Chapter 312: How Expensive Is the Rent?
Zhang Yuan hadn’t expected that his business proposal would be settled in just a few exchanges with Yu Haojie!
Before he could even celebrate, Yu Shanhai spoke up, “We want to rent a shop too, preferably with a back courtyard that has three rooms. As long as it has those heated brick beds that the brothers mentioned, that would be enough. We’re planning to sell baked flatbreads. Sourcing ingredients won’t be an issue—I saw grain stores, vegetable sellers, and butchers in town on my way here. We can buy our supplies locally.”
“Baked flatbreads? Uncle Shanhai, does your family know how to make them?”
Yu Luo, surprised by his choice of business, curiously asked.
“My daughter-in-law does. Her family used to run a flatbread business. When it’s not farming season, our family members can help with the shop. During harvest time, the men will continue working for you while the women manage the shop. You know how young my granddaughter is—I don’t feel comfortable leaving her at home under my wife’s care.”
Yu Luo knew exactly what kind of person Liu Lan was. Yu Shanhai was well aware that Yu Luo didn’t like his wife, and he felt embarrassed even mentioning her in front of her. His voice lacked confidence, and his face reddened with discomfort.
He feared that because of Yu Luo’s dislike for his wife, she might refuse to rent him a shop. Personally, he didn’t mind staying in the caves. It was close to work, and at least the family was together.
But with his wife and father at home, he wanted to give his son and daughter-in-law a bit of privacy—a place of their own. Maybe if they had another child, preferably a son, his wife would stop tormenting his daughter-in-law.
Since he couldn’t change his wife’s nature, the best he could do was create better conditions for his family. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be willing to risk so much silver on starting a business.
Holding onto money might help if they ever got a chance to return home one day. But right now, with his wife constantly scolding their daughter-in-law, he had no choice but to try and improve their living situation.
“If Lady Huang has the skill, then it’s doable. But renting a shop just for selling flatbreads seems like a bit of a waste, don’t you think? To be honest with you, Uncle Shanhai, our shop rental prices aren’t cheap. Even with a special rate for you as our relatives, if you rely solely on selling flatbreads, you might break even if business is good. But if not, you could end up losing money.”
The moment Yu Luo said this, the expressions of everyone in the room changed!
They had assumed that even if rent was expensive, it wouldn’t be unaffordable. After all, Yu Luo knew exactly how much they earned. She wouldn’t have offered them priority access to the shop rentals if she thought they couldn’t afford it, right?
“Xiao Luo, could you tell us how much the rent actually is?”
Before Yu Shanhai could respond, Yu Shanhe, who was even worse off financially, eagerly asked. All eyes immediately focused on Yu Luo, filled with anticipation and nervousness.
Seeing their uneasy expressions, Yu Luo smiled reassuringly.
“The rent depends on the size of the shop. Since we’ve all been through hardships together, even if you don’t have enough silver upfront, if you’re confident in your business plan, I can still rent you the shop. Normally, we collect rent annually, but for you, I can divide it into quarterly payments for the first year to ease your financial burden.
“But that’s not the main issue. What you really need to think about is whether you can handle the risk. If you invest dozens or even hundreds of taels of silver into a business and it fails, can you afford that loss?”
Yu Luo’s words made everyone breathe a sigh of relief—only for their hearts to immediately tighten again.
“Xiao Luo is right—we understand what she’s saying. The rent isn’t the real issue; the real concern is whether we’ll make a profit or lose money. But don’t worry, Xiao Luo. I’ve already made up my mind. Since you’re offering this deal, I’d like to ask for a favor—if I don’t have enough silver for the rent, would you allow me to pay for just three months upfront? Once I get past this initial stage, I’ll make sure to pay the full rent on time every year.
“Winter is coming, and it’s long and harsh in this wilderness. I can’t bear the thought of my wife and children suffering in the stone house.”
Yu Shanhe was determined. He had insisted on separating from the family and building his own stone house. While he could tough it out alone, it wasn’t suitable for his wife and children. Yu Luo understood his reasoning completely.
“We’ve supported each other through exile, Uncle Shanhe. We’ve eaten plenty of your hunted game. Of course, I’ll help. Since you’ve made up your mind, you can choose a shop later. If you’re unsure about what business to run, my aunt could partner with me. That way, you won’t have to spend all your savings upfront.”
Hearing this, Yu Shanhe’s eyes lit up with gratitude. He immediately stood up to kneel in thanks—
But Yu Haojie stopped him, pushing him back into his chair. “No need for that. She’s still your junior. Xiao Luo is offering this because she knows you and your wife are trustworthy people. Just make sure your wife works hard and stays loyal—that’s all we ask.”
“Of course, of course! Second Brother, if it weren’t for you, my son and I would have been dead long ago. I’ll always remember this kindness. And now, with your family helping us again, we’ll work hard to prove ourselves.”
A huge burden was lifted from Yu Shanhe’s shoulders. Now, he no longer had to worry about his wife and children suffering through the winter.
Tears of gratitude welled up in his eyes. Yu Shanhai, watching his younger brother, felt happy for him but also began doubting his own business choice.
“Uncle Yongcai, Uncle Yongjun, what kind of business are you planning to start?”
With Yu Shanhe’s matter settled, Yu Luo turned to the two brothers from the Yu family’s third branch, directly asking them.
The two men exchanged glances, caught off guard. They hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Seeing their awkward expressions, Yu Luo immediately understood.
