Chapter 153: Reaching an Agreement

Qin Huiyin called Zhang Dazhu over and placed their samples in front of Xia Ruwan.

Xia Ruwan examined these delicate little items. At first, she regarded them simply as works of art, but soon she grasped their significance.

She fiddled with the rotating platform at the center of the dining table, her eyes full of surprise. “This design is incredibly ingenious.”

“These gentlemen are carpenters capable of crafting these convenient and practical dining tables. Besides these, they have a few other items. We just came from Boss Ning’s place—he was very interested and ordered more than a dozen. I thought Miss Xia, being a worldly and astute businesswoman, would surely recognize the convenience of such tables, so I brought them to you.”

“My little sister truly is exceptionally clever. At such a young age, she already possesses such keen commercial insight. In a few years, I may well be relying on you for a living.”

“The world of business is vast; surely it can accommodate two women entrepreneurs? It’s difficult enough for women in any field—they’re always subject to scrutiny and criticism. I thought sister would appreciate me and perhaps ally with me.”

Xia Ruwan smiled softly, appraising Qin Huiyin. “You’re right. These dining tables are quite fascinating. My restaurant could use some fresh innovations. Shuhui, draft an order form: customize twenty small tables, ten medium-sized, and fifteen the size of private rooms, all according to the sizes downstairs. Ah, and the private room tables should be the ones with scenic views. Also, order twenty small chairs for children—fifteen for the main hall and five for upstairs. As usual, calculate the cost in silver, and pay a twenty percent deposit.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The three men of the Zhang family were too thrilled to speak. In fact, in front of such affluent individuals, they hardly dared utter a word. They felt immeasurably fortunate to have Qin Huiyin advocating for them.

“Sister is truly generous and magnanimous,” Qin Huiyin said. “Since sister is so generous, we can’t be stingy either. Boss Ning is an old client of ours, so we gave him a twenty percent discount. Sister is a major client, so let’s give a thirty percent discount!”

“You really know how to sweet-talk,” Xia Ruwan said with a light laugh. “With Shuhui attending to them, you come keep me company.”

The Zhang family men followed the maid Shuhui to the study to draft the order form. Once completed, they would return for Qin Huiyin and Xia Ruwan to review.

Xia Ruwan poured a cup of tea for Qin Huiyin. “I’ve been learning business from my mother since childhood. As you said, even though my mother was clever and capable, she still faced many obstacles. Those men claimed women should remain in the inner chambers—essentially fearing that women might outshine them and trample their pride. Meeting you truly delights me, as if I’ve found a kindred spirit.”

“I admire you too, sister. To me, a woman should be as spirited and heroic as you. If I can have even half your poise when I come of age, I would be satisfied.”

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“Your sweet words are like honey on your lips. Is it your skill or your charm that dazzles customers?” Xia Ruwan chuckled.

“If you’re curious, sister, you can try my craft and see if my skills match my tongue.”

“I suddenly want to know more about the collaboration you mentioned. Since we have time, please explain it to me carefully.”

Qin Huiyin shared her idea with Xia Ruwan. She planned to open a spicy hotpot restaurant. It would require only a pot of soup broth prepared with a secret recipe, and customers would select their own ingredients to cook. The business would involve choosing a location, decorating it with a distinctive style, and hiring staff.

“We could set up two barbecue stations nearby. If customers want barbecue, they can select and pay for what they want and take it away,” Qin Huiyin explained. “For ordinary folks, Qingyue Restaurant is too upscale—they wouldn’t dare enter after toiling for ten years. But my shop is for common people, with affordable prices so they can eat whenever they want.”

“I’ll consider it carefully,” Xia Ruwan said.

“No rush, sister. Take your time,” Qin Huiyin smiled. “They’re back now.”

Shuhui handed the order form to Xia Ruwan for review, who, finding no issues, passed it to Qin Huiyin.

Qin Huiyin read the terms aloud to the Zhang family men, confirming the agreed prices. She signed first, then asked the Zhang men to press their thumbprints.

Xia Ruwan was astonished by Qin Huiyin’s handwriting, and upon meeting her gaze, her admiration deepened. She also signed her name.

Xia Ruwan’s script was bold and vigorous, completely at odds with her delicate appearance. As the saying goes, handwriting reflects the person; appearances can deceive, but the eyes and strokes never lie.

After leaving Qingyue Restaurant, the Zhang men felt as if in a dream, walking as if on air.

“Uncle Zhang, let me drive the ox cart. You look out of sorts—I’m worried something might happen,” Qin Huiyin said.

“No need, I’ll be fine soon,” Zhang the carpenter said, slapping his face hard to clear his mind.

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Just kidding.

This little treasure is a golden child; he wouldn’t dare let her drive the ox cart. If she got hurt, not only would Li Taohua give him a hard time, but he might even slap himself.

“Thirty taels of silver,” Zhang Erzhu shook Zhang Dazhu’s arm. “Brother, this is just the twenty percent deposit. After delivery, how much will it be?”

“Uncle Zhang, Brother Dazhu, Brother Erzhu, your top priority now is to find someone who can keep the accounts. Also, you need to learn to read and write—how else will you negotiate business? Illiteracy leaves you vulnerable to traps; you won’t just lose money, you might lose everything,” Qin Huiyin urged. “I’m not asking for beautiful handwriting, but at least be able to understand contracts.”

“Dazhu has a cousin who studied for a few years but had to stop due to poverty. I invited him to handle our accounts and teach us literacy,” Zhang the carpenter said.

“Our uncle passed away early, and our aunt raised that cousin alone. When money ran out, he stopped schooling but earned by copying books to support the family,” Zhang Dazhu added. “When our uncle was alive, the family was better off; he and aunt even secretly gave money to mother. Our cousin from the Zhou family is a good person—if he helps us, it will save us a lot of trouble.”

“Father, brother, Huiyin sister, now that we have money, can we approach the Xiao family to propose marriage?” Zhang Erzhu asked anxiously.

“Tomorrow we’ll propose,” Zhang Dazhu said. “Then we’ll immediately arrange the wedding feast to settle this matter. You still have to return to Shuiba; time is tight, so you’ll have to bear with this.”

“After Erzhu leaves, only you two carpenters will be left at home. With such a big order, how long will it take? Do you have a plan?”

“I plan to hire four carpenters as assistants and two apprentices,” Zhang the carpenter said. “With such a large order, we must finish early—we can’t keep the clients waiting.”

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