Chapter 97: The Client

Thank you to "Supreme Scoundrel" for becoming the first helm master of this book!

Sweat trickled down his brow; the internet was down again, and this chapter was uploaded from an internet café, hence the delay.

"Hello, are you from the agency? I saw your rental listing on 58. Is it possible to view that property today?" After Zhang Wei dialed the number, a woman's voice sounded from his phone, asking.

"I've posted several different types of rental listings on 58. Which property are you referring to? Is it a multi-bedroom apartment?" Zhang Wei opened the 58 Tongcheng website as he spoke, asking the woman on the line.

"I saw a three-bedroom apartment listed. You wrote that it's 120 square meters, faces north and south, has a refined renovation, is available for viewing and immediate move-in, and is priced at seven thousand yuan per month," the woman replied.

"I know which property you're talking about. We have the keys for it at our office, so you can come view it right now," Zhang Wei said. He had memorized the details of several prime listings, and her description made it clear which one it was.

"Right now?" The woman hesitated for a moment, then said, "I can't make it now; I have some errands to run. But this afternoon would work."

"How about we schedule it for two o'clock this afternoon? Does that suit you?" Zhang Wei asked.

"Two o'clock is the hottest time of day. Let's make it five instead," the client suggested.

"Alright, we'll meet at five as you prefer. I'll send you our company address shortly. When you're close, give me a call and I'll come out to meet you," Zhang Wei replied.

"Okay, send the details to this number after we hang up," the woman said.

"Of course, I'll send it right away," Zhang Wei agreed, then asked, "By the way, miss, may I ask your name?"

"My surname is Li. You can just call me Miss Li," she replied.

"Very well, Miss Li. Around four o'clock this afternoon, I'll call you to confirm, is that alright?" Zhang Wei said.

"That works," Miss Li responded, then hung up. Zhang Wei began composing a text message for her.

He included the company's name and address in the message, told her his own name, and specified the viewing time to ensure she wouldn't forget. After sending the message, Zhang Wei found the information for the three-bedroom property in his notebook. The apartment was indeed still available, and the price and details were correct. However, the keys weren't at Zhongtong Company, but at another agency.

Of course, Zhang Wei wouldn't mention this to the client. Otherwise, she might think Zhongtong was less competent than the other agency with the keys, and might rent directly from them. This was a taboo in the agency business.

After checking the property's details, Zhang Wei called the owner again to verify the information and rental price, only relaxing when he received confirmation.

He knew it wasn't wise to prepare just one property for the client. If she didn't like it and he had nothing else to show, his company would seem short on resources, and he'd appear unprofessional.

After confirming the information, Zhang Wei searched his computer and notebook for other three-bedroom listings, but found nothing suitable, forcing him to consider other options.

"Jianfa, besides apartment 1012 in Building Six, do you have any other three-bedroom rentals?" Zhang Wei turned and tapped Wang Jianfa's arm.

"Huh… Oh, no, I don't," Wang Jianfa replied absentmindedly, turning his face with a distracted air.

"What's wrong with you? It's early morning and you look tired. Did your wife make you kneel on the laundry board again last night?" Zhang Wei joked.

"Get lost, stop teasing me," Wang Jianfa said, waving his hand, his mood visibly low, and turned away to brood.

"This guy, could it be that Wang Min leaving has really unsettled him?" Zhang Wei thought, worried by Wang Jianfa's dejected demeanor.

Wang Jianfa's skills were average, and his shy nature meant his sales performance was poor; last month, he hadn't closed a single deal. Perhaps seeing Wang Min resign had made him fear for his own job.

"No, I'll have to talk to him tonight," Zhang Wei resolved.

He might not miss Wang Min much, but Wang Jianfa had become his closest friend since joining the company. If Wang Jianfa left because of poor performance, Zhang Wei would feel a deep regret.

Moreover, if Zhang Wei really took over as store manager from Xu Ming, he'd need Wang Jianfa's unwavering support. Otherwise, he'd be a commander with no loyal troops.

Without any three-bedroom listings from Wang Jianfa, Zhang Wei had to ask others. However, he wasn't familiar with the agents in Su Ning's team and felt awkward approaching them one by one. Instead, he shouted across the office, "Anyone have a three-bedroom listing? I have a client this afternoon, and I can help you rent it out!"

His loud call drew the attention of all the agents, but no one responded, leaving Zhang Wei somewhat frustrated. Li Lin and Guo Bin didn't answer likely because they truly had nothing suitable, but whether Su Ning's team lacked listings or simply didn't want to share was unclear.

"Hmph, if you won't tell me, I'll figure out your intentions myself. Eventually, you won't even get to benefit from your listings," Zhang Wei thought coldly, preparing to 'interrogate' Su Ning's team one by one.

Just as Zhang Wei was standing up, Fang Wenjun finished her call and muttered to herself, "Lucky morning—got a client for a three-bedroom rental from the Ganji website."

"What, you also have a three-bedroom client?" Zhang Wei turned to ask.

"Yes, and the client's intent is strong," Fang Wenjun replied with a look of delight.

"What time did you arrange for your client to view? Maybe we could have both clients see the apartment together, create a sense of urgency. At least one of them might close the deal," Zhang Wei suggested.

Taking multiple clients to view a property is a common tactic in agency work, creating the impression of scarcity and competition, prompting clients to make a decision.

"Sure, but my client can't come in the morning, only after six in the afternoon," Fang Wenjun said after thinking it over.

As Zhang Wei listened to Fang Wenjun describe her client, something seemed off. He asked, "Is your client male or female?"

"It's a Miss Li. Why?" Fang Wenjun replied, puzzled.

"Miss Li…," Zhang Wei's brows furrowed, feeling increasingly suspicious. "Is her phone number ending in 378?"

"Yes, how did you know?" Fang Wenjun exclaimed, her lively eyes fixed on Zhang Wei, as if she had guessed the truth herself. "Could it be that we both have the same client?"