"Wait a little longer," Cao Cheng uttered three words.
The Eldest Sister frowned. "Didn't you say a while ago that the research results for the new type of steel were already in? That construction could start anytime... Now you’re saying we need to wait again? The construction team is already prepared. What’s going on?"
Cao Cheng replied, "There’s something new."
"Something new?"
"Yes, just a few more days."
Cao Cheng didn’t hide anything.
Everyone present was family.
The data on the parent-child lock was clear.
Even the Eldest Sister’s compatibility had reached as high as 93!
And besides...
Some things didn’t need to be kept secret because they were going to be promoted globally anyway.
They’d be exposed sooner or later.
So, Cao Cheng began explaining.
Truth be told, many of these things wouldn’t be unfamiliar fifty years later, but in the present day, they were borderline super-technology—even outright black tech.
The current housing structure is very traditional, relying solely on reinforced concrete.
But in the future, this model would gradually be replaced—not entirely phased out, but at least it wouldn’t be so monotonous.
For example, fifteen years from now, a new material would emerge: 'graphene-reinforced composite material.'
As the name suggests, it’s a composite of graphene and carbon fiber. This material is two hundred times stronger than steel but incredibly lightweight.
Additionally, it has conductive and antibacterial properties and can integrate sensors to monitor structural stress in real time.
Another material, which wouldn’t see widespread use until thirty years later—or rather, wouldn’t be mass-applied until then—was 'shape-memory alloy.'
The concept had existed since before World War II, but it wouldn’t be extensively used in construction until a full century after its initial proposal.
This stuff... was mainly used in critical load-bearing joints of buildings. During earthquakes or strong winds, this alloy could change shape in response to temperature and electrical currents—fully automated.
It could automatically adjust the structure to distribute pressure, making it virtually unbeatable against natural disasters. Afterward, it could even "self-heal."
The price was steep, so it could only be used in key structural points.
Otherwise,
most people simply couldn’t afford it.
And this—this was what truly qualified as a "smart" building in terms of hardware. Having a few automated curtains didn’t count.
...
There was also a new 'liquid metal coating' for the exterior.
Think of it like the stealth coating on fourth-generation fighter jets.
Of course,
buildings don’t need stealth, and this coating wasn’t as expensive as the military-grade version. Essentially, it used smart electromagnetic fields to dynamically reinforce weak spots.
It provided temporary support and disaster resistance.
Like high-tech bulletproof vests—when a bullet hits, the surrounding material reinforces the impact point.
That was the primary function of the metal coating.
...
Then there were materials that weren’t entirely unfamiliar but hadn’t seen widespread adoption yet, like hempcrete.
Once developed, it became the new darling of the construction industry—lightweight, soundproof, and fire-resistant!
Add to that transparent concrete, self-healing concrete... none of these were particularly groundbreaking, but hardly anyone used them, and large-scale application wasn’t feasible yet.
...
Then there were bio-based materials.
Namely: mycelium structures.
This stuff... well, it was just getting started now, but in the future, it would be indispensable for building space bases.
Including smart materials.
Like power-generating glass facades—the photovoltaic nano-coating inside was a new innovation, essentially turning building exteriors into high-efficiency solar panels.
Smart and sustainable.
Paired with temperature-sensitive gel walls, which expanded in summer for insulation and contracted in winter to allow light and store heat, they dynamically adapted to seasonal changes.
Ensuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer.
You wouldn’t even need heating.
Then there were acoustic metamaterials for soundproofing between floors, creating near-silent spaces in minutes.
Upstairs jumping around, making noise? Downstairs wouldn’t hear much—if anything at all.
It all depended on craftsmanship.
How well the sealing was done.
...
In short,
using all these materials together would make for a luxury product.
The first fully equipped house, Cao Cheng recalled, didn’t appear until after 2050.
From the framework to the inner and outer walls, the roof, the foundation, and the interior smart systems... it was absolutely beyond the reach of ordinary buyers.
Of course,
Cao Cheng didn’t expect everyone to afford it.
Just like with car manufacturers—were their top-tier models meant for the average person?
Definitely not.
But they had to exist.
For brand prestige.
Cao Cheng planned to create a cluster of these fourth-generation—or perhaps fourth-and-a-half-generation—buildings, each floor featuring expansive balcony gardens and pools.
