Chapter 18: Buying a House

Chapter 18: Buying a House

Time flew by, and the city of Forty-Nine welcomed its first snowfall of winter.

“Yushui, are you staying home today, or coming with me to Master’s house?” He Yuzhu asked, gazing at the falling snow.

“I want to go with brother,” Yushui replied without hesitation.

“Then get up quickly. It’s snowy outside; riding a bike isn’t safe,” He Yuzhu urged.

“All right, I’ll get up right away,” Yushui answered.

After preparing hot water and food for Yushui, He Yuzhu went outside to clear the snow. When he stepped out, the courtyard was already bustling with people.

Everyone first swept the snow out of the courtyard, then joined others to clear the snow from the road at the entrance.

Once the snow was cleared, everyone returned home to eat.

After dinner, He Yuzhu pushed his bicycle, carrying Yushui, and headed toward Master’s home.

Upon arrival, they cleaned Master’s house together. Because of the snow, they walked to work instead of riding bicycles.

As they walked and chatted, He Yuzhu remembered the matter of buying a house.

“Master, about the houses you were helping me inquire about earlier, any news?” he asked.

“Yuzhu, I and your master’s wife did look into some houses. Either they were too rundown or too large for just you and Yushui—it would feel too empty. Besides, the current situation is uncertain; you wouldn’t be able to manage a three- or four-compound courtyard,” Master said earnestly.

“I understand, Master,” He Yuzhu replied.

At Fengzeyuan, He Yuzhu resumed his usual daily work. Due to the snow, there were fewer customers than usual, so the kitchen was relatively quiet. Everyone gathered to chat.

Second Senior Brother Xu Guorong called He Yuzhu aside. “Yuzhu, I heard from Master you’re planning to buy a house? Don’t you already have one? Why buy another?”

“Yes, Second Brother. My current home is too far, and Yushui is still little. Other times are fine, but winter trips back and forth are tough. Do you have a house for sale?” He Yuzhu asked.

“My family’s house isn’t big enough; no way to sell,” Xu Guorong laughed. “But I have a childhood friend working at the neighborhood office. They have someone selling a house. I came to ask about what kind of place you want. If it fits, I’ll help you inquire.”

“Really? How big is it? Is it far from here?” He Yuzhu inquired.

“I’m not sure of the details yet, but I’ll check for you these days,” Xu Guorong replied.

“Thanks, Second Brother,” He Yuzhu said.

“We’re brothers; no need for thanks,” Xu Guorong answered.

“Let’s go back. Don’t mention the house at the kitchen or ask others to help you inquire—there are many who envy and backstab,” Xu Guorong warned.

At 6 p.m., Manager Luan arrived at the kitchen and announced early dismissal, leaving only Second Brother and a few helpers to stay a bit later in case of emergencies.

Returning home with Master, after dinner, He Yuzhu accepted Master’s wife’s kind offer to stay overnight.

For several consecutive days, He Yuzhu stayed at Master’s home, often using the excuse of visiting the market to take rice, flour, chicken, fish, and other supplies from his space to improve their meals.

One morning at work, Second Brother pulled He Yuzhu aside. “After lunch, come with me. There’s some progress on the house.”

“All right, Brother. Does your friend have any preferences? Should I bring anything?” He Yuzhu asked.

“Just bring a few packs of Da Qianmen cigarettes. I’ll handle the rest; no need to worry,” Xu Guorong said.

“Okay, thanks, Brother. I’ll bring you a bottle of wine in a few days. A friend brewed it based on ancient recipes. Master has tasted it and praised it,” He Yuzhu promised.

“If you have good wine, why not bring it earlier to honor your brother? Master says good wine is never bad,” Xu Guorong smiled. Though not a drunkard, he appreciated good liquor and urged He Yuzhu to bring it soon.

He Yuzhu found time to buy a pack of cigarettes.

After lunch, Second Brother asked, “Did you get the cigarettes?” He Yuzhu handed them over.

Xu Guorong led He Yuzhu to Qianmen Street and found the neighborhood office. He told He Yuzhu to wait outside while he went in to find his friend. Shortly after, he returned with a young man.

“This is my childhood friend, Wang Dong. Just call him Brother Dong,” Xu Guorong introduced.

“Brother Dong,” He Yuzhu greeted, pulling out a pack of Da Qianmen loose cigarettes.

“Dong, this is my junior brother, He Yuzhu. His skills aren’t worse than mine; just call him Yuzhu,” Xu Guorong added.

“Yuzhu, your brother and I grew up together, so we’re family now. No need for formalities. Let’s not waste time and go see the house,” Wang Dong said.

As they walked along the street, Wang Dong explained, “The courtyard we’re going to see is a single-compound courtyard. The owner, Old Master Hu, was a traditional Chinese doctor who recently passed away. His youngest son handled the funeral and is planning to go abroad to join his eldest son, so they want to sell. The asking price is 3,000 yuan. You can try to lower it, but not above 2,800. I can’t join the price negotiations.”

They arrived at a closed shop. Wang Dong said, “This is the courtyard. Old Master Hu ran a pharmacy here.”

Wang Dong led them into an alley and to the courtyard gate.

