Chapter 328: Will Luo City Still Exist in Thirty Years?
As the blueprint unfolded before him, the man’s brows lifted slightly in surprise.
“Sir, these are the twenty storefronts you previously inquired about. I’ve marked those that are currently in use or already rented out. Among these, some are standalone units, while others are combined two or three at a time. This means that sizes vary, and so do the prices.”
After speaking, Yu Luo placed a pricing sheet in front of him.
“This document lists the store numbers along the main street, with their corresponding prices next to them. Please review it and let me know if you have any concerns. If everything is in order, I will provide the purchase agreement for your review.”
Her tone was calm and composed, her demeanor poised yet respectful—there was none of the delicate affectations or shy flirtations common among other women in his presence.
This, instead of dampening his interest, only made him even more intrigued.
“No concerns. Bring the contract, and let’s sign it.”
The man’s thin lips parted slightly, his deep voice carrying a subtle warmth.
For the first time, Yu Luo’s calm facade cracked—she was genuinely surprised!
When she lifted her gaze, she locked eyes with his deep, warm stare, and upon noticing the hint of amusement in his expression, she quickly averted her eyes, pressing down the smile tugging at her lips.
Forcing herself back to composure, she finally located the prepared contracts within her stack of documents.
“Please review the agreement. Because Luo City does not fall under the jurisdiction of any official government, we do not follow conventional property laws. There are no official land deeds, only this purchase agreement.
Since you requested twenty storefronts, I have already combined them into a single contract for your convenience. If there are any units you do not wish to purchase, we can simply add a note at the bottom, and both parties can sign and seal it.”
The man smiled at Yu Luo’s subtle enthusiasm, gave a slight nod, and picked up the contract.
Despite the dense text filling the page, he read through it swiftly.
Yu Luo initially thought he was merely skimming through it, but when he set the paper down and met her gaze again, she realized with shock that he had caught the key details immediately.
“Miss Yu, this property purchase is quite unlike those in other regions. If I buy these storefronts, why do I only receive thirty years of usage rights? And regarding land ownership—if I purchase these buildings, why do I not have full control over the land beneath them?”
Yu Luo had been impressed by his ability to absorb information so quickly, but his sharp questioning forced her to regain her focus.
After gathering her thoughts, she met his gaze once again.
“Luo City’s real estate system is different from other places. For commercial properties, the buildings are owned, but modifications to external structure and layout are not permitted without approval.
Residential homes, on the other hand, have permanent ownership rights. As for the thirty-year term, that’s merely a regulation to prevent uncontrolled modifications. We have no intention of reclaiming these properties after thirty years—however, we do require annual property tax payments.
But it’s not expensive—only a few dozen taels per storefront per year. If you’re concerned, we can include an additional clause in the contract for clarity.”
“That sounds reasonable. A few dozen taels in tax is nothing, especially when a single storefront can bring in over a thousand taels in annual rent. I won’t require any contract modifications. However…”
The man’s voice softened slightly, carrying a hint of intrigue.
“I do find it surprising that Luo City’s property management is so unique compared to the rest of the world.”
Yu Luo knew that in business, one had to be ruthless.
She had no intention of letting outsiders slowly chip away at Luo City’s economic foundation.
She didn’t want foreign merchants gradually taking over the city’s commercial sphere, which was why she had borrowed some modern real estate policies to retain control.
This man, however, seemed reserved yet remarkably straightforward.
And his question hit home.
Would Luo City still exist in thirty years?
Even she couldn’t say for sure.
That’s why buying property here was a leap of faith for any investor.
“Apologies, but this is a necessary measure. As you are aware, Luo City is already an unusual case. If you have any further concerns, you’re welcome to reconsider the purchase—there’s no pressure on our end.”
“No concerns. Total cost—895,300 taels of silver. I will pay with banknotes. Will that be acceptable?”
“Of course! That’s more than acceptable!”
Yu Luo had expected hesitation—after all, Luo City’s future was still uncertain.
Yet, despite knowing the risks, this man was willing to make such a large investment without delay.
This was nearly 900,000 taels!
She had to restrain her excitement, forcing herself to maintain composure—but she didn’t realize that her reaction had already been fully observed by the man beside her.
With signatures sealed, the transaction was completed in less than fifteen minutes.
Holding a thick stack of banknotes, Yu Luo finally learned the man’s name.
“Sir Chi, is it? A pleasure to meet you. Now that you own property here, you are officially a citizen of Luo City. My name is Yu Luo, and should you need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out. I reside in the City Lord’s Mansion, and our patrol officers can also assist you with familiarizing yourself with the city.”
“Then I will trouble you, Miss Yu Luo.”
With her newfound fortune, Yu Luo rushed back to the City Lord’s Mansion, just as Yu Haojie was about to leave.
Seeing the joy on his daughter’s face, Yu Haojie immediately knew something good had happened.
“What happened to you? Did you pick up money off the street? You’re grinning ear to ear!”
Yu Luo raised her hand, blocking his path before secretively flashing the edge of a stack of banknotes from her sleeve.
Before he could get a clear look, she swiftly stored it away in her system.
She had moved so quickly that Yu Haojie thought he was seeing things—but before he could question her, she slapped a contract into his hands.
“Sold twenty storefronts—net profit: over 800,000 taels. If that’s not the same as picking up free money, what is?! HAHAHAHA!”
Seeing his daughter laughing so freely in public, Yu Haojie hurriedly snatched the document and dragged her aside.
