Chapter 2: Finding a Storefront

Xu YaoRan had finally made it to the Business and Property Bureau. The surprisingly stately building towered over the others nearby, looking quite impressive compared to the rest of the street. As she headed in, a cheerful female voice called out.

"Hello! Welcome to the Business and Property Bureau! What sort of property are you searching for today?"

Xu YaoRan was surprised. Such quality service on this remote planet? Perhaps her situation wasn't as bad as she thought!

The eager saleslady behind the desk ran up and immediately began talking. "Here on planet Ellorth, there are many valuable properties at reasonable prices, suitable for any of your needs! Our two residential districts are complete with state of the art security features in every house, with fully customizable landscaping options, including a hovercar garage at an additional price."

A garage... was landscaping? Xu YaoRan was puzzled. "I don't want a house. Well, I do, but not in the residential district. I plan to open a storefront and would prefer to live in an apartment above it."

The bright smile on the saleslady's face twitched. "Oh, but the residential districts are far superior! Living in your shop will only make you lose face. Besides, you should plan for plenty of space for family and visitors, as well as a spouse and children if you have such plans for the future."

"No, I don't need that much space. Show me the properties in one of the other districts."

"Well, if you insist..."

Xu YaoRan was led to the opposite corner of the building, to a wall covered in large holo-screens. The saleslady quickly tapped a few options, pulling up digital models of various buildings.

"For your storefront, I suggest the main Shopping District, as the high traffic in the area will certainly lead to many customers perusing your shop. Fifth Street here is located conveniently in the center, situated in the busiest location, bus stop only two blocks away. There are more than fourteen available spaces, so you will surely be able to find the perfect spot."

"How dare you so blatantly scam the public! More than ten options on this so-called busiest street? Nonsense! User, this System recommends you pay no heed to this fraudulent claim."

"Hmmm. Does planet Ellorth have any smaller, quieter districts selling properties? I'm afraid the hustle and bustle of a main district will cause an unpleasant environment for my customers," Xu YaoRan said patiently.

"No!" cried the Counterattack System, being dismissed once again. "That's even worse!"

"Shut up," mumbled Xu YaoRan.

With a strained smile, the saleslady changed tactics. "Ah, but consider the budget friendly prices of such prime real estate! Starting at only thirty- no, twenty-five thousand credits, it's an absolute steal!"

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"For your paycheck, it is!" the System complained.

"That's well beyond my budget. I need two thousand credits or less."

Frozen in place, the saleslady coughed. "I'm afraid that isn't nearly enough to-"

"Twenty-five hundred," Xu YaoRan countered. "In a more remote district."

"Are you sure? Well, in that case..."

After several adjustments to the holo-screens, new 3D models appeared. Xu YaoRan was immediately attracted to a small, well-worn two story building. 

"How much for this one?" she pointed.

"That? Uh..." The saleslady was astonished. "2,250 credits. However, this building is in the least pleasant and most unsafe area of the planet, moreover, it is at least half a century out of date and is in poor shape."

"I'll take it then. I can always refurbish and upgrade appliances, that's no big deal," Xu YaoRan decided affirmatively. "This is the Wave Nebula, we are well-known for being one of the safest locations to live in the galaxy. There should be no problems here."

"Stop! As a top-tier System, I cannot allow the user to make such a poor decision!"

"Well, if you're sure you want this property, I'll take you to the front desk to sign off on the purchase."

Xu YaoRan nodded. "Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you for your help."

"You have absolutely no clue what you are doing, user! My pride as a System will not agree to you recklessly throwing away your life and funds in such a manner! I'm begging you, take out a loan for a different property instead!" the System cried desperately. "This System cannot do it's job if the user is deceased!"

"Do you think I am as fragile as a thread? I am more than capable of holding my own!" snapped Xu YaoRan at the System. "So annoying! Ah, why did I end up with such a pathetic System criticizing my every action?"

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