After five years of cordial nodding and smiling, the downstairs couple in our apartment block invited us to their brightly lit sitting room one recent evening. Before that, we had only talked about two topics: the possible leaking problem in our bathroom, and the part-time cleaners we both hire.

The sound of trickling water was proved to have come from our neighbors upstairs. They like to hang wet clothes and let water drop into the bathtub. And our cleaners, they are honest and diligent, but having seen the inside of many households, sometimes they like to show off their knowledge.

Thus it was from our cleaners that I learned about our downstairs neighbors' white puppy, which is adored by the couple and their charming daughter, who has been a bodybuilding coach and is studying overseas.

That night, the topic was much more serious: Should they buy a new house or not? The place they have fallen in love with always reminds me of Sleeping Beauty.

Some three years ago, we bumped into that community, which features Mediterranean white-washed walls, flowers below the windows and carefully designed gardens that are seldom seen in the country's north.

But perhaps due to its remoteness from the downtown area, the community's price has remained stable. Several of our friends have signed contracts and we were dragged there to give suggestions on decoration.

Our neighbors thus believe we know more about it than they do. "I don't like it," declared their daughter, leaning on a piano. But her parents have to consider more factors than the general appearance. Will its price soar quickly? Are the apartments too big for a couple like them?

It turns out they already own several apartments in different parts of the capital. But the most expensive property along the Chang'an Avenue has not brought them the expected high profit. "Its price has just increased by 5,000 yuan ($660) per square meter in the past three years," says our host, who drives a black Passat to the company he owns.

"The apartment we saw today had its front gate facing a wall, which is unlucky," complains our hostess, who rides in a blue Golf to beauty saloons and malls. When I first saw her with her daughter, I thought they were sisters because of her well-maintained looks.

"If you really like it, don't hesitate," says my husband. In the matter of hours, we saw the sales agents leading groups of customers around, while eager clients wait with cash in hand to sign contracts.

One of our friends brought five credit cards to sign the contract. But he had to borrow more from friends to reach the 800,000 yuan ($105,300) down payment. He feared that if he didn't sign the contract quickly, other people with more money would grab it.

"I know how crazy it is to get a new house, and the decoration is like a nightmare," says our hostess, "but I can't help it. I must live in such a community."

Well, best wishes for our kind neighbors.

If they move away, I hope the new comers will be just as tolerant.

(China Daily 09/14/2007 page20)