I was waked up by Kelly’s SMS at around 10am but before I could resume my rest before replying to her, she called me.
My backache was worse than ever for the day. I had to resort to use electronic application to massage my back but when I wanted to do the second round of fifteen minutes session, the batteries seemed to have died out.
Afternoon was updating of my websites, especially on the unreleased property one. It was during evening when Kelly arranged to meet up with me at 8pm for flat viewing at Toa Payoh. I quickly called my mum but just after she brought my dinner home, Kelly asked me to go to office immediately to retrieve the keys. I quickly got changed, switched off my computer and left with the packet rice.
On my way, an agent called me to enquire about the Ang Mo Kio flat. She was not as professional as other agents to introduce herself, such that I did not know her name. I was as holy as usual, giving her all the details and she started nagging. I supposed she was more experienced than me and obviously much older, but her brain seemed to be tiny and immature. After explaining to her, she refused to listen and insisted in talking like as if my company and JTC owed her money.
I was new but professional and kind on the phone. I had explained that many companies were fighting over this JTC project that some companied had even offered negative commission (have to pay JTC for selling their property instead of getting any money from them). That was crazy but inevitable a true fact in the industry now. The heads of the companies were brilliant enough that they knew earning “little” was better than earning nothing at all.
This lonely auntie agent could not stop repeating the same words. It was such a shame that she was actually from a bigger company. She claimed that even though JTC’s flats were sold at very reasonable prices, she could help her buyers get much cheaper ones. She claimed that she had just closed a deal to help her buyer acquire a similar flat at $200k, whereas the one I was holding was $224k; I realised she was a fool after so many years in this business for flats at different location even though same district had different values.
One funny crap that she said was she was going to gang up with other agents to condemn my company’s agents, which was as scary as a child’s threat. She also tried to instigate me to get all the hundreds of agents in my company to refuse to sell the JTC flats. I thought that was funny for I might think of same tactic to battle my enemy during primary school. So, I treated her like an ignorant child and explained to her that I was just a peanut in the company and had no influence but she refused to listen just as expected.
I felt like telling her the fact that she was really annoying even though I was so friendly over the phone but after reconsidering the fact that she might have been ditched, I held back. So, I continued to listen to her bullshit from walking to the bus-stop, waiting for the bus, till before alighting. Then, I started to reflect over why I was listening to an alien for so long; even a child would be brighter than her.
I maintained my top speed in the brisk walk. Just before reaching my office, there was a man dressed up more formal than me tried to stop me. I knew I was running out of time but he talked like as if we were having a million dollar business deal that he had to be slow and careful. From the start I guessed he was either asking for money or borrowing of phone. I was not sure why but I was so holy to entertain him. He claimed that he could not contact his boss and had to borrow some money from me, which was extreme questionable. However, the angelic and busy me, took out my remaining coins and handed over to him. It was really stupid of me for he was most probably a crook.
Finally, I reached the seventh storey but when I stepped out of the lift, I turned back and almost wanted to close the door. I came out again and looked at all the different labelling in doubts, but decided to try my luck. It was indeed the correct floor. I went into the office but hesitated to go into the administration office for there was a new rule urging people not to step inside. Regina had probably left for home and the reception area was empty.
I took the risk to go in and was glad to see Louis. This helpful, kind and smart-looking guy was so familiar somehow. He passed me the keys and being polite, I asked if he had taken his dinner. Since I could only get to eat my dinner an hour later, I told him to take my lunchbox. I was very glad that he accepted it for he had been helping my team so much.
I quickly rushed off. I could take bus towards Outram Park MRT but considering the traffic flow, I chose to walk to Redhill MRT, which could be faster and cost-saving. My pace was faster than anyone on the roads. In the train, I felt so uneasy when I took out my phone for the nine pairs of keys were chained to the pouch.
After reaching Braddel MRT at 8pm sharp, I resumed my speed again and was surprised that the exit was just in front of a flat. My destination was less than fifty metres away. It took me some time to meet up with Kelly and then I realised she was meeting the agent half an hour later and that was why she told me to relax. Then, she started to burn incense papers for Louis had told her that flat could not be sold somehow even though so many buyers had viewed it.
View from corridor
Living room and flooring
Living room and two bedrooms
Kitchen, bathroom, toilet and extra room
I loved the house for its design and location even though it was facing the car park. Upgrading was done and paid for and the living room was so big.
When the first clients arrived, I was quite shocked for the guy looked quite unfriendly and did not even shake my hand. The lady was so hyperactive and pleasing that her smiles had lightened the night. She insisted in staying behind but her agent hurried them to the next flat.
