207, Renovating the Roof (2nd update)
Although that Spiritual Spring Water was precious, Xie Zhinuan still favored the vegetables irrigated with it; their taste was simply incomparable.
It’s easy to transition from frugality to luxury, but difficult to revert to simplicity from extravagance, Xie Zhinuan mused.
But she also thought that she could add Spiritual Spring Water to the well, but not too much, just enough to fully bring out the flavor of the dishes.
“Miss Xie, someone outside is asking to see you!”
“…” Upon hearing this, Xie Zhinuan thought it might be the Pawnshop’s Lian family, “Alright, please invite her in!”
“Yes!”
Soon, Mrs. Lian was ushered in, followed by Wang Liu.
When Mrs. Lian saw Xie Zhinuan, she acted with more respect and caution than the day before, and upon seeing Li Hengyi, her steps faltered, and her legs began to tremble.
Should she kneel and bow, or pretend not to know?
Xie Zhinuan spoke first, “This is a distant cousin of mine. He heard that I bought a manor and has come over to have a look; you needn’t be so formal!”
“…” Mrs. Lian.
A distant cousin? Could it be that Xie Zhinuan was of noble or royal lineage?
“…” Li Hengyi slightly furrowed his brow.
How was he not aware of such a cousin?
“…” Yuanbao’s eyes widened in astonishment.
This Miss Xie sure dared to say anything.
Everyone had their own thoughts.
Xie Zhinuan alone maintained a gentle smile, “You mentioned bringing someone for the roof renovation. Is this gentleman with you the one?”
“Ah, yes, this is Wang Liu, he specializes in repairing and reconstructing roofs!” Mrs. Lian quickly responded, her heart beating a bit fast.
Wang Liu also hurried forward, bowing in greeting, “I have the honor of meeting Miss Xie and the young master!”
“Hmm, you come recommended from the Pawnshop, so you must be knowledgeable about renovating houses. Tell me, if I were to refurbish the roofs of this manor, how many days would it take, and how much would it cost in silver?”
Wang Liu stood up straight, calculating roughly, “It depends on how you want to refurbish, Miss. Are you simply patching up leaks or are you planning to remove the tiles and re-lay them?”
“Remove the tiles and re-lay them, with some floorboards fixed as well, and they’ll also need thorough cleaning,” Xie Zhinuan said softly.
Although removing and re-laying tiles was time-consuming and costly, it would be effective for several years.
She would definitely choose the latter option.
“No more than seven days at most. As for the cost, it might require over fifty taels. We have quite a number coming to work, though of course, it might not require as much. Also, you’ll need to provide the tiles yourself, Miss!”
“I will give you fifty taels as payment. I want you to refurbish with care, but I hope that in seven days, the rooftop will be properly renovated!”
“Yes!”
After finalizing the details of the roof renovation, Wang Liu did not linger. He promptly went to call people to begin the work.
Then, Mrs. Lian brought up that there were several manors for sale in the suburbs, one of which perfectly suited Xie Zhinuan’s requirements. She asked if Xie Zhinuan wanted to go see it?
Xie Zhinuan felt it wouldn’t hurt to go and turned to Li Hengyi, “Would you like to come?”
“Let’s go together!”
Li Hengyi had no reason not to accompany her.
In the end, two carriages and a Mule Cart left the city, heading towards the suburbs.
At the manor, Wang Liu quickly brought people over to start the roof renovation, beginning from the back yard kitchen as instructed by Xie Zhinuan. His team of about fifty people was skilled and efficient in their work.
“Make sure to pay careful attention, and don’t cut corners. The lady was very straightforward when giving the silver. We do our job well; there might even be a bonus afterwards!”
“Following Brother Wang is never wrong!”
“Right, just listen to Brother Wang!”
The workers normally earned just sixty or seventy wen a day for their labor, and after a meal provided by Wang Liu, the remaining was his earnings.
Chapter 208