Chapter 719: Ordinary
Xiaya had become the new economic hub of the Celestial Barren Domain. In just a decade, it underwent a dramatic transformation. Property prices, once a few thousand per square meter, had skyrocketed to over a hundred thousand.
Prime locations like Mountain Qingyuan Scenic Area and the University Town were even more exorbitant. Without at least several hundred thousand per square meter, securing a property was impossible.
Those who had invested in real estate early on had reaped immense profits over the past ten years.
Take, for instance, the courtyard at the foot of Mountain Qingyuan that once belonged to Baili Qingfeng, or the old house in Wu River District, now officially part of Xiaya.
The courtyard, in particular, had appreciated to an unimaginable extent. If listed for sale, it would take at least two to three hundred million to acquire.
The morning sun cast a gentle glow over the restored courtyard, where traces of its former appearance could still be seen.
The main gate stood open, revealing a lush garden where flowers and plants thrived under the sunlight.
A narrow gravel path, less than a meter wide, ran alongside the main walkway, lined with vibrant flora. It led straight to a modest-sized osmanthus tree, beneath which hung a wooden swing, swaying gently in the breeze.
Beside the swing was a slightly elevated wooden platform, no more than four meters long and three meters wide. It leaned against the wall, with a fixed glass canopy overhead for shelter against wind and rain.
The platform itself was sparsely furnished. There was a wooden bench with a backrest, a tea table, and two wooden chairs placed beside it. It could seat at most four or five people comfortably. Any more, and it would start to feel cramped.
Every corner of the courtyard bore traces of careful arrangement, blending a strong sense of life with an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort.
A man, appearing to be in his early thirties, stepped out of the courtyard. He was holding the hand of a little girl, no older than four or five, with delicate, doll-like features. Dressed in formal attire with glasses resting on his nose, he exuded an air of scholarly refinement.