novelhk Chapter 204: Giving Away a Shop
Chapter 204: Giving Away a Shop
Maruko-chan, with her chin held high and her big eyes blinking, looks incredibly cute.
It's true, petite girls are always associated with cuteness.
Fang Xiaoxiao, who had just finished eating two large steamed buns, looked at Xiaowanzi in front of her with a burp.
She wiped her mouth with her hand, sniffed, took out a tael of silver from her bosom, and handed it to Xiaowanzi.
"Please thank your grandfather for the steamed buns; this is just a small token of my appreciation."
Maruko glanced at the silver, then pouted.
"No, no! My grandfather said that it's wrong to take other people's money just to do them a small favor!"
It seems to make sense, but something also seems off.
Fang Xiaoxiao thought for a moment.
Since it's free, then let's not take it. Money is really hard to earn anyway, so every little bit saved counts.
She had this idea at some point.
Even though he's considered a wealthy person now, he's still retained that stingy nature.
After a while.
The two chatted back and forth, having a rather bland and uninteresting conversation.
Fortunately, we learned a lot of useful information from Maruko.
For example, there was the issue of purchasing shops on Beihang Road that she had discussed with He Jinnian and others before.
Unexpectedly, Xiaowanzi's family is so wealthy, especially since her grandfather owns about a dozen shops on Beihang Road.
You should know that a shop on Beihang Road costs at least three thousand taels of silver.
If I could talk to Maruko, I wonder if I could buy her shop at a lower price.
Thinking about all this, she completely forgot about being wanted by the police and only focused on buying the shop cheaply.
Wow, I didn't know your family was so rich! I wish I were part of your family!
“I wouldn’t have to support seven husbands like I do now, working day and night for money, and I wouldn’t have to scrimp and save for so long just to buy a shop on Beihang Road…”
Maruko felt a little sad listening to her older sister, who was two years older than her, complain.
She was born into a carefree family with a loving grandfather, endless money, and delicious food, and she didn't have to worry about supporting seven husbands.
Compared to her, the older sister in front of him seemed to have a really miserable life.
"Don't cry, sister. If you want to open a shop on Beihang Road, I can ask Grandpa to give you one!"
Free shop!
Fang Xiaoxiao pretended to wipe away tears, but upon hearing her words, she almost revealed a smug smile.
Fortunately, she quickly regained her composure, suppressed her inner elation, and said in a fake manner.
"Thank you for your kindness, Maruko. I'm already very grateful for your thoughtfulness."
"But my sister isn't the kind of person who's greedy for bargains. If you really want to help me, could you ask your grandfather if he'd sell me a shop at a low price?"
Maruko looked confused, but she also felt that what she said made a lot of sense.
In her opinion, wouldn't it be better to give it to someone?
However, as a lady from a respectable family, she was naturally willing to grant other people's wishes.
Since that's the case, we have no choice but to agree.
"Alright, then let's do as my sister says."
"..."
Can't you just stick to your choice?
Fang Xiaoxiao silently complained to herself.
I was just going to say some polite words, but they didn't expect them to act so unpredictably.
She could only put on a grateful smile and reach out to hold Maruko's hand.
"Well then, thank you in advance. I thank your whole family on behalf of my husband!"
"No, you're welcome."
Maruko's round, pretty face was covered with a blush after she did that, making her look especially adorable in the dim light.
……
The Jiangnan province is now in a state of turmoil, with soldiers and officers everywhere, and people dare not go out to stroll around in order to protect themselves.
Every household stayed indoors, waiting for the officials to knock on their doors and ask questions.
"Mr. Li, I'm so sorry to have disturbed your family!"
Inside the main hall of the Li residence, a fat man dressed in a python robe and wearing a black gauze hat, with eyes as sharp as a rat's, sat apologetically in a grand chair, looking at the wealthy tycoon from Jiangnan Province in front of him.
This Master Li can be said to have controlled half of the wealth of the entire Jiangnan Province, and he also has many classmates and friends in the imperial court.
In his early years, Master Li was the emperor's tutor, wielding power second only to the emperor.
Later, due to old age, he resigned from his position as Grand Tutor and returned to his hometown of Jiangnan Province, where he began to run various businesses. In just twenty years, he became the richest man in Jiangnan Province.
Looking at the prefect's humble appearance, Master Li spoke with a stern expression.
"Your Excellency, this is just routine business, and I should cooperate with you. But why are you conducting this search? Don't you know the reason behind it?"
Lord Li had already heard about the prefect's actions, but since he was no longer in the court, he didn't pay much attention to it.
But if they come to investigate their own home, it's like slapping him in the face.
The prefect understood the hidden meaning behind it, and his face turned ashen, yet he dared not provoke him.
He knew that if he offended them, not only would Wusha be in danger, but the entire clan could also be implicated. He could tell what was more important than what was not.
This morning, I learned from my subordinates that yesterday evening, a man and a woman were seen running into the Li family compound, and they guessed that they were the same couple they had arrested earlier.
But now that the people in front of him have already given the order to leave, even if he is still in the Li residence, he has no choice but to retreat first and then make further plans.
"Mr. Li, you are too kind. I apologize for disturbing you."
As the prefect finished speaking, he prepared to get up and leave with his men.
He wasn't a reckless fool. You have to understand, to become a prefect of a prefecture, you need to have a keen eye and good judgment.
Master Li remained seated in the superior position, seemingly unconcerned about the person before him, and coldly said...
"Go slowly and don't send me away!"
As they left the Li residence, the sycophantic advisor said indignantly.
"What a ungrateful creature!"
"Snapped!"
The prefect raised his hand and slapped him across the cheek.
"If you dare say another word, you'll lose your head."
"..."
The clerk, stunned by the beating, was speechless.
……
The main hall of the Li residence.
Fang Xiaoxiao, accompanied by the assassin, stood respectfully before Master Li.
"My daughter, Fang Xiaoxiao, greets Old Master Li."
"I have met Master Li!"
Mr. Li held the teacup handed to him by his granddaughter, his expression still indifferent as he looked at the two people in front of him.
"I've already heard about your situation from my granddaughter."
"I cannot interfere with what the prefect has done, but you can rest and recuperate here in peace, and no one will dare to disturb you."
His words were concise and to the point, without any unnecessary elaboration.
Fang Xiaoxiao thought for a moment, about to say something more, but was interrupted by him.
Master Li followed up immediately.
"As for your wish to buy a shop on Beihang Road, I agree to that as well, and the price will be one-third of the market price."