As expected, he’s here!
Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan looked over together, spotting a young man leading the group, dressed in a sapphire silk robe, fanning himself with an embroidered folding fan. A white jade pendant hung at his waist, and he wore black cloud-light boots. His features were striking, with sharp brows and bright eyes, giving him the air of a refined gentleman. However, his wandering gaze and frivolous expression betrayed a lack of the depth one might expect from a scholar. Behind him followed two others, Zhou Mingsheng, whom Lu Zheng had met that morning, and a servant.
Lu Zheng asked, “You’re Zhao Wenrong?”
The servant snapped, “How dare you address my master by his name!”
“No matter, no matter!” Zhao Wenrong waved off his servant, straightened his robe, closed his fan with a flick, and smiled lightly. Bowing, he said, “Zhao Wenrong of the Zhao family from Yizhou, at your service, Master Lu!”
The servant stepped back but muttered under his breath, “Look at my master’s grace, then look at your behaviour. The difference is clear!”
His voice was low, but just loud enough for Lu Zheng and Liu Qingyan to hear. Lu Zheng couldn’t help but chuckle. These days, it’s tough for anyone to get ahead!
Liu Qingyan didn’t spare the servant a glance, ignoring him entirely. As the main party, Lu Zheng couldn’t do the same, so he casually returned the bow. “Greetings, Master Zhao. I believe I’ve made it clear to your family’s Manager Zhou that Sweet Pastry Shop is not for sale.”
“Why be so absolute, Master Lu?” Zhao Wenrong said with a smile, waving his hand. “Since you’ve opened this shop, you surely want it to thrive. My Zhao family has some influence in Yizhou Prefecture and connections across the counties. Why keep us at arm’s length?”
In other words, with the Zhao family’s help, Sweet Pastry Shop could reach new heights.
After Zhao Wenrong spoke, Zhou Mingsheng stepped forward. “This isn’t the place for discussion. Why don’t we move to Mingyue Tower, enjoy some wine under the moonlight? My master is open-hearted and loves making friends. Master Lu, with your dignified air, I’m sure you two will hit it off.”
Liu Qingyan couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes teasing as she glanced at Lu Zheng. Lu Zheng rubbed his chin, puzzled as to why they were so fixated on his shop.
If he didn’t understand, he’d ask directly. Lu Zheng had no patience for their games or riddles. “The Zhao family of Yizhou is wealthy and powerful. There are plenty of shops for sale in Cong’an Market, many in better locations than my Sweet Pastry Shop. So, I’m curious…” He asked outright, “Why are you so set on my shop?”
That morning, he’d sent Zhou Mingsheng away, and that afternoon, he’d refused Zhao Wenrong. His stance was clear: he wasn’t interested in selling. So, why, with so many options, were they still hounding him?
“Well…” Zhou Mingsheng hesitated. In business, revealing one’s hand was a cardinal sin.
“Because we’ve already bought the shop next to yours,” Zhao Wenrong said.
Zhou Mingsheng was just a manager, thinking only in commercial terms, but Zhao Wenrong, the third son of the Zhao family, was brimming with confidence in the family’s name, resources, and methods. Want to play hardball? Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes!
Lu Zheng nodded in realisation. “You want to buy several adjacent shops to combine them.”
So, they’d already sunk costs into the deal.
But… “What does that have to do with me?” Lu Zheng laughed. “Just because you bought the shop next door, I’m supposed to sell mine? That’s not how the world works, is it?”
Zhao Wenrong’s brow furrowed. Zhou Mingsheng quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “We’re here to discuss things with Master Lu, aren’t we? Let’s be friends, everything’s negotiable.”
Lu Zheng waved dismissively. “In business, we speak plainly. I don’t need money, and I’m not interested in the hassle. There’s nothing to discuss. Please, gentlemen, take your leave.”
Zhou Mingsheng faltered. Zhao Wenrong’s face darkened. The servant blinked, realising the matter was beyond his place to comment, and stayed silent.
“Master Lu, are you saying you won’t give my Zhao family any face?” Zhao Wenrong asked, frowning.