“Wait here; I’ll call Old Hu,” Wang Dong said and knocked on the neighbor’s door.

“Old Hu, Old Hu, are you home?” he called.

Soon, a refined middle-aged man opened the door. Seeing Wang Dong, he smiled. “Ah, Officer Wang, what brings you here?”

“Old Hu, I heard you wanted to sell this courtyard recently. A friend of mine wants to buy a house, so I brought him over to have a look,” Wang Dong said.

“Just a moment; I’ll get the key,” Old Hu replied hurriedly.

“Come on in, make yourselves at home,” Old Hu opened the gate and let them enter.

Inside was a screen wall blocking the view. There was no rear-facing room. On the left was a covered corridor connecting the main gate, circling the courtyard. In the middle stood a small pavilion with a pond, flowers, and neatly arranged plants. A well was in the southeast corner, and there was a vegetable garden in the backyard. The main house had three rooms with two side rooms, and both east and west wings had three rooms each. The east wing had been converted into a pharmacy. The furniture was still in place.

After a thorough look, He Yuzhu was very satisfied.

“This courtyard is nice. Let’s talk price,” he said.

“This property has two courtyards front and back, occupying a considerable area. It used to be a two-compound, four-sided courtyard, but my father bought it and demolished the back yard to rebuild it like this. The house faces the street with an excellent location. The east wing is now a pharmacy; you can run another business after buying it,” Old Hu explained.

“Just name your price. If it suits me, I’ll buy it,” He Yuzhu said.

“3,000 yuan, and all the belongings inside are yours. How about it?” Old Hu offered.

“I heard you’re planning to go abroad?” He Yuzhu asked instead of answering.

“Yes, to join my eldest brother,” Old Hu replied.

“What about the neighboring courtyard? Is that for sale?” He Yuzhu inquired.

“Of course, it is. Why didn’t you like this one enough?” Old Hu asked.

“Let’s take a look next door first. We need to compare, right?” He Yuzhu said.

“All right, follow me,” Old Hu agreed without hesitation.

They went to the neighboring courtyard, a traditional two-compound, four-sided courtyard.

“This courtyard is the same size as the one next door. They were originally bought together. I heard the two courtyards belonged to one family,” Old Hu said.

“How much is this one?” He Yuzhu asked.

“This one doesn’t face the street but has more rooms, so it’s 2,500 yuan,” Old Hu answered.

“Then I want both courtyards,” He Yuzhu declared.

“Both?” Old Hu looked at the young man in surprise.

“Yes, I want both. Name your price,” He Yuzhu said firmly.

“Then 5,000 yuan for both,” Old Hu negotiated down by 500 yuan.

“You’re going abroad, but you can’t use this money there, right?” He Yuzhu noted.

“Yes, I still need to find someone to exchange it,” Old Hu admitted.

“How about this: I’ll pay with three large goldfish bars. Gold is hard currency and recognized outside. Besides, the exchange rates you find won’t be at government rates,” He Yuzhu suggested.

“That price is too low. Maybe add a bit more,” Old Hu replied.

“This is the price. You’ll be taking a risk exchanging it. Would you dare to cash so much gold at once?” He Yuzhu reasoned.

“All right, lower it then. You’re right—I really don’t dare. I’ve already sent my wife and kids away. I’ve delayed enough. When can you bring them?” Old Hu asked.

“I always carry them with me—just three goldfish bars. I don’t have more. When can you transfer ownership and move out?” He Yuzhu asked.

“Once you pay, I’ll transfer immediately. I’ve already moved everything I want to take,” Old Hu said.

“Then inspect the goods,” He Yuzhu said, handing over the three goldfish bars.

Old Hu examined them carefully, weighed them, bit each one, then put them away. “Let’s go handle the paperwork.”

Second Brother and Wang Dong, seeing the deal was done, joined them.

“Yuzhu, how was it? Done? Which courtyard will you take?” Xu Guorong asked.

“Done. I’m taking both,” He Yuzhu said.

“Both? Are you sure?” Xu Guorong was surprised.

“Sure,” He Yuzhu confirmed.

“Didn’t expect you to have so much money,” Xu Guorong said.

“It’s all gone now. I’m emptied out,” He Yuzhu replied.

“Since you’ve agreed, let’s transfer the deeds,” Wang Dong said. “Old Hu, since you’ve got the money, write Yuzhu a receipt first. When transferring, mark it as a gift to avoid trouble later.”

“No problem. I’ll write it now,” Old Hu agreed readily.

Old Hu wrote the receipt, stamped it with his fingerprint, and handed it to He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu kept it, and the group went to complete the formalities. Thanks to Wang Dong’s help, He Yuzhu quickly received the new property and land deeds. Back at the courtyard, Old Hu handed over the keys with his bedding and left without looking back.

“Dawei, everything’s done. The neighborhood office has matters; I’m leaving,” Wang Dong told Xu Guorong.

“All right, Yuzhu and I have to get back to work. Wait for me tonight; we’ll have a drink together,” Xu Guorong said.

“No problem. Have two good dishes ready. I’ve got a fine bottle of wine,” Wang Dong said. “Let’s go.”

He Yuzhu and Xu Guorong watched Wang Dong leave, changed the locks, and returned to Fengzeyuan.