Chapter 25

The interior of the Northland Bank was resplendent with gold and luxurious decorations adorning every corner.

As the owner of Mingxing Restaurant, Xingxi was undoubtedly one of the bank's VIP clients, contributing significant cash flow each year. Soon enough, Manager Andre came out personally to receive her. When he learned that Xingxi wanted to transfer money to Xia Zhi, he enthusiastically helped with the transaction.

Ten million Mora was nothing – the main goal was to make a friend.

"Mr. Xia, since you haven't opened an account with Northland Bank yet, we'll need to create one first. Please provide some personal information."

Xia Zhi looked troubled and said, "I lost my documents on the way to Liyue. I only have my Adventurer's Guild card. Would that work?"

Andre smiled warmly, "Of course."

Xia Zhi handed over his Adventure Card.

Andre took the card and swiped it gently on a machine identical to those used by the Adventurer's Guild. After operating it for a moment, the machine produced a new card.

Andre returned both the new card and the Adventure Card to Xia Zhi, saying with a smile, "All done. Please keep them safe."

Xia Zhi took the cards – they felt equally cold to the touch. The materials seemed identical, though the Northland Bank card appeared more elegant and beautiful.

Xingxi took out her own Northland Bank card and handed it over, saying, "Please transfer ten million Mora from my card to Mr. Xia's card."

Xia Zhi noticed that Xingxi's card was even more beautiful, with golden patterns on it.

This must be the custom card for distinguished VIP clients.

He wondered what Ningguang's Northland Bank card looked like, being Liyue's number one wealthy socialite.

Andre took out a document and said with a smile, "For such a large transfer, both parties need to sign a contract."

Contracts were indeed Liyue's specialty – unavoidable.

Even foreign enterprises like the Northland Bank had to follow local customs.

Xia Zhi mused internally as he casually handed the document to Yanfei beside him, testing her progress bar as his useful assistant.

"Could you please check if there are any issues with the contract terms, Miss Yanfei?"

"Of course."

After signing the contract and completing the transfer, Xia Zhi's card now held ten million Mora.

In this commercial capital, he could finally consider himself a person of means.

Subsequently, Xia Zhi transferred 550,000 Mora to Yanfei as consultation fees.

Yanfei took out her own card, which surprisingly was the same prestigious custom card as Xingxi's.

He hadn't expected her to be another wealthy socialite.

Upon leaving Northland Bank, Xingxi bid farewell to the two and hurried back to prepare for business at Mingxing Restaurant.

Xia Zhi and Yanfei headed in another direction.

He planned to look at some properties at the real estate office.

He had previously booked a single room at the Seaview Inn for three days, which would expire tomorrow.

Although his experience at the inn had been fine these past two days, it wasn't suitable for long-term residence.

Firstly, the value for money was poor – a single room cost 200 Mora per day, amounting to 6,000 Mora monthly, enough to rent a well-furnished standalone house in the city.

Secondly, the environment was too noisy, with too many guests around, leaving him with little privacy.

Lastly, Xia Zhi had formed initial plans – he needed to open his own shop in Liyue Harbor.

As they walked, Yanfei explained, "Mr. Xia, Liyue's real estate offices are all government-operated, so you can trust their credibility. However, market conditions vary by district. The harbor area is the busiest with the highest foot traffic, mostly occupied by small stalls and shops run by foreign merchants with short-term lease contracts, and high turnover rates."

"Feiyun Slope has the best location and environment, mostly hosting famous established shops. The rent here is the highest, and new shops find it difficult to compete with the existing ones."

"The situation at Chihu Rock is more complex. The environment there is more suitable for residential purposes, with everything readily available and convenient. It's good for opening small, civilian-oriented shops, but I wouldn't recommend large establishments as the spending power there isn't sufficient."

Xia Zhi considered carefully before nodding, "I understand. Let's check out the real estate office at Feiyun Slope first."

"Alright."

Arriving at the real estate office, they found it bustling with people coming and going.

Xia Zhi noticed many brokers and idlers waiting at the entrance, targeting merchants to offer services like guidance, intermediary work, explanations, and assistance.

They seemed to recognize Yanfei beside Xia Zhi. Seeing her appear here, many showed hints of guilt in their eyes and pretended to have business elsewhere, preparing to leave.

However, several others approached cheerfully, asking warmly, "Miss Yanfei, what brings you here? Do you need our assistance?"

Yanfei looked at Xia Zhi and said, "I'm here on behalf of someone to look at properties."

Their gazes shifted to Xia Zhi beside her.

This young man's clothes weren't particularly impressive, yet he could afford to have Yanfei as his consultant. Could he be some young master out for fun?

"What kind of property are you looking for? We're very familiar with this area."

"What are your requirements? Please feel free to ask."

Xia Zhi thought for a moment and asked, "Are there any vacant properties in Feiyun Slope right now?"

"Yes, there are."

"How much is the rent?"

"For residential use, it's about 20,000 Mora per month. For commercial use, even the smallest shop space starts at 50,000 Mora."

"Are they only available for rent?"

"As you know, properties in Feiyun Slope are like hens that lay golden eggs – owners are rarely willing to sell. Most are only available for rent."

"Most? So some people are willing to sell?"

"Well... yes..."

The brokers exchanged glances, their expressions suddenly becoming awkward.

"It's just that the property... isn't very good..."

Xia Zhi found this strange and asked, "What's not good about it?"

"The location isn't good."

"Location?"

"Sir, the property is right next to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"

Xia Zhi paused – he remembered this was a place that specialized in funeral services.

"I see..."

The brokers continued in lowered voices, "They say the property is haunted at night. Previously, some merchants rented it because of the cheap rent, but they all terminated their leases within a month. After that, no one dared to rent it anymore. The rent has dropped from 80,000 Mora to just 10,000 Mora now."

"That cheap? How much is the selling price?"

"It started at 8 million Mora but has now dropped to 5 million Mora. Sir, from your expression... you're not actually interested in this property, are you?"

Xia Zhi nodded and smiled, "Yes, I am quite interested. Could you please take me to see it?"

"Ah, well..."

The brokers looked at each other, at a loss for words.