"That Delicious Pavilion has a substantial structure, spanning five stories, offering not only spacious accommodations but also an exceptional location. It can be said to be the premier spot by Xuanwu Lake, perfectly meeting the young master's requirements," Dong Rende declared.
"Such a splendid location—would the owner be willing to transfer it?" Lin Wanrong inquired with curiosity. Xuanwu Lake was considered prime real estate in Jinling City. Owning a storefront there would undoubtedly elevate one to the status of a millionaire.
Dong Rende nodded and explained, "Indeed, the location is excellent. However, the owner of Delicious Pavilion is known for being shrewd and unyielding, showing little generosity. Unscrupulous in business, the quality of the food is subpar, and the prices are exorbitant. It's no surprise the business can't sustain itself. I heard his son has become a magistrate in a distant place, and the old man is eager to return and enjoy his wealth."
"Ah, I see. This old man is a cunning and unscrupulous merchant, undoubtedly fixated on accumulating wealth. That explains a lot," Lin Wanrong remarked.
"How much does he want for it?" Lin Wanrong asked directly.
"It's said to be seven thousand taels," Dong Rende replied.
Seven thousand taels? That's not a small amount. If they were to acquire the restaurant, renovate it according to Lin Wanrong's vision, and invest in additional equipment and staff, it would require at least several thousand taels. The five thousand taels at hand barely covered half of the expenses.
After some thought, Lin Wanrong proposed, "Here's the plan, Dong uncle. Tomorrow, let's go together to negotiate with the owner of Delicious Pavilion, aiming to lower the price. As for the remaining funds, I'll figure something out."
"Lin brother, tomorrow is the selection for the Xiao family's household servants. You—" Dong Qiaocai kindly reminded.
Lin Wanrong slapped his forehead, realizing he had forgotten about it. He smiled at Qiaocai and said, "Thank you for the reminder, Qiaocai."
Dong Qiaocai glanced at him and asked, "Lin brother, are you really going to become a servant for the Xiao family?"
Dong Qingshan chuckled and teased, "Big brother, are you really interested in the Xiao family's young lady?"
Dong Qiaocai looked at Lin Wanrong and lowered her head without saying a word.
"Stop joking around," Lin Wanrong scolded with a smile, though he felt a bit troubled inside.
He had agreed to help Wei to repay a life-saving favor. Even though he was reluctant to become a servant, he was equally unwilling to engage in business. Having witnessed too much deceit in the business world, he felt a profound fatigue. His intention of letting Dong Qiaocai and her father handle the business was, in essence, quite despicable—making them work for him while he only needed to provide ideas, much easier than actively participating in business.
Of course, he couldn't openly express such ignoble thoughts.
Seeing him silent, thinking that Dong Qingshan had guessed his true intentions, Dong Qiaocai sighed softly. After a while, she bit her lip and said, "Lin brother, you are exceptionally talented, and Miss Xiao will surely recognize that. You two are a perfect match. Whatever you wish to do, we support you."
Even Dong Qiaocai thought this way. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but feel both amused and helpless. "Qiaocai, please don't make fun of me. In truth, I'm a lazy person who doesn't want to do much. That's why I let you take the lead in business. As for becoming a servant in the Xiao family, although it doesn't sound pleasant, it has its benefits. At least, aligning with the Xiao family's influence will protect us from potential threats."
Lin Wanrong fabricated a story, and Dong Qiaocai didn't press him further. The three of them continued to discuss their plans.
Concerned about the remaining two thousand taels, Dong Qiaocai suggested that they could discuss it with the owner of Delicious Pavilion the next day and find a solution later.
The meeting took place in the Dong family's home, and Lin Wanrong felt much more comfortable staying there than in his own small, shabby house.
After dinner, Lin Wanrong pulled Dong Qingshan aside and discreetly handed him twenty taels of silver. Dong Qingshan was puzzled, "Lin brother, what is this for?"
Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder and said, "Qingshan, if you want to win over your brothers, relying solely on camaraderie isn't enough. This is the most practical way. Remember, interests always outweigh camaraderie. Only by offering them sufficient benefits will they not betray you. If you focus only on camaraderie, it may hold for a while, but not forever. When it collapses, you'll be the one left standing."
Although only fifteen or sixteen years old, Dong Qingshan was remarkably intelligent. He accepted the silver Lin Wanrong gave him with gratitude, showing a hint of appreciation on his face. "Thank you, big brother. With your guidance, I've gained valuable insights. Big brother, I have something to attend to tomorrow afternoon. Do you have time?"
After a moment of consideration, Lin Wanrong replied, "Tomorrow is the selection for the Xiao family's servants, and I need to discuss matters with your father regarding the restaurant. I might not have time."
Dong Qingshan's face showed a trace of disappointment, "Then forget it, big brother. Your business matters are more important."
Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder, "Qingshan, as long as it's something you're determined to do, go ahead and do it with all your heart. I'll support you."
"Yes, I understand, big brother." Dong Qingshan's face lit up with joy, as if Lin Wanrong's guidance had given him the courage and confidence to succeed.
After discussing the use of the funds with the Dong family father and son, to avoid potential problems, they promptly moved the silver to the bank and exchanged it for silver notes.
As they left, Lin Wanrong felt extremely tired. He was about to bid farewell and return home when Dong Qiaocai said, "Big brother, wait a moment—"
Curious, Lin Wanrong looked at her. Blushing, Dong Qiaocai said, "Please wait here. I'll bring something for you."
Lin Wanrong sat on a stool, and after a short wait, Dong Qiaocai emerged from the house. She carried two items and approached Lin Wanrong, gently squatting down to remove his worn-out cloth shoes.
Witnessing Dong Qiaocai kneeling before him, her delicate eyebrows subtly trembling, her charming face blushing as if touched by rouge, Lin Wanrong hastily spoke, "Qiaocai, what is this—"
Dong Qiaocai, still avoiding eye contact, whispered, "Big brother, these are new shoes I made for you. Please see if they fit."
Observing her putting shoes on him, her tresses falling over her eyes like white jade, Lin Wanrong caught a whiff of her enchanting fragrance. Her ample bosom almost pressed against his