For commoners in the inland regions, venturing to the border for trade during winter was unthinkable. Encountering Liao soldiers could lead to the loss of property, but losing one's life was far more serious.
After sitting in the teahouse for the entire morning, before leaving, Gu Qingcheng took out the "Flower Tea Drink" from the storage cabinet. Looking at the steaming beverage, no different from when it was first served, she happily exclaimed:
"It seems the storage cabinet has a preservation function for external supplies as well. This offers so much convenience. We can store more fresh, hot delicacies. Even in the dead of winter, we can eat hot meals without needing to light a fire."
"It's truly useful. It appears the system's functions are still being developed. Keep a close watch," Hu Lanfang cautioned.
Gu Qingcheng nodded.
Having overheard gossip for a whole morning without any new tidbits, the three members of the Gu family went to find an agent to help them find a house to purchase.
Agents were not hard to find; there were several real estate offices lining the street. It seemed that professions focused on making money effortlessly and profiting from both sides, like that of a real estate agent, were abundant in every era.
"Please, have a seat, sir. What brings you here?"
Gu Zhaobei chose a real estate office that looked presentable and stepped inside.
Upon entering, a middle-aged scholar approached them warmly, introducing himself as Mr. Sun.
In the service industry, a good attitude was paramount.
"Oh, we wish to purchase a residence here. The requirements are good sunlight, a location at a higher elevation, backed by a mountain, and without neighbors living too close. We dislike being disturbed by outsiders."
Gu Zhaobei first introduced himself as Gu and then stated their conditions. Mr. Sun then began flipping through a ledger on his desk.
"Ah, here's one. This residence quite fits your requirements, though it is a bit old. I wonder if you would mind that?" Mr. Sun said tactfully.
"May we see it in person?"
Gu Zhaobei understood the principle of seeing is believing.
"Certainly, no problem at all. I'll arrange it right away," Mr. Sun readily agreed.
Those who inspect the goods are the ones who buy them.
Mr. Sun naturally understood this. He felt that this merchant's intention to buy a house was quite strong.
Gu Qingcheng and her mother remained silent.
In front of outsiders, Gu Zhaobei was the head of the household, and his word was final.
If they were to steal the spotlight, it would make Gu Zhaobei seem inadequate and give the impression that their family lacked proper discipline, with the wife being the dominant one.
Of course, at home, Hu Lanfang could indeed be quite formidable.
Just as they were about to depart, a woman in her thirties with a seductive appearance emerged from the inner rooms. Seeing Mr. Sun about to leave, she casually asked:
"Mr. Sun, where are you going?"
"Oh, I'm taking some clients to see that old house in Yalshan."
A flicker of surprise crossed the woman's eyes, which Gu Qingcheng happened to notice, immediately sparking a hint of suspicion in her heart.
"Are these three the ones looking at it?" the woman asked politely.
"Yes," Mr. Sun replied. "Third Sister, would you like to accompany us?"
"Alright," the seductive woman, known as Third Sister, immediately agreed.
As she spoke, Third Sister looked up at Gu Zhaobei.
Unexpectedly, at a single glance, her eyes seemed unable to move away.
Gu Zhaobei's original form was weak and timid, with vacant eyes and a fearful disposition, lacking any semblance of good looks or spirit.
But now, with a new soul, Gu Zhaobei was a medical student who had graduated from a prestigious university. To care for his family, he had settled for a position at a community hospital, and his demeanor was naturally second to none.
As for his appearance, after a period of nourishing food and drink, his body had rapidly absorbed nutrients, and a healthy glow could be felt emanating from him.
Dressed in clean clothes, he appeared completely refreshed. His overall spirit had improved, transforming him into a dignified man.
Furthermore, his original self was a farmer and a hunter. Now, combined with Gu Zhaobei's inherent gentle scholarly aura as a doctor, his ruggedness was softened by a touch of refinement, exuding a full masculine charm. This subtle balance made him shine, captivating those with discerning eyes, making them unable to look away.
"Sir, this is my cousin, Sun Sanniang. She's helping me out in the shop. That old house in Yalshan was her family's property. However, her family moved away five years ago, and the house has been vacant. Sanniang has been taking care of it. If you have any questions, you can ask her; she knows it like the back of her hand."
Hearing Mr. Sun's explanation, Gu Qingcheng felt relieved.
Otherwise, she might have suspected it was an unlucky or haunted house, which could have explained Sanniang's peculiar expression.
Seeing Gu Zhaobei agree, Mr. Sun arranged for a carriage. It was not too small for four people.
Gu Zhaobei and his wife sat on one side, while Gu Qingcheng and Sun Sanniang sat on the other. Mr. Sun himself drove the carriage.
It was Gu Qingcheng's first time riding in a carriage, and she was full of novelty. However, Hu Lanfang found the carriage ride bumpy and felt a bit carsick, her face turning pale.
Fortunately, the journey was not long, taking about fifteen minutes. The carriage left the bustling streets and turned towards a sparsely populated hillside. Soon, Mr. Sun stopped the carriage and said:
"My apologies, everyone. The carriage cannot go further up this path. You will have to get off and climb a bit of mountain trail."
After Gu Zhaobei's family alighted, they saw the situation before them and realized the road ended here. To reach the Sun family's old residence, they had to climb over a hundred steps.
Looking up the stairs, they could vaguely see the upturned eaves, and the house appeared quite secluded.
Mr. Sun tied the carriage to a tree by the roadside and then led them up the stairs.
Over a hundred steps were a challenge for those unaccustomed to mountain paths. Mr. Sun climbed, panting, while Sun Sanniang, though sweating profusely, did not appear disheveled.
In contrast, the Gu family of three climbed with ease, not even breathing heavily, which made Mr. Sun feel inferior. He chuckled and said:
"Mr. Gu, we appear to be of similar age, but your stamina is far greater than mine."
Gu Zhaobei chuckled, accepting his compliment. Their good stamina was due to the dark chocolate provided by the system, making them far superior to ordinary people.
The four finally reached the top of the steps, where a blue-tiled, white-walled house spanning about five hundred square meters appeared before them.
Theoretically, this house completely met Gu Zhaobei's described requirements.
The house was surrounded by a mountain hollow of two to three mu, overgrown with weeds, having been uninhabited for a long time. Even the house was hidden amidst knee-high wild grass.
There were no other houses nearby, only this solitary residence. In front of the house was an open, flat dirt area. If walls were built around the house, it would resemble a fortress, possessing an impenetrable might.
Gu Qingcheng and Hu Lanfang looked at it and were quite satisfied.
Gu Qingcheng even discreetly took out an altimeter and took a reading.