Chapter 2: Zhongtong Branch Office

Slap, slap, slap...

Store Manager Xu Ming marched out of his office with military precision, clapping his hands briskly as he addressed the room with renewed vigor. "Everyone, stop what you're doing for a moment. I have something important to announce."

"Remember that VIP client I mentioned a few days ago? The one looking for a restaurant space—300 to 500 square meters, around 100,000 yuan in monthly rent, preferably in a high-traffic area," Xu Ming said, nodding at Zhang Wei as he returned. "Well, this client is rock-solid. And because they were referred by our company, whoever secures the property and closes the deal will get both the client's performance bonus and the property's commission. Got it?"

By the agency’s standard 30% commission rate, a 100,000-yuan deal would mean at least 30,000 yuan in earnings—a small fortune compared to the usual 1,000-yuan monthly base salary. No wonder the room buzzed with excitement.

"Brother Xu, how could we not listen to you? We’ve already found the properties. When’s the client arriving?" asked Guo Bin, a wiry, handsome agent barely older than Zhang Wei. His only flaw was a tendency to stutter under pressure.

Guo Bin often tried to act older than he was, frequently bickering with Zhang Wei despite their similar ages. He’d shown no concern for Zhang Wei’s injury that morning, even seeming mildly pleased by his misfortune—though not maliciously so.

"The client’s on their way. Start calling the property owners now—show whatever’s available this morning," Xu Ming ordered sternly.

The mention of a company executive’s relative instantly elevated the mystery client’s status. Without waiting for further prompting, the agents grabbed their notebooks and began dialing numbers, their fingers flying over keypads as the office filled with the staccato rhythm of phone calls.

"Hey, Sister Tian? It’s Xiao Guo from Zhongtong Real Estate. We spoke the other day..." "Hello, Mr. Zhang? This is Wang Min from Zhongtong. Is your Ya Yuan shop still available?"

...

"Alright, time’s up. Gather around. Let’s go over the property details and plan the viewing order," Xu Ming announced half an hour later, glancing at his watch.

In real estate, every step—from greeting a client to seeing them out—was a carefully choreographed dance. Property viewings, in particular, required finesse, relying on an agent’s experience and intuition to read the client’s needs.

Xu Ming took his seat at the back of the room while the others gathered around, each presenting their listings. Per company policy, all properties had to be logged into the Fangyou system to ensure fair commission splits. But here, a darker reality lurked: many agents hoarded exclusive listings, bypassing the system to keep 100% of the commission for themselves.

Sure enough, Wang Min, Guo Bin, and Zhang Wei each rattled off off-system properties. Zhang Wei, ever-prepared, jotted them down in his notebook for future use.

"Think hard—any other good properties we missed? Ideally, we want to show as many as possible today," Xu Ming said, closing his notebook and scanning the room.

"Nothing else," came the chorus of replies.

"Good. Log everything into the system now. If someone else enters a property first, you’ll lose your cut—even if you found it. And hiding listings from the system is grounds for firing. Understood?" Xu Ming’s tone left no room for argument.

"Got it." "Yes, Brother Xu."

Though everyone harbored their own schemes, they nodded compliantly.

"Now, assign roles. Viewing groups should be small—Xu Ming, Guo Bin, Wang Min, and Zhang Wei will accompany the client. Li Lin and Wang Jianfa, you’ll man the store," Xu Ming declared, eyeing his team. "Any objections?"

"Nope, fully support it!" Guo Bin pumped his fist. A property viewing was the best assignment.

"Fine by me," Wang Jianfa shrugged. Without a listing to offer, he’d just be twiddling his thumbs anyway—might as well stay put in case a new client walked in.

"Li Lin, as the senior agent, keep an eye on things while I’m gone," Xu Ming instructed.

"What do you mean, ‘senior’? I’m not that old!" Li Lin shot him a mock-glare, pouting.

"Right, right—‘Miss Li Lin, radiating youth and beauty.’ Can’t call you old now, can I?" Wang Min teased, covering her mouth as she giggled. Her own listing was a sure bet, and she was in high spirits.

"Senior agent, not ‘old.’ Happy?" Xu Ming smirked, rolling his eyes.

"Much better. Say ‘old’ again and see what happens," Li Lin threatened, shaking her fist.

Despite his seniority, Xu Ming’s easygoing rapport with the team kept morale high. Even Li Lin, brash and fearless, felt comfortable teasing him—a rare dynamic in most agencies.

With the formalities over, the team dispersed to their tasks, some preparing for the client’s arrival, others diving back into their work...

---

An Hour Later

A woman stepped into Zhongtong’s office.

The first-row agent, Guo Bin, perked up instantly. She was striking—tall, with a lithe figure accentuated by a pink T-shirt and skinny jeans. Her wavy hair framed a face of breathtaking beauty: clear eyes, delicate features, and a pair of dimples that deepened when she smiled.

"Hello, are you here to rent or buy?" Guo Bin asked, rising to his feet.

"Hello, I’m Murong Xuan. Is Manager Xu Ming available?" the woman replied coolly, her professional smile never wavering.

"Miss Murong, I’m Xu Ming. We spoke on the phone. You made good time," Xu Ming said, stepping forward with a handshake.

"Have the properties been arranged?" Murong Xuan asked, her gaze sweeping the office.

"They’re all ready for viewing. You must be tired from traveling—want to rest first?"

"No need. Let’s get started," she said, waving him off.

Xu Ming sized her up. Though polite, her courtesy carried an undercurrent of arrogance—an unapproachable distance that made warmth impossible. With clients like this, professionalism was the only safe approach.

Note to self: Commission is based on the agency fee, not the property’s total value.