Wu Zhanggui said, "Heigh!" exclaimed, "What’s this? It’s just a minor matter, not worth mentioning at all!"
Xin He gave a faint smile, but remained silent.
If Wu Zhanggui really had the intention of helping her find a house without expecting any favor in return, he didn’t need to personally take her to see it. He could simply send a servant. After all, it wasn’t a big deal.
Having him personally bring her to see the house was probably intended to make her owe him a favor.
However, she knew his intention but pretended not to. She was curious to see how long Wu Zhanggui could hold on.
Upon seeing Xin He’s cold laughter, he felt a shiver run down his spine. How could this girl be so cunning? 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎
Feigning ignorance of the subtle tension between them, Mu Houchu casually wandered around the mansion and seldom agreed, "This house is indeed quite good. The architecture is meticulously designed, suggesting that the original owner was a person of refinement. The environment is also tranquil, much quieter than the bustling streets. Living here would be quite comfortable."
Listening to Mu Houchu’s remarks, Xin He agreed as well. Although Wu Zhanggui had an ulterior motive, his genuine effort in choosing this house for her was evident. Therefore, she had nothing to complain about.
"I too think this place is nice," Xin He laughed and continued, "Thank you, shopkeeper Wu, for going out of your way to find this wonderful house for me. I’m assuming you’ve put quite a lot of thought into this?"
Wu Zhanggui chuckled a couple of times, "It’s no big deal. As long as you and your husband are happy with it, my efforts in finding this house have paid off."
While speaking, he personally poured Xin He a cup of tea.
Xin He casually took a seat on the round stool and watched the shopkeeper across from her. She took the tea cup after a slight smile, "Shopkeeper Wu, if you just want to do a good deed, I can’t refuse it. But if you have other intentions, you’d better tell me directly. Once this opportunity passes, you won’t get another one."
Wu Zhanggui stood stunned for a moment before bursting into hearty laughter, "My goodness, girl! It’s true that nothing gets past you! Now tell me, why are you always so competitive?"
Xin He responded with a smile, "I’m only competitive with you, shopkeeper Wu. I wouldn’t give others the same opportunity, after all I do not have the benevolent heart to aid others without expecting anything in return. So, grasp this opportunity and speak up while you still can."
Wu Zhanggui let out an embarrassed laugh, and said, "Well, I heard that you’ve quietly bought The Flower House? Why did you immediately shut it down for renovation after buying it?"
Xin He took a sip of her tea and casually said, "The Flower House was on the brink of bankruptcy, whether it’s in business or not, it’s no difference, either way, it’s losing money."
"Although that’s true, you chose to close at this crucial time, and for a whole month even! Perhaps after a month, people in Lian’an Town might forget about The Flower House. Rumor has it that its closure for renovation is actually due to bankruptcy." Wu Zhanggui probed cautiously.
Xin He looked at Wu Zhanggui, "How is it my concern what other people say? Should I run my Flower House based on their opinions?"
Upon hearing Xin He’s words, Wu Zhanggui instantly felt relieved and his eyes gleamed with delight, he leaned in and said, "I knew the rumors weren’t true! I trust your judgment! You are the girl who wouldn’t even let me make a penny more, there’s no way you would run a business at a loss. Surely... You are planning something big, aren’t you?"
Xin He raised an eyebrow, "Shopkeeper Wu, you are becoming more familiar with me and getting to know me better, you’re learning quite a bit."
"Whether it’s a big plan or not, we can’t be sure, maybe when The Flower House opens after a month, it indeed will be forgotten, that’s not impossible. However... why did you ask, Wu Zhanggui?"
Wu Zhanggui chuckled and said, "Don’t be modest now. I trust whatever business you are managing. Can you also involve Guilin Mansion with your opening of the Flower House?"
Xin He’s eyes sparkled, and she laughed interestedly, "You want a piece of the action, shopkeeper Wu?"
"We are already part of the same group, we are old friends, there’s no need to be so formal," Wu Zhanggui laughed, and with a slight thrill in his voice, continued, "When The Flower House reopens after a month, customers will come to drink and enjoy flowers, there will be banquets, and if you have to prepare the food yourself, wouldn’t that be troublesome? Wouldn’t it be easier if Guilin Mansion arranges for someone to handle the kitchen duties? Wouldn’t that save you some trouble?"
Xin He laughed, "Shopkeeper Wu, you are quite crafty indeed, just by selecting a house for me, you’ve set your sights on the yet-to-open kitchen of The Flower House."
"Hey! What are you implying? Isn’t it because I trust you? You could say that I, Wu, am the first one in Lian’an Town who wants to partner with you in running The Flower House!"
Xin He tapped her fingertip lightly on her teacup, "Shopkeeper Wu, you’ve calculated this beautifully. If the kitchen of The Flower House goes to Guilin Mansion, it’s like I am offering Guilin Mansion free advertising and a chance to make a profit. That’s quite a big benefit you’re trying to seize with your small favour, I fear I might lose out."
Wu Zhanggui pursed his lips, "So, what do you think would be an equal exchange?"
Xin He said in a soft tone, "Shopkeeper Wu, we are old friends, straightforward talk is the way to go. Let’s calculate this clearly, then you can think about how much I would lose."
Having said that, Xin He set down her teacup and continued, "Originally, I also planned to outsource The Flower House’s catering, that would save me a lot of trouble, but also lose me a lot of money. If Shopkeeper Wu, out of respect for me, believes that The Flower House will thrive, I can consider it! Imagine a daily influx of prestigious guests, who knows how much the catering income alone would add up to. I heard that Yihong Courtyard brings in at least seven hundred silver taels every day from food and drinks!"
Xin He looked up at Wu Zhanggui, "If I let go of such an income of several hundred taels of silver a day, would I be handing you free profit? Though you and I are on good terms, I can’t afford such a loss."
Upon hearing her remarks, Wu Zhanggui himself felt a bit ashamed as if he had taken advantage of her. He pressed his lips nervously before asking, "So, aren’t you considering outsourcing?"
Xin He shook her head and smiled, "I didn’t plan to, but today Shopkeeper Wu found me, and I think this could work. After all, we are not strangers and since you came to talk in person, I feel the business must be done!"
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