A Maid's Survival Story in a Noble Family Mansion? Rich Landlords Are More Appealing.

Stepping into Xinglong Dental Clinic, the interior appears more spacious than the exterior.

The air was filled with the scents of ink, paper, and a faint hint of dust. The hall was divided into inner and outer sections by a waist-high counter, where several shop assistants were engrossed in writing, and the sounds of conversation could be faintly heard from a nearby cubicle.

Before she could even speak, a woman who looked to be around forty years old and was wearing a dark blue cotton dress greeted her with a smile. Her face showed a shrewdness that was adept at understanding human nature, yet it was not off-putting.

"This young lady looks unfamiliar. Is this your first time visiting Xinglong Bank? What brings you here? My surname is Wang, and the staff here all call me Granny Wang."

Her tone was warm, and her gaze swept quickly and naturally over Chen Wanxing's hair, clothes, and shoes, already giving her a preliminary assessment of her economic situation and background.

When Chen Wanxing saw that she was a woman, he breathed a sigh of relief; it was always easier to deal with women.

She nodded slightly, her voice clear and calm: "Greetings, Granny Wang. I do have a favor to ask. I'd like to buy a house in the city, one that is quiet and safe, preferably a detached house."

Upon hearing that it was such a big deal as buying a house, Granny Wang's smile became even more genuine. She stepped aside and gestured, saying:

"This way, young lady. Such an important matter requires careful discussion. Our Xinglong Real Estate Agency is the most reliable in handling properties; we are confident we can find one that suits your taste."

She led Chen Wanxing to a quiet seat separated by a screen and gestured for the waiter to bring tea. The curtains provided good privacy.

Chen Wanxing followed them inside, just as they brushed past a group of people. A man who looked like a steward from some mansion led several neatly dressed young men and women out.

Chen Wanxing glanced at them, a few other thoughts forming in her mind.

Granny Wang led Chen Wanxing to a chair behind the screen, and a young waiter promptly served two cups of tea. Granny Wang, with a polite smile and a warm yet unapproachable tone, asked:

"Young lady, you seem like a straightforward person. Well then, I'll be direct. You're looking for a quiet, secluded courtyard house. Do you have a general idea in mind? For example, do you prefer a small, single-courtyard house, or a more spacious two-courtyard one? Do you have any preferences regarding the neighborhood or the surrounding residents?"

Chen Wanxing picked up the teacup, feeling the warmth of the porcelain with her fingertips, and sorted out her thoughts. Seeing this, Granny Wang did not urge her.

After pondering for a few minutes, she raised her eyes, her gaze calm, and spoke clearly, "Thank you, Granny. A courtyard with two sections is best. A single section is enough, but it's still a bit cramped. I prefer quiet and hope there's a buffer zone between the front and back, so that when the door is closed, it's my own private world, free from outside interference."

A knowing glint flashed in Granny Wang's eyes. She nodded and pressed on, "Miss's considerations are correct. A two-courtyard house is indeed more comfortable. As for the location, would you prefer the east, west, or north of the city?"

In addition, many courtyards on the market nowadays come with street-facing shops. Although the prices are slightly higher, they are more affordable. You can use them to run a small business or rent them out, which will provide a stable source of income. I wonder if you, young lady, are interested?

Upon hearing "street-facing shops" and "small businesses," Chen Wanxing's hand holding the teacup paused almost imperceptibly; this was precisely the issue she had been considering.

Choosing a courtyard with a shopfront facing the street would be convenient, with the front for business and the back for living. She had some spare money, so starting a small business, whether it was an embroidery shop, a bookstore, or a pastry shop, would be a long-term livelihood.

But isn't doing business still about opening the door to customers and serving them? Chen Wanxing thought to herself.

However, in the past, when working in the Marquis's mansion, one only served the master; now that one has opened a shop, one serves the coming and going guests. One still has to put on a smiling face, read people's expressions, calculate profits and losses, and worry about everything.

She spent more than ten years in the Marquis's mansion, rising from a timid little maid to a clever and favored servant by the lady's side. Every step she took was carefully calculated, and every word she uttered had to be repeatedly considered.

She has plenty of money now, so why make herself live such a tiring life?

She wanted a world of her own, a place where she could shut herself off and be completely alone. A world where she wouldn't have to care about anyone's opinions or deal with any unnecessary interactions. A world where she could sleep in until she naturally woke up, sunbathe in the yard, and grow flowers and plants, where no one could bother her.

That quiet, private courtyard, which wasn't facing the street, instantly became more valuable to her than all the shops facing the street.

Thinking of this, her slight hesitation vanished instantly.

Having made up her mind, she put down her teacup, a perfectly measured, slightly aloof smile on her face, and clearly said to Granny Wang:

"I appreciate your kindness, Granny. However, I prefer quiet and dislike noise. So, I don't need to consider shops facing the street where people come and go. I just need you to find me a quiet courtyard away from the street."

Granny Wang immediately showed an understanding expression and readily agreed:

"Understood, understood! Since you seek tranquility, young lady, you must choose a courtyard that is not on the main street and is located deep in an alley. According to your requirements, the place in the north of the city is quite suitable. It is quiet, well-ordered, and the neighbors are mostly well-off and honest people, with little noise and trouble."

Seeing that the other party understood immediately, Chen Wanxing neither offered further advice nor asked any more questions, and was satisfied, nodding slightly.

"Then I'll trouble you, Granny. Please find a few courtyards in the north of the city that are not on the street. I'm currently staying at the Laifu Inn. If you find a suitable courtyard, you can come and find me there."

After the deal was settled, Granny Wang personally escorted Chen Wanxing to the entrance of the brokerage firm, her face still bearing the professional, warm smile of a pro.

"Don't worry, young lady, I've noted down your requirements. I'll be looking for a suitable one for you these next few days, and I'll send word to you at the inn as soon as I find one."

"Thank you for your trouble, Granny. This matter is not urgent and can be done in a day or two. Granny, please search carefully. The most important thing is to find a suitable and reliable place."

Her words were both polite and true.

Granny Wang readily agreed. Just as Chen Wanxing was about to turn around and get into the waiting carriage, two people arrived at the entrance of the brokerage firm, blocking her way.

It was an old man and a young man, who looked like father and son.

The old man looked to be in his fifties, with a dark and haggard face, his brows furrowed as if they were filled with dirt that could never be washed away. He wore a patched, coarse cloth outfit. The young man behind him was about twenty years old, and the young man beside him was also simply dressed, his lips tightly pursed.

Upon seeing them, Granny Wang's face immediately showed a hint of impatience. She lowered her voice and quickly complained to Chen Wanxing:

"It's that Chen family father and son again. They come every year, and they always want to see the shopkeeper. Alas, they say they're looking for relatives, but the world is so vast, and so many years have passed. Where can they even begin to search? They're truly hopeless."