The structure had decaying wooden windows, peeling paint, and a massive creaking door. In front of it stood an elderly man with a face etched with deep wrinkles. As he saw them approach, he stepped forward.
"Welcome, sir. You must be Mr. Tang, correct?" he asked, his voice raspy but polite.
Nico gave a curt nod. "That's right."
"Then, please allow me to show you the building," the old man continued, promptly inviting them inside.
The man led them through the main door, which barely opened properly. Immediately, the damp air and the smell of rotting wood greeted them. The building was large, with numerous rooms arranged like a maze. However, its condition was dire—cracked floors, stained walls, and sections of the roof that had already started to collapse.
Nico walked with his hands behind his back, occasionally stopping to examine a corner of the room or measure something with his eyes. Although the place looked desolate, in his view, this building was a rough diamond. Its location was strategic, perfect for the project he had in mind.
The old man stopped in the middle of the large hall and looked at Nico. "So, what do you think, sir? Do you like it?"
Nico gave a faint smile, one that was hard to read. "It's quite intriguing. But this building is far from being in decent condition. At a price of 20,000 coins, it's too expensive considering I'll have to spend a lot on renovations. What do you think a fair price would be?"
The old man chuckled softly, rubbing his chin. "You're right, sir. How about 18,000 coins?"
Nico studied the man with a sharp gaze, as if weighing every word he had just spoken. Then, in a calm voice, he made his final offer. "15,000 coins. That's a fair price given the condition. If not, I'll leave and hope someone else buys this old building someday."
The old man fell silent for a moment, visibly wrestling with his thoughts. Finally, he nodded slowly. "Alright, Mr. Tang. I suppose this building was destined for you."
The deal was struck. The old man promised the documents would be ready by the next morning, and Nico left the place with a satisfied expression.
The following day, the building officially became the property of the Kashgar Empire. Workers began to arrive, bringing tools and materials for renovations. Sana skillfully managed the market shopping for necessities—from wooden shelves to storage equipment for agricultural products. Behind the ordinary renovations, Nico oversaw the construction of a special underground room. Not only for storing fermented beverages, this secret space was designed as a coordination center for the empire, a place where grand strategies would be planned.
Day by day passed, and the once dilapidated building slowly transformed. Cracked walls were covered with fresh paint, wooden floors replaced with gleaming marble, and the large hall now exuded warmth and comfort. The place became a magnet for the townspeople—a hub for affordable food that brought new hope to Kashgar .
As evening fell, Nico stood in front of the building, gazing at the fruits of their labor. A faint smile graced his face. He turned to Sana, who stood beside him. "I want to take a look around the area. Will you join me?"
Sana nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Of course."
They walked away, leaving new footprints in a city beginning to rise from the shadows of despair.
Sana looked at him with wide eyes, trying to process his words. Nico continued, this time with a more serious smile. "Bernault, the king we're about to meet, has a taste for luxury. According to my sources, he enjoys spoiling women with gifts—and also playing games with them. So, look your best. We need to leave the impression that I indulge you as my wife. That will boost my credibility in his eyes."
Sana nodded slowly, though her eyes betrayed her hesitation. "Alright, I'll prepare," she said at last.
"Good," Nico replied with a faint smile. "Let's go; it's time to meet the building's owner. And Sana," he added before turning away, "make an unforgettable impression."
Sana nodded once more, this time with more confidence. She headed to the bathroom while Nico stood by the window, gazing at the bustling city streets below, his mind busy plotting the next steps.
The morning air outside the inn was fresh but couldn't conceal the dark undertone enveloping the city of Kashgar . Dusty streets, shabby buildings, and shadowy figures moved like ghosts through the narrow alleys. Nico and Sana stepped out of the inn, their steps accompanied by the faint hum of morning activity.
"Sana," Nico said as he turned to her, his voice calm yet full of warning, "I want you to stay close to me. This place is filled with bandits and criminals. They won't bother us if you appear as my wife—Lady Tang. But if you stray too far from me, that could be a different story."
Sana nodded, recognizing the firmness in Nico's tone. She walked closer, feeling the protection emanating from his demeanor. They continued their journey and soon stopped in front of a large, old building that was almost collapsing.
The building had decayed wooden windows, peeling paint, and a massive, creaky door. In front of it stood an elderly man with a deeply lined face. Upon seeing their arrival, the man stepped forward.
"Welcome, sir. Are you Mr. Tang?" he asked, his voice raspy but polite.
Nico gave a brief nod. "I am."
"Then, allow me to show you the building," the old man said, promptly inviting them inside.
The man led them through the main door, which barely opened fully. Instantly, the damp air and the smell of rotting wood greeted them. The building was vast, with many rooms arranged like a maze. However, its condition was terrible—cracked floors, stained walls, and parts of the roof starting to collapse.
Nico walked with his hands behind his back, occasionally stopping to examine a corner of the room or measure something with his eyes. Although the place looked desolate, in his view, this building was a rough diamond. Its location was strategic, perfect for the project he had in mind.