Farm Tough Girl

Chapter 102 - 102 103 Grandpa is Willing _1

?Chapter 102: Chapter 103: Grandpa is Willing _1 Chapter 102: Chapter 103: Grandpa is Willing _1 An hour should be enough.

However, Xiangcai pushed two copper coins into Muniang’s hand, “This is for the carriage fare. We can’t just take advantage of your kindness. We usually pay when we take Mr. Cai’s bullock cart.”

Muniang was about to push them back when the other women hurriedly handed over the copper coins they had prepared in advance to Muniang, “Muniang, you must not be so polite with us. Although our families are poor, we can still afford this small amount. We cannot let you suffer a loss. None of us wants to take advantage of others. Your horse must be exhausted from pulling so many of us; you have to take this money.”

“I was just on my way; you all keep your money. It’s not like I’m doing this every day, right?” Muniang smiled helplessly.

“It’s our rule. Mr. Cai also takes us when he happens to be going to town. It’s two copper coins each time, and that’s even squished into a bullock cart. If you won’t take it, we’ll think you look down on our small contribution,” they insisted.

Muniang saw that everyone was sincere and hadn’t tried to take advantage of her newfound wealth. She found it hard to refuse any longer and accepted the money from everyone.

Xiangcai glared at Mrs. Liang in the corner, “What, you want to ride for free? Everyone’s paying; are you blind? You should have some self-awareness and not always think about taking advantage. We are all part of the same community. It’s shameful that we have to bring this up and you still act begrudgingly.”

Muniang almost couldn’t suppress her laughter. Xiangcai’s words were sharp; she didn’t leave any room for argument when she criticized people.

As expected, Mrs. Liang was just about to complain about Muniang being stingy when Xiangcai’s words left her speechless. The expression on her face was so aggrieved it was almost comical. She glared at Xiangcai bitterly, but finally gave in and took out the money. She was going to make a good profit from selling her patterns later—did she really care about two copper coins?

With that thought, Mrs. Liang stopped fussing. She shoved two copper coins into Muniang’s hand and said resentfully, “Who said I wouldn’t pay? It’s just two coins. Don’t flatter yourselves that I care about them!”

After speaking, she strutted away with a twist of her hips.

With that, everyone dispersed and went about their business.

Muniang and her companion found the busiest street in Chatu Town and decided to rent a small shop there. The size of the shop didn’t matter much since they were just starting out; it didn’t have to be anything grand. According to Madam Liu, they had fresh designs to showcase—why worry about not being impressive enough?

Yet, Muniang wasn’t familiar with the connections in Chatu Town and had no idea who owned the street or whom to approach about renting a shop. She looked up and saw Dongxing Building, and decided it was best to seek help from Shopkeeper Zhang. He had a wide network—after all, he had helped her with the servant purchase. Muniang trusted him.

“Oh, young lady, what brings you here today?” Shopkeeper Zhang greeted Muniang with a glowing face as he welcomed her inside.

Muniang smiled, “Shopkeeper Zhang, your business is doing well, I see. The top row on the menu board is dedicated to your braised dishes. They must be selling well?”

“Indeed! This month, Dongxing Building is bustling with customers. People have to queue up at meal times. We’ve captured Chatu Town’s glory,” Shopkeeper Zhang said, grinning from ear to ear. “And it’s all thanks to you, young lady.”

“That’s good to hear. Otherwise, if the business wasn’t doing well, I would be worried you might blame me.”

“Oh no, the business has to be good. The moment I smelled that braising liquid, I knew it would make a killing,” Shopkeeper Zhang praised generously: “It’s not yet time for the delivery, so you must have something on your mind for coming here?”

Without beating around the bush, Muniang got straight to the point, “I’m planning to rent a shop on this street. Do you happen to know who owns it? If you do, could you please help me get in touch with them?”

“Huh?” Shopkeeper Zhang was taken aback, unsure of what to say at first. Was he supposed to reveal that the street belonged to their own family? While he was conflicted, a servant came in and whispered a few words into his ear.

Shopkeeper Zhang immediately bowed and said, “Excuse me, something urgent has come up in the shop. Please wait here, and I will return shortly. I do know the main landlord of this street, and I will definitely connect you when I get back.”

Not in any rush, Muniang replied, “Then please attend to your business first. We will wait.”

Shopkeeper Zhang then turned and walked out, addressing a nearby servant boy, “What did the master suddenly call me for?”

The servant boy was just as bewildered, “I don’t know either. The master was just sitting in the Western Warm Pavilion, and it seemed he saw someone he recognized through the window. He even smiled, but I didn’t dare to ask more. Then he ordered me to call you over to speak with him.”

Without further delay, Shopkeeper Zhang quickly adjusted his robe and hurried to the best private room on the second floor, the Western Warm Pavilion, which was reserved not for guests but for the occasional use of the proprietor.

He knocked on the door respectfully and only entered after hearing a voice inside say “Come in.”

“Master, do you have any instructions?” Shopkeeper Zhang greeted with a bow.

Haoli was reclining lazily on a soft couch and sat up leisurely. He took a sip from his cup of tea before saying, “Has the woman who delivers vegetables arrived?”

Shopkeeper Zhang blinked, “Yes, I was just about to discuss this matter with you. She wants to rent a shop on this street and asked me to see if there was any way to set up a connection.”

Haoli, with understanding in his heart, curled his lips slightly, “So that’s it, did you agree?”

Shopkeeper Zhang’s heart skipped a beat, uncertain of his master’s intention, and replied, “I said I would ask.” In truth, he had already agreed.

Haoli, seeming to be in a particularly good mood, snapped his folding fan shut, “Then go and attend to your business. I’ll handle this personally.”

Shopkeeper Zhang, astonished, said, “Master, she just wants to rent a small shop.” He had never seen the master personally handle even the biggest of business deals.

Haoli glanced at him and said, “Do I need you to tell me that?”

Shopkeeper Zhang wisely shut his mouth.

When Haoli walked in with a fan in hand, Muniang’s mouth was agape with surprise, almost able to fit a whole egg in it. What was he doing here?

“Does the Wu Family’s wealth include a whole street as well?” Muniang asked, shocked.

“What’s the matter? Can’t stand to see me wealthy?” Haoli sat down nonchalantly and poured himself a cup of tea.

“Your old man is that rich!” No wonder this prodigal son managed to thrive despite his extravagant ways.

“I never said the street was mine, but I’m pretty good friends with that guy. Last time we gambled, I even let him win a round. Just happened to be dining here, and Shopkeeper Zhang saw me, so he asked me to help set up the connection for you.”

Muniang had a face full of disbelief. This man simply couldn’t stop mentioning gambling, “Well, thank you for that.”

“Just so happens I’m free right now, and it’s a good chance to help you out. My friend is a very busy man, he’s entrusted me with managing this street’s affairs. Whatever shop you want to rent, I can take you to see it,” Haoli spoke as if he had nothing better to do.

Mr. Cai replied, disgruntled, “You’re not busy gambling away money now?”

Haoli looked steadily at Mr. Cai, “The master pleases!”