Prosperous Marriage: Married to My Brother-in-law-Chapter 516: Choosing a Location, Love, Excitement (4)_1

"Mom, he's only leaving us an empty store. Besides returning the initial rent he paid, this so-called renovation fee means he's still making a profit. It has nothing to do with the cost of the goods." 800,000 is already generous, she thought.

Mila Anderson considered this and said no more.

However, Julia Bluen's aggressive bargaining was an eye-opener for her. People with experience in the Shopping Mall really are different, she mused. Like Julia, I was born into a businessman's family, but I know nothing about these things. If I were choosing a storefront myself, I'd probably pay whatever they asked, even 10,000,000, as long as I could afford it.

Her appreciation for her daughter-in-law, Julia Bluen, rose a few more notches.

Julia Bluen walked back to the Supermarket manager and asked, "Have you considered my offer?"

The Supermarket manager thought for a moment, then, feigning magnanimity, said, "Alright, considering Mrs. Anderson's and Young Mistress Horne's sincerity, let's settle for 800,000."

No matter what, I'm still making a profit, just a bit less. At least I won't lose money, he reasoned. If it were anyone else, they probably wouldn't even offer 800,000.

"We will take over the store on the first of next month. That leaves a few days, which should be enough time for you to clear out your merchandise. Someone from my side will contact you to handle the remaining procedures."

"Alright, Young Mistress Horne," the Supermarket manager said, hesitating slightly. "Um, could you perhaps give a deposit?" He was worried Julia Bluen might go back on her word.

Julia Bluen smiled. "Of course."

With that, she took out her phone and made a call.

About ten minutes later, a Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the Supermarket. Glades Horne's tall figure emerged from the car, followed by Housekeeper Ying, who was carrying a small black leather bag.

"Mr. Horne!" The Supermarket manager scurried out, fawningly greeting Glades Horne with the deference a commoner in ancient times might show an emperor.

When Julia Bluen had left the house, she hadn't brought any cash, and she guessed her mother-in-law wouldn't have much on her either. So, she had called home and asked Housekeeper Ying to get some cash from Adele Horne and bring it over. She hadn't expected Glades Horne to have returned home just as they were entering the store; thus, he had personally come to deliver the money to his beloved wife.

The moment he stepped out of the car and saw the "For Transfer" sign, Glades Horne understood why his wife needed cash.

"Glades," both his mother and wife called out.

Glades Horne walked over to Julia Bluen and glanced around the Supermarket. He acknowledged the manager's obsequious greeting with a cool nod, then looked at Julia and asked, "Have you decided?"

Julia nodded.

"800,000 for the empty store. The owner prepaid a year's rent, and there are still six months left on the lease."

Glades Horne pondered for a moment, then turned to the Supermarket manager. "Are you the owner here?" After the man nodded, he continued, "I'll give you a 300,000 deposit now. Once the paperwork is complete and the store is cleared out, the remaining balance will be paid in full. Any objections?"

The Supermarket manager quickly assured him he had no objections.

Glades Horne then gestured for Housekeeper Ying to hand the small black leather bag, containing 300,000 in cash, to the manager. He also requested a valid receipt.

And so, the location for the beauty salon was chosen.

「Upon returning to the Horne Family residence, it was nearing dusk.」

"Glades."

After getting out of the car, Julia Bluen suddenly clung to Glades Horne's arm, whispering into his ear, "I'm suddenly starving." Indeed, she had been hungry since leaving the house but had ignored it while busy negotiating. Now that everything was settled, she felt ravenous.

Glades Horne chuckled indulgently and tapped her nose, a hint of mock jealousy in his voice. "Your grandmother, who dotes on you the most, noticed you only had a bowl of pickled cabbage and shredded pork noodles for lunch. She guessed you'd get hungry quickly. What can I say? My daughter has a healthy appetite; she can eat. Heh. So, go wash your hands, and dinner will be ready."

He was already home, and everyone else who would be joining them for dinner had also arrived. It was a suitable time for an early meal.

Glades Horne was inwardly grateful to his grandmother for her thoughtfulness, anticipating things he hadn't.

"Grandmother dotes on you the most. As for me, she loves me by association. Don't act so jealous," Julia Bluen laughed softly, gently squeezing the muscles of Glades Horne's arm, which she was holding.

Their affectionate glances and loving interactions were enough to make anyone envious.

After dinner, the couple went for a walk in the Backyard to aid digestion.

Julia Bluen walked ahead, stepping out of the Main House first.

Turning her head, she realized Glades Horne hadn't followed. She paused in confusion, and just as she did, a warm jacket was draped over her shoulders. Glades Horne's caring voice sounded beside her ear, "It's windy and cold at night. You need to wear more." Then, under the watch of many eyes from inside, he carefully, considerately, and tenderly helped her put on the jacket.

"Everyone's watching," Julia Bluen murmured, embarrassed, as her peripheral vision caught several pairs of teasing yet amused eyes from inside the house.

Even as a long-married couple, she wasn't particularly fond of public displays of affection in front of family.

Glades Horne glanced into the room. Everyone inside, including Grandmother Horne, pretended not to notice and looked away, though faint smiles played on their lips.

"Let's go." After helping her into the jacket, Glades Horne took her hand, leading her down the front steps and to the right, through the gate to a garden path in the Backyard.

Hand in hand, fingers entwined, the couple strolled along the tree-lined paths of the Backyard, occasionally whispering and laughing softly.

It was early spring, and the nights still carried a chill.

But for those in love, the chill of early spring didn't feel cold at all.

However, they didn't stay outside for long. Concerned for his wife and the baby in her belly, Glades Horne led Julia back inside after about half an hour.

The family members had already dispersed to their own activities.

Not wanting to disturb anyone, the couple tiptoed back to their room.

Once inside, Glades Horne eagerly swept Julia into his arms and rushed into the Bedroom. Laying her gently on the bed, he said hoarsely, "Honey, I miss our daughter. Let me say hello to her first." Then, he bent down, pressing his face and ear against Julia's belly.