Chapter 658 A Little Regret
Wan Qiqi went straight to Hefeng Academy after leaving the house.
It was lunchtime at the academy, and the gates were open, with a few students still walking out.
Wan Qiqi stood at the door, showing no intention of entering the academy.
A short while later, a familiar figure appeared at the entrance of the academy.
It seemed the visitor hadn't seen Wan Qiqi; after leaving the academy, they turned right and headed towards the residential area.
Wan Qiqi suddenly wondered if Tao Ran had read too many books and become nearsighted, which was why he didn't see her standing at the door, even though she was a grown man.
Then she thought again that she hadn't told Tao Ran in advance that she would come back to find him.
Forget it, let's not dwell on these things.
Wan Qiqi quickly caught up and called out, "Brother Tao, wait!"
Tao Ran heard a woman calling him and was puzzled. By the time he recognized the voice, the woman was already in front of him.
He looked Wan Qiqi over for a moment, and noticing that she was the only one there, he asked, "You're back? Did you need something from me?"
Isn't this obvious?
Wan Qiqi was curious: Why did Tao Ran ask a question he already knew the answer to?
Is it strange that I contacted him because I needed something?
Tao Ran found it rather strange.
Wan Qiqi is not the same as before. Her connections in Yunhe County are no less than his, and she also has the support of the Xiao family. Who would dare not give Wan Qiqi face?
He then said, "Shall we go to my house and sit down to talk?"
"I won't eat here. I wanted to ask you for a favor." Wan Qiqi didn't say anything beforehand and felt embarrassed to go to someone else's house for a meal.
Seeing that Tao Ran had no objections, he continued, "I would like to ask you to help me find a shop, just a small storefront will do!"
"What are your requirements?" Tao Ran felt that Wan Qiqi's request for his help was definitely not as simple as it seemed.
"Find a place with the most people and the liveliest atmosphere, preferably where there are no dessert shops nearby, but restaurants are fine." Wan Qiqi grinned, looking obedient.
Tao Ran glanced at her, then took a step forward. "Isn't this what you're talking about—the area around your restaurant?"
Where is the most lively place in Hefeng Town nowadays?
It has to be on the street where Xinglong Restaurant is located!
The Xiao family's influence extends far beyond Yunhe County; even neighboring counties and the adjacent prefecture have heard about the Xinglong Restaurant.
People coming from the south or going to the north, whenever they pass through Hefeng Town or the villages and towns near Hefeng Town, will stop by Xinglong Restaurant to see how delicious the dishes are.
"Besides that?" Wan Qiqi followed Tao Ran's steps.
"Besides?" Tao Ran pondered for a moment. "It's hard to say. Judging from your intentions, you probably want to sell sweet soup or something similar. There are many sweet soup shops, and business is so-so. Unless you have something unique, you might be able to compete."
Wan Qiqi blinked at Tao Ran, as if to say: Do you think I'm special?
Tao Ran glanced at him, saw the look in his eyes, and said, "That's easy to discuss. We'll see when you want it."
"The sooner the better, I still need to do some repairs... It would be best to buy it directly, so I can avoid negotiating rent with the landlord." Wan Qiqi now has some money, so buying a small shop in Hefeng Town is no problem.
"But you also need to help me negotiate the price. If you buy it for less than I should, I'll go to my brother and complain that you're bullying me!" Wan Qiqi said to Tao Ran rather rudely.
Tao Ran could tell that the little girl was joking with him.
He originally thought that Wan Qiqi would be more mature after experiencing the turmoil.
Unexpectedly, the other person's temper became even more fiery!
Suddenly, the image of a shop flashed into Tao Ran's mind, and a smile curved his lips. "Fine! When have I ever cheated you? Do I need your money?"
"Not bad! But you have to keep some for yourself to drink, right?" Wan Qiqi knew that Tao Ran was a henpecked husband who handed over almost all his money, so he went home for dinner every day.
At this point, Tao Ran's eyes suddenly dimmed a bit, "Now, if I keep them around, there's no one to drink with me!"
In the past, when Wan Ziyan was alive, he would always leave some money and take Wan Ziyan out for some good food, order a pot of fine wine, and enjoy the wine and conversation.
What a pity! It's a pity that he went to the capital, and we don't know when he will return or where he will go.
He had been searching for a good friend for a long time, but he had never found anyone who understood him like Wan Ziyan and was willing to confide in him.
"It's alright, what's the big deal? My brother will always come back to see us. If that doesn't work, we can go find him!" Wan Qiqi smiled and tilted her head. "You've studied the classics for so many years, why don't you try to pass the imperial examinations? I don't believe you really can't pass!"
"So what if you pass the exam? Are you just going to wait like him?" Tao Ran glanced at Wan Qiqi, a hint of worry in her eyes. "If you have connections, you might be able to get a useful official position by seizing the opportunity; but if you don't have this opportunity, even if you pass the imperial examination, you'll still be destined for a life of poverty!"
Wan Qiqi looked up at Tao Ran, sensing there was a story behind it, and revealed a hint of curious wonder.
"Don't overthink it. It's just an excuse for us not to pursue fame and fortune." Tao Ran smiled and quickened his pace. "He's not married yet, so naturally he doesn't need to worry about so much."
"So it's because of your sister-in-law?" Wan Qiqi asked curiously.
"You can't say that," Tao Ran said, not wanting Luo Lan to hear. "If one day Yongnian goes to the frontier to guard the border, are you willing to wait for him alone with the child?"
"Why should we wait? Can't I go with him?" Wan Qiqi asked.
Before Tao Ran could answer, she continued, "Even though he can't accompany the army, why shouldn't I take care of his life in the nearest town? Even if he has relatives at home, they should understand how a child feels when he's not with his parents. They should be able to understand."
Tao Ran also couldn't understand what Wan Qiqi was thinking, how could she end things like that?
Family members are the most important people. Unless the whole clan moves away, no matter where you go, this is still home.
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