Chapter 20: Feeling Refreshed, Going to Buy a House

“Up so early, damn, I’m so damn tired...”

With a prolonged singing voice, Chu Chen woke up feeling refreshed.

“Husband, you’re awake. I’ll help you get dressed,” Luo Yi said as she got up and handed him his clothes.

The two women dressed him, and Chu Chen called a waiter to prepare breakfast for them.

Looking at the two women gathered around the table, Chu Chen realized he had to earn some money today to buy a house.

He couldn’t bring them back to Ma Mountain Village just yet; it wasn’t the right time.

After the deep conversations last night, the atmosphere among the three had become remarkably harmonious.

This world was wonderful—not only could one have multiple wives and concubines, but most hadn’t been bought or experienced by others before.

After breakfast, Chu Chen took the two women out.

To be honest, this was the first time since his transmigration that he had properly strolled through Qingyun City.

The streets were bustling with carriages and people, filled with various shouts, bargaining, and the whispers of middle-aged women at the information center.

“Look here, authentic wild ginseng! Original price 88 taels, now only 99 wen!”

“Don’t miss out, the finest Immortal Sword for just three taels and three wen, limited quantity, while supplies last.”

“The boss and his neighbor lady ran off. Both shops combined for a clearance sale, only three days, if we don’t close in three days, we’re fools.”

Seeing this strange yet familiar scene, Chu Chen felt as if he had returned to the modern world.

He had been busy these past days since his transmigration, and this scene made him feel a bit homesick.

He wondered if his family back in that world was mourning his death by a two-hundred-pound elder sister or joyfully celebrating at home.

Shaking his head, he dismissed these thoughts.

Since he was here and possessed such an extraordinary space, he decided to live life to the fullest.

Taking Luo Yi’s hand gently, he said, “I plan to buy a house here to settle you both.”

“Ah, husband, won’t you take me home with you?” Luo Yi’s eyes dimmed as she said softly.

It seemed that, after all, as a courtesan, she still couldn’t enter this man’s heart.

She misunderstood his intentions.

“I still have matters to attend to. It’s inconvenient to bring you along now, so I’ll settle you here in Qingyun City first.”

He paused, then added, “Once I’m done, I’ll come to take you.”

Compared to Luo Yi, Xiao Fang was much quieter.

She knew her place—just a bedwarmer girl.

Chu Chen hadn’t thought much about this and led them toward the largest pawnshop in Qingyun City.

“Young master, young ladies, may I help you?”

At the pawnshop’s door, a young man greeted them with a professional smile.

“Are you with this pawnshop?” Chu Chen frowned, looking at the young man.

The young man arrogantly shook his head.

“Master, my abilities surpass those inside. I grew up in Qingyun City and know all the information here.”

“I’m a special agent for the pawnshop.”

So this guy was the ancient equivalent of an informant, the modern-day hustler.

That piqued Chu Chen’s interest immediately.

“Sir, I want to buy a house. Do you have any good recommendations?”

The young man glanced at the two women behind Chu Chen and immediately put on a knowing look.

“Master, I’m very familiar with your situation. If you trust me, come with me, and I guarantee satisfaction.”

Trust you on the first meeting? What a joke.

At that moment, a voice from inside shouted, “Ergouzi, you damn bastard, stealing my customers again!”

Chu Chen looked toward the voice and saw a burly figure rushing out.

He said to Chu Chen, “Master, this is unavoidable. Don’t believe that guy.”

Seeing the big man, the one called Ergouzi deflated like a balloon and slowly walked outside.

Chu Chen ignored the big man and called the young man, “Hey... Ergouzi, come here.”

He had his own plan. When buying a house, going to a proper pawnshop meant the person wouldn’t rip you off too much, just like in the modern world.

Ergouzi’s eyes lit up as he ran over excitedly.

“You don’t look like someone who’s foolish or has too much money. How about we go?”

Pawnshop business was tough. Though Ergouzi was annoying, he was pitiful and knowledgeable about Qingyun City.

“Lead the way.” Chu Chen waved forward.

The three followed Ergouzi outside.

Ergouzi excitedly led the way, thinking about the good meal he’d have once this deal was done.

“Master, I know of three courtyards that fit your criteria. One in the west of the city, in the wealthy district, with three courtyards connected, priced at 1,200 taels.”

“The second is also in the west, two courtyards connected, priced at 800 taels.”

“The third is in the east, three courtyards connected but with a poorer environment, only 500 taels.”

Chu Chen was puzzled. Setting aside the price, how did this guy know his requirements?

He said, “Let’s go to the west and look at the three-courtyard one first.”

Ergouzi immediately brightened. The landlord had promised him a 30-tael commission if the house sold.

They walked to the west and arrived at a bustling market filled with people dressed in splendid clothes.

The market sold mostly high-end goods.

There were gold and silver shops, cloth stores, restaurants, and brothels—everything one could need.

Chu Chen looked at the brothel and smiled wickedly, causing Luo Yi beside him to groan.

Her husband’s energy was endless.

Chu Chen was certain he had to buy a house here.

Shortly after, Ergouzi brought Chu Chen to a luxurious courtyard with a garden, pond, and rockery.

There were about a dozen rooms of various sizes.

He chuckled, thinking he could easily house all his wives here.

But at 1,200 taels, he needed to haggle.

He said to Ergouzi, “The house is nice; I like it. But isn’t the price a bit high?”

“Master, the price is up to the landlord. I only bring you here; I don’t make decisions.”

Today’s deal seemed promising; the young master’s eyes sparkled.

“Then call the landlord for me. I want to talk to him.”

This was better than modern agents—he could negotiate directly with the owner.

Within half an hour, a portly man dressed in fine silks and brocades walked in.