Yu Rao heard that the shopkeeper was being called and looked up to ask, “Miss, why are you looking for the shopkeeper?”
I pretended to look troubled, “You’ve ordered so many things, and I didn’t bring enough money. Of course, I’ll discuss with the shopkeeper whether you can work here to pay off the debt!”
“Ah…” Yu Rao cried out, her face turning sorrowful, “Miss, you’re not serious, are you?”
I laughed secretly and then looked at her seriously, “What do you think?”
This question made the girl burst into tears, drawing the attention of nearby diners.
I tapped her forehead, glaring, “Stop crying, you’re hopeless!”
The little maid sobbed, “Woo… I… I don’t want to… stay here… woo…”
I looked at her impatiently, “What’s wrong with staying? You’ll be doing servant work, it’s the same everywhere.”
“Wah… I just don’t want to!” Yu Rao cried even louder.
I said directly: “To be honest, I originally came with the intention of buying this restaurant, but I changed my mind after meeting the manager!”
“Why?” Her eyes showed surprise!
I carefully explained: “I know the manager is a smart person who, like me, can see the value of this restaurant. Moreover, the manager is clearly a dedicated person who has invested a lot of effort into this establishment, so I decided to change my plan to a partnership instead!”
She raised her eyebrows slightly and asked with a smile: “How does the young lady propose to collaborate?”
I said: “The manager must know that while Yu Huang Lou has a reputation, it is still not the most famous restaurant in Ruyang City!”
“So the young lady has a good plan!”
…
“That’s right. This is precisely where I want to collaborate with the manager! A good restaurant depends not just on its dishes and service, but also on its business model and promotional methods. I’m confident I can increase the restaurant’s customer flow by more than double within a month, but my condition is that I want to become half-owner of this restaurant!”
“I agree! Actually, I’ve been finding it difficult to manage this restaurant alone. Since the young lady is interested in joining and confident about expanding Yu Huang Lou, Su Yao welcomes you wholeheartedly!”
“May I ask where the young lady’s residence is? I’ll draft the contract and send it to you!
I smiled faintly, “Don’t call me young lady anymore. From now on, we’re partners, so call me Xin Ran! To be honest, Xin Ran is not a local. I’ve heard that Ruyang has an excellent location and prosperous people, so I plan to establish a business here. I haven’t found a fixed residence yet, but rest assured, I’ll come back in a few days and bring a detailed renovation plan. The manager just needs to be prepared for potential temporary closure for renovations!
As a professional translator,
She blankly withdrew her gaze and candidly laughed, “I’m sorry, Su Yao was just lost in thought. Could you please repeat what you said?”
Xi Lin Yan’s eyes flashed with appreciation. It was rare to find a woman so straightforward and unaffected. He smiled and repeated, “Our Si Yi Fortress is interested in buying your Yu Huang Lou. The price is not an issue. I just want to know what you think?”
“This…” Su Yao furrowed her delicate eyebrows. She had naturally heard of Si Yi Fortress’s reputation. Just on Xu Yang Street, there were countless shops under their banner.
Xi Lin Yan saw her hesitation and thought she was reluctant to hand over the shop.
He continued, “Actually, we investigated beforehand. Your father already intended to sell this shop. We specifically commissioned an investigation and confirmed that this inn still has great prospects. You can rest assured to hand it over to us. I guarantee on Si Yi Fortress’s reputation that we will manage it well and not waste your father’s efforts!”
Su Yao quickly said, “Sir, you misunderstood. Before you came, someone had already approached me.”
Xi Lin Yan’s eyebrows slightly furrowed. “They also want to buy your inn?”
“Not exactly. She proposed collaborating, saying she could increase our Yu Huang Lou’s customers by more than double, but her condition is to become half-owner of the inn. Su Yao has already agreed, and now it seems inappropriate to go back on her word!”
“Increase customers by more than double?” Xi Lin Yan was shocked. Even he couldn’t guarantee such a thing. Who could be so confident? He immediately asked, “May I know where this person currently resides? I’m quite interested in meeting and learning from them!”
Su Yao shook her head. “That person only mentioned they would return in a few days and didn’t leave a specific address!”
Just before his figure was about to disappear around the corner, I called out to stop him.
I hurriedly caught up and handed him the clothes wrapped in a cloud-patterned package, saying: “I’ve accepted your qin, and I saw this piece of clothing in the city today. I believe it would suit you perfectly!”
He was momentarily stunned. Before he could react, I quickly stuffed the clothes into his hands, raised a smiling face and asked: “Are you interested in hearing me play a piece? My qin skills are quite high, you know – not just anyone gets the chance to listen!”
He remained silent but turned and walked towards the cool pavilion. I quickly followed and sat down in front of the qin, my fingers touching the strings but not rushing to play. Instead, I asked: “Do you know the touching story behind this green jade qin?”
“No!”
Seizing the rare opportunity of him speaking, I immediately launched into the love story of Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun, also telling him about the “White Head Ode” and the “Farewell Letter”.
At the end of the story, I said: “Today, shall I play ‘Phoenix Seeking Huang’ for you?”
Said!” I casually swept my eyebrows, stroking the instrument’s body carelessly: “Whoever it belonged to in the past, now I am its true owner!
Yi Chen looked at me and murmured: “I indeed did not see wrongly, you are truly the one who can bring the elder brother out of the past!”
He remained silent.
“What did you say?” I could only vaguely see his mouth moving, unable to hear what he was muttering, and couldn’t help but curiously ask.
“Nothing!” He smiled innocently, as if the previous moment was just my illusion!
I pursed my lips. Since he was unwilling to speak, I had no intention of delving deeper. I changed the subject: “Yi Chen, can you help me find a place to stay in Ruyang City?”
His expression suddenly turned melancholic. “Doesn’t Sister Ran like it here? Why would she want to find a new place to live?”
I smiled softly: “It’s good here, but it’s ultimately not my home. Now that my injury is almost healed, staying here would invite gossip!”
“Whoever dares to speak nonsense, I’ll drive them out of the mansion!” I saw the same firm determination on his pure face that he only showed when protecting Bei Ting Zi Han – a coldness inconsistent with his temperament.
Seven days later, I left the Biwater Villa’s courtyard with the green-feathered zither, also taking the maid Yue Rao, whom I had discussed with Yi Chen! I knew he would not refuse me! Although reluctant, he ultimately followed me!
I briefly surveyed the new residence. Though not large, it was elegant and satisfactory!
After settling everything, I took the new plan for tavern reform I had been studying and went out, with Yue Rao following closely behind, peeking and asking: “Miss, where are we going?”
I stopped suddenly, and she immediately bumped into me. Before I could speak, she covered her nose and complained: “Miss, what are you doing? You hurt Yue Rao!”
I rolled my eyes, feigning anger: “Look at you, becoming more and more disrespectful. You didn’t watch where you were going and now you’re blaming me? Should I apologize to you?”
The little maid lowered her head and stuck out her tongue: “Yue Rao doesn’t dare!”
