socalfunplaces Chapter 44 The Life of the Rich
Chapter 44 The Life of the Rich
The spacious, fully-furnished apartment is bathed in warm light, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
After Lin Chen left, only Wu Hongmei remained in the house. A faint, pleasant woody scent and a delicate fragrance filled the air, neither too strong nor too weak, but warm and lingering. The smart lighting throughout the house provided soft, layered illumination. Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, the entire JA district shone with dazzling nighttime views, with skyscrapers and neon lights stretching out in a staggered pattern, and cars slowly passing by. Through the double-glazed soundproof windows, all the noise from the outside world was completely shut out, leaving only a sense of peace and tranquility in the room.
Wu Hongmei walked slowly to the floor-to-ceiling window, stood quietly, and gazed at the boundless urban splendor outside. Her feet trod on the thick, soft, custom-made carpet, each step landing silently, enveloped in a sense of relaxation she had never experienced before. She no longer dwelled on her previous emotions, but slowly let go, allowing her body and mind to gently unfold in this luxurious yet tranquil space.
On the table, the dinner, brought by the butler, was still warm, its exquisite presentation intact. The clear chicken soup was flavorful without being greasy, the meat tender and juicy, the silver cod delicate and smooth, and the various meat and vegetable dishes were light and palatable, each perfectly balanced, without the heaviness of excessive oil or salt, offering a refined taste that was also gentle on the stomach. The white fungus soup was sweet and soft, with a moderate sweetness; a sip soothed the throat and comforted the entire body.
Wu Hongmei sat down again, slowly picked up her bowl and chopsticks, and quietly and calmly enjoyed her dinner. There was no need to rush, no need to worry about the price of the dishes, and no need to make do with something to fill her stomach. She could simply eat slowly, savor the food, and enjoy this moment of undisturbed, carefree tranquility.
After finishing her meal, she remembered what Lin Chen had said. Her gaze swept across the living room wall, and she immediately noticed a dedicated call button with a metallic texture next to the embedded smart panel.
She hesitated for a moment, then raised her hand and pressed it gently.
The button lit up with a soft blue light, indicating that the call had been connected. There was no harsh ringing, only a gentle and steady male voice coming from the panel.
"Hello, how can I help you?"
Wu Hongmei was still a little reserved, and said softly:
"Excuse me... could you please tidy up the restaurant's tableware? Thank you."
"Okay, Ms. Wu, the cleaning service will be here in three minutes. Please wait a moment."
As the voice faded, the blue light slowly dimmed, returning to silence.
A moment later, a soft doorbell rang outside the door, its rhythm gentle and measured. Wu Hongmei went to open the door, and stood a cleaning lady in a uniform with the word "Housekeeping" on it, who looked about her age. She wore a professional smile.
"Ms. Wu, I'll clear away the food and dishes."
After entering the room, she moved with practiced ease, carefully putting the plates, soup bowls, and chopsticks into the special food storage box. She then gently wiped the tabletop with a wet wipe. After finishing, she gave a slight bow to Wu Hongmei.
"Your room has been cleaned up. Have a nice rest."
After saying that, he took the lunchbox and left the room, gently closing the door behind him.
Wu Hongmei stood there, inwardly marveling at the thoughtfulness of this top-notch service. In the past, after meals, she always had to wash the dishes and clean up the mess herself, and the smell of cooking oil would linger for ages after opening the windows. But here, with just the touch of a button, someone would come and take care of everything. Even the lingering smell of food was purified by an intelligent system, keeping the house always clean and tidy, without leaving a trace of odor.
She got up and walked to the sofa in the living room, and gently sat down.
The genuine leather sofa has a delicate and warm touch, with just the right amount of firmness. Leaning against it, your back and waist naturally conform to the fabric, and you feel enveloped in a soft, enveloping sensation, instantly relieving the fatigue of the past few days. She casually leans against the sofa back, her gaze wandering over every piece of furniture and decoration in the room. Each piece exudes a low-key yet refined quality, simple and elegant, understated yet showcasing sophistication and style.
She casually touched the smart control panel beside her, and with a light tap of her finger, all the lights in the house gradually dimmed, the floor-to-ceiling curtains automatically and gently closed, and the fresh air system operated silently, maintaining a consistently fresh and moist indoor air quality, with a constant temperature and humidity—perfectly comfortable. No need to manually switch on and off cumbersome appliances, no need to painstakingly adjust the temperature and humidity; everything is handled thoughtfully by the smart system, providing impeccable comfort.
Just as I was quietly clearing my mind, my phone, which was on the coffee table, suddenly vibrated and the screen lit up.
Wu Hongmei subconsciously looked up and saw that the caller ID was clearly labeled "Husband".
Her gaze fell on those two words, her eyes flickered slightly, her fingertips unconsciously curled up, and a complex wave of emotion swept through her heart.
She watched her phone vibrate and light up repeatedly, her fingertips hovering in mid-air. In the end, she didn't reach out to answer it. She just watched indifferently as the screen lit up again and again, then automatically dimmed again and again, letting the ringtone echo softly in the quiet living room before falling silent.
