Inside the community, there is a large private garden accessible only to residents, with gated entry even within the garden.

Although this is not a newly constructed development, it’s actually better this way, as the greenery has already flourished. In contrast, new developments might still have construction noise throughout the year, and even if there is vegetation, it wouldn’t be as dense. Newly planted saplings would take years to grow.

After getting out of the car and walking into the community, Chi Yao didn’t feel overly impressed, but he rated it above average.

There weren’t many people around. Aside from a few high-rise buildings near the street, the interior consisted mostly of villas.

Chang Feng, who was showing him around, didn’t have children of his own, but he had consulted friends who did, asking for their advice on essential amenities for homes with kids. He diligently noted down everything, taking this task more seriously than even his own coffee shop.

He had no choice—this house was for Chi Yao, and it had to be the best. If this house worked out, Chang Feng imagined he could visit frequently with perfectly legitimate reasons. After all, raising a baby isn’t easy for someone who has never done it before.

Raising a child comes with numerous challenges.

For example, a child would definitely require a nanny and reliable housekeepers. Chi Yao hadn’t mentioned this, but Chang Feng had already started looking into it. From the baby’s room to everything a baby would need, Chang Feng had been planning.

Chang Feng had called Chi Yao a few times in the process, and it was clear that the baby was a newborn—just born—not a few years old, but an infant.

Chang Feng didn’t care how the baby came to be or where it came from. His job was to ensure everything was perfect for Chi Yao. This was a win-win situation, and he had to execute it flawlessly.

In recent days, Chang Feng even dreamed about house-hunting, feeling as if he were going crazy.

Fortunately, his efforts paid off, and he found a few properties he thought were ideal. While not entirely perfect, any small flaws could be easily fixed later.

Chang Feng followed behind Chi Yao, who was holding a thermos flask he had brought from the car. It was filled with warm water, as Chi Yao had taken to carrying his own water whenever he went out, a habit he quickly developed in just a few days.

Noticing Chi Yao with the flask, Chang Feng realized that Chi Yao had quit drinking and smoking, which had caused even the people around him to smoke less when he was present.

Chang Feng offered to carry the flask so that Chi Yao could focus on viewing the house.

The real estate agent, fully aware that Chi Yao was an important client, greeted him with a nonstop friendly smile from the moment he arrived.

Chi Yao showed little expression as he walked toward the villa area. It wasn’t far from the entrance, but the path was shaded by thick trees, with barriers allowing only pedestrian access. Cars had to be parked in the underground garage.

This arrangement appealed to Chi Yao, and he happened to see a parent with their child riding a small bike, the child’s face full of joy.

Watching the child, Chi Yao instinctively placed a hand on his abdomen.

The house Chang Feng had in mind was located further inside. The current owner’s business had shifted out of town, and they rarely returned to the area. Facing financial pressure, they were planning to sell the house to ease their situation.

The real estate agent had shared this with Chang Feng, and now that the potential buyer had arrived, the agent mentioned it again briefly.

Chi Yao responded with a simple “Hmm,” saying very little.

They walked for about four minutes, which wasn’t bad, especially since they could always use the garage in the future. Chi Yao chose to walk above ground this time to better assess the neighborhood.

The agent opened the door, and Chi Yao entered first, with Chang Feng following closely.

The house was spotlessly clean, regularly maintained by hired cleaners despite the owner’s absence. Inside, the air was fresh, with no sense of stuffiness.

Chi Yao walked upstairs slowly, holding the railing. The agent, walking behind him, explained, “The staircase can be replaced with an elevator. With a baby, it would be more convenient to have an elevator, especially for you, Mr. Chi.”

Chi Yao paused and glanced to the left. The space was ample, and installing an elevator made sense if he decided on this house.

On the second floor, he inspected every room.

The house had three stories plus a rooftop. The layout was satisfactory, and the view from the windows was open, overlooking the community’s garden where a few children played.

At the rooftop, the agent started his sales pitch in earnest, emphasizing how suitable the house was for Chi Yao and his baby, highlighting the nearby facilities like kindergartens, elementary and middle schools, and even a university.

The university wasn’t particularly prestigious, but this area’s housing was in high demand.

Chi Yao raised his hand, signaling the agent to stop. With just a brief glance, the agent quickly fell silent.

After making two rounds on the rooftop and taking in the surroundings, Chi Yao noted that the houses were spaced well apart, each with its own garden.