The high-rise flat they came to see is called Wangjiang Residence.
Jiang Cheng drove straight to the entrance of the sales office.
The dark-green bentley continental pulled up at the gate, and a staff member hurried out to greet them.
The salesgirl saw a good-looking young man and woman step out and, after a momentary daze, welcomed them in with extra warmth.
Young as they were, a multi-million-yuan bentley still carried plenty of prestige.
Even ignoring the car, Jiang Cheng's Burberry casuals and the new-season LV sneakers on his feet added up to tens of thousands.
Zhou Ying was dressed in Chanel, the favorite of most women, with a matching Chanel bag in her hand.
Both were stunningly attractive, head-to-toe in high-end labels, exuding an air of untouchable elegance.
They were obviously prime prospects.
"Welcome to Wangjiang Residence. I'm Aimee, your sales consultant…"
After the usual questions the three of them walked into the showroom.
Inside, a noisy, jostling crowd filled the space.
Some clustered round the scale model while others sat in corners pretending to read brochures over cups of tea.
When Jiang Cheng entered, several people even raised their voices on phone calls, acting with Oscar-worthy conviction.
"Have you decided or not? If it's good I'll book it now—two more units just sold; they'll be gone in a minute."
Zhou Ying, surprised, whispered to Jiang Cheng, "Prices here aren't even high, yet it's so hot."
Aimee's smile bloomed even brighter.
She said solemnly, "Since launch we've had nonstop visitors; we sell several units a day. If you like anything, move fast—tomorrow it could be gone."
Seeing Zhou Ying's innocent look, Jiang Cheng shook his head, stifling a laugh.
He shot back, "You believe that? This swarm are shills, hired to fool rookies like you—though they do work hard for their pay."
The moment he stepped in Jiang Cheng had smelled a rat.
At least ninety percent of the crowd were paid plants.
First, none of them had an attentive sales rep at their side like he did.
Second, every other agent in the corner was eyeing Aimee with envy for landing him.
But this was 2017; hiring fakes to fake a boom was standard.
It was the same trick A Certain Tea Brand used—long queues of paid shills to create scarcity.
The tactic had swept the nation years earlier.
Online clips were the most absurd: doors open and dozens sprint in, no less frantic than grandpas and grandmas at supermarket stampede sales.
With China's wage levels, a buying frenzy for homes was impossible.
At this development, the advertised starting price was 22,000 yuan per square metre.
Everyone knew that figure was a come-on.
The real cheap units were either on the worst floors or dark, poorly lit rooms.
And the complex specialised in large flats.
The smallest floor plan was 150 square metres.
At a mid-range 15,000 yuan per square metre,
A unit started at 3.75 million.
How many families could afford 3.75 million for a starter home?
And while these extras looked passable at first glance, most wore plain clothes and over-acted.
With the ruse exposed, Aimee was embarrassed yet impressed by Jiang Cheng's sharp eye.
She realised this client wouldn't be easy to fool.
Still, his last remark pleased her: Zhou Ying was a genuine buyer, not a tire-kicker.
Laughing it off, she said, "You're such a tease. Let me show you our units."
At the model they stopped and Aimee handed them brochures. "Mr Jiang, Ms Zhou, we have four layouts—A, B, C, D. Plan A is our smaller two-bed, 150 m², open living-dining, two bedrooms, a study, two baths and a big terrace, plus a bonus small balcony…"
Listening, Jiang Cheng pointed to plans C and D. "These are best—study, gym, huge terrace with river view and good orientation."
Zhou Ying nodded; she loved them too, especially the terrace for relaxing river views.
"They're lovely, but too big for just Mom and me—a two-bed is enough; anything larger feels empty."
Jiang Cheng shook his head. "Buy big, not small."
He turned to Aimee: "Any discounts on these two layouts?"
"They're hot sellers—10% off, plus one year's management and parking fees free," she smiled.
Zhou Ying asked, "What's your management fee?"
"6.5 yuan per square metre."
For an 180 m² unit with common-area charges, that was nearly 20,000 yuan a year.
Jiang Cheng asked, "Do you have fully-finished turnkey units in these two layouts?"