Chapter 324: A New Beginning
Yu Luo had expected the man to be displeased, but he turned out to be surprisingly agreeable. That was for the best—she truly feared that if she had to share a meal with someone like him, she wouldn’t be able to enjoy a single bite.
Hearing her decision, Ye Lu immediately grinned smugly, casting a provocative smile at the man as if claiming victory. He even took half a step closer to Yu Luo, as if making some kind of territorial declaration.
But Yu Luo didn’t even notice his childish act. She glanced at the sun’s position and offered the man a polite smile of apology.
“In that case, sir, please go ahead. I will come find you at the hour of Wei (1-3 PM).”
“Alright.”
The man responded with a gentle nod, his smile remaining calm and composed. Then, he turned and left.
Only after he and his attendants entered a nearby restaurant did Yu Luo finally exhale in relief.
She turned to Ye Lu, who was positively glowing with delight, and said:
“Let’s eat at the other restaurant down the street. I’ll meet you there at noon.”
For the upcoming martial arts tournament, three new restaurants and three additional inns had just opened in Luo City. The one she picked was five shops away from where the man had gone.
Ye Lu was overjoyed—he hadn’t expected Yu Luo to honor their meal arrangement instead of choosing the other man. He nodded enthusiastically.
“Great! See you soon!”
As Ye Lu left, Yu Luo turned to observe the bustling street. Just yesterday, it had been reasonably crowded, but today it was borderline packed.
A sudden wave of unease crept into her chest.
“Xiao Luo, what’s going on today? Why have so many people arrived all of a sudden? Some look like refugees, but I also see a lot of martial artists.”
Yu Haojie had just returned from inspecting some new businesses.
“Father, you’re just in time. I was worried about how to handle all these people. It seems more refugees are being driven here on purpose.”
The father and daughter were both pleased yet concerned.
What they didn’t know was that this surge of refugees wasn’t natural—someone had deliberately redirected them toward Luo City.
Yu Haojie rubbed his temples.
“Good heavens… we only have about a thousand rental units left. Will that be enough? Thank goodness we opened three more inns today. We need to restock supplies immediately! I’ll have the remaining five inns fully prepared, which will give us an extra four hundred rooms.”
“Alright, Father, please take care of settling them in. I’ll go restock supplies from the underground warehouse.”
Meanwhile, Ye Lu was still basking in joy, but his attendant, Ah Zan, had other concerns.
“Master, Luo City’s business scene looks promising. We should quickly rent two shop spaces before they’re gone. Even if we hire a few bakers to sell pastries, we’ll definitely make money!”
Ah Zan was too worried about their empty wallets to entertain his master’s lovestruck antics.
“You’re right,” Ye Lu nodded, suddenly serious.
“Even if we just buy some skilled bakers or open a restaurant, we’ll be turning a profit. Wait… what was that thing you suggested before?”
Ah Zan blinked, confused.
“Master, what?”
Seeing his attendant’s blank look, Ye Lu huffed impatiently.
“The business idea you mentioned before that man showed up! The shop we were looking at—what did you say we should open?”
“Oh! I suggested a brothel—”
“Exactly! A brothel!” Ye Lu slammed his fist into his palm.
“So many people have arrived—there’s demand! Of course, I am a man of integrity and would never partake in such activities… but I certainly won’t stop other men from enjoying themselves!”
His eyes narrowed with determination.
“And most importantly—we need to make money. A LOT of money. More than that bastard who just bought twenty shops!”
Ah Zan stifled a laugh—so his master’s sudden ambition was just because of that man’s provocation.
Still, it was better than nothing. At least his master finally wanted to make money instead of just spending it!
“Master, that’s a great idea! I’ll check available shops right away. We have enough silver to rent two shops. After that, we’ll be down to just over a thousand taels. If we’re going to expand, we’ll need to go back to the capital to get more funds.”
“Yes, yes, good thinking,” Ye Lu waved dismissively, his focus still on his own grand vision.
“If I run out of silver, I’ll just ask Yu Luo for credit! I still want to see the martial arts tournament!”
“Master,” Ah Zan hesitated, “do you really think Miss Yu—who is so strict about business—will let you stay on credit?”
Ye Lu paused.
Damn. She probably wouldn’t.
The thought deepened his frown.
“Forget it. I’ll test the waters at lunch and see if I can convince her. But somehow, this whole idea feels embarrassing.”
Ah Zan: …Then don’t do it?
Ye Lu sighed dramatically.
“No. If I beg Yu Luo for money, I’ll just be confirming my inferiority to that bastard from earlier!”
His expression darkened.
“Who even was that guy? He looked filthy rich. What’s his background?”
“Master, shall we investigate?”
“No need.” Ye Lu waved his hand again.
“We’ll head to Yueyang City this afternoon. With my status, do you really think I can’t borrow a few thousand taels?”
Ah Zan hesitated.
“Master… this is just for show, isn’t it? You’re only doing this to save face. If the Empress hears about it, won’t she use it against you?”
The moment he mentioned the Empress, Ah Zan tensed.
He worried that if word spread to the palace, the Empress would seize the opportunity to ruin Ye Lu’s reputation further.
But Ye Lu simply snorted.
“Do you think Father cares about one more rumor? What else could they possibly say about me?”
Ah Zan: …Fair enough.
Inside Fenglai Restaurant, the mysterious man stood by the second-floor window, watching the main street below.
His sharp gaze took in the entire scene—the crowds, the city’s expansion, and the growing momentum of Luo City.
He had waited months for this moment.
At last, he could enter Luo City openly.
This city would be his new beginning.
“Master, the food is ready.”
Behind him, Xuan Qi dismissed the waitstaff and closed the door before stepping forward with a respectful bow.
The man finally turned around, the sunlight hitting his features—his presence exuding a warmth akin to a spring breeze.
His gaze fell on the table of exquisite dishes before him. Though he hadn’t tasted them yet, their presentation alone was enough to pique his appetite.
“I had heard that the cuisine here was good, but I didn’t expect it to be this refined. Let’s see if the flavors live up to the appearance.”
Xuan Qi pulled out a chair and carefully set the utensils before him.
“Master, allow me—”
“No need,” the man interrupted gently.
“Let the others eat first. They’ve endured a long journey—they deserve a proper meal.”
