IC Inbox
If contacting his personal number or via Libra:
"You have reached Jusis Albarea. I'm busy. Leave a message."
If contacting his work number:
"You have reached the office of Jusis Albarea, Esquire. I'm not available at this time, so please leave your name, number, and a brief message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you."
Black Order Inbox and Class VII Group Chat for reference.
If contacting his work number:
Black Order Inbox and Class VII Group Chat for reference.
no subject
Possibly. Something this severe usually extends inside until it becomes impossible to ignore.
[He walks back in and makes his way towards the bathroom, noting the creak of the floorboards. The bathroom is a good size and smells of bleach and fresh paint. Zhongli, however, is looking at the details of the wall that also faces outside.
He makes a thoughtful noise and kneels beside the backsplash.]
This was installed recently, most likely to mask the evidence of flooding. But you can tell because of the ripples in the wall and the ceiling that it's an ongoing problem... as well as the scent. Water damage in this climate freezes during the winter, causing cracks to accelerate.
Thankfully there are no units on the first floor, or I would be concerned about water damage there as well.
no subject
Likely, that's why the tenants left. Repair of this scale only happens with the landlord's permission. I'll file a complaint when we're done.
[It's entirely possible that Jusis can put some pressure on them by virtue of being a lawyer. He might as well use his position to do some good, especially for the next tenant.]
These were the only two areas I saw with that kind of damage from photos, but it should be enough to prompt more substantial action. My thanks for your expertise in confirming all of this. That said, we can look more thoroughly or move on to the last apartment.
no subject
They'll have no choice but to hire an independent inspector with that kind of pressure. We'll leave it in their hands for now, and come back to that if necessary.
[For now... he still needs a place to live, unfortunately.]
I hope the next one is in better shape. Let's see it.
no subject
I'll be sure to keep you updated, then.
[He leads Zhongli out and locks it up, but takes a moment to note the number. Then, the blond takes him over to the last studio apartment on their tour.]
This one looked well taken care of. The previous owner had a small child, so there may be some interesting artistic choices made on the walls.
[Zhongli may detect a hint of fondness in Jusis's voice when he says that. He unlocks the door and holds it open for the older man's inspection.]
no subject
Nothing that cannot be painted over, I imagine.
[He walks slowly through the place. The fireplace in the living room is nice, though the room itself is a strange shape. It isn't unattractive, and could be softened as tradition dictates with round fixtures and lighting. The kitchen is more open... and the bedroom is actually bigger than the master in the two-bedroom apartment, a fact he doesn't miss.
On his way to check out the back patio, he finds a little shadow of some previous artwork donated by the child in question. He brushes his fingers over it yet he doesn't look displeased, exactly.
It's a little red dragon scrawled on the inside of the closet door.]
Ah, a timeless mural left behind by small hands. The canvas and the subjects may change, but the expression does not.
no subject
Mm, a 'hidden treasure' is what my mother calls them. As she tells it, I left many in my childhood. My uncle swears he's still finding them in strange places.
[Those are some happy memories. He just wishes he had more of them, and that others weren't lost to time as he grew older.]
no subject
Hidden treasure indeed.
[...]
Now that some people are gone, I find myself wishing for more of them.
[He gently closes the door and takes a slow walk through the apartment one more time. When he's finished, he stands in the middle of the living room and looks around, amber eyes lifting to the ceiling, as he stands there with his arms folded behind his back.]
... I do believe this one suits me the most.
[Discovering that little red trogdor really felt auspicious.]
no subject
The blond is quiet at the implication that Zhongli has had children. One side of him certainly has the kneejerk response of, "Oh, Lord, this man procreated." However, the majority of him kind of... empathizes with that. Standing here, Jusis can't help being reminded of two children he used to play with and dote on, even as a teenager, in his past life.
He waits for the older man to finish his inspection, and there's a rare, soft smile on his face. It's small, but there.]
I think I must agree. Let's negotiate your lease, and I hope you feel at home here.
no subject
It seems that through this small act of cooperation, they've reached some kind of understanding. It puts Zhongli at ease, too. Of course a harmonious workplace is important, but more than that, he sees a lot of the younger adepti in how hard Jusis works. He's part of a new generation—a generation that refuses to be held under the thumb of their forefathers, and wants to be judged on their own merits. If that much is true, then Zhongli can only judge that Jusis has done well.]
Your assistance and insight has been invaluable. You have my gratitude.
[He adjusts his gloves out of habit.]
Once I've settled, don't hesitate to call on me if you need anything. If I'm not here and it's outside of school hours, I'm likely on a walk and will return before long.
no subject
Of course. It was my pleasure to assist you. I believe you know where to find me if you need me, too.
[He'll exit the apartment with Zhongli, and lock the door behind him. Then, he takes the brunet over to the main office to start preparing to sign that lease.]