A Good Country Wife
Chapter 377 - 371_1

Chapter 377: 371_1

Lin Yue somewhat understood, but was also somewhat confused, "Then, Master Lu, what exactly do you mean?"

"I wish to have a small cabin within the farmhouse, where I could reside permanently. I wonder if you and Erhu’s wife could agree to this arrangement? Of course, I won’t ask for your cabin for free. I will not charge a single coin for helping you build your houses, and I will personally cover the cost of materials needed for my own lodging. All I need is a little place of my own."

Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue were both surprised to hear Master Lu say this. Master Lu had a large house in the city, yet he wanted to live in such a rural location nestled in the mountains. It truly left them unsure of how to react.

"What, do you not agree?" Seeing Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue’s stunned expressions, Master Lu thought they were opposed to the idea. Although he couldn’t force such a matter, he couldn’t help but feel a wave of disappointment and gestured dismissively, "Well then, it was just a momentary whim from an old man. If you are unwilling, let’s just forget about it."

Seeing how disappointed Master Lu looked, Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue exchanged glances, both feeling that there was no harm in agreeing. After all, Master Lu was a master craftsman of his generation, a figure others clamored to win over. He was merely asking for a small cabin in their farmhouse, not a mansion of gold and silver. With such a modest request, there was no reason for refusal.

"Master Lu, listen to what you’re saying. If you wish to live in our farmhouse, I couldn’t be happier. How could there be any unwillingness? However, if you really move in, it won’t do to just simply erect a small cabin. I must create a new set of blueprints and build a house that will satisfy you, unless, Master Lu, you would prefer to design it yourself. After all, you are the Polaris of our craft, and I am just an amateur. There is no way I could match your skill."

"You girl, why are you being so modest? The blueprints you draw, though impractical in some aspects, are remarkably novel and unique. Some ideas are sheer genius. If you are willing to design a house for this old man, there could be nothing better." Master Lu was immediately uplifted from his disappointment to surprise upon hearing Lin Yue was not only willing to have him live in the farmhouse but also personally design his house. He was effusive in praise, celebrating her design talent as unparalleled.

Lin Yue was somewhat embarrassed. She truly didn’t have such skills; it was merely that, coming from modern times, she was a bit more knowledgeable. And since the farmhouse was something she longed for, naturally she was willing to devote her effort and time to plan it. With Master Lu praising her like this, she felt truly ashamed.

"Master Lu, don’t speak like that. You’re praising me too much, and I—a younger generation—cannot accept such high praise."

The more Lin Yue spoke in such a manner, the more Master Lu found her modesty agreeable and grew even more satisfied, "You have good character, skilled but not arrogant. You’re far better than those conceited youths I’ve met. Zhao Erhu, that foolish lad, is truly blessed to have married such a fine wife."

Seeing the effect her words had, Lin Yue decided to stop and switch to another topic, "Master Lu, since you are willing to let me help design the house, please feel free to tell me any of your preferences or ideas about the house, so that I can have a reference point."

The decorations for the restaurant and the grocery store had been completed. Now, what they needed most was manpower. Since they were opening a restaurant, a chef was essential. Although Lin Yue herself knew how to cook, she couldn’t take on the role of head chef—not only was it too much work, but her body wouldn’t be able to handle it, and Zhao Erhu definitely wouldn’t agree. So, they had to find a suitable chef. Lin Yue had no connections in Xin’an City, and in the end, the matter fell on Manager Liu’s shoulders. It was only logical to ask for his help. However, when Master Lu heard about this, he also offered to keep an eye out for potential candidates.

Although Master Lu was highly sought after in his line of work, Lin Yue knew nothing about his other connections. Nevertheless, since Master Lu himself had brought it up, of course, she wouldn’t refuse. Ever since she had agreed to Master Lu’s staying at the farmhouse, their relationship had become much closer, sometimes feeling like family, and Lin Yue didn’t want to seem ungrateful.

"Girl, don’t think I don’t know what you’re pondering. Even though I am reclusive and rarely socialize, over the years, I’ve still established some connections. Finding you a suitable chef will be no problem—just you wait," Master Lu said.

"Master Lu, I’ll be waiting then. But please hurry, my restaurant is counting on it," Lin Yue replied cheerfully, not denying it. Master Lu was not one to boast, so if he said it would be done, she believed he would take care of it efficiently.

"Rest assured, it won’t delay your business."

"However, Master Lu, I do not demand that the chef have exceptional culinary skills. I need someone trustworthy above all. As for cooking techniques, I do have some secret recipes that I will eventually hand over to them. That will be the restaurant’s trump card. So, please consider your recommendation carefully," Lin Yue counseled.

Master Lu became somewhat impatient with Lin Yue’s tedious advice and shooed her aside, "I know, I know. I’ve eaten more salt than you’ve eaten rice; I have some ability in judging people. Don’t you worry about it."

With Master Lu taking charge and Manager Liu helping, finding a good chef was assured, and Lin Yue decided to let go of this matter and focus on preparing the grocery store. Although she had already prepared a batch of goods, the shelves were not yet fully stocked. Lin Yue worked extra hard, embroidering some small items for men, using the fine fabrics Jiang Ziqi had once given her.

Such items didn’t require large swathes of fabric – Lin Yue used remnants and scraps left from embroidering larger pieces. Her works were intricately delicate, luxurious in appearance, and of a high quality that was not readily available even from major fabric stores, being primarily reserved for imperial supply. These items became some of the more expensive offerings in Lin Yue’s store. Her intention was not necessarily to sell these items, as common scholars might not afford them, but to elevate the store’s status simply by their display.

Equally pressing were the necessary formalities for the grocery store and the restaurant. Dealing with the bureaucracy in the Government Office always involved navigating through a maze of regulations. Having a contact within the Government Office could expedite processes which might otherwise drag on for months with uncertain outcomes.

Lin Yue was well aware of the intricacies involved and did not approach the government office directly. Instead, after the store’s renovations were complete, she paid a visit to Zhao Xinglin’s residence. Offering some silver, she requested Zhao Xinglin’s assistance in pulling some strings, and everything proceeded quite smoothly.

In fact, the smooth handling of these matters owed not only to Zhao Xinglin’s connections but also to some influence from the Magistrate himself. The people in the Government Office didn’t dare to make things difficult for her. However, the Magistrate’s three-year term was soon ending, and he would be recalled to the Capital City. It would likely be more troublesome to deal with similar matters in the future without him. Fortunately, Zhao Xinglin’s connections remained a reliable support.