Reborn as a Landlord-Chapter 1401 - 714: Shunde Store (Part 2)
"Am I very old?" Shen Liu raised his hand, touched the stubble on his chin, and asked somewhat discontentedly.
Lian Manman hesitated, this was really nitpicking, maybe he was just being picky with her words. Being called old was clearly a respectful term, which wasn’t directly related to age.
Could it be her flattery was not enough and Shen Liu was hinting for her to praise his youthful looks?
Lian Manman was embarrassed. Although Shen Liu fit the description "young and handsome", it was difficult for her to say these words directly in front of him. She wasn’t in a position to give such praise due to her age and gender. If she really did compliment him in that manner, wouldn’t Shen Liu think she was teasing him?
Shen Liu most likely wouldn’t think she was teasing him, but he would definitely think she had some intention towards him.
Lian Manman hesitated again, but before she could say anything further, footsteps were heard from outside. It was Mr. Loo, having checked the time, returning with Master Chu, Shen Jin, Shen Qian, and Xiao Qi.
Everyone chatted and laughed a little more, noticing the late hour, Lian Manman had no choice but to stand up and take her leave.
Shen Liu did not insist on keeping her, and the Shen Mansion still provided a carriage to send Lian Manman and the others back to Pine Tree Alley.
After sending off Lian Manman and the others, Shen Liu sent Shen Jin and Shen Qian to rest and walked back to his study. Sitting at the desk, he took out the dry stock contract to review again, his lips slowly curling into a slight smile. He stood up, walked to the wall, and rolled up a scroll. Then there was a click, revealing a hidden compartment in the wall.
Shen Liu took out a wooden box from the hidden compartment, opened it, and carefully placed the paper contract inside.
A 20% dry stock in a shop, perhaps a considerable fortune elsewhere, but to Shen Liu, it wasn’t much to speak of. The reason for such careful storage was only known to him alone.
"... Let it be kept with me for now." Shen Liu closed the hidden compartment, speaking to himself.
Returning to the desk, Shen Liu casually picked up a scroll and pretended to read. However, if anyone came closer, they would find Shen Liu’s eyes not focused on the words of the scroll; his thoughts were clearly elsewhere.
The usually diligent Master Shen Liu unexpectedly drifted off.
On the other side, Lian Manman had returned home in the Prefecture City. Feeling somewhat disheartened since her proposal to host a roast duck banquet did not get Shen Liu’s approval. If it weren’t Shen Liu, but someone else, she might have suspected they wanted more shares out of greed.
But since it was Shen Liu, Lian Manman did not think in that direction.
Lian Manman concluded Shen Liu’s conduct was due to his character, despite his many virtues, none could overshadow his mischievous nature, evidently not born a good person. Before sleeping, Lian Manman continued to harbor silent complaints.
The next day, after breakfast, Lian Manman and Wu Lang were discussing taking Shen Liu’s written words to make a signboard when they heard reports of Steward Zhong from the Shen Mansion arriving.
The Shen Mansion, besides Commander Zhang from the military, dealt mostly with the Lian Family through this Steward Zhong.
After inviting Steward Zhong inside and exchanging pleasantries, Steward Zhong came straight to the point.
"... The day after tomorrow, there will be a banquet at the mansion with many guests. The Sixth Master sent me to discuss with the Fourth Old Master and Wu Lang."
The Shen Mansion opening a banquet yet discussing with Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang clearly agreed to her roast duck banquet request. Lian Manman did not think that Shen Liu had changed his mind overnight; he must have decided earlier and deliberately left her misinterpretations, only to surprise with pleasant news early this morning.
Despite the joy, Lian Manman couldn’t help grinding her teeth.
In the following days, the whole family became busy. Things proceeded quite smoothly. Shen Liu was about to go to the capital for the Emperor’s birthday celebration, Shen Jin was about to enter the palace, and with no doubt, would be the favored candidate for the main palace. Before departing, the Shen Mansion held a grand banquet, with city nobles all attending. Members of the Shen Family from afar all returned. Naturally, this banquet was bustling with activity. And the roast duck from Shunde Store became rapidly popular throughout the region overnight.
Shunde Store opened on the third day after the grand banquet amid firecrackers, revealing the signboard written by Shen Liu as the red silk fell. The roast duck tables in the store had long been fully booked. Not only was the opening day’s tables booked, but even consecutive days afterwards were reserved.
All roast ducks from Shunde Store required reservations. People would transport ducks specifically from Thirty Mile Camp to the Prefecture City according to the reservation list. Ducks delivered at night were immediately slaughtered, then roasted and sold the same day. Only by reserving in advance could one eat the freshest and most delicious roast duck.
After a few days of Shunde Store’s opening, Lian Shouxin, Wu Lang, Lian Manman, and Xiao Qi sat in the accounting room at the back of the shop, listening to Shopkeeper Chen and the accounting officer report on the accounts, eyes on the nearby full money box, once again feeling the joy of harvest.
One day’s income from Shunde Store was equivalent to several times the combined income of a few shops they had in the county.
"The Prefecture City is truly a great place." Only among the elder group, Lian Shouxin couldn’t help but exclaim.
"Of course." Lian Manman laughed. The Prefecture City was naturally the best choice in Liaodong Prefecture. However, within the Great Ming Empire’s borders, there were still more prosperous and better places for gold mining.
Shunde Store is indeed just starting out. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)
