Chapter 11: Settling in Qingshan Town
"It's not a bother, not a bother." Upon hearing Gu He's agreement to her request, Little Medical Fairy's spirits lifted. She quickly responded with a coquettish tone.
For her, just having the opportunity to be close to the alchemist before her was already quite satisfying. In case he's willing to give her some guidance, that would be a great boon.
Little did she know, at this moment Gu He had similar thoughts. The reason he hadn't directly proposed taking Little Medical Fairy as his apprentice was to become familiar with her first.
After all, they were strangers; suddenly offering apprenticeship might be presumptuous. If she rejected it, it would be embarrassing. To smoothly take her as an apprentice, Gu He aimed to get to know her.
At least make her trust him, truly accept him. Once they formed a connection, she'd understand him better. Then, the apprenticeship would naturally fall into place. Seeing Gu He's approachability, Xiao Yi Xian gained confidence and asked more questions.
Gu He remained patient, answering each one with a smile.
Tap, tap, tap! Footsteps sounded outside the door. Gu He looked, seeing a middle-aged man in blue robes enter. Seeing him, Xiao Yi Xian's brows furrowed; she seemed unhappy her moment with Gu He was disrupted.
"This is... the esteemed alchemist, right?" As the middle-aged man entered, he fixed his gaze on Gu He and spoke respectfully. "Who are you?"
Gu He was surprised, a bit annoyed by the interruption. Who's this? He was chatting with his soon-to-be disciple; who's this guy barging in?
"Hehe, I'm surnamed Yao, the owner of Ten Thousand Medicine Hall. Upon learning the esteemed alchemist was here, I came to pay respects."
Owner Yao showed extreme deference in front of Gu He, almost excessively flattering. The owner of the medicine hall? Gu He remembered such a character from the original story.
Upon hearing Gu He's agreement, Xiao Yi Xian was also excited. Living in the same courtyard as Mr. Gu, how could she miss this opportunity for future interactions?
A little while later, accompanied by Mr. Yao and Little Medical Fairy, Gu He walked a few streets and arrived at an estate. The estate was quite unique, with a dozen guards stationed at the entrance.
It seemed that Ten Thousand Medicine Hall's influence in Qingshan Town was substantial. After entering the estate, Mr. Yao led Gu He to a tranquil room.
"Sir, take a look at this room. Does it meet your preferences?" Mr. Yao led Gu He to a room and asked with a smile. "It's quite nice, this room will do." Gu He glanced and then nodded in approval.
Little Medical Fairy followed behind, her eyes brightening with a hint of joy. Gu He's room wasn't far from hers, and it seemed her room was situated in a location that Gu He would have to pass through frequently. It appeared even fate was aiding her.
"I'll go prepare some daily necessities for you."
With Gu He's agreement, Mr. Yao's face lit up, and he excused himself. "Sir, my room is close to yours. If you plan to gather herbs on the mountain, you can call on me anytime."
After Mr. Yao left, Little Medical Fairy's eyes sparkled as she quickly approached, offering her assistance.
"Alright." Gu He nodded with a smile. "Well then, I'll take my leave." Little Medical Fairy hesitated for a moment. She thought it best to wait until they were more familiar before seeking guidance on alchemy.
After all, they had just met on the first day. Asking too much might cause a negative impression. Watching Little Medical Fairy leave, Gu He's lips curled slightly.
Judging from her behaviour, it seemed she had a favourable impression of him. Perhaps, after they became more familiar, proposing apprenticeship wouldn't be met with refusal. And so, Gu He officially settled in Qingshan Town.