Xiao Hengyu pondered to himself that shops are always in high demand in good locations, while no one cares about them in bad locations. As Zhuque Avenue, the main street, is becoming increasingly desolate, the situation of the small shops in the surrounding area will only become more difficult.
Although these shops could be rented out with difficulty, the tenants' businesses were dismal, and they often had to give up their leases after only a few months. Dealing with these coming and going tenants was troublesome enough, so it was better to take this opportunity to sell them all and get rid of the problem once and for all.
He carefully considered the matter. Although the restaurant had been discounted by 500 taels, the prices Meng Zhao offered for the other shops were fair. If the difference of 500 taels was spread across all the shops, it wouldn't be too much of a loss. Moreover, being able to sell them all at once would save a lot of trouble!
Thinking this, Xiao Hengyu's anger gradually subsided. He straightened his robes, sat back down at the table, and his tone softened considerably: "Since Madam Meng puts it this way, then let's have a proper talk."
The broker's eyes lit up, and he was secretly delighted. If he could close this deal, he figured his family wouldn't have to worry about food, clothing, or other necessities for the next year. So he busied himself mediating between the two sides.
When he turned to Xiao Hengyu, he bowed and flattered him, saying, "Young Master Xiao, you can rest assured. Madam Meng is a straightforward person and would never do anything like delaying payments or postponing delivery. She guarantees that all payments will be settled in cash, without missing a penny."
He then turned to Meng Zhao with a fawning smile, "Madam Meng, you may not know this, but Young Master Xiao's shops are all in prime locations. Take this restaurant, for example—three floors, a spacious kitchen. With just a little renovation, it's guaranteed to make a fortune!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with shrewdness. "Buying them is a sure win!"
Meng Zhao had already conducted a detailed survey of the shops around Zhuque Street. She had personally visited most of the shops mentioned by the brokers. Even if she hadn't gone inside to take a closer look, she knew their locations and layouts by heart. Although they were far from being as good as the brokers described, this was only temporary. Once the new city gate opened, even the most remote and out-of-the-way shops would become prime real estate.
So she was happy to give Xiao Hengyu a way out: "Don't worry, Young Master Xiao, I sincerely want your shop. How about this, I'll take care of the official paperwork. Once the government office opens after the New Year, we'll transfer the property immediately without any delay."
Xiao Hengyu had nothing more to say and readily signed the contract. Meng Zhao also readily paid the deposit, and both parties were just waiting for the day of the property transfer.
Clutching the contract, Xiao Hengyu stepped lightly out of the teahouse, his face beaming with joy. Not only had he raised the money, but he had also gotten rid of these hot potatoes. He was determined to boast to his mother when he got back.
On the other side, Meng Zhao's face was as cold as ice after signing the contract. She got into the carriage and the wheels rolled over the bluestone road with a dull sound, just like her mood at the moment. The carriage sped along and finally stopped in front of Chunfeng Tower.
As soon as they got off the carriage, they bumped into Chen Xiaowu, who was about to leave.
"Where is Xiao Youzhi?" Meng Zhao asked bluntly, his voice as cold as ice.
Seeing that her expression was off, Chen Xiaowu quickly bowed and said, "Madam Meng, the young master is upstairs handling some business. Please wait a moment, I will go and inform him..."
Before he could finish speaking, Meng Zhao strode into the building. Seeing this, Chen Xiaowu forgot all about going out to run errands and followed him in a few quick steps. When they reached the third floor, a guard was about to step forward to stop him, but Chen Xiaowu gave him a look, and everyone immediately stepped back.
He's been with the young master for so many years, how could he not know how much this Lady Meng means to him? If he angers her, he'll be in deep trouble.
However, he originally thought that the two were just having a normal argument. But Meng Zhao stormed into the private room on the third floor without even knocking. He kicked the door open with a loud "bang," and the carved wooden door was knocked open and even seemed to be about to fall down. Chen Xiaowu was so shocked that his eyes widened.
Xiao Youzhi, who was lazily leaning on the soft couch inside the room and flipping through the account books, frowned in displeasure when he heard such a commotion. But when he saw who it was, he immediately lost his temper.
A gentle smile appeared on his lips. He was about to get up to greet him when Meng Zhao grabbed a square pillow and smashed it over his head. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would have liked to..." Before he could finish speaking, Meng Zhao grabbed a square pillow and threw it at him.
Seeing his master being beaten and clutching his head, Chen Xiaowu couldn't just stand by and watch. He was about to step forward to stop him when Huang Cui suddenly blocked his way.
This girl was taller and stronger than him. Even though he was a man, he couldn't get past her. Chen Xiaowu was so anxious that he wanted to call for help, but Xiao Youzhi took the opportunity while Meng Zhao was changing his 'weapon' to give him a wink.
Seeing this, Chen Xiaowu wisely pulled Huang Cui out of the private room. Before leaving, he made sure to close the broken door slightly. The last thing he saw through the crack in the door was his young master awkwardly catching the cushions that Meng Zhao had thrown at him.
Even after all the cushions and embroidered pillows on the soft couch had been thrown away, Meng Zhao was still not satisfied. She sat there, her chest heaving violently. Seeing this, Xiao Youzhi quickly threw aside all the soft pillows he had caught in his arms, leaving only the softest goose down cushion. He carefully handed it to Meng Zhao, but his eyes held an undisguised smile. "What's wrong? Who made you so angry?"
Meng Zhao grabbed a cushion and, without a word, threw it at him again. "You still have the nerve to ask me! Who else could it be but you!" She threw it heavily with each sentence, her voice full of anger.
"You like me, don't you! You admire me, don't you! Xiao Youzhi, you bastard! I was blind to believe your lies! I thought you genuinely liked me and told me such a big secret, only to find out you dug a huge pit for me to fall into!"
Xiao Youzhi initially just smiled and let her vent, but upon hearing these words, his expression suddenly became serious. He quickly grabbed the pillow in Meng Zhao's hand and pulled her closer to him.
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