Another group arrived soon and they seemed to be quite interested. The earlier couple came back wanting to pay for the deposit and Kelly told me to bring them down to somewhere to do the documentation first. Later, their agent insisted to go up to settle it but the second group of viewers had requested to buy it as well and were willing to fork out higher price. I was at a tight spot but Kelly kept her words in the end.
We went up and started to do all the documentation. Everything was ready except for the valuation report as well as the client’s HDB loan eligibility letter.
The following days would be very busy for this new change, which had excited Kelly so much. The returning of all JTC flats’ keys to the office was a great chance for us to prove ourselves. I was quite puzzled for the previous agents could not sell this unit when it was so near to the MRT. So, after this night, the total number of JTC flats in my company’s possession was reduced to forty-eight. We did not let the administration staffs down.
My $5 Malay style fried rice with mee goreng's taste with egg and half chicken wing. Quite nice tasting though.
Kelly sent me home and this time she seemed to have ridden her bike faster than ever. Then, she paid for my dinner again at the “Golden Café” coffee shop. I reached home at around 11.30pm.
A foreign bitch pissed me off in the early morning. I could not stand her arrogance and decided to remove her away from my internet life totally.
Kelly gave me a bad news after I woke up and the deal with Uncle Sam was called off for the clients had found themselves other flat. If I were to get to know their hotel’s name, I would definitely condemn it for they had given us empty promise. I went downstairs to inform Uncle Sam about it but he was not around. Therefore, I told Lulu about it and she did not show any disappointment at all.
Gilbert managed to get hold of Hong Kiat and we decided on to have a swim at Ang Mo Kio. Before going over to the MRT station, I approached Uncle Sam and apologised to him for the delay. He was okay with it.
I thought I would be late but I reached there sharp at 2.30pm. Weather was not showing good. We proceeded on instead but I was hesitating when both of them were already inside the water. It was drizzling and I did not want to get wet and having the lifeguard blowing whistler to leave the pool anytime. Eventually I joined them.
Hong Kiat
Hong Kiat
Swimming was difficult for the birthday gift, swimming trunk, from Gilbert was quite loose. It was a weird design for it did not come with a string. It was impossible for me to swim fast for the pressure would certainly pull it down. Gilbert claimed that I had to wear it lower but it showed little sign of improvement.
Can never be as fit as before
After swimming a few laps across the lanes, I went up to check my phone to reply to Ren Yao’s message. There were also a number of missed calls and I supposed Kelly had messaged other agents of our holdings. I was quite stunned for I had informed her I was going for a swim already.
Hong Kiat and me at Bishan Park
Gilberto and Hong Kiat
Gilberto and Hong Kiat
Hong Kiat and me
Me and Hong Kiat
Gilberto and Hong Kiat
Gilberto and Hong Kiat
We continued for a while before going to wash up. Kelly called me and informed me that Bedok flat was booked and would be signed at night, which boosted my morale. Then, we crossed the Bishan Park to Junction 8 and had great conversations throughout. We had our meals at Long John Silver’s and camped there for quite a long time before going to the Popular bookshop. Gilbert showed me another Singapore Transport Guide and I was quite regretful of getting my current one before this one was like a book and the numbers of the buses were shown by the bus-stop label.
After that, we left on our own ways. I waited quite long for bus 53 and arrived at Lorong Ah Soo. An agent by the name of Ann called me to persuade me to show her client to the Bedok flat and she would sign it immediately. I got her to call Kelly instead.
My good friend, Milo, who stays at 129, Lorong Ah Soo
Later on, the clients arrived and we showed them to the house before Grace even arrived. I started playing with Milo immediately. After everyone had arrived and finished their viewing, we went down to the stone table to do all the documentations. Finally, Kelly got back her $250, which she paid for the buyer earlier. There were problems on that client’s soon-to-be sold house, however, was settled by Grace eventually. We would soon wait for the option exercise fee to be paid when the client’s HDB loan was settled. She looked like a very nice lady and she loved dog as well, but I was not sure whether to address her as Miss Tan or Mdm Tan.
Kelly and I dashed to Bedok to settle the block 204 flat and I had to miss the chance to pay Angel a visit at the coffee shop. We were half an hour late but I was surprised that the client, George, was not as difficult to deal with as describe. He was a great joker and I could see how much he loved his mum. It was actually a happy moment with them, sitting down at the coffee shop. He bought Kelly and me drinks before we went up to view the flat.
