Chang’an Small Restaurant Chapter 53 (Part 1)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 53.1 Actively Pursuing Property
While Shen Shaoguang was preparing Siberian elm in the kitchen, the elderly man from the neighboring abode hobbled over.
Observing this, Shen Shaoguang promptly requested A’Chang to offer his assistance.
The old man waved his hand and insisted, "I can manage. I can manage. Thank you, Miss."
Despite the assurance, A’Chang still assisted the old man in sitting down, and Shen Shaoguang personally brought him his beverage.
Ever since the elderly man suffered a leg injury in the rain last year, he had leased the storefront to Shen Shaoguang. Ordinarily, he resided indoors, seldom venturing outside. The elderly man would only emerge occasionally to procure grains and vegetables. Therefore, Shen Shaoguang couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this less-than-agile gentleman to make a personal visit. Could it be related to the property?
Her intuition proved correct. "Observing the flourishing nature of Miss's enterprise, would you consider acquiring both the shop and the dwelling behind it?"
Rather than a direct affirmation or negation, Shen Shaoguang responded with a gracious smile, "Is the elderly moving to a more spacious abode? Congratulations."
The elderly man discerned that Miss Shen was tactfully inquiring about the motive behind selling the house. With a genial smile, he responded, "How can I possess the financial acumen of you young individuals and upgrade to a larger residence? Since I have neither children nor grandchildren, my clan allocated a dwelling for me. Situated in the suburbs of the capital city, it's a sizable farmhouse. They are arranging to fetch us and relocate us there. After all, one cannot expect to be a parent without responsibilities. Therefore, I contemplated selling this house as a heartfelt gesture to my new children and grandchildren."
In response to this revelation, Shen Shaoguang promptly extended another round of congratulations.
The elderly man nodded with heartfelt emotion. "Having children and grandchildren to provide support until the twilight of life is truly a blessed circumstance."
Discerning the undertones of helplessness in the elderly man's words, Shen Shaoguang, after a moment of contemplation, acknowledged that he had completed the necessary official documentation and updated the genealogical records. Choosing optimism, she gently persuaded with a smile, "Residing in the suburbs of the capital is quite agreeable. During my last trip beyond the city, I encountered crystalline river waters, verdant wheat fields, flourishing crops encircling homes, the resonant crowing of chickens, the echoing barks of dogs, and even the air seemed noticeably fresher compared to the city. It's truly a delightful experience!"
Discussing village residences, the elderly man chuckled and remarked, "I have a genuine fondness for them as well. Above all, they are spacious and bright!"
Following this sentiment, the conversation shifted towards the sale of the house.
The elderly man proposed a reasonable figure of 60,000 taels, considering the favorable location.
Shen Shaoguang engaged in a sincere conversation with the elderly man, expressing, "I am genuinely interested in acquiring your house. However, as you can observe from my modest shop and the number of individuals, I'm afraid your house may not accommodate all of us adequately."
"The residence we currently inhabit is on lease. Yet, considering the possibility of it being reclaimed..." If I were to purchase your house, not only could I not utilize it for my own needs, but renting it out might pose challenges in yielding substantial returns. Wouldn't it become more of a hindrance than an asset?
"Miss, are you contemplating purchasing both properties?" the elderly man inquired with surprise. Although he acknowledged Miss Shen's business sense and intelligence and the thriving nature of her small tavern, he never anticipated that she might have accumulated enough funds to acquire two houses within a year of her arrival. Especially considering that the other property appeared no smaller than his own, it likely incurred a cost exceeding a mere tens of thousands of taels.
Shen Shaoguang, maintaining her amiable demeanor, replied, "I am afraid that the proprietor here has no intention to sell, and truthfully, I may not be in a position to afford it. Allow me to inquire, and once I receive an answer, may I then provide you with my decision?"
The elderly man perceived a hint of modesty in her statement about affording the property, understanding she might be downplaying her financial capabilities. Concerned about the prior matter, he nodded and replied, "Certainly, Miss. I shall await your decision."
Prior to the elderly man's unexpected visit, Shen Shaoguang would typically delay considerations regarding the purchase or lease renewal of her current dwelling until its lease expiration neared. However, with the old man expressing his intention to sell, Shen Shaoguang saw an opportunity to explore her chances sooner than expected.
Accompanied by A’Yuan, Shen Shaoguang arrived at Yanshou Lane and located the residence of the landlord, Deputy Minister Song. Seated in the gateway of the expansive courtyard, she elucidated her intentions to the household's regular rent collector.
The housekeeper shook his head. "Honestly, Miss, this property is part of our Residence’s Madam's dowry. She possesses a substantial dowry and is not in need of finances. Typically, these courtyard shops are only available for rent and are not put up for sale."
The circumstances aligned with Shen Shaoguang's expectations. In families of this stature, real estate transactions were infrequent unless faced with a decline in fortunes.
Undeterred and determined, even in the face of a seemingly rigid situation, Shen Shaoguang maintained a pleasant smile and suggested, "I would appreciate it if the housekeeper could inquire with Madam. What if she were inclined to sell?"
Confronted with Shen Shaoguang's radiant smile, the housekeeper, finally yielding, reciprocated with a smile of his own. "Very well, Miss. I shall make the inquiry on your behalf."
Originally one of the servants brought by Madam Song from her natal family, the housekeeper held a specific responsibility for overseeing various shops and properties in the capital. Consequently, he commanded a degree of influence in front of his masters.
In a short span, the housekeeper emerged from the residence. Catching sight of Shen Shaoguang, he beamed and conveyed the joyful news, "Congratulations, Miss! Both our Madam and Master have agreed to sell the shop to you."
Surprised by the swift positive response, Shen Shaoguang promptly expressed her gratitude.
The housekeeper, maintaining his pleasant demeanor, added, "It's also a stroke of good karma from you, Miss. Wasn't your tavern the pioneer in introducing hot pot cookers? Someone gifted our Master with two of those cookers last year, and he grew quite fond of them. When I mentioned it, he remarked, 'Just for the sake of these pots, I should extend this little favor.' Madam also concurred after hearing this. Isn't it a benevolent deed carried out by the young lady herself?"
Grateful and slightly taken aback, Shen Shaoguang offered another hasty smile and a courteous expression of thanks. Had the housekeeper not brought up the hot pot connection, how would the Master have identified her establishment?
Engaging in further polite conversation, the two delved into the negotiation of the price. The cost of this property naturally exceeded that of the old man's, amounting to 100,000 taels. However, it proved more affordable than Shen Shaoguang had anticipated. Could it genuinely be because of the influence of those two hotpot cookers?
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Food:
Siberian elm - They look like leaves, but they are actually winged fruits, ready for eating. The flavor is light, green, almost sweet, and nutty; the texture is an interesting combination of delicate papery covering and dense, nutty center.