Chapter 711
Uncle Ma led everyone through the back door of the shop. The backyard was more spacious than expected. The ground was generally flat, but there were a few stubborn weeds growing in the cracks against the wall.
"The water supply and drainage here are all ready. The toilet, kitchen and utility room are here. Although it's a bit simple, it has everything it needs.
The small courtyard is a bit bigger than yours. The width is about the same, but the depth is a meter longer." Uncle Ma explained the layout to the Su family father and daughter.
Afterwards, the group walked up to the second floor via the solid wooden stairs.
Sunlight streamed in through the carved wooden windows, casting diamond-shaped spots of light on the dark brown floor, and tiny dust particles danced in the beams of light.
Su Miao was pleasantly surprised to find that there were three rooms on the second floor, which were very suitable for use as offices, private rooms or staff dormitories.
Master Zhou also thought of this, and he pushed open the doors one by one:
"This is my bedroom now, this is the guest bedroom, and over there is the study. Although I seldom use the guest bedroom and study, I clean them regularly.
All three rooms have excellent light and ventilation. I made these beds and tables myself after moving in. I can't move them, so if you think they're useful, I'll give them to you. If not, I'll ask if any other neighbors would like them.
A faint smell of camphor wafted from the study. There was an old-fashioned desk by the window, and the ink stains on the table had seeped into the wood texture.
Su Yuan was carefully examining the beams and walls, tapping lightly with his fingers on the thick wooden pillars, making a dull "dong dong" sound.
He turned to Uncle Ma and said, "The structure is very solid. Uncle Ma, you really spent a lot of money when you added the second floor."
"Of course. Even though we're renting it out, we can't mess around with it. If it collapses, it'll be fatal."
After the tour, the group returned to the front hall on the first floor. Master Zhou took a few coarse porcelain bowls from the kitchen and poured tea for everyone with a copper kettle.
"Come, come, come. I don't have anything good to offer you. Just drink some tea to moisten your throat."
The aroma of tea filled the air, and the atmosphere of the upcoming bargaining was not tense at all.
Su Miao held the tea bowl, feeling the warm touch of the coarse porcelain with his fingertips, and spoke first:
"Uncle Ma, your shop is really good. Brother Sui said your asking price is 50,000. Do you think you can lower the price?"
Uncle Ma took a sip of tea, his Adam's apple rolling up and down, and said:
"Su girl, this price isn't that high. There aren't many shops in this area with backyards and two floors like this one. It's normal for it to be a little higher than those with one floor."
Su Miao put down the tea bowl and said, "Uncle Ma, our shop is next door, and we are all neighbors. If we can make room for you a little longer, we can pay the rent in full in one go, which will save you a lot of trouble.
Otherwise, the shop will be vacant for a while, whether it's rented out or sold, and time is money. Do you think this will work? Give me a good number: 16,000."
"Xi Wanliu?"
Uncle Ma shook his head, spinning the walnut rapidly in his palm:
"This is too much. You've all seen the conditions here. Let's put it this way, Xi Wanjiu, it can't be any less."
Su Yuanzheng joined the battle at the right time:
"Uncle Ma, although this shop is sturdy, the ground floor and the yard are quite old after all. We'll have to renovate it after we take it over, which will be a considerable expense..."
The sunlight began to slant, and the light and shadow in the shop changed accordingly. Negotiations went back and forth, the teapot was refilled with water, and the final price was set at 18,000 yuan.
Uncle Ma slapped his thigh and stood up: "Deal! I'm a straightforward person. I can start the transaction right after signing the contract."
Master Zhou smiled and said, "I'll have this place cleaned up within a week. I'll even sweep the floor so clean you can look in the mirror!"
As long as the price was agreed upon, the rest of the process would be quick. When Su Miao came back from school, the house had been officially moved to their home.
As promised, Master Zhou cleaned the shop spotlessly.
The homemade wooden furniture on the second floor, including a west-post bed, two camphorwood wardrobes, and a set of desks and chairs, were all retained.
"Let's leave these old items to those who need them." When Master Zhou said this, a relieved smile appeared on his face.
Su Miao insisted on giving him a red envelope, with brand new banknotes wrapped in red paper and a Ruyi knot tied with gold thread.
Master Zhou came to "Su Ji" to say goodbye to everyone, carrying a big package and a suitcase.
Since he wasn't going to work as a blacksmith today, he dressed himself up neatly and went home, even putting on his reading glasses which he seldom wore.
"Xiao Su, I'll return the house to you. I wish your business will prosper. I'm going back to my hometown."
Su Yuanzheng took the cold key and found that there was a red cloth carefully wrapped around the key ring for good luck.
"Master Zhou, are we leaving now? Going back by train?"
"Yeah, we still have two hours to drive, and I want to leave early. I also have to take the bus."
Su Miao was sorting out the account books behind the counter and immediately put down his pen when he heard this.
She came over and said to Master Zhou:
"There's still plenty of time. Why don't you have a meal with me? It'll be like a farewell to you. My dad will drive you to the station later. It's so close, it'll only take ten minutes."
"No, no, it's too much trouble for you." Master Zhou waved his hand and refused.
"Don't be polite. I can't leave on an empty stomach. We've been neighbors for over a year now, and I don't know if we'll see each other again. Please don't refuse."
Master Zhou couldn't refuse, so he had to sit down. Su Yuanzheng filled him with a generous portion of braised rice.
He took the chopsticks, his hands shaking a little. The hot steam blurred his reading glasses, so he simply took them off and put them on the table.
It was lunchtime and "Su Ji" was full of regular customers.
Aunt Zhang who sells sugar-roasted chestnuts, Old Li who repairs shoes, and the Wang couple who run a grocery store at the corner of the street... are all old neighbors who have been neighbors with Master Zhou for more than ten years.
Seeing Master Zhou about to set off with his luggage, everyone put down their bowls and chopsticks.
Aunt Zhang was the first to stand up and pulled out a red cloth bag from her pocket. "Old Zhou, are you leaving now? These are some homemade sunflower seeds I roasted myself. They'll help you pass the time on the way."
Seeing this, the Wang couple ran home without saying a word.
After a while, the two men came back panting with two bottles of Erguotou, and stuffed them into Master Zhou's arms without saying a word.
"Sunflower seeds go well with wine, brother. Have a safe trip."
Old Li looked at himself and saw that he had nothing to give, so he could only say:
"Oh! We've been together for so many years, I really don't want to leave you. Come back and see me next time you come to the capital, and I'll treat you well."
Master Zhou was busy accepting these messages, and the wrinkles on his bronze face smoothed out.
He put down his luggage, straightened his collar, and bowed deeply to everyone: "Thank you neighbors for taking care of me over the years..."
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