George’s wife is an Indian and he was a Eurasian. I was quite glad to witness such mixed races couples through this line. She was there for the first time but was very satisfied with it. I was very glad to be able to close the deal for Sebastian, their initial agent, had promised Kelly to give us all the commission if she could settle some administration work for them. However, Kelly’s friend who had declined to the offering of the flat was changing his idea again. Kelly had to turn him down so that we would not let down Sebastian and the very keen and funny couple.
Kelly's bike at petrol station
Documentation was a hassle again. We had everything settled only after 11pm. Kelly sent me home at around 11.30pm and we went to the Shell Petrol station straight to refill the tank. Then, we went to the coffee shop to get some food.
After reaching home, suddenly I remembered I had also taken Combo one of Long John Silver’s for the day and not just the two slices of bread. Work had actually made me forgotten about my meals.
One of the shaggiest days began with morning calls at 8.30pm. That bloody hell woke me up so early that I had less than four hours of sleep. Seriously what was wrong with agents? Even if they managed to be the first person to contact the house agent or owner, they had to confirm with their own clients as well. The newspapers were out like four in the morning and should we just start calling each number right after we received the papers?
My Saturday was spoilt as predicted and I had to reject Bunnie’s date; it could be a great army outing maybe. I continued to receive calls for enquiries like as if I was distributing free gifts. My mind remained unrest even when I was at the toilet.
It was around noon when my brother returned home and told me one of the aunties downstairs was looking for me. I went down soon to look for her for I knew she had some lobangs. She told me her boss had a unit nearby and the lease for some workers was going to end soon. I went over to take a look but could not find any clue except it was a walk-up without much hygienic.
Vivi called me just before I was going home and I waited for her at the bus-stop. I had pathetic moments on the way with my phone kept ringing but most of the times were fruitless attempts. I was quite lucky for she was supposed to meet up with her friend soon who later suggested they would meet up next time instead and thus I got to spend more time with her.
I did not have a peaceful afternoon still. And when Kelly called to announce her arrival, I left Vivi sleeping alone in the room; I was quite unrest over it for she would probably be freaked out if she was to wake up to find herself alone. The good news was that Kelly had closed Bedok block 102.
It was supposed to be a quick meeting to get the keys from Kelly but I brought her over to the electronic repair shop to find the owner, Uncle Sam. At the same time, my mum bought my dinner and some dessert to pass me at the letterbox. We made some enquiries before going over to take a look at the building again but Kelly gave up without climbing up. I supposed less smoking would do her better. She bought a packet of coffee as she called her friend who seemed to have many workers. We went back to the shop to talk to Uncle Sam but it was not as smooth as we thought.
Finally, I got home to have my rest but the phone continued to ring. Vivi was in fact asleep throughout my disappearance and I pronounced she was a pig. We had fun teasing each other and it was quite a blissful afternoon somehow even though she did not intend to spend it with me if not for her friend.
She was using my computer and talked to Yuqing and later I called him for a chat before both of us left together. I walked her to the bus-stop and waited quite long for the bus to come before I rushed off to the MRT station to proceed to Bedok. The journey alone was quite boring.
I went up to the flat to wait for the arrival of Sophie. I was quite shocked when the group of them came with a cute and friendly dog. Due to my, I did not talk a lot with the thought that Kelly should have explained everything clearly to them. They closed the door and windows to test the noise level from outside and later, they said they did not feel secure to pay for it before the valuation was out. It was a great disappointment for I thought I could have closed it since it was their second visit.
Then, I waited for Rahman to come but instead, Ding called me. I was quite shocked with a couple came up with a name card and said “he” was not coming up as he could not find a parking lot. They walked around the flat fast and did not intend to stay for long, which was quite a disappointment as well. I closed up the flat and left after that.
I stopped by the hawker centre and asked my mum whether they wanted any fried banana or satay. Then, I went to buy ten pieces of fried banana and was quite confused over the different sizes for they looked nearly the same. The scenery at the hawker centre was quite good.
It was a lonely trip home again. I was filled with emotions while waiting for the train. I was sitting at the exact place where my family used to wait together after visiting my grandmother at Bedok South. We used to buy some fried bananas or satays before going home. I was missing my father so much that my eyes were filled with tears.
Back at home, Mike messaged me in MSN and it was so rare. We had some chat before Vivi called me. After that, I was trying to blog but my younger brother started to tell me stories about his camp; as usual, I did not like to do anything with anyone by my side and thus I kept my eyes at the television set instead.
I was behaving quite like a zombie in the morning for the lack of sleep and disappointment of the unsold flat, which could have been sold a week ago.
