Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Then, Qin Zhenzhen leaned in and whispered, âLetâs make it look like I bought your shop. In reality, the shop remains yours, and Iâll pay the rent every month.â
âThis way, your clansmen wonât dare to cause trouble again.â
âAnd about your desire to learn cooking and health knowledge, if you acquire those skills, Iâll let you manage the shop. Youâll still be the lady boss then.â
Chen Linâerâs two shops had formerly operated as a provision store, primarily managed by her father-in-law and husband. As she helped settle affairs and strategize, she revealed her inclination toward business. Despite her years as a behind-the-scenes manager, the grocery store ceased operation after the family tragedy. Ms. Zhang took over forcefully, attempting to rent it out without success.
The prime location of the two shops in the center of town made them highly sought after. However, the rampant banditry in Shanglin deterred potential tenants, as the exorbitant protection fees dissuaded businesses. In a different setting, these shops would command double the price.
Qin Zhenzhen, eyeing an opportunity to open a branch in Shanglin, found these two shops ideal for her plans. Chen Linâer, in turn, expressed her delight. âMrs. Su, if you like my shop, feel free to use it. I wonât charge you rent!â âYou and Governor Su saved my life. Consider the shop my gift to you.â
Qin Zhenzhen smiled and replied, âNo need for such gestures. Itâs settled. Iâll rent your shop and pay six monthsâ rent in advance.â
She retrieved 200 taels of silver and handed it to Chen Linâer.
âDidnât you want to help Wang San buy land? These prepaid funds can assist him in that endeavor.â
Chen Linâer, considering Mrs. Suâs substantial wealth, accepted the banknotes with a touch of embarrassment. Mrs. Suâs businesses thrived nationwide, and it seemed inconceivable to receive her shop for free.
âThank you, Mrs. Sulâ
Chen Linâerâs gratitude surpassed mere words, and she handed the banknotes to Wang San.
âUse this money to purchase farmland and embark on a new life. Live with dignity, and ensure the Wang family continues to thrive. If you have sons in the future, you can even consider adopting one under your brotherâs name.â Wang San accepted the banknote, his gratitude beyond words.
âThank you, Mrs. Su! Thank you, Sister-in-law! Iâll certainly lead a dignified life!â
Chen Linâer promptly accompanied Qin Zhenzhen back to the Su Residence.
Su Ning eagerly awaited them at the entrance, rushing over upon seeing Qin Zhenzhenâs carriage return.
âThird Sister-in-law, where did you go? Why didnât you inform me?â
Concern etched across her face as she discovered that Qin Zhenzhen had only brought an elderly woman along, prompting worry.
Su Ning had attempted to seek her third sister-in-law, but the whereabouts remained unknown. Her inquiries yielded no information from others, and even the dispatch of a letter to Third Brother resulted only in a reassuring note.
The message read: Donât worry, your third sister-in-law is safe.
Su Bin understood that Qin Zhenzhen had visited Chen Linâerâs residence and was out of harmâs way.
Qin Zhenzhen had surpassed the initial critical months of her pregnancy, and her early discomforts had subsided. Although her baby bump wasnât conspicuous, her mental well-being mirrored that of an ordinary person.
The elderly woman accompanying her possessed formidable martial arts skills, capable of handling multiple opponents alone. Su Bin had also stationed covert guards to ensure her safety.
Additionally, Qin Zhenzhen, endowed with inherent strength and martial arts prowess, could defend herself proficiently even against skilled adversaries..