Not long after the first call ended, less than two minutes later, my phone vibrated again.
Once, twice, three times.
The phone kept ringing, one call after another, with increasing frequency. One could imagine how anxious and flustered Zhang Xiaobei must be on the other end of the line. He probably couldn't find her and could only keep dialing, trying to get a response from her.
Wu Hongmei remained unmoved, letting her phone vibrate repeatedly, her eyes calm and unwavering, showing no desire to answer. She knew that once she picked up the phone, there would inevitably be arguments, persuasion, and back-and-forth struggles. Rather than getting caught up in pointless emotional entanglements again, she preferred to remain silent and give herself some quiet space.
After more than a dozen phone calls, Zhang Xiaobei's calls finally stopped temporarily, and the living room returned to silence.
Wu Hongmei got up and slowly walked to the wash area.
The entire bathroom is spacious and airy, paved with marble throughout. All the bathroom fixtures are custom-made by top brands, featuring a mirror with a built-in soft-focus and defogging function. The vanity countertop is clean and spacious, and the storage cabinets are neatly organized. The thermostatic showerhead delivers a soft and delicate spray, with precise control over the water flow and temperature, providing a comfortable and pleasant bathing experience—a far cry from the cramped, outdated bathrooms of the past.
After a quick wash, she went into the guest room. The room was decorated in a simple yet elegant style, with soft furnishings that exuded a gentle and sophisticated feel. The mattress was of medium firmness, and the bedding was soft, fluffy, and delicately soft against the skin. Lying down, she instantly felt a sense of comfort and tranquility. The noise outside couldn't penetrate the room at all; it was so quiet that she could hear her own even breathing.
She slept exceptionally well that night!
At eight o'clock the next morning, soft morning light slowly streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, filtering through the thin gauze curtains and transforming into a gentle glow that filled the entire room. There was no jarring noise, no chaotic street din. Wu Hongmei woke up naturally, feeling relaxed and refreshed, the fatigue that had accumulated over the past few days dissipating.
I had just finished washing up and was about to pour myself a glass of water when the smart call panel embedded in the living room wall suddenly lit up with a soft light, and at the same time, a gentle and elegant voice prompt came out.
"Good morning, Ms. Wu. Breakfast is ready. Would it be convenient for you to have it delivered to your door now?"
Wu Hongmei was slightly taken aback, not expecting the service here to be so thoughtful, even the property management took meticulous care of her morning routine.
She walked to the panel and responded softly:
"Okay, please bring it in."
After the voice confirmation was completed, the panel's soft light gradually dimmed. Less than half a minute later, a very light, perfectly timed knock came from outside the door, followed by a respectful and gentle voice:
"Hello Ms. Wu, breakfast is served. Is it convenient for you to come in?"
Wu Hongmei composed herself and replied, "Please come in."
The door was gently pushed open, and another woman in a housekeeping uniform pushed in a breakfast cart, gently placing the breakfasts one by one on the dining table.
On an exquisite porcelain plate are freshly baked whole wheat toast, tender poached eggs, French pastries, fresh seasonal fruit slices, a cup of freshly ground coffee and warm milk. The combination is refined, nutritionally balanced, and the presentation is meticulous, exuding a strong sense of ritual.
"Ms. Wu, you can call our butler service anytime you need for your daily meals, fresh ingredients, or household items. We will deliver them to your door. The community also has a high-end private kitchen, tea room, book bar, heated swimming pool, fitness center, and yoga room, which you are welcome to visit anytime."
After setting out breakfast, the female housekeeper carefully explained the community's exclusive services, speaking in a professional yet gentle tone.
"Please enjoy your meal. You can call us when you're finished, and I'll come in to tidy up."
Wu Hongmei listened quietly, secretly admiring the life of the truly wealthy: thoughtful, meticulous, and worry-free. All the trivial daily chores were handled by dedicated staff, so she didn't have to toil or worry about daily necessities. She could simply enjoy life in peace.
After the housekeeper finished her introduction, she gave a slight bow and quietly withdrew, not wanting to disturb her meal.
Wu Hongmei sat at the dining table, slowly enjoying her exquisite breakfast. She had eaten these things before, though not often. But for some reason, she felt that today's breakfast tasted exceptionally good.
"Maybe it's the smell of money," she said self-deprecatingly.
After finishing breakfast and waiting for the housekeeper to tidy up, she changed into her favorite clothes and planned to go downstairs to stroll around the complex and experience the amenities of this high-end residential area.
Stepping out of the private elevator, the independent lobby is clean, elegant, private, and quiet, unlike the hustle and bustle of ordinary residential areas.
Stepping into the courtyard of the residential complex, one is instantly enveloped by a tranquil and elegant landscape. The greenery inside the courtyard has been carefully trimmed and arranged in a pleasing and orderly manner, remaining evergreen throughout the year. The walkways are flat and clean, meticulously paved, and the landscape features along the way are elegant and unique. Water features are interspersed throughout, and the air is fresh and moist, with a delicate and pleasant fragrance of plants.
