Xiao Xun was startled to see the scene, surprised by Guan Jiawen’s sudden surge in business.
She was so busy she almost didn't recognize Xiao Xun.
“Guan Jiawen, let me help you!”
Guan Jiawen nodded vigorously, unable to spare time for greetings.
And so, Guan Jiawen handled the weighing and payment, while Xiao Xun took on the task of catching and cleaning the fish.
It was just past six o'clock when Guan Jiawen’s entire stock was sold out.
“It’s like a god of wealth has appeared! Ever since you left, my business has suddenly gotten so much better.”
Xiao Xun wiped the sweat from his forehead. He hadn't handled fish in a while and felt a bit rusty.
“This is all thanks to your kindness and hospitality.”
Guan Jiawen was actually quite gentle and virtuous. It was a shame her family background was poor, and she had encountered unfortunate relationships. Otherwise, she would surely have lived a more splendid life.
Just as Guan Jiawen was thanking Xiao Xun, a large, burly middle-aged woman approached. The woman was wearing pajamas, as round as a barrel, with remnants of sleep in the corners of her eyes. She carried a document.
She walked over, slammed the document onto the table, and pointed at Guan Jiawen, saying, “Come and sign this rent increase contract!”
Guan Jiawen frowned and asked, “Auntie, didn’t we just rent this shop? And our contract clearly states that the rent won’t be raised for two years!”
The woman spoke condescendingly, “Cut the nonsense. This is my property, so I make the rules. Either pay more, or get out. It’s up to you!”
Guan Jiawen’s lips tightened in anger, her eyes reddening.
Xiao Xun couldn’t stand it any longer. “I see you’re raising the rent because business is good. For such a small shop, if we don’t rent it, who else would? Now that business is improving, you’re jealous. If business were bad, would you waive the rent?”
The woman sized up Xiao Xun with disdain. “Oh, where did this little bug come from, lecturing me? Who do you think you are? If you don’t want to rent, pack your things and scram!”
Xiao Xun slammed the table and stood up. “Fine, we’ll leave. Guan Jiawen, don’t worry. We’ll move somewhere else, and business will be good there too.”
Hearing this, the woman immediately said sarcastically, “Oh, you’re going to scare me, an old woman? Hurry up and leave. But before you go, remember, if you move out yourselves, it’s a breach of contract, and your rent won’t be refunded!”
Hearing such shameless words, Xiao Xun’s anger flared. He stepped forward, about to argue, but Guan Jiawen stopped him.
“Mr. Xiao, don’t argue with her.”
“Auntie, I’ll sign. Is that okay? How much is the new rent?”
The woman immediately became smug, holding up five fingers. “Fifty thousand yuan in total!”
Guan Jiawen’s face drained of color. “How did it increase by twenty thousand…”
The woman rolled her eyes at Guan Jiawen, saying disdainfully, “That’s the price. Rent it or get out. You poor country girl, you annoy me just by being here.”
Xiao Xun couldn’t help but blurt out, “What a true old hag!”
The woman heard this and immediately widened her eyes, pointing at Xiao Xun and unleashing a torrent of insults. Her shrewish nature was on full display, spitting with rage.
At this moment, a middle-aged man arrived. “Auntie Tian, you’re a bit late. There was some minor business at the management office just now.”
The woman, Auntie Tian, immediately put on a smiling face. “It’s fine, Brother Wang. It’s good you’re here.”
The woman glared at Xiao Xun and then turned to Guan Jiawen, saying, “See? Director Wang from the market management is here. You decide!”
Guan Jiawen looked at him and asked cautiously, “Brother Wang, is the rent increasing for my shop alone, or for everyone?”
Director Wang coughed and said sternly, “This is a matter between you and Auntie. You two can communicate. However, Auntie’s actions are within the rules.”
The woman impatiently shouted, “Hurry up! No more nonsense. Either move out or pay. Quickly!”
Guan Jiawen was on the verge of tears, feeling wronged. Xiao Xun could no longer bear it. He grabbed Guan Jiawen’s hand, pulled her behind him, and stepped forward.
“You are truly shameless. Since that’s the case, name your price. I’ll buy this shop!”
The woman’s face lit up. She looked Xiao Xun up and down, who was covered in sweat.
“What? You’re buying? Did I hear that right? You, a poor laborer, want to buy shops? Do you think this is child’s play!”
The woman immediately patted her chest and exclaimed, “Kid, listen clearly. All these shops belong to me. If you have the guts, buy them all, I dare you!”
Xiao Xun didn’t want to bicker with her. “Stop with the useless talk. Name your price!”
At this moment, quite a crowd had gathered, including owners of other shops.
When they heard Xiao Xun wanted to buy these shops, everyone wore mocking smiles. It was obvious Xiao Xun was an outsider and so young. The shops here were not cheap. Even with a loan, most people couldn’t afford them.
They were all eager to watch the show, especially the owners of the seafood stalls, who were already envious of Guan Jiawen’s business. They began to mock him.
“Look at his shabby appearance, wanting to buy these shops. He should take a good look at himself in the mirror.”
“Does he really think he’s a second-generation rich kid? So many people are pretending these days.”
“Tch, I’ll see how he backs down. Their business here won’t last.”
“Hurry back to the countryside and farm. He hasn’t even grown all his hair and he’s trying to do business like others.”
Hearing the surrounding discussions, Guan Jiawen felt extremely distressed. She squatted on the ground, tears falling like raindrops.
“Mr. Xiao, don’t argue with them. I’ll leave,” Guan Jiawen said, tugging Xiao Xun’s sleeve pitifully.
Xiao Xun turned to the woman. “Bring out the property deed and land use documents. I’ll give you three million yuan for all these shops.”
“Still playing tough? Fine, I’ll see how capable you are today. But let’s be clear: if you can’t produce the money, I won’t refund a single cent of the rent!”
“No problem.”
Amidst the crowd’s mockery, the woman turned and left. Some people even advised her, “Auntie, don’t bother with these two kids. They’ve never seen so much money. Why would you even bother coming here?”
Half an hour later, not only the woman arrived, but her son and daughter-in-law also came, carrying briefcases.
“Kid, let me tell you, my son works for the Administration for Industry and Commerce. If you don’t buy, you’ll never be able to do business in G City.”
“Alright, prepare the contract. Do you have a POS machine? If not, direct bank transfer is fine too.”
Tian Da Ma emphasized again, “I don’t do installments.”
“Three million, transferred in one lump sum.”
The people around watched all this with amusement, viewing Xiao Xun as a fool.
The woman directly pulled out a machine. “I knew you’d say that. I’ve already prepared it for you.”
Xiao Xun took out a black card. “Swipe it!”
The woman handed the POS machine to her son. Her son mumbled a few numbers, counting aloud.
After entering the digits and confirming them, he swiped the black card.
The transaction was successful, and a receipt began to print.
Xiao Xun took the receipt. “Can we sign the contract now?”
If he didn’t sign the receipt, it wouldn’t count.
“Whoosh!”
A collective gasp of shock erupted from the crowd.
“Hiss, this kid actually produced three million!”
“How is that possible? He looks like a penniless boy!”
“Truly, you can’t judge a book by its cover! You really can’t judge a book by its cover!”