You Are Hot Then You Are Cold

Vol 3 - Side Story 2: Manual for Ash Jones (2)

The real house visit starts the next day. Perhaps Ash is serious in saying that they should see the house together, he asks Karlyle about the house in detail.

When Ash asked which house he liked, Karlyle just randomly chose four houses in a reluctant way. Ash won't live in that house, so there's no need to care.

They visit the first house on February 11th. Since it's a weekday, they set the appointment at 7 P.M. The house is in the residential area, a 10-minute walk from Notting Hill station. It is painted white like a mansion in the Mediterranean, and rose vines are beautifully grown in the garden.

The inside of the mansion is neither particularly great nor bad. There is one large garage, and the peculiar feature is the pond in the backyard. The interior is Victorian style. It's similar to Natalie's house.

And it is incomparably smaller than his old mansion in Hampstead Health. Well, it doesn't matter since he'll live alone anyway...

"It's too small."

Ash says so as soon as he enters the house. Looking ahead, Karlyle blinks.

"Do you think so?"

"Yes. Thinking about the house Lyle used to live in... Isn't this too small?"

Even compared to Ash's house, this place is about twice as big. Karlyle is quickly persuaded.

"Probably so."

"The condition of the house is similar to your old one, but I don't think this is the right house."

Ash says "Oops", then turns around. He tilts his head, gently furrowing his eyebrows, then says to Karlyle.

"Of course, that's just my opinion. If Lyle is okay, then it's fine. I will also help you with moving."

At the word "moving", Karlyle flinches. With a calm and cool face, Karlyle shakes his head. Keeping a serious expression like at work, Karlyle explains why this house is not good.

"Ash is right."

That's what Ash said.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Nodding quickly, Karlyle points his head at the secretary, who looks awkwardly behind them. And that's how one of the houses is crossed out from the list.

"I'm glad Lyle also agrees."

Ash smiles like a rose blooming, his eyes curve brightly. Karlyle's heart is mesmerized by the pretty smile. The decision Karlyle has just made is very prudent and rational. When it comes to interiors, Ash is more of an expert than him.

Furthermore, Karlyle does business with the residence, he doesn't sell houses. He just manages properties. So everything Ash said about the house is right.

The next house visit is on February 12th. Today they will go see two houses. One is located about a 15-minute walk from Ash's house. Well, the location is not bad.

Surrounded by brick walls, the house is pretty neat. At first glance, the renovated black-white-toned shape, which resembles that of an apartment, seems to be taken from part of Mayfair's most expensive and famous mansion.

"I don't like the direction of the windows. Of course it's just my opinion."

Unlike the previous mansion, this house is similar in size to Ash's house. As he climbs the stairs and carefully looks inside with a thoughtful chin, Ash gives an answer to Karlyle's request for an opinion.

"Karlyle's body temperature is still low, so personally, you should live in a warm place. In a house like this, the sunlight doesn't come in well in winter. A good heater and good sunlight are two different things, right?"