Chapter 37: Deal Struck

Chapter 37: Deal Struck

With the matter settled, Xiaolian took her leave first.

The young man deliberately slowed his pace and asked the clerk, "What kind of person is Miss Kou, who wants to buy the bookstore?"

The clerk immediately shared his first impression: "She's incredibly beautiful and kind-hearted!"

The young man’s expression turned peculiar.

He wasn't asking about her appearance. As for being kind-hearted, was she kind-hearted when she bought the shop and made a ten-thousand-tael profit from her family?

The clerk mentioned Miss Kou’s kindness, remembering how Xin You had given money to the boy that morning. Seeing the owner’s expression, he realized his mistake.

But words spoken couldn’t be taken back. The young clerk scratched his head and lowered his voice, "Sir, haven't you heard the rumors about Miss Kou?"

The young man raised an eyebrow.

"Miss Kou, the cousin from Shaoqing Mansion!"

At the mention of the cousin from Shaoqing Mansion, the young man immediately recognized her: "The cousin who almost met with an accident due to a startled horse?"

"Yes, yes, that’s the one."

The young man stroked his chin and muttered, "Could the rumors be true?"

His curiosity about the cousin in the rumors grew, and he quickened his pace toward Qingsong Bookstore.

Inside the bookstore, the steward from Shaoqing Mansion was inquiring about the business operations over the past year. The manager, fearing he might scare away the potential buyer, could only dodge the questions.

Fortunately, the clerk’s voice was heard: "The owner has arrived."

Relieved, the manager hurriedly welcomed the young man inside and introduced him to Xin You and the steward.

The young man’s eyes fell on Xin You.

The young clerk was right; this Miss Kou was indeed very beautiful. Her tranquil gaze gave off a sense of coolness, making it hard to imagine her sending a servant to negotiate a profit behind the scenes.

"I hear you want to buy Qingsong Bookstore."

"Yes."

"If you buy the bookstore, what do you plan to do next?"

"Afterward, I will continue running the bookstore. My grandfather once owned a bookstore, but unfortunately, it closed after his passing. Now that I am older, I want something to do, and opening a bookstore is also a way to honor my grandfather’s legacy."

"The idea sounds good." The young man nodded.

If the new owner continued to run the bookstore, the old man would have fewer complaints from beyond the grave.

"How much are you willing to sell it for?"

The young man paused for a moment before stating a figure: "Twenty-two thousand taels."

There was a clatter as the manager hurried to steady the knocked-over teacup. He glanced at the steward from Shaoqing Mansion, who was doing the same thing.

"Is this price sincere?" the steward asked, his face twitching.

Twenty-two thousand taels—what a robbery!

Worried that the cousin didn’t understand, the steward gave Xin You meaningful looks.

Xin You frowned. "That’s too expensive."

The steward secretly sighed in relief.

"Would twenty thousand taels work?"

The young man nodded without hesitation. "Yes."

"Then let’s draw up the contract and pay the deposit."

"Agreed."

"Wait!" The steward jumped up, his face flushed. "This price is unacceptable!"

Xin You and the young man looked at him together.

"Cousin, this price is far too high, well above market value."

"Far above market value?" Xin You blinked.

The steward’s expression was serious. "Indeed, even twenty thousand taels is too high!"

How could they be so greedy!

"Is that so?" Xin You looked at the young man.

The young man’s expression was cold. "Ten thousand taels wouldn’t be too low, but would I sell it for that?"

Xin You nodded involuntarily.

The steward’s face darkened. "Cousin, don’t be fooled. Twenty thousand taels could buy two such bookstores."

The young man sneered. "Then feel free to look elsewhere."

"Cousin, let’s go!"

The steward took a few steps but turned back, only to find Xin You still sitting calmly.

"Miss Kou?"

Xin You smiled. "Why don't Steward Duan go ahead?"

Steward: ?

The steward had to walk back and patiently advised, "Miss Kou, if you want to buy a shop, we can discuss it slowly. If this one isn’t suitable, we can find another—"

"I think this one is very suitable; I just want to buy the bookstore."

Veins pulsed on the steward's forehead. If not for his position, he would have dragged her away. "Miss Kou, business isn’t done this way. Even if you like the bookstore, there are other bookstores in the capital."

"But there are only two bookstores near the Imperial Academy, and I see the one opposite does excellent business. They wouldn’t sell for twenty thousand taels."

"Why must Miss Kou buy near the Imperial Academy?" The steward felt a pang of frustration at her foolishness.

Xin You looked righteous. "My two cousins study at the Imperial Academy, so being closer will be convenient for support. Steward Duan, just check the contract for me; you don’t need to worry about the rest."

The steward couldn’t agree and said anxiously, "Miss Kou, if you really spend so much money on this bookstore, how can I explain it to Madam when I return?"

"My grandmother supports me buying a bookstore."

"But she didn’t support spending twenty thousand taels on a bookstore!" The steward blurted out in haste.

Xin You appeared confused. "But the money for the bookstore is mine."

Upon hearing this, the owner, manager, and clerks all turned to look at the steward.

The steward was taken aback.

Xin You noticed this and secretly sneered.

Seeing the steward’s reaction, it was clear he never thought Miss Kou had personal wealth. A steward’s attitude often reflected the true stance of the Shaoqing Mansion.

"My grandmother has always said that the money my parents left me is kept by her as my dowry. Since it’s mine, why do I need Steward Duan’s permission to use a small part to buy a bookstore?"

"This—" Under the meaningful gazes of the owner and others, the steward suddenly remembered the rumors.

Many gossiped that the Shaoqing Mansion coveted Miss Kou’s wealth. If he strongly opposed her buying the bookstore, and word got out from these people, Madam wouldn’t praise him for saving money but would blame him for damaging the mansion’s reputation.

The steward began scheming.

Xin You smiled. "My grandmother loves me dearly. She would be happy if I’m pleased with my purchase. Steward Duan, if you’re worried about being scolded for overpaying, there’s no need."

The steward fell silent.

Xin You smiled at the young man. "Then let’s draw up the contract. I brought two thousand taels as a deposit. By the way, there should be two copies of the contract, right?"

The young man caught Xin You’s emphasis on the word "two." Given Xiaolian’s earlier words, he understood the implication.

Normally, contracts were drawn up in duplicate, one for the seller and one for the buyer. But Xin You meant two different contracts with different prices.

"Yes, two copies," the young man nodded with a smile.

So the rumors were true; Miss Kou’s wealth was controlled by her grandmother.

What a pitiful situation.

The contract was quickly written, and Xin You handed it to the steward. "I don’t understand these things; Steward Duan, please review it for me."

The steward took the contract numbly. Xin You asked the young man, "Can the owner show me the printing house at the back?"

"Certainly. Manager Hu, please keep Steward Duan company."

Xin You and the young man used the opportunity to finalize the second contract. The young man couldn’t help asking, "Does Miss Kou not fear I’ll reveal this?"

Xin You smiled. "I believe smart people won’t do something that harms themselves."

The young man also smiled and bowed. "Then Qingsong Bookstore will rely on the new owner from now on."

Xin You returned the bow. "I won’t disappoint the former owner."