Walking along the road, you'll find the community's heated indoor swimming pool. The floor-to-ceiling windows are bright and airy, and the pool water is crystal clear. The constant temperature design makes it suitable for all seasons. The surrounding rest area is furnished with exquisite lounge chairs and casual booths, creating a tranquil and luxurious environment.
The nearby gym is fully equipped, spacious and bright, and has professional coaches, so you can come and exercise anytime.
Further inside, the elegant bookstore is quiet and serene, with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with all kinds of books. The soft furnishings are tranquil and cozy, and there are casual booths by the window where sunlight shines in, creating a peaceful and elegant atmosphere.
Every public area is cleaned and maintained by dedicated staff in real time, keeping the floors spotless.
Wu Hongmei strolled leisurely along the community path, her steps relaxed and her mind at ease, letting herself immerse herself in this peaceful and comfortable state. This kind of life was something she had never dared to imagine before: quiet, dignified, worry-free, and refined. She didn't have to worry about making a living or compromise on trivial matters; she only needed to treat herself well and enjoy the peaceful moments in the present.
As she strolled leisurely, her cell phone rang again in her pocket.
Looking down, I saw that the caller ID was saved as Su Xiao.
Wu Hongmei paused slightly, her fingers gripping her phone. After a moment's hesitation, she finally pressed the answer button.
As soon as the call connected, Su Xiao's voice, filled with anxiety and concern, came through.
"Hongmei, where are you? Why aren't you answering Zhang Xiaobei's calls? Zhang Xiaobei is going crazy. He's called me more than a dozen times. I just woke up and saw the calls."
Su Xiao's tone was full of worry and genuine anxiety: "What happened between you and Zhang Xiaobei? Did you have a big fight? Where are you now? Are you safe?"
Wu Hongmei was silent for a few seconds, then her voice was calm and gentle, without much fluctuation: "I'm fine, Xiaoxiao, don't worry, I'm safe."
"Why didn't you answer the phone? Zhang Xiaobei is really panicked. He said you left with your suitcase overnight and he can't contact you anymore. He feels really guilty and is very worried, afraid that something might have happened to you." Su Xiao's tone became more and more urgent. "You two have been together for four years, and your relationship has always been stable. If there are any conflicts, you can sit down and communicate properly!"
"Hongmei," Su Xiao couldn't help but advise, "You know Xiaobei well. He's honest, down-to-earth, and sincere towards you. He's completely panicked right now, can't eat or sleep, and keeps looking for you everywhere. You should at least answer one of his calls and let him know you're safe. Don't let him worry aimlessly like this."
Wu Hongmei took a soft breath and said calmly, "Xiaoxiao, thank you for your concern. I'm sorry to have disturbed your rest. We're fine, don't worry. I'll explain everything to Zhang Xiaobei."
"Hongmei, don't act impulsively," Su Xiao patiently advised. "How can you just let go of four years of relationship? What couple doesn't argue? Calm down and have a good talk. If you both compromise, there's no problem that can't be solved. Where are you right now? Can you tell me? I'll come find you and we can have a good talk."
"No need, Xiaoxiao. I'm in a very quiet place and don't want to be disturbed for the time being," Wu Hongmei said softly. "I'm really fine, you don't need to worry about me."
Hearing her resolute tone and calm demeanor, Su Xiao realized it wasn't a fit of pique or impulsiveness, so she could only let it go for the time being. Still full of concern, she urged her, "Then you must take good care of yourself. If you feel wronged or have anything on your mind, call me anytime. I'll always be there for you. Don't keep it all bottled up inside, and don't make any impulsive decisions."
"I understand, thank you, Xiaoxiao."
After a few brief farewells, Wu Hongmei gently hung up the phone.
Then I called Zhang Xiaobei.
"Hey, it's me. I'm fine, Xiao Bei. I just want to be alone for a while to think about my future. You should think about it too, let's both calm down and figure things out."
Without waiting for Zhang Xiaobei's reply, she hung up the phone; she didn't want to think about these troubling things for the time being.
After wandering around for a while, she returned to her room. Lying on the soft sofa in the living room, she turned on the background music, and the gentle, soothing melody flowed slowly, filling the entire room. She picked up a magazine from the table and leisurely flipped through it. When she got tired, she leaned back on the sofa, closed her eyes, and relaxed. When she was thirsty, there was a constant-temperature water dispenser that provided warm, hot, and ice water at any time, which was convenient and thoughtful.
Throughout the day, Wu Hongmei was completely immersed in the high-end lifestyle and attentive service at Jing'an No. 1.
A dedicated butler is available 24/7 to take care of all your needs, from food and clothing to accommodation and transportation. The complex boasts comprehensive and luxurious amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, book bar, and tea room, allowing you to relax and unwind at any time. The entire house is smart and convenient, with tight security, privacy, and a quiet and elegant environment, free from the hustle and bustle of the city and the disturbances of human relationships. Daily chores are handled by dedicated staff, so you don't have to worry about housework, calculate expenses, or make compromises. You can simply enjoy this relaxed, dignified, and carefree life.
She temporarily forgot all her worries and immersed herself in enjoying life.