Pine strips were nailed to the interior and exterior wooden walls, followed by several thick layers of cement mortar. This created a unified wooden structure, making such houses highly earthquake-resistant!
It was said that these Russian "log cabin" houses were not only sturdy and durable with long lifespans but also fireproof.
Chen Lan estimated that this house was likely the private residence of a low-key Russian individual from that era. Due to its age and neglect, the paint on the exterior walls and doors and windows had become mottled and chipped.
The exterior walls were paneled with pine boards, painted a light yellow, while the main door and windows were made of solid wood, painted a dark brown.
The solid wood window pediments were painted a dark green, and the triangular roof was painted a vermilion red. The overall exterior design showed that the house had a very harmonious and understated color scheme.
The windows were the double-paned solid wood windows commonly found in Russian architecture, and on each side of the outer windows were pine shutters. These shutters could be closed at night, serving the function of modern security bars.
This double layer of window protection was practical for both light and warmth during Harbin's cold and long winters.
Chen Lan observed the house and noticed that the foundation, built with large stones, was raised significantly above the ground, ensuring the interior remained dry during the harsh winters.
The house was built perpendicular to Yiyuan Street, aligning with traditional Chinese architecture. It faced south, with its back wall to the north. Two windows opened towards the street to the south, and three windows faced the courtyard.
The mother and daughter walked to the main door. Chen Lan looked at the rusty, large iron lock and took two keys from her cloth bag, trying them one by one in the lock.
After trying for a long time, Chen Lan finally managed to open the door. Jiahui, impatient, pushed the door open. A musty smell greeted them. Chen Lan guessed it was because the windows had been tightly shut for a long time, and the house had been unoccupied. The mother and daughter stood at the entrance for a while, letting the house air out.
Chen Lan looked into the house from the doorway. The first thing she saw was a spacious living room with a raw wood floor.
After the smell had mostly dissipated, Chen Lan and Jiahui stepped into the living room.
As soon as they entered, Chen Lan opened all the windows in the living room to let in fresh air. She then carefully examined the interior structure, noting the high ceilings, about four meters in height.
The living room was located at the center of the house. Against the wall in the middle of the living room was a large fireplace. Surrounding it were individual bedrooms and a kitchen. The rooms were connected by a corridor, and each room had a window facing south, ensuring sunlight in every room.
Chen Lan marveled at the ingenuity of the house's designer. The layout was so well-thought-out that it would still be considered modern even in the twenty-first century. She couldn't help but admire the designer's skill.
Chen Lan was very satisfied with the house, and Jiahui also commented that it was a good house with a unique style.
Since they had finished inspecting the house, the mother and daughter discussed their next step: to go find Old Zhangtou, who worked at the Zhanqian Hostel. They planned to ask him to help them find people for renovations.
He had previously helped them renovate their old, dilapidated house, and his work had been both fast and excellent. Although Chen Lan paid him a generous wage and covered his meals, she felt his craftsmanship was worth every penny.
Before leaving, Chen Lan didn't close the windows, wanting the house to air out in the summer and dissipate any dampness, preventing the house from being damaged by moisture.
The mother and daughter rode their bikes, familiar with the route, to the Zhanqian Hostel in the Nangang District. They found Old Zhangtou working in the boiler room in the backyard. Seeing them, Old Zhangtou was delighted and enthusiastically greeted them, "My dear sister, Huǐ yātou, what brings you two here today?"
Chen Lan directly explained the matter of repairing the house, telling him that the house belonged to Master Jiayao and asking him to find someone to help Jiayao's master with simple repairs to the house's doors and windows, clear out the chimney, repaint the house, and also fix the wooden fence in the yard.
Chen Lan added, "Brother Zhang, we'll be bothering you again. However, we won't be able to provide meals this time. We need to deliver food to our nephew in the hospital, so we don't have enough people for that. We can add the meal cost to your wages, or you can find someone to cook. That cook will also be paid as an apprentice. We can provide grains, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, eggs, and meat. However, you'll have to figure out firewood and fresh vegetables yourselves."
Upon hearing that there was work and the conditions were so good, Old Zhangtou readily agreed.
Old Zhangtou smiled and said, "My dear sister, why trouble yourselves with that? Don't bother sending food. I have firewood and vegetables at home. I'll have my wife deliver meals to them. However, I don't have enough lunchboxes. Can you figure out a way to get some industrial coupons? I can use them to buy some at the department store."
Chen Lan found this simple and replied, "Brother Zhang, the lunchbox issue is easy. I have several unused aluminum lunchboxes at home. I'll have the child bring them to you later."
With the matter settled, Chen Lan prepared to leave with Jiahui.
Old Zhangtou quickly said, "My dear sister, please wait a moment. I'll ask my supervisor for a short leave and go with you to see the exact location of the house. That way, I can bring people there tomorrow to work."
Hearing Old Zhangtou's words, Chen Lan suddenly realized that after talking for so long, she had forgotten to tell him the house's specific location! How would anyone find it tomorrow? Alas! She shook her head at her forgetfulness, realizing she couldn't deny getting old.