I was actually quite excited for the arrival of the valuer and Kelly had taught me more things this morning. The valuer was a girl who looked quite young and pleasant. She came with papers to note down things and later, took out a camera to take photos. I thought she had a nice job for she got to travel more than me to look at houses, and also able to practise photography.
Rahman was late for a while and he brought down the couple and their son. My instinct was right this time that the buyers were willing to buy the flat. I supposed it was partly due to the fact that they were urgently looking for a new house and Rahman’s team worked so swiftly that they did not want to hold on to any client. Of course, the buyers, Mr Low and his wife were very easygoing people.
We went down to the stone table but it was too windy. Later on, Rahman finally got his name card for both Kelly and I. We moved to the community centre. I was surprised to see Mr Low having very long name and Kelly told me he was a Chinese who had converted to Muslim. I was very impressed with him for it must have taken him a lot of sacrifice to be with his gorgeous wife.
We finally got the paper work done with Kelly’s help. Actually, Rahman was handling the JTC resale flat for the first time as well. Even though the flat was finally sold, I knew well I did not make much from the little commission; it was so pathetic for I had made almost ten trips down and the travel fee and time wasted was enormous. The greatest worry was how I was going to answer to Francis when Kelly did not want anyone else to know that she was helping us. And also, since the case was closed after so much helps from Kelly, I did not feel proud.
After reaching home, I was dead beat from the lack of sleep. I was also quite disappointed that Vivi was actually out with another guy, her senior in school, to catch a movie instead of accompanying me. That guy insisted her to date with him out of so many girls in Singapore but her mum had ordered home in the midst of the romantic movie. Seeing her nick in MSN was a sickening thing when she was apologising so much to him.
I did not doubt her loyalty but her naiveness that people always took it for granted. The day sucked to the maximum and I was getting so weary perhaps due to the numerous travelling in the bad weather that I dozed off many times.
It was during evening, she called me while she was going for tuition and she told me she had dinner with the same guy who insisted it in order to forgive her for her mum forced her home earlier. Maybe some people would think she was so lovely to repay her mum’s debt but I only cared about how weird it was for a guy to ask so much from an attached girl.
Kelly had arranged to meet me at 9pm for Mr. Low wanted to pay for the exercise fee immediately so as to proceed with the flat faster. It was a bad timing for I was going to miss my favourite channel 8 show. Weirdly, my mum had not returned home with my dinner at such late hour as she was kind of forced to join a religious gathering with great food; I thought those people were very hypocrite to force people into their believe.
I was wearing very causally as I thought I had to just pass her the document. Then, she was late for she was doing her holy task of helping Jenny with some stuff. Suddenly, she called me and asked me to go down to McPherson Road and I was so stunned. The exact location was Pipit Road which I had not heard before. There were a few persons in the queue but they were all not in the same way as the cab driver who came next.
I got into it and soon, started chatting with the uncle. He thought I was from China for I was speaking in Chinese all along. Later on, he introduced me to a china website where he got many cheap China goods. He told me that he was working nearly twenty years in the sales line before switching job. It was a good experience to be his customer and partly thanks to Kelly that I was getting noisier, but of course still not even half of my past standard.
I thought my job was to pass Kelly the documents but she brought me up to Mr Low’s house at block 54. I was very embarrassed for wearing shorts and the NP t-shirt. Then, Kelly got me to fill in the forms and she guided me by the side. However, I did not understand the whole procedure still.
After everything was settled, we went down to the void deck to settle the payment. I returned her the $172.50 from Mr Low for the valuation fee and she insisted me to take $25 from her as cab fare. From then, I deducted that she would never take the commission from Mingfa and I as we planned to divide the small amount between the three of us. She had put me to so much shame for she was helping us so much that she was wasting so much of her time and money.
It was pouring heavily still and we sat there to discuss over how to talk to Francis. I reminded her that it was obvious someone had been helping us and she finally agreed to let Francis know about it. Francis was praising Mingfa and me for doing the valuation despite the risk that we would be wasting the money if there was no buyer, which was different from what he said to me in the afternoon.
At this point of time I was quite lost. The society seemed so dark that no one was completely trustable. From Kelly, I knew many things about our team for she was a great observer. So far, I had not seen anyone as hardworking as her and I really wished to learn more from her in a way such that Francis would not be angry in any way. It was pretty obvious that Mingfa and I were neglected somehow and we had no choice but to accept Kelly’s kind help, which had benefited us so much to start off into the field.
She insisted to see me into the cab before she rode home in her bike.
