No time to waste, Bai Ruozhu said goodbye to her family and followed Jianqi out the door to meet with the owner of the shop, only to find someone had beaten them to it.
Jianqi looked displeased. He felt he should have arranged for someone to keep a watch, blocking the Hao family from finding the shop owner. He respectfully said to Bai Ruozhu, "I have failed in my duty."
"It’s not your fault, it’s not easy to run wild in Beiyu City." Bai Ruozhu said. She felt that what’s yours is yours, what’s not won’t be even if you fight for it. Just accept things as they come.
Upon entering the shop owner’s house, she saw Madam Hao’s plump face. Bai Ruozhu had previously found her round face and constant smile somewhat pleasant, but she now realized how deceptive appearances can be. Visiting the neighbor’s shop suggested ulterior motives.
Initially, Bai Ruozhu didn’t understand, assuming the Hao family was simply envious of Hua Xiangrong’s ability to make money. It wasn’t until Jianqi recounted what he had found out about the Hao family on their way there that she realized things were more complicated.
However, it wasn’t clear yet who would end up disadvantaged or unfortunate!
Madam Hao looked somewhat surprised upon seeing Bai Ruozhu, but quickly composed herself, showing contempt as she said, "Oh, Miss Bai, you sure act swiftly, unfortunately, it’s too late." Then she left, laughing mockingly.
Cold light twinkled in Bai Ruozhu’s eyes. Did the Hao family really think they ruled the world? Weren’t they afraid of being recognized as supporters of the Duke Wang?
This Hao family had some relationship with Liu Xianxian who once poisoned Madame Li in Anyuan Town. Liu Xianxian’s mother’s family was aligned with Duke Wang’s side, so Li Shunsheng would never marry her, nor could he.
Madam Hao was deliberately undermining Bai Ruozhu on behalf of the Hao family, and it had all been planned from the beginning. That’s why, when Yu Hongxiu was enquiring among her friends about who might have shop space to lease to Bai Ruozhu, Madam Hao readily stepped forward, claiming that her own shop was not doing well and she was considering leasing it out. She even offered a very attractive price.
The Hao’s goal was to avenge Liu Xianxian. They also blamed Bai Ruozhu for ruining Liu Xianxian’s plan to marry Li Shunsheng. Whether or not Duke Wang was involved or aware, remained unknown.
Watching Madam Hao’s retreating figure, Bai Ruozhu walked into the house with a serious expression on her face. Inside, she found a young man of about twenty-five or twenty-six. He quickly glanced at Bai Ruozhu and said, "Are you also here to buy the shop? There’s no need to bother, I’ve already agreed to sell it to Madam Hao. We’ll complete the paperwork tomorrow."
Jianqi quietly reminded her from the side: "He’s the only son of this family."
Bai Ruozhu got the message; this must be the man who was drowning in gambling debts and high-interest loans. She gave him a faint smile and said, "I’d prefer to talk to your father. I’ve rented your shop, we should follow through with the entire process, don’t you think?"
The young man’s eyes shifted. He seemed to have some ulterior motive, "No need, I make the decisions in this house."
Bai Ruozhu just smiled faintly again, "Then I will take my leave first."
After saying that, she turned and walked out, heading straight out of the main gate.
"Master, I failed to manage this properly," Jianqi said. He was feeling really down and wanted to punch the young man, regretting saving him in the first place.
"Don’t worry, it’s likely that his parents are not at home, probably out trying to gather money. We can just wait outside," Bai Ruozhu said with a smile. She did not feel like wasting any more words on such a profligate; it was best to avoid further discussions with him.
Jianqi did not hide his presence anymore and sat by her, waiting. They had put on spring clothes, but as night fell, the cold wind blew, quickly chilling Bai Ruozhu’s face.
Jianqi stood behind her, and as he looked at her half-face and ears, he couldn’t help but admire her. When it comes to handling matters like today’s, if he were in her place, he would surely be punishing his subordinates, unable to remain as calm as she was. However, he still remembered how resolute she had been when she had said "it will not be tolerated next time".
Furthermore, the other masters he had protected before would never stoop to wait in the cold for someone. But this didn’t make him look down on Bai Ruozhu. Instead, he admired her ability to bend and stretch.
Finally, when old Master Qiao and his wife returned home hurriedly, they were startled upon seeing Bai Ruozhu standing at their doorstep late at night. If it’s a visitor, why didn’t they go inside to wait?
They quickly noticed Jianqi and hastened to pay their respects. Old Master Qiao expressed his gratitude, "My rescuer, we owe you a great debt for saving my son’s life. Is this the master you mentioned earlier?"
Jianqi, who was in a bad mood, coldly replied, "Your son doesn’t know how to repay kindness. He said he was going to sell the shop to others, leaving me unable to explain to my master."
As soon as he heard this, old Master Qiao’s face turned red with anger, "That unfilial son! I’m going to break his legs later!"
Madam Qiao started to cry, "You can’t be impulsive, he’s our only son."
"You..you always spoil him!" Old Master Qiao yelled. Madam Qiao wanted to say something more, but she covered her chest, her face showing palpable pain.
One glance at Madam Qiao, and Bai Ruozhu knew that she had heart disease, though it wasn’t too severe.
Seeing his wife in this state, old Master Qiao didn’t dare to say anything more, and turned towards Bai Ruozhu, "Madam, I am a man of my word. I originally leased the property to you and selling it before the lease expires is wrong. But due to an unfortunate family situation, we really need money now. If you are willing to buy, it couldn’t be better. As for what my son said, don’t take it to heart. I am the leader of this household, and the owner of the shop, not him!"
Madam Qiao agreed, "Actually, Madam Hao approached us a few days ago. My husband said he couldn’t sell it to her and had already turned her down."
Bai Ruozhu was pleased to hear this. At least, old Master Qiao had some principles, "Then I’ll say one more thing. Old Master Qiao, you must keep the deed to the house safe. We will go through the formalities first thing tomorrow morning. Whatever price the Hao family offered you, I’ll give you the same."
Old Master Qiao immediately nodded and said, "Sure, sure, I definitely won’t let this wastrel run wild!"
Seeing that they settled the matter, Bai Ruozhu excused herself from old Master Qiao and left. After they were some distance away, she quietly said to Jianqi, "Have someone keep an eye on the Qiao family, don’t let young Master Qiao sneak out with the deed. Also, watch the Qiao family’s situation closely, see if old Master Qiao will back out."
"Yes," Jianqi replied and left to carry out her orders.
Bai Ruozhu got into the horse carriage to go back, and on the way, she heard the sound of horse hooves. She couldn’t help but lift the window curtains to look out and saw a man galloping on a horse, his black attire reflecting the moonlight. He looked as majestic as a celestial being.
She couldn’t help but smile, watching as he got closer and asked, "What brings you here?"
Jiang Yichun dismounted, handed his horse to a subordinate, and climbed into the carriage. He smiled at her, "I’ve been so busy with things from the road lately, I haven’t had the chance to properly accompany you. When I came home and heard there were some problems with your shop, I rushed over."
"It’s fine, the problem is almost solved," Bai Ruozhu replied, smiling. Then she put her hand in his palm. His hand was warm, very comforting.