The man in deep blue linen continued, unaware of Nian Jiaojiao's nervousness:
“After the Bai family discovered this, they immediately started searching everywhere and issued a stern warning: if the person was found, Bai Qingqing would be married off immediately. But it’s been over half a month, and Bai Qingqing hasn’t been found. We suspect she won’t be found.”
Nian Jiaojiao nodded and thanked him:
“I see. Thank you, young sir, for clarifying.”
Expecting him to leave after she thanked him, she was surprised when he, blushing, asked Nian Jiaojiao:
“I still don’t know the young lady’s name or where she lives. We’ve never seen you in Qinghe Village before.”
Nian Jiaojiao immediately replied:
“How could that be? We must have met.”
The man in deep blue linen did not believe her:
“How is that possible? You are so outstanding, miss. If I had met you, I wouldn’t forget.”
Nian Jiaojiao felt that he spoke very well. They had barely chatted for a few sentences, and he had already recognized her excellence.
Just as she was about to answer him, Xing Yun, supporting Nan Qing, arrived at their doorstep. Upon spotting Nian Jiaojiao, he immediately called out:
“Wife! You’re awake!”
Hearing Xing Yun’s words, the faces of the two men changed drastically. The man in deep blue linen asked in disbelief:
“Xing Yun! Who are you calling? Isn’t your wife Nian Dabao?”
Xing Yun looked at Nian Jiaojiao and pointed at her in confusion:
“It’s her! Isn’t she Nian Dabao? Baozi, you’ve met her before, how can you not recognize her?”
The man in blue, called Baozi, instantly turned pale and took a few steps back.
*What a ghost!*
*Your wife used to look like that. How could anyone recognize her looking like this now?*
He thought this while looking at Nian Jiaojiao with regret. After looking for a while, he left without another word, turning away with his companion.
Nian Jiaojiao: ???
Xing Yun: ???
After they left, Nan Qing spoke:
“It seems my wife has become exceptionally beautiful now.”
Nian Jiaojiao’s heart pounded at the sudden praise from the esteemed figure.
However, just as she was about to modestly respond, Nan Qing turned and went back into the house.
Nian Jiaojiao: ???
…
Meanwhile.
Yu Chuan and Xuan Yi, led by the accountant Meng Ge, arrived at the first house.
This house was located in the town center, closest to Shanshui Academy. However, it only had three rooms, the kitchen was a simple makeshift shed, and the yard was bare, with only a well.
Yu Chuan was dissatisfied after a quick look.
Meng Ge cautiously asked:
“This house, due to its good location, especially its proximity to the academy, is priced slightly higher. It costs… it costs 180 taels of silver.”
Along the way, through conversation, Meng Ge had learned about Yu Chuan’s family situation and knew that the house was being bought to facilitate his wife’s studies. However, Meng Ge naturally assumed that the person would be studying at Shanshui Academy.
Yu Chuan shook his head:
“It’s my fault for not explaining clearly. My wife attends Qin Family Academy, not Shanshui Academy. Please take me to look for another one. The price of the house is not an issue, but the living environment must be good.”
Meng Ge was a bit surprised. He hadn’t expected to encounter such a big customer. But just in case, he confirmed with the other party:
“May I ask how much budget your husband has allocated for you?”
Yu Chuan shook his head, not mentioning a specific amount, and only said:
“As long as the house is satisfactory and the price is right, we can buy it and complete the transfer today.”
Hearing this, Meng Ge had a clearer idea and immediately led them to another location.
Looking at this house, Meng Ge’s eyes also revealed a hint of fondness.
“This house belongs to a relative of mine. Her family has already moved to Fengcheng, so she entrusted it to me to sell.”
As he spoke, Meng Ge opened the door and led the two inside to continue introducing:
“This house is a bit farther from the central district, but it’s close to Qin Family Academy. You just need to pass through two alleys and walk a bit towards the main street. The journey won’t exceed fifteen minutes.”
Afterward, he pointed to the yard and said:
“This large banyan tree is said to be decades old. It’s perfect for enjoying the shade when it’s hot. The yard is this large, and there’s a small pond. You can raise fish and plant some lotus flowers, which would be quite a sight.”
Seeing this, Yu Chuan and Xuan Yi’s eyes showed satisfaction.
“To the right is a separate kitchen. It’s made of good wood all around, absolutely sturdy, and resistant to rain and wind. Although it’s not large, it has all the essential facilities.”
The three pushed the door open, and dust immediately flew up.
Meng Ge said awkwardly:
“Ah, my relative has been gone for over a year. She was reluctant to sell this house because she was sure she wouldn’t move back. But she needed money, so she reluctantly sold it. Please don’t mind it, sirs.”
Yu Chuan shook his head:
“It’s alright. Please continue the introduction.”
Meng Ge then led them to the main hall. The furnishings in the main hall resembled those of a reception room in a noble residence.
There were two main seats at the top. Below, on each side, were two seats with tea tables.
“This is where people chat and have refreshments. Of course, there is a separate place for dining.”
As he spoke, Meng Ge led the two to the right, to the dining room.
“This is the dining area. Although it’s not large, this round table can seat eight or nine people.”
After introducing the dining room, walking further to the right, there were two rooms, which were secondary bedrooms. To the left of the main hall was the master bedroom, which was as large as the two secondary bedrooms combined.
Because the master bedroom was large, it was divided. Inside was a study, complete with a desk and bookshelves.
Finally, there were very small wood storage rooms and a bathing room. The wood storage room and bathing room were originally one room, but it was later divided into two. One room was for storing firewood and miscellaneous items, while the other contained a large wooden tub and an apparel rack.
Overall, Yu Chuan was quite satisfied. He asked Meng Ge:
“May I ask the price of this set of houses?”
Meng Ge gritted his teeth and looked at Yu Chuan sincerely:
“You allowed me to show you houses, and this is my first deal, so I’ll be honest with you. My relative’s bottom price was 200 taels of silver. If you add another three taels for me, it will be yours.”
After saying that, fearing that Yu Chuan might find it expensive, he immediately explained:
“My relative was someone who enjoyed comfort. The furniture she bought is of excellent quality, rumored to be sandalwood. You won’t lose money buying it.”
Meng Ge was telling the truth. The furniture alone was worth more than fifty taels of silver.
Yu Chuan looked at Xuan Yi, who had been silent beside him, and asked:
“What do you think?”
Xuan Yi nodded:
“You make the decision.”
So, Yu Chuan turned to Meng Ge and said decisively:
“Alright, I’ll give you 210 taels of silver. I want this house.”
Since the other party was sincere, he would not let him suffer a loss. If those older women had brought them to buy a house, they would have likely profited more than ten taels.
Upon hearing Yu Chuan’s words, Meng Ge repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Yu Chuan. It was true that if one did well in this line of work, it was like opening for business once every three years, but making enough to last three years. If he did other jobs, he would only earn about three taels of silver in three months.
…
Nian Family.
Nian Jiaojiao already knew that Yu Chuan and Xuan Yi had gone to buy a house. Just as Nan Qing had predicted, Nian Jiaojiao was not angry; instead, she looked forward to it.