The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

A voice suddenly echoed in Zhuang Qingning’s mind.

This task being set now, was it considered adding flowers to a brocade or sending coal in the snow?

[In any case, the host should know that there are generous rewards for completing this task.]

Having a reward was excellent, she already had a liking for this shop, so it was almost as if the task was aligned with her intentions.

Just say, you, something that does not belong to this world, are promoting belief in science in this world?

Aren’t you the most unscientific thing in this world?

Isn’t time-traveling the most unreasonable thing?

[The host should not speak like that. I am the product of top-notch technology, and as for time-traveling… well, the explanation is too complex and involves too much knowledge that is beyond the host’s comprehension. If I were to explain it, it’s likely that the host wouldn’t understand, so I won’t explain…]

It’s okay, start your story, I can ask if I don’t understand!

[Ahem, anyway, the current task of the host is to rent this shop, and to disprove through actual action that the bad Feng Shui here is merely unfounded rumors.]

Finally, she understood. The task was to disprove that this shop’s bad Feng Shui was a baseless rumor, not to disprove the concept of Feng Shui itself.

Funny enough, that little voice was meticulous in its speech.

[Host, please take action as soon as possible. For the substantial reward, charge!]

Fine.

For this substantial reward.

Zhuang Qingning steadied her spirit after the little voice completely disappeared from her mind.

At this time, Zhang Yongchang was still persuasively advising Zhuang Qingning: “Though it may seem superstitious, you young ones may not believe it, but this is how things are. Denying it in face of overwhelming evidence won’t change anything. The two shops I pointed out to you are both excellent. You should sit down and think carefully about which one to choose.”

Zhuang Qingning really didn’t want to disregard Zhang Yongchang’s good intentions since he was considering what’s best for her. But now, for the sake of this hefty reward…

“Uncle Zhang.”

Zhuang Qingning cleared her throat: “Sometimes rumors can get out of hand. If something happens by coincidence, people may think something is going on and the rumors multiply. Eventually what is not becomes acknowledged as what is.”

“This shop is really great, spacious and in a prime location. I truly wish to rent it. Uncle Zhang, could you tell me where the landlord lives? I’d like to negotiate the rent with them.”

“So all my words fell on deaf ears?” Zhang Yongchang opened his eyes wide upon hearing this. “What’s wrong with you, child? After all that’s been said, why must you remain stubborn until you crash into a wall?”

Seeing that Zhang Yongchang seemed angry, Zhuang Qingning gave a sheepish smile, saying, “Uncle Zhang, don’t rush to get angry. Hear me out first.”

“Go ahead!” Zhang Yongchang was curious to hear what Zhuang Qingning had to say that made her so determined to rent this inauspicious shop.

“Uncle Zhang, as you mentioned earlier, this shop is infamous in the town for its bad Feng Shui. If I were to open a business here, the news would certainly spread rapidly, making even those who were previously unaware of my tofu stall conscious of my tofu shop.”

“So, I wouldn’t need to invite a crowd with gongs and firecrackers on the opening day. All I need is to open the doors and hang a sign, and customers would naturally flock in.”

“Thinking about this, I figured it might be possible to turn the situation around, and there might be a significant gain.”

Zhuang Qingning beamed at Zhang Yongchang, “What do you think, Uncle Zhang?”

Zhang Yongchang rubbed his temples.

If you really put it that way, there seems to be some merit in that. In business, exploring different paths can often bring success.

Back when he was working as a cook in the county town, there was a merchant who brought a large truckload of fur. He rented the largest shop and sold the fur.

People ridiculed him, saying it was the wrong season to open a fur shop. Furs were typically worn in winter, so business would only be good when the snow was falling or fall at the earliest. But he was opening his shop in the heat of the summer. Only a fool would buy fur.

Nonetheless, the merchant didn’t rush or fuss over people’s remarks. He just announced that he was having a discount sale to get rid of last year’s stock. Anyone who wanted a bargain could come and buy it, otherwise, wait until winter to buy at a higher price.

His words and the significantly lower prices attracted many customers, and the merchant quickly sold out of his load of fur.

The unsold fur from last year had to be sold cheaply this winter anyway. The merchant cleverly sold the old fur for the same price earlier. He quickly recouped his money and didn’t delay selling new fur in the winter. It was a very profitable move.

Branching off the beaten path in business can be rewarding.

But when it comes to Feng Shui…

“I suggest you reconsider. There are plenty of shops in town, it doesn’t have to be this one.”

Zhang Yongchang felt that it was better not to take the risk.

“Uncle Zhang, don’t worry. People often say that I am tough. If my destiny is strong, it should be able to suppress many things.”

Zhuang Qingning beamed, “I truly want to rent this shop. Let me have a try. If it doesn’t work, then I’ll switch. Simply telling me that the shop has bad Feng Shui or is unlucky won’t convince me. I’d rather try for myself. Instead of discouraging me, why not let me give it a shot? If the shop is really bad, then I’ll learn my lesson and listen to wiser folks in the future. How about that?”

Zhang Yongchang pondered long and hard over her words.

Just like a child trying to pick up a hot bowl, you keep warning him that it will burn his hand, but he doesn’t listen. Instead of insisting on your warning, let him cautiously touch it. Once he burns his hand, he’ll naturally be more careful next time.

The same goes for business. During their younger years, entrepreneurs should learn through trial and error. That’s the way to learn what needs to be avoided and what must be persisted.

“Alright, alright. I’m an old man with clumsy speech who can’t outtalk you. Seeing how stubborn you are, do as you please. I won’t say anything more.”

Zhang Yongchang side-eyed her, “Just remember, if something happens as a result of the shop’s bad Feng Shui, don’t blame me for not warning you!”

“Of course I won’t blame Uncle Zhang.” Zhuang Qingning grinned, “But if the business doesn’t do well and I can’t afford meals, I’ll definitely visit Uncle Zhang for a hearty meal or two..”