Lu Zheng laughed. “You say buy, and I’m supposed to sell to give you face? I can’t even decide not to sell my own property? Who do you think you are?”
“I…” Zhao Wenrong froze, anger flashing in his eyes, ready to erupt.
“Third Young Master, don’t lose your temper!” Zhou Mingsheng quickly restrained him.
As a son of a prominent family, Zhao Wenrong was pulled back by Zhou Mingsheng. He glanced at Lu Zheng, then at Liu Qingyan, took a deep breath, said, “Fine,” and turned to leave. Zhou Mingsheng bowed to Lu Zheng and hurried after him.
As the three walked away, Liu Qingyan frowned, concerned. “I’m afraid they won’t let this go.”
Lu Zheng nodded, then smiled. “No worries. I’ll handle it. Let’s see how tough they are.”
If this had happened when Lu Zheng first arrived in this world, he might have sold to avoid trouble, prioritizing keeping a low profile. But now? Lu Zheng had the confidence to act as he pleased. A mere prefecture family trying to push him around? They were dreaming.
After all, Lu Zheng had solved several cases in Tonglin County, was a disciple of Baiyun Temple, and had even met the county magistrate through the Peach Blossom Shrine matter. He was already a notable figure in Tonglin County.
“Why didn’t you mention your status as an outer disciple of Baiyun Temple?” Liu Qingyan asked.
“Hm? Uh…” Lu Zheng blinked. “Baiyun Temple is a Taoist sect. Would they even understand if I mentioned it?”
“Don’t they know?” Liu Qingyan was puzzled. Lu Zheng usually threw around the Baiyun Temple name when dealing with strange people or creatures, and it worked. But would a secular family in Yizhou care? She wasn’t sure.
After all, practitioners had their expertise, but in worldly commerce, they held no advantage. If the Zhao family didn’t care about the temple’s name, there wasn’t much to be done. As a reputable sect, Baiyun Temple couldn’t exactly bully ordinary folk, could it?
Of course, self-defence was perfectly fine, which was why Lu Zheng wasn’t afraid in the slightest.
“Forget it. Let’s go home,” Lu Zheng said with a smile. “If they try any underhanded tricks, I’ll make them regret it.”
He’d always faced supernatural threats before. Now, a secular family was giving him a chance to flex his muscles. Truth be told, Lu Zheng was almost looking forward to it.
Liu Qingyan smiled, her eyes sparkling as she saw Lu Zheng’s confident demeanour. The two shared a knowing look, held hands, and spent the night in blissful harmony.
…
On the other side, a teacup smashed to the floor, shattering into pieces, followed by the teapot meeting the same fate.
“Outrageous!” Zhao Wenrong roared. “Even in Yizhou Prefecture, I’ve never…” He paused, recalling why he’d left Yizhou, but couldn’t help cursing. “A mere scholar without even a degree dares to defy me?”
After fuming for a moment, he shouted, “Old Zhou!”
“Young Master!” Zhou Mingsheng hurried forward.
“What’s your plan?” Zhao Wenrong demanded angrily.
Zhou Mingsheng gave a bitter smile. If he had a plan, would he have dragged Zhao Wenrong out to make a scene? He’d hoped Zhao Wenrong, a fellow scholar and a Zhao family son, would have more sway. Who knew Lu Zheng would be so unyielding?
“Young Master, why don’t I find some local ruffians…” the servant began.
“Enough!” Zhao Wenrong snapped. “Didn’t you see Lu Zheng’s setup today? What kind of plan is that? It’s beneath us!”
Zhao Wenrong’s expression shifted between anger and restraint, but he didn’t support the servant’s idea.
“How about we find a mediator to negotiate?” Zhou Mingsheng suggested. “Five connected shops in Cong’an Market are hard to come by. Aside from government-owned properties or local gentry, this is the best location available.”
Zhao Wenrong nodded reluctantly. “The county’s Registrar Li has ties with my father. Tomorrow, we’ll pay him a visit.”
