Chapter 521: A Precarious Reputation
"An elder? What kind of elder steals business from his own nephew?" Gao Yunyue was utterly dismissive.
"You... Hmph. The Gu family certainly married a fine wife," Gu Zhifeng said, flicking his sleeve. He turned to look at the three words "Yu Min Pawnshop," and his heart ached.
Now that Yu Min Pawnshop was in the hands of Gu Yuan and his wife, its future reputation was in grave danger.
’Sigh... Such a waste. Even though it was just a shop, I ran it for decades. I’d grown attached to it.’
"Mr. Gu, I’m not fond of pointless arguments, so I’ll be on my way," Ye Qianning said as she settled back into the carriage.
Hearing this, Gu Zhifeng stepped forward. "Very well. Tomorrow, I will personally bring the money to your residence to pay for these items."
"That won’t be necessary. I can’t be bothered to lug these things back. Just take them now and have someone deliver the money tomorrow," Ye Qianning said, letting out a faint, lazy yawn.
Gu Zhifeng was taken aback. "Miss Xiang, you trust me?"
’Letting me take them back first?’
’Isn’t she afraid I’ll just take the items and run off?’
"I trust your integrity, Mr. Gu."
"Excellent! Since you’ve placed such trust in me, Miss Xiang, I will personally deliver the money to your residence tomorrow." In all his years in business, Gu Zhifeng had never been so stirred.
What was more incredible was how a single expression of trust from the young lady made his spirits soar.
"Then I shall leave it in your hands, Mr. Gu."
"It’