The Lucky Farmgirl
Chapter 955 - 934: Inspecting the Shop

Chapter 955: Chapter 934: Inspecting the Shop

When Manbao was in a good mood, she didn’t mind spending money. She called over Zhou Wu and a few others, saying she wanted to take them to the Primus Pavilion for drinks and food.

Zhou Wu shook his head, "Forget it, we still need to go look at some shops this afternoon. You go ahead."

Only then did Manbao remember to ask, "Did you guys find a shop?"

Zhou Lichong looked up at her resentfully, "Little aunt, didn’t we tell you about this the other day?"

Manbao, tilting her head curiously, asked, "Did you?"

Everyone: ...

Zhou Lijun waved his hand, "Never mind, little aunt was in a bad mood these past few days; she probably didn’t take in what we said."

Manbao felt a bit embarrassed, "I might not have been paying attention. Say it again, please."

Zhou Lichong then ignored her, looking down.

Zhou Wu spoke up from the side, "We sold the books, and the money we earned wasn’t divided; it was put into the public fund. We’ve looked at several shops, both inside and outside the alley. The shops in the inner city are particularly expensive, especially in our area. Even if we don’t need a spacious one, to buy would start at five thousand taels, and renting isn’t cheap either..."

Zhou Wu pulled out a small notebook from his chest, "We’ve looked at about a dozen shops these past few days."

Manbao’s mouth fell open, "There are so many shops for sale?"

"Of course, and that’s just nearby. If we look further afield or in other market areas, there would be even more."

Manbao was very curious, "Why? There are very few vacant shops in Luojiang County and Yizhou City."

Initially, she was able to buy a suitable shop in Luojiang County because Eldest Master Shi had squandered his wealth excessively. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have known how long she would have to wait to get a good shop.

Zhou Liulang also thought the number of shops in the capital was a bit excessive, and they were excessively expensive, "It’s a pity we’re new here and it’s hard to find details; otherwise, it would be good to ask about the previous sale prices of these shops."

Bai Shan asked, "Are the shops you looked at good for business?"

"They’re okay," Zhou Liulang said. "I haven’t looked at them myself, but I made sure to check that the foot traffic was decent and that people would stop to eat before asking about shops for sale."

He sighed again, "It’s too expensive!"

He felt the money they brought should have been enough, but it wasn’t.

Upon hearing the prices, Manbao ruled out the shops in the inner city altogether and directly asked, "How much are the shops in the outer city?"

Zhou Wu replied without consulting his notebook, "The most expensive is thirty-six hundred taels, and the cheapest is eight hundred taels."

"Eh, why is there such a difference?"

Zhou Liulang said, "Fifth Brother, I don’t want the one that’s eight hundred taels."

He gestured to Manbao, "The eight-hundred-tael shop is this small. If it’s for dining, you could fit at most three small tables inside. If more people come, I’m afraid we wouldn’t be able to accommodate even one group."

Manbao was curious, "What was this shop used for before?"

"It sold clothing and fabrics. It was simple for them; a counter and a few shelves for fabrics sufficed. They mainly sold silk and satin, customers could pick standing at the entrance, making the place appear spacious. But it won’t work for food."

Zhou Wu furrowed his brow and thought for a moment before crossing that shop off his list with a pen, "Okay, let’s not look at this one anymore. What about the others?"

Since Zhou Liulang would be the chef in their eventual shop, they primarily sought his opinion.

"The others are alright."

Manbao asked, "Liulang, which one do you like the most?"

"Of course, the most expensive one—thirty-six hundred taels, right in the market near the inner city, not far from here. Turn right out of our alley, and it’s just thirty paces away," Zhou Liulang said. "The place is spacious, with two stories and a yard. I’ve seen it; besides the kitchen, there are three rooms in the back—one for food and miscellaneous items, and the other two for living."

However, Zhou Wu had ruled it out right from the start, leaving it in the notebook only because Zhou Liulang liked it so much.

To persuade him, Zhou Wu had already listed many reasons. Seeing him still fixated, Zhou Wu gave him a sideways glance, "We don’t have enough money."

"So, I’m thinking of renting," Zhou Liulang slapped his thigh. "Didn’t we ask about it? Sixty-five taels a month."

Zhou Wu asked, "Do you know how much sixty-five taels is? Right now, a dou of grain costs ten coins. Sixty-five taels can buy at least six thousand five hundred dou, which is sixty-five thousand liters!"

Zhou Lijun nodded repeatedly, indicating that Fifth Uncle hadn’t miscalculated.

"You’d be spending sixty-five thousand liters of grain a month; do you think you’re Old Master Bai?"

Bai Dalang and Bai Erlang looked up from their teacups.

Zhou Wu immediately explained, "I mean Old Master Bai is generous."

Zhou Liulang continued, "I think that shop isn’t worth that much. They might be tricking us because we’re from out of town. I’ve asked about the prices of various shops in Yizhou City too. Even though the shops in the capital are more expensive, they aren’t that much more, I mean, for a shop of similar size."

"But I don’t think it’s expensive,’’ Manbao said. "A two-story building with a backyard—doesn’t that seem cheaper than the eight-hundred-tael shop you mentioned, which is so small?"

Zhou Wu explained, "That shop is in a good location. Don’t be misled by its size; the foot traffic in front of it is the highest. When we went to see it, other people were looking too; two groups ran into each other."

That’s why he was loath to part with it.

Manbao finished her cup of boiled water, "It’s okay, if money is short, I have some. Buying the shop isn’t urgent; I’ll inquire about it for you."

Bai Shan asked, "Whom will you ask?"

"Shopkeeper Zheng from the pharmacy," Manbao said. "He’s been in the capital for a long time and definitely knows the market. Maybe knowing many people, he could also help us find and negotiate the price."

Bai Shan frowned, "Owing someone a favor isn’t ideal. Why not wait for my grandmother to come to the capital? She seems to have connections here; we can ask her to help us inquire."

Manbao was also eager to make money, mainly for Keke, so she didn’t want to wait too long.

She shook her head, "It’s okay. It’s easy to repay a favor to Shopkeeper Zheng."

After all, she worked at the pharmacy. Since they were in the same line of business, it was easy to return the favor. If they were in different industries, repaying the favor would be much harder and require much brainstorming.

Zhou Wu then went on to describe the other shops for Manbao, who took notes, deciding to visit the pharmacy the next day to find an opportunity to inquire with Shopkeeper Zheng or even with Young Manager Zheng and the doctors working at the pharmacy.

After all, any of these would be better than fumbling around on their own.

Zhou Wu packed up his notebook, "We’re going to look at some more places today, going a bit further is no issue. The main thing is the price and location have to be right."

Manbao nodded.