Chapter 320: The Uninvited Guest
“Alright, those things can only be sourced by you. In this wilderness, even if I wanted to buy them elsewhere, I wouldn’t be able to. I’ll go clean up now. Once I’m done, should I head back to Stone Mountain to bring my wife and the others over?”
“No need for that trouble. I’ll have someone pick them up.”
Hearing this, Yu Shanhe was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly before hurrying off.
Yu Shanhai moved even faster. He only had a rental agreement, which stated that after three years, the rent would increase based on environmental factors.
With the fifty taels each lent by Bai You and Liu Mingxia, plus his family’s one hundred or so taels, he paid Yu Luo ninety taels in rent and ten taels as a deposit before heading off to clean.
As for tables, chairs, and benches, Yu Luo mentioned that she would help him get them later or possibly even open a carpentry shop in the city. After all, as more people settled in Luo City, furniture would become an essential need. However, obtaining wood was still difficult. Even though she could plant large quantities of trees, they wouldn’t be ready for harvesting anytime soon.
Trusting Yu Luo, Yu Shanhai left the matter to her. His priority was to get the shop running as soon as possible—whether he made money or not, rent still had to be paid.
When it came to Yu Yongjun and Yu Yongcai, the two brothers were stunned.
“Xiao Luo, is this another food business?”
Yu Yongcai looked at the menu items in the contract. Though they had never heard of them, they recognized the word ‘pot’, which immediately made them think of a restaurant.
“Yes, dry pot cuisine is similar to a restaurant. But it’s not just dry pots—we’ll prepare some dishes for you to try at noon, and you’ll understand the taste.”
Seeing Yu Luo talk so enthusiastically, the two brothers relaxed and nodded.
“You don’t need to worry. Even though Luo City isn’t popular yet, if you can create unique dishes, they’ll attract repeat customers. Just through word of mouth, people might travel long distances just to have a taste. Spring, summer, and autumn could bring in more visitors than you expect, just for good food.”
“Xiao Luo, since you put it that way, we trust you. We’ll follow your lead—we had no idea what to do anyway.”
Seeing their agreement, Yu Luo smiled before turning to Zhang Yuan.
“Uncle Zhang, for the blacksmith shop, just like the others, we’ll split the rent evenly. As for materials, my family will procure them, but the costs will be shared 50/50. Profits will be split evenly as well. As for wages, workers will be paid according to market rates. What do you think?”
“That sounds good to me. Let’s do it.”
Since there was no official seal, Zhang Yuan quickly signed the contract with Yu Luo, keeping one copy each.
The final agreements were for Bai You and Liu Mingxia. Their contracts were much simpler, as they were employment contracts.
It guaranteed them housing but only covered food for the two of them—their families’ meals were not included. With so many family members, they had to work for their own keep.
Besides, tuition fees from students would be their personal income, so it was unreasonable to expect Yu Luo to feed their entire family for free.
After signing, Yu Luo informed them that the academy would take around ten days to set up. With Luo City’s recent opening, she was already overwhelmed with work.
Understanding this, Bai You and Liu Mingxia left on a coal transport cart back to Stone Mountain, returning to work for now.
Once everything was settled, Yu Luo finally had time to review Zhang Hu’s plans.
After going through everything, she gave him a long, meaningful look.
“Zhang Hu, do you know what you’ve just outlined here?”
“It’s the necessary administrative structure of a city—modeled after the imperial government’s system.”
Hearing Zhang Hu’s calm response, Yu Luo was internally impressed.
Even she didn’t know what could rattle Zhang Hu.
“That’s actually good—it keeps things organized and structured. Let’s establish these departments as you’ve outlined. You’ll be in charge of recruiting personnel and adjusting salaries as needed.”
“Understood, Miss. Thank you for your trust. I will not disappoint you.”
Zhang Hu, who had been anxious all morning, finally felt relieved.
He had noticed Yu Luo’s subtle expression earlier, but since she approved his plan, he knew he had followed the right person.
Since the Yu family had the ability to build a city, they must have already considered the risks of potential attacks from imperial forces.
If Yu Luo wasn’t worried, then neither was he.
If danger ever came, he would fight to the death by her side.
Afterward, Yu Luo went to restock in the underground warehouse.
She bought tables, chairs, bedding, kitchenware, and more.
By the time she came back out, the two uninvited guests had been waiting for quite some time.
“Miss, we spotted them in the streets and brought them here. We didn’t expect them to sneak into Luo City after following us!”
Tao Ming looked anxious.
Their Miss had already wanted to get rid of these two before, and Zhang Hu had even ordered them to leave.
Yet these two shamelessly followed them anyway!
Looking at Ye Lu, who was sitting in the reception hall, Yu Luo wasn’t even angry.
The man’s flirtatious smirk and obvious admiration plastered on his face made it clear—he wasn’t someone who hid his intentions.
Since everything was written all over his face, he wasn’t dangerous—just a nuisance.
Yu Luo smiled slightly and nodded at Tao Ming.
“Since they’re here, they’re guests. You may return to your duties.”
Seeing that Miss Yu Luo wasn’t upset, Tao Ming let out a quiet sigh of relief before leaving.
“Ah, so Miss Yu is truly a stunning beauty. Even back in Yueyang City, I never had the chance to see your true face.”
Hearing his teasing remark, Yu Luo sat down calmly.
“When traveling, a lady must learn to protect herself. But since Your Highness has followed me all this way, did you finally find what you were looking for?”
Instead of chasing him out, Ye Lü considered himself lucky.
Even though Yu Luo’s tone was sarcastic, he didn’t mind at all—he was actually delighted.
“Heh, Miss Yu must be joking. I merely wanted to get to know you better. You were just too cautious.
Besides, I’ve been to the wilderness many times, yet I had no idea there was such an impressive city so close to Feng City. Luo City even surpasses it!
But tell me, aren’t you afraid Feng City will get jealous of your success?”
Hearing him repeatedly call her ‘Miss Yu’, Yu Luo found it incredibly annoying.