High-rise infinity pools.
The materials’ load-bearing capacity was more than sufficient, eliminating any risks.
Once completed, the brand would be established. After that, the company’s other projects wouldn’t include all these technologies—just a selection, making them affordable for the general public.
Even during future housing market downturns, Miracle Real Estate’s properties would remain premium.
That was Young Master Cao’s vision.
And this was just phase one. Later, he planned to develop an entirely new, fully self-sustaining villa community.
...
...
As they ate, he continued explaining.
Gradually, everyone set down their chopsticks.
The Eldest Sister was stunned.
This wasn’t what he’d said before.
Originally, he’d just talked about fourth-gen buildings with sky gardens—hence the "Urban Forest Garden Architecture" concept.
At most, they’d use some new, stronger materials.
Especially for the interiors, with a focus on smart features.
That was the original pitch.
And the Eldest Sister had been thrilled.
Who would’ve thought?
In just a few months, Cao Cheng had expanded the plan to include so many cutting-edge smart materials.
Some were familiar, already being researched by others.
But others were completely unheard of.
After listening, everyone had the same thought: "Houses can be built like this?"
This was the stuff of the future.
Not just the Eldest Sister.
Even Ren's mother was excited, to the point of considering a comeback.
She wanted to see such houses realized under her own leadership.
Not for fame or legacy—just out of sheer love for the concept. If she could bring it to life, it would fulfill the dream of her predecessors:
To make the Ren Group the finest real estate developer in the country—no, the world.
At that moment,
everyone’s gaze toward Young Master Cao was electric with emotion.
The Eldest Sister murmured, "With so many new materials, the cost of these houses will skyrocket. How much per square meter are we talking?"
"About a million-plus," Cao Cheng said offhandedly.
"How much?!"
"Wait—what?"
"..."
The room spun.
Literally dizzying.
A million-plus... per square meter?
Did he know what the average price in Zhonghai was right now?
In recent years, housing prices had been skyrocketing.
This year, the average was already around 23,000 per square meter.
Depending on the survey, the exact figure varied slightly—maybe 22,000, maybe 23,000, but definitely not below 20,000.
That was the average.
If we just calculate based on buildings alone, the most expensive is Yipin, reaching over a hundred thousand per square meter.
This year, another property called Yihao appeared, priced at two hundred thousand per square meter.
That’s already an astronomical price.
But then…
Are you talking about one million, or over a million?
1.9 million is still "over a million," isn’t it?
Cao Cheng wasn’t aware of their sarcastic thoughts. If he had known, he would’ve said:
Well…
Nine million is also "over a million," right?
"Is it really that expensive?" Cao Cheng asked, puzzled by everyone’s expressions.
What kind of looks are these?
Forget about Yipin.
Forget about Yihao.
Even many other villas aren’t without properties priced at several hundred thousand per square meter.
When it comes to houses, you can’t just look at the cost or the location—you have to consider who lives there.
For many people, the social prestige is the top priority.
Cao Cheng continued, "Besides, mine comes with the latest materials, cutting-edge technology, and the safest guarantees. Even if a major earthquake or tsunami hits, it’ll hold up—maybe just a little water leakage…"
"Don’t you think a safety fortress like this is worth the price?"
"I’m even planning to incorporate military-grade materials. Even if this place gets bombed to rubble and everything turns to dust, this neighborhood will still stand tall."
"With something like this…"
"Is five million per square meter really too expensive?"
"Wait, what?"
"Five million? Didn’t you say 'over a million'?"
"Yeah, five million is also 'over a million'!"
"……"
Is it expensive, though?
Rationally speaking, yes—how many people can afford it?
But emotionally, or from other perspectives—whether it’s social status, safety, or sheer novelty—the price isn’t outrageous.
Let’s be clear.
Zhonghai isn’t some unknown place on the global stage. Just look at neighboring Hong Kong—at its peak, properties there sold for over a million per square meter too.
Why could they charge so much there?
If we’re talking about cost, how much is that, really?
Besides,
Cao Cheng’s own costs for this are sky-high too.
Luxury should act like luxury.
If you’re selling exclusivity, does it even make sense to talk about cost?
This is meant to attract global capital in the future.
And more importantly,
Young Master Cao has a grand plan in motion. Once it’s complete, no investor or individual worldwide will dare underestimate him.
