Cheng, if your father could see how successful you are now, he would be very gratified."
With these words, the atmosphere in the living room suddenly became tense.
Beside them, Zhou Xiumei’s action of pouring water paused, casting a worried glance toward Fang Cheng.
The wrongful accusations leading to Fang Cheng’s father’s demise had always been a sensitive sore spot for the Fang Family.
Seeing this, He Huiqin glared fiercely at her husband, quickly wiping her hands on the apron and intervening to smooth things over:
"Oh, Old Zhou, why bring that up on a weekend! Biyun and Ah Cheng are getting better, and Old Fang would definitely be happy in heaven."
Saying this, she turned to look at her daughter, who was silent, and urged:
"Xiumei, didn’t you mention the management company wanted to sign you, and you were undecided?"
"Ah Cheng studied law, and since he’s here today, quickly bring out the contract for him to review."
"Sure."
Zhou Xiumei responded, walked quickly into the bedroom, and took out a transparent file bag.
Then, she drew out the bound paper contract inside and handed it to Fang Cheng.
Fang Cheng took the contract and began to browse through it.
On the cover was Xinghai Entertainment’s standard artist contract.
He quickly skimmed through the various clauses, then looked up and asked:
"Have you been in contact with Cheng Jiashu recently?"
Zhou Xiumei nodded and answered honestly:
"After the talent selection ended that day, I didn’t immediately respond to them. Later, Sister Zhang Hui... that’s Cheng Jiashu’s manager, she contacted me, personally drove me to their company for a tour, and I met with Master Cheng to discuss things."
"They offered such good terms, not only waiving the three-year trainee phase, directly signing a B-Class artist contract, but also promising that if I make it to the national top ten in this Newcomer Competition, they would tailor an EP specifically for me."
Fang Cheng’s fingers rubbed the edge of the paper, pausing momentarily on key clauses such as "breach fee" and "resource allocation."
Xinghai Entertainment clearly didn’t try to trap in this contract.
The terms were quite generous, with a favorable base salary and a commission rate far lower than the industry norm for total newcomers.
Obviously, Cheng Jiashu had put in a word on account of their connection, or perhaps due to the identity of "White Owl."
"The contract is fine."
Fang Cheng closed the file and returned it to Zhou Xiumei:
"Xinghai Entertainment has one of the top strengths in East Capital, with their resources backing you, it will be much easier for you down the road."
"Brother Cheng, actually... I still feel a bit unsure."
Zhou Xiumei held the file against her chest, looking down at her toes, she said hesitantly.