Chapter 452 - 219: Wishing to Buy Guihua and Sail Together with Wine

Chapter 452: Chapter 219: Wishing to Buy Guihua and Sail Together with Wine

"Mrs. Qiu, you’re here," Qi the Fourth said, quickly forcing a smile.

"Qi the Fourth, I’m here to give you some news. I’ve sold the property, so from now on, it belongs to Zhou Yan. He’s your new landlord," Mrs. Qiu said, getting straight to the point. "I just spoke with him. You can keep renting this storefront until the end of the month of the Lunar New Year—that’s the end of February next year, which gives you three more months. After the lease is up, you two can negotiate the terms yourselves. From now on, you’ll pay rent to Zhou Yan."

The smile on Qi the Fourth’s face vanished.

Because the smile was now on Zhou Yan’s face. He grinned and said, "Hello, I’m Zhou Yan. See? I’m giving you three months to take your time moving out."

"Why, you..." Qi the Fourth gritted his teeth.

"Thinking of moving out today?" Zhou Yan asked with a grin.

"You... Hello. I’m Qi the Fourth." He managed to swallow the rest of his words, glaring at Zhou Yan with indignation. "Boss Zhou, not a single word you say is true, is it! What about that friend of yours?"

"My friend changed his mind about buying it. I thought it was a nice property, so I bought it instead," Zhou Yan said with a smile.

"Fine, just fine!" Qi the Fourth was so angry he was practically fuming.

Zhou Yan looked at him and said, "I’ll be reclaiming the shop in three months. I’m telling you this in advance so you can start looking for a new storefront."

Qi the Fourth’s expression changed to a smile as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes. "Boss Zhou, can’t you let me rent for a few more months? It took me over two years to get this braised meat business off the ground and build up its reputation."

"I don’t smoke, thanks." Zhou Yan took half a step back and shook his head. "With this kind of foot traffic, you must have made a good bit of money these past two years. You can just find another spot and open your braised meat shop again. As for your reputation... let’s not even talk about that. I’ll have to leave the shop vacant for a few months just so people realize it’s under new ownership."

Seeing how resolute he was, Qi the Fourth had no choice but to drop the matter.

Mrs. Qiu looked at him and said earnestly, "Qi the Fourth, focus on perfecting the flavor of your braised meat. If you do that, you can be successful anywhere. Young man, you need to be more level-headed."

Qi the Fourth immediately adopted a respectful attitude and nodded. "You’re right, ma’am."

Mrs. Qiu took Zhou Yan to the noodle shop next door.

The owner was a middle-aged woman currently stir-frying a meat topping for her noodles. She was surprised to hear the news and also asked Zhou Yan for the opportunity to sign a long-term lease.

Zhou Yan refused her outright. "I’m sorry, but after I reclaim this space, I’m going to tear down the building and rebuild. There’s no telling when it will be finished, and I don’t plan to rent it out afterward. So please use these next three months to find a suitable new storefront to move to. If you let your regulars know in advance, your business shouldn’t be too affected."

The owner was stunned for a moment, then sighed in resignation. "Alright, then. I’ll start looking for a new place."

"Zhang, don’t you worry," Mrs. Qiu said reassuringly. "Your noodles are delicious and affordable—everyone in the neighborhood knows it. Just put up a notice in advance, and they’ll all follow you to your new location. Oh, and try looking for a storefront toward the end of the street. The rent should be cheaper over there."

"Will do," the owner said with a smile and a nod. "Thank you for looking out for me these past two years, Mrs. Qiu. So, you’re off to enjoy the good life in Xiangjiang?"

Mrs. Qiu replied serenely, "Life in Jiazhou hasn’t been a hardship. I’m just going to Xiangjiang to see my children and grandchildren. I wouldn’t call it ’enjoying the good life.’ I’m just going to see how Xiangjiang has changed after a few decades."

The corners of Zhou Yan’s mouth tilted up. ’She’s just so elegant.’

As they left the noodle shop, Mrs. Qiu said, "I consider the property officially handed over to you now. Once we’ve left for Xiangjiang, I’ll have Yan deliver the keys to your shop."

"Thank you," Zhou Yan said.

Mrs. Qiu looked at him and smiled. "Rather than watch it decay and collapse into obscurity, I look forward to it becoming a new culinary landmark in Jiazhou. I believe you have the ability to make that happen. When your new restaurant opens, I’ll have to come back for a taste."

"I’ll look forward to your return," Zhou Yan said with a nod.

As they walked toward the main gate, Zhou Yan spoke up. "Mrs. Qiu, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask your opinion on. I’m thinking of hiring your housekeeper, Mrs. Li, as an employee. You’ve known her for three years; what do you think of her character?"

Mrs. Qiu stopped in her tracks, a hint of surprise on her face. She nodded. "Li Hua is a woman of good character. She’s proactive, doesn’t gossip, and is never lazy. In the three years we’ve been together, I’ve never once seen her lose her temper. If you want to hire her as a waitress, I think she’d be a great fit. She’s from Suji, you know."

"That settles it for me, then," Zhou Yan said with a smile and a nod. ’It looks like my assessment of her was correct.’

"You’re a surprisingly kind person, finding her a job in the time it takes to cook a meal," Mrs. Qiu said with a laugh.

Zhou Yan explained, "She mentioned that since you’re going to Xiangjiang, you won’t be needing her, so she was planning to go back to her village to farm. I noticed she’s a very efficient worker, and my restaurant happens to be hiring, so it seems like a perfect fit. I was planning to ask if she’s interested."

The two of them entered the courtyard.

Mrs. Qiu called Li Lihua over and told her about the offer.

"Work at a restaurant?" Li Lihua froze, her eyes quickly lighting up with excitement. "Yes! Of course, I accept! This is wonderful news!"

"You’re not even going to ask about the pay?" Mrs. Qiu chuckled.

Li Lihua gave an embarrassed smile and looked toward Zhou Yan.

Zhou Yan explained, "The restaurant will be in Suji Town, right outside the Jiazhou Textile Factory. The pay will be the same as what you earned at the Qiu Mansion: twenty a month. However, it will be busy. You’ll need to be at the restaurant by six in the morning to help prep ingredients, and you’ll also be serving customers and washing dishes. You’ll get to go home after we close for the night, probably around seven. You’ll get one day off per week, on Sundays."

"I’ll do it!" Li Lihua agreed without a moment’s hesitation.

’Twenty a month, right here in Suji Town!’