Chapter 259: House on Wheels
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
After reaching Flagstaff, Li Du rested until the cool evening arrived before going to the Fox’s apartment for the design of their storage site.
Godzilla was sitting at the entrance to the apartment, drinking chilled beer with a pile of beer cans lying beside him. The sight scared the cars driving by Godzilla—they accelerated at the sight of him.
Li Du laughed in amusement. "You’re scaring everyone, pal."
Godzilla, looking innocent, shrugged his shoulders. "I’m a big baby."
Hans dozily popped his head out of an upstairs window. "Aren’t you both supposed to be taking a nap? What’s the commotion for? This is an act of disturbance!"
Li Du tossed a can of beer up to him and said, "It’s already evening—get your *ss down here!"
Hans caught the can of beer, opened it, and took a big gulp. "Cool!"
Li Du said, "We need to discuss the plans for building a small house."
Hans waved his hand and replied, "What plan? Are you really going to build one from scratch, starting from laying the foundation, the cement floor, and then the bricks for the wall?"
Li Du said, "Of course not—that’s not what I have in mind. We don’t even have the rights to build a house on that land."
Hans said, "Exactly, just get a mobile home—a house on wheels."
Mobile homes were common in the United States. When young people couldn’t afford a house or they didn't want to buy a house, they would get this type of home that could be pulled by a vehicle.
In this way, people could bring their houses along when they went for a trip. Today they might be staying in Arizona, and the next day they could be in California. After some time, they might be chilling in Montana…
When Li Du had first arrived in Flagstaff for his studies, he knew some students who had lived in such houses. They didn’t stay in the dormitory, and they didn’t need to rent an apartment or room anywhere; they just stayed in their tiny house behind their truck.
He was curious and interested in these types of homes, but had never been inside one before. Hans’s recommendation reminded him of his curiosity and fondness for them.
Stephen was helping Hannah mow the lawn, and was doing it diligently, as this would be his and Hannah’s future home. When he heard the conversation about mobile homes, he walked over to them.
"Hey, would you consider getting a prefab home?"
"We rented a piece of land," replied Li Du, "and we’re thinking of making it into a place we can gather and socialize. Both you and Hannah have to come and visit all the time."
Stephen laughed, "That’s great, I’m glad to be invited. As for getting some type of structure on there, I might be able to help."
Li Du handed Stephen a can of beer and asked, "How so?"
Stephen took two sips of beer and said, "A friend of mine sells prefab houses and I’ve seen a series of really fascinating, but rather costly, cabins—definitely your money’s worth!"
As he drank his beer, Stephen made a call to his friend to send information over about the cabins.
Stephen was a mature, down-to-earth, loyal man. His friends were therefore very reliable as well.
As soon as Stephen ended the call, he soon received a couple of emails with information of other prefab houses alongside info about the one he had specifically asked about.
With the population increase, people found themselves surrounded by steel, cement, and more vehicles, which could make living in a metropolis tiring.
As a result, more people wanted to flee the city and live a lifestyle closer to Mother Nature.
However, Americans liked to enjoy their lives—they would not abandon comfort and convenience for the sake of nature.
To cater to such a demand, more builders began to design and build mobile homes, providing a more spontaneous, environmentally friendly and free living experience. Prefab homes also gave people more freedom, as they could choose to place the home of their dreams in a more secluded area.
The prefab home that Stephen recommended was from the famous Estonia-based architecture firm, Kodasema. Fast and convenient installation of their prefab homes were their strongest qualities.
Stephen was full of praise for this prefab home. "This prefab home requires seven hours to assemble, four hours to dismantle. You can add tires to make it into a mobile home. I’ve seen it drive personally, and it is absolutely reliable and steady."
Many prefab houses had an area between 30 and 60-square-feet. In comparison, this series of prefab house had a larger area at 160-square-feet.
Kodasema also offered three home designs for different purposes: the "household," the "classroom," and the "office."
However, they were more expensive than other prefab homes, at a price of around 130,000 dollars.
Hannah, who had joined in to listen to Stephen talking about the prefab home, shook her head. "No, it’s too expensive, not worth your money. My house is only worth 200,000 dollars."
Stephen explained, "Your house is rather old, and the price was without the furniture and fixtures. Whereas this cabin is brand new and it comes fully-furnished with entirely new electronic appliances.
Li Du accepted this explanation. Looking at the information and details, the prefab home focused on space-saving designs. The furnishings were luxurious, the furniture and appliances custom-made by famous brands.
The most important factor Li Du valued would be the ease of disassembly of the prefab house.
The prefab home came in pieces; once the factory received an order, they would deliver the pieces in a trailer to the destination, then they would assemble the house by crane, putting it together like a 3D puzzle.
When an owner wanted to move their prefab house, they could pay Kodasema a fee to take it down, transport it, and re-assemble it in a new location.
Li Du was more of a frugal man; his main expenditure were the sums of money he sent back home to his parents. The money he had saved up was definitely enough to get the prefab home.
"I’ve decided to get this cabin. I like it a lot."
One side of the Kodasema cabin was made of four-layered glass, which was thick enough to insulate it from noise and cold. It also offered a good view of the horizon and allowed bright sunlight to enter the house.
Li Du liked this design. And if he wanted more privacy, he could close the floor-to-ceiling curtain.
"Li, there’s no need for you to make the decision now," said Stephen. "I suggest you visit the showroom first and see it for yourself. Then decide if you want it."
Li Du laughed, "I trust you Stephen. If you feel that the house is a good buy, I believe it is a good buy."
Stephen smiled and said, "Thank you for trusting me."
Hans patted his shoulder. "Hey, you shouldn’t be a mechanic, you should be in sales. Look, you practically just sold a high-priced house."
Stephen said with a serious tone, "No, I’m not suitable for sales. Sorry, Big Fox, I love being a mechanic."
Hannah rolled her eyes and turned to Stephen. "Of course he knows that—he’s just joking with you."
Hans shrugged his shoulders at Li Du as if he were saying, Look—how am I going to get along with him when they marry?
Li Du smiled without saying anything. What’s it got to do with me? he thought.