Chapter 201: Conscience Price

Gu Fei followed Old Huang through the back door into an enormous courtyard. The ground was blanketed in dead leaves, and a small, two-story building stood on the other side.

They crossed the courtyard and entered the building. Inside, the room was surprisingly tidy, unlike the thick layer of dust outside.

Gu Fei found a clean chair and sat down. Old Huang wrung his hands. "Young lady, I don’t have any tea in the house, nor anything else to offer you."

Gu Fei waved a hand dismissively. "Mr. Huang, there’s no need for formalities. Let’s just talk about renting this place."

Old Huang sat down. "Young lady, what kind of business are you planning to open if you rent this storefront?"

Gu Fei answered candidly, "I want to open an inn."

Back when she was an artsy young woman, she had a dream: to work hard, save up, and open an inn or a bar. She’d sip on a little wine each day, watch people from all walks of life, and listen to their stories. What a delightful life that would be.

Old Huang stroked his chin. "Opening an inn is a good way to make a living. It’s stable, with no need to rush about."

"So, you’re looking to rent the back courtyard along with it?"

Gu Fei nodded. "All told, how many rooms do you have in these buildings?"

Old Huang held up three fingers. "Thirty."

Gu Fei remained silent. ’Thirty rooms. Not too many, not too few.’

"So, what are you asking for a year’s rent?"

Old Huang paused to think. "Young lady, I have one condition. If you can agree to it, I’ll rent this place to you for cheap."

Gu Fei leaned forward. "Mr. Huang, please, tell me. What is it?"

Old Huang sighed. "To be honest, I love having people around, but now I’m all alone in this world. So very lonely. If you’d be willing to save a room for me and provide me with three meals a day, what’s the harm in renting the place to you for a low price? It’s just sitting empty otherwise."

’That request is far too simple.’

Gu Fei felt a flicker of doubt, but then Old Huang sighed again. "I’m old, and it’s not like I’m short on silver. I just want to have someone to talk to every day. Otherwise, I’m afraid I’ll die alone in this house one day and nobody will even know."

That dispelled the last of Gu Fei’s doubts. ’Sigh... maybe the thing old people fear most is loneliness.’

She nodded. "Mr. Huang, that won’t be a problem at all. So, what do you think would be a fair price for the rent?"

Old Huang thought for a moment. "You’re a kind-hearted young lady, so I won’t overcharge you. Just give me ten taels of silver a month. That’s one hundred and twenty taels for the year."

"Besides, with that good-for-nothing brother of mine around, if I charge you any more, I might just end up having to give it back to you."

Gu Fei’s eyes lit up. ’What an incredible price!’

Old Huang added, "But I’ll say this upfront: I won’t be paying any silver for my meals!"

"And this old man has a picky palate. I’m not saying there has to be meat at every single meal, but I’ll want to see it on the table often."

Gu Fei smiled. "Don’t you worry, Mr. Huang. I’ll make sure you are never wanting for good food."

She asked cautiously, "Mr. Huang, I’m a little tight on funds at the moment. Would it be possible to pay the rent monthly?"

Old Huang smiled. "Of course. We seem to get along well, so it’s a small matter. Normally, I’d also require a security deposit of one hundred taels, but since you’re short on funds, I’ll waive that as well."

"I must, however, remind you to be careful of that good-for-nothing brother of mine."

Gu Fei stood and gave Old Huang a curtsy. "Thank you, sir."

’As for that Er Laizi, I’ll deal with him when he shows up. It’s too early to plan for that now.’

"Well then, Mr. Huang, I’ll take my leave for now. I need to go discuss this with my parents. I’ll be back in a day or two to sign the contract with you."

Old Huang saw Gu Fei out, watching as she climbed onto the mule cart. He then turned, closed the door, and sat back down by the entrance, a faint smile playing on his lips.