Chapter 1262: Rejected
Shu Yu and a few others arrived at the bamboo forest halfway up the mountain, yet someone still stopped them.
However, perhaps because the black market had nearly relocated, only two people were guarding the houses halfway up the mountain.
Knowing Meng Yunzheng’s background, the two exchanged glances. One stayed put, while the other nodded to Shu Yu and the others, "Please follow me."
As they walked past a somewhat familiar stretch of road, both Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng instinctively began inspecting the surrounding environment.
Over the past few months, the black market ceased its transactions, and no one managed it. As a result, it appeared significantly more desolate.
There were still some wheel tracks on the ground, likely left during the transport of goods.
They quickly arrived at the entrance of the manor, which seemed even more deserted compared to last time.
Inside the manor, a few servants moved around, almost silently.
Shu Yu and the others were soon invited to the main hall, and not long after, the steward of the black market arrived.
It was still the capable middle-aged man, Steward Guo, whom Shu Yu had met when selling mirrors last time.
When Steward Guo saw them, he hesitated for a moment, his expression briefly unnatural.
Although he quickly masked this emotion, both Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng were perceptive individuals and noticed right away.
The two exchanged glances — Steward Guo’s expression seemed... odd.
Steward Guo quickly smiled and invited them to sit, "Please have some tea."
Shu Yu and Meng Yunzheng sat down, with Meng Yunzheng skipping the pleasantries. After introductions, he got straight to the point, "Mr. Guo, I heard that the manor and the hill here are up for sale. I’m interested in purchasing them. Could you tell me the asking price?"
After hearing him, Steward Guo smilingly waved his hand, "Young Master Meng showing interest in this hill and manor makes me genuinely happy. However, Young Master Meng came too late — the manor has already been sold."
Meng Yunzheng and Shu Yu were both startled — sold?
No, Meng Yunzheng had just returned from the prefecture this morning; the news he heard then was that the manor hadn’t been sold yet.
With such careful timing on his arrival, how could it have been sold already?
Meng Yunzheng pressed his lips, "May I ask Mr. Guo who the manor was sold to?"
But Steward Guo shook his head, "I’m truly sorry, but I can’t disclose that."
Meng Yunzheng paused for a moment, then turned to Shu Yu in resignation, "I originally wanted to be your neighbor with my manor, but it seems impossible now. The manor has been purchased by someone else; we can’t just impose. Before coming here, I was thinking if I didn’t have enough money, I might need to borrow some. But now it seems that’s unnecessary."
Shu Yu, knowing his intent, understood he wasn’t speaking without reason.
Moreover, she knew Meng Yunzheng had sufficient funds.
Clearly, he hadn’t given up on the idea of buying the manor.
Shu Yu immediately scoffed, "It’s your fault for returning late. Had you come a few days earlier, you might have bought it."
Meng Yunzheng apologized, "It was my fault."
"Forget it, I’m not unreasonable. Honestly, I don’t mind who buys the manor, as long as it doesn’t affect mine."
At this point, Shu Yu suddenly furrowed her brow and looked at Steward Guo, "Mr. Guo, I heard there’s a boss from the prefecture intending to open a brothel and also wants to buy your manor. You’re not selling it to them, are you?"
Mr. Guo’s eyes flashed slightly as he smiled, "Sorry, I indeed cannot divulge this information."