Chapter 287: The Wilderness Land Finally Turns Into Wealth!
Yu Luo spoke decisively, directly stating the deposit amount with a firm tone, leaving no room for Wu Zhao to argue.
“Indeed, Boss Wu is straightforward, and our lady is just as decisive. Each cool melon weighs about ten jin on average, though some are larger or smaller. For ten thousand cool melons, that’s roughly one hundred thousand jin. At two taels and five qian per jin, that totals two hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver.
“As for the tomatoes, they are easier to calculate—two taels per jin, and with a total order of thirty thousand jin, that amounts to sixty thousand taels.
“Together, that’s a total of three hundred and ten thousand taels. If Boss Wu is paying 30% as a deposit, that would be ninety-three thousand taels.”
As Wu Er completed his calculations, Yu Luo’s eyes flickered slightly. Meanwhile, the accountant, who had been summoned earlier, was rapidly moving the beads on his abacus, the rhythmic clack-clack echoing through the room. The air grew slightly awkward.
After a while, the accountant finally stopped and lifted his head, staring at Wu Zhao with a dazed expression, as if he were about to cry.
“Master, it really is ninety-three thousand taels.”
Wu Zhao: …
Wu Er’s astonishing ability left Wu Zhao utterly impressed. He never expected that this young man, without using an abacus, could outperform an accountant with thirty years of experience!
“I didn’t expect the lady’s attendants to be so capable! To calculate so accurately, without an abacus, and in such a short time—remarkable, truly remarkable!”
Yu Luo was surprised but didn’t show it.
She had one goal—to establish herself as a businesswoman in Wu Zhao’s eyes.
“Boss Wu is too kind. You’ve built such a large business empire—you are the truly capable one. Wu Er is merely quick-witted and has much to learn from your esteemed people.”
Wu Zhao laughed heartily, now fully regarding Yu Luo as an equal in business.
Initially, he had assumed that this young woman, though stunningly beautiful, was merely a decorative figure. However, after this discussion, his perception had completely changed.
“In that case, please wait a moment. Ninety thousand taels is no small amount—I’ll need to gather the funds and make a trip to the money house.”
Yu Luo nodded. “Very well. I’ll return in the afternoon to sign the contract with Boss Wu. Also, just a reminder—silver notes or gold notes are fine, but I’d prefer only ten thousand taels in actual silver.”
“Understood, that won’t be a problem. I’ll be waiting at my trading house this afternoon.”
Yu Luo and Wu Er left the trading house and headed back to the courtyard they had purchased earlier.
On the way, Wu Er could barely contain his excitement, eager to share the joy of today’s success. However, Yu Luo stopped him several times. Understanding her intention, he suppressed his enthusiasm and remained quiet.
Upon returning to the courtyard, they saw one of their men standing watch. The ten carts of goods that had been parked there earlier were gone.
At that moment, a bright smile finally spread across Yu Luo’s face.
“I didn’t expect the ten carts of goods to sell out so quickly, and on top of that, we secured such a massive order.”
“That’s right, my lady! You truly are incredible, securing such a large buyer. This single deal alone is worth hundreds of thousands of taels!”
After months of hard work cultivating the crops, they had finally turned them into actual silver. No one could understand Yu Luo’s excitement at this moment.
Thinking of the effort of the twenty thousand people back in Luo City, she realized—this was the first time that the land of the wilderness had produced wealth.
With this success, she felt more confident than ever in Luo City’s future.
“This year was the first time cool melons entered the market, so they were able to sell at such a high price. Who knows how things will be next year?
“But it doesn’t matter. Next year, our grapes, honeydew melons, peaches, and other fruits will also have a bountiful harvest.
“Our Luo City will definitely continue to grow wealthier.”
Thinking about the fruit orchards she had planted this year, Yu Luo had previously worried whether she could sustain supporting twenty thousand people.
But now, with clear results, her confidence had doubled!
“Yes, my lady! The fruit seedlings you selected will surely bring huge profits. Looks like the brothers will have to work even harder next year to clear more land for farming.”
Yu Luo agreed. Even if Luo City didn’t attract many new residents, their agriculture alone could sustain twenty thousand people while still turning a huge profit.
It was just a shame that the wilderness had such harsh winters. Otherwise, she would have introduced greenhouse farming. If greenhouse vegetables became a reality, she could export them out of the wilderness, creating another highly profitable business.
Unfortunately, building greenhouses wasn’t easy. Oil cloth coverings wouldn’t withstand the weight of heavy snow—only brick-and-mortar structures would work.
Knock, knock, knock.
Just as Yu Luo and her attendants were discussing next year’s expansion plans, a sudden knock echoed from the courtyard gate.
“I’ll go check! It must be the brothers returning from delivering the goods!”
The young guard, Xiao Dong, jumped up excitedly and ran toward the courtyard entrance.
“Miss, look at Xiao Dong’s enthusiasm—he’s definitely thinking about counting the silver later—”
“You there, who are you looking for?”
Before Wu Er could finish joking, Xiao Dong’s voice turned cautious and wary, interrupting the conversation.
Yu Luo and Wu Er immediately looked toward the gate, their expressions turning serious.
After all, their identities were sensitive, and this courtyard had only just been purchased.
The only person who knew where they lived was Wu Zhao—yet it was unlikely he would send someone here.
So who could have found them?
“We’re here to see your mistress.”
A familiar voice rang out at the gate. Yu Luo instantly recognized it.
It was Ah Zan.
Frowning slightly, she stood up and reached into her sleeve, pulling out a veil to cover her face—just in case.
“What do you want with me?”
Xiao Dong had intended to shut the door and inform Yu Luo first. However, before he could react, Yu Luo had already walked to the gate.
The courtyard was small, with a five-room horizontal layout in the front. The central hall was the largest, flanked by side rooms on both east and west sides.
The left wing had two bedrooms, while the right wing housed a bedroom and the kitchen.
Inside the courtyard, there were two flowerbeds, a gourd trellis, and a paved open space. The backyard featured a small vegetable garden, a storage shed, and an outhouse.
With a mere seven or eight meters between the hall and the entrance, Yu Luo arrived almost instantly.
Outside the gate, Ye Lu had been waiting. The moment he heard her voice, he swiftly appeared, stepping up to the entrance.
Grinning mischievously, he waved at her with an annoyingly bright and smug smile.
