Li Zhaofeng said, "Isn't this contracting price too high?"

Zhang Jianmin explained, "All the materials for this house are the best, and the house is large. Now labor costs are also high; ordinary workers cost two hundred a day, and skilled technicians for water and electricity are charged by the hour. Even those small 2000 square foot villas outside have a contracting price of twenty to thirty million US Dollars, so your price isn't high."

Li Zhaofeng said, "Can the price still be negotiated?"

Zhang Jianguo was a bit put in a difficult position, "It's possible, but we can't negotiate too much."

"Mr. Zhang, we are old acquaintances, why don't you give me a bottom price, then both sides can be satisfied."

Zhang Jianguo looked at Li Zhaofeng, then glanced at Luke, gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, we've been friends for so many years.

I'll give you a bottom price, 1.47 million US Dollars."

Luke asked, "How long will this house take to complete?"

"If you can decide now, we'll send the order to the factory to start customizing the wood structure and installation parts, and we can start clearing the old house on our side. It should be completed within five months."

Luke asked, "How will the costs be paid?"

"The costs will be written in the contract and can be paid in stages. However, because installation parts need to be customized from the factory, the initial deposit cannot be less than one hundred thousand US Dollars."

"Does this price also include the swimming pool fees besides the house?"

"Yes, water, electricity, gas, and even initial clearing of construction waste are included."

Luke probed, "Can this price be lowered?"

"How much do you think is appropriate?"

Judging by what he said, Luke felt the price could still be negotiated. However, since he already knew, Luke found no need to be conclusive, "I'll think about it."

Li Jianguo nodded, "Captain Li, I knew your father early on and want to be friends with you.

Currently, building material costs and labor are very high, so I can't give too much on the price.

However, I can guarantee that as long as you sign the contract with us, we will wholeheartedly build the house for you.

Even if some minor problems arise in two or three years, we can repair them for free."

"I understand." Luke still didn't relent. Free things aren't necessarily good; you pay, and they provide the service, everyone's happy.

If it really were free, workers might be reluctant to work, and no one would be happy.

The contracting price of 1.47 million US Dollars isn't a small matter, and Luke couldn't decide immediately.

After chatting with the Zhang brothers for a while, Luke saw them off.

After it was just the father and son, Luke asked, "Dad, what do you think?"

Li Zhaofeng said, "I feel he shouldn't deceive you, nor does he have the courage; he's a smart person, and after knowing your identity, he should be wanting to foster good relations.

However, whether there's padding in the price, it's best to ask someone knowledgeable."

Luke nodded, "Dad, you contact the Zhang brothers construction company. I also have a friend who used to be a builder; I'll have him come over to take a look and hear his thoughts."

"You have a place to live now, and you're not in a hurry to move in. Houses can't be built in a day, so there's no rush to sign the contract; take your time." Li Zhaofeng is going back to New York the day after tomorrow. He's worried his son might make a rash decision and regret it later.

"I know."

Luke took out his phone and called his old buddy cop John.

"Hey, buddy, am I interrupting you catching a suspect?"

"No, I'm off today." John's voice came from the phone, "Luke, do you want to grab a drink tonight?"

Luke could hear a hint of sadness in his voice, "Are you dealing with something troublesome?"

"Yes, indeed it's something troubling, and I wanted to talk to someone about it."

"I happen to have something to discuss with you; I'll send you an address."

"OK, see you later." John hung up the phone.

Luke sent him an address, ordered some takeout nearby, and took a bottle of whiskey out of the trunk.

Half an hour later, John drove to the Palisades Community, saw Luke standing by the roadside, stopped, and asked, "Why did you ask me to come here?"

Luke pointed behind him, "This villa has been unoccupied for a long time; don't you think it's a perfect place for murder and hiding a body?"

"Haha, you're really a funny guy." John got out of the car and opened his arms, "Come on, get to it.

You've solved so many murder cases; you should know how to make it painless. For a friend's sake, make it quick; I've long wanted to talk with God."

Luke patted him on the shoulder, "John, what's going on? This isn't like you."

John took a deep breath, shook his head slightly, and pointed to the nearby yard, "Whose big shot's home is this?" John seemed to have guessed something,

"Could it be Commissioner Frank's house? Come on, don't tell me I guessed right."

Luke waved his hand, "This is my house."

"What? You're not joking, are you? Are you secretly a rich second-generation?"

"Come in, I'll show you." Luke led John around the yard, "The house is a bit rundown; I won't invite you in."

John still couldn't quite believe it, "This is really your house."

"Yes, I just bought it, but the house is too worn out and needs repairs or rebuilding.

I had the contractors come to see the property today, and they recommended tearing it down and rebuilding. I chose a house design, and their quoted contracting price is 1.47 million US Dollars."

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