Even without any backing, he’ll stand as an unshakable pillar.
He himself will be his own backing.
By then, when this property launches… it’ll be unmatched in the world.
……
After a long pause, Ren’s mother finally spoke.
"Lao Wu, are you really planning to sell it at this price?"
"Mom, don’t worry. My costs are extremely high, and I’m not selling this year anyway—no pre-sales. We’ll wait until the official unveiling after construction is complete, which won’t be until next year or the year after… You know how it is—prices in two years will only be higher. What seems outrageous now won’t be as shocking by then."
Cao Cheng smiled.
But inwardly, he thought: Five million is just this year’s price.
It’ll go even higher later.
If the average price per unit doesn’t exceed a hundred million, why would Cao Cheng even bother?
And that’s not even counting the crown jewel of the development.
If the flagship property doesn’t go for several billion—or even close to ten billion—can it even be called a flagship?
Ren’s mother nodded. "As long as you’ve thought it through. We’ll see when it’s built. By then, Xiaoman will be older, and I’ll step in to help you all."
"Deal!" Cao Cheng agreed with a smile.
This household doesn’t tolerate freeloaders.
Not even Ren’s mother is exempt.
Sigh.
With this setup, the only one in the family without a job is Old Cao.
Tch.
Useless!
Old Cao froze—what was that look?
He caught a glimpse of "disdain" in Young Master Cao’s eyes.
What did he do?
He hadn’t even said a word.
Hah, this brat.

【Prologue: The Beginning of It All – Use holy water to heal the saintess tainted by demonic energy, then converse with her.】 Shen Nian stared at his older sister sipping yogurt, lost in thought. So you’re telling me my sister is the saintess, and yogurt is the holy water? 【Main Quest 1: Brave Youth, Become an Adventurer! Reward: Rookie Adventurer Title.】 【Side Quest 1: Find the Adorable Kitty! Reward: 1000 Gold Coins.】 Shen Nian: "Wait, I’m a high school senior here—did some guy who got isekai’d accidentally bind his system to me?" Hold on, completing quests gives gold rewards? Titles even boost stats? Is this for real? (A lighthearted, absurd campus comedy—not a revenge power fantasy.)

th】 【No prior gaming knowledge required】【The First Cultivation + Game Design Novel on the Platform】 In a world where the righteous path dominates and crushes the demonic sects, Lu Ze unlocks the "Son of the Demon Path" system. Killing righteous cultivators now grants him power-ups. Wait—deaths in illusions count too? As a former game designer, Lu Ze decides to give the cultivators of this world a little—no, a massive—shock... Sect Elders: "What is this 'Escape from the Demon Sect' game? Why have all our disciples abandoned cultivation to play it??" Elite Disciples: "You're saying... mastering 'Demon Slayer' can help us counter demonic schemes?" Reclusive Masters: "Why did I leave seclusion? Ask that backstabbing rat who ambushed me in 'Eternal Strife' yesterday!" Rogue Cultivators & Civilians: "'Immortal Abyss Action' is addictive! You can even earn spirit stones by loot-running..." Sect Prodigy: "My Dao heart is unshakable... except for that cursed black hammer." Royal Scions: "Can skins have stat boosts? I’ll pay 10,000 spirit stones for one!!" Sect Leader: "WHO IS CORRUPTING MY DISCIPLES?!!!"

d intelligence to keep the plot moving, and sometimes even the protagonists are forced into absurdly dumb decisions. Why does the A-list celebrity heroine in urban romance novels ditch the top-tier movie star and become a lovestruck fool for a pockmarked male lead? Why do the leads in historical tragedy novels keep dancing between love and death, only for the blind healer to end up suffering the most? And Gu Wei never expected that after finally landing a villain role to stir up trouble, she’d pick the wrong gender! No choice now—she’ll just have to crush the protagonists as a girl!

saw a female celebrity tied up and stuffed in the trunk! Little did he know, countless cameras were aimed at him at this moment - this was a new type of reality show. The first randomly selected passerby was caught in less than an hour. But when Xu Moru was selected, things started to take an unexpected turn. "Damn, this isn't how the script goes. This Xu Moru is too bold, he's not following the rules at all." "Crap, is this guy taking it seriously?" "The female celebrity has been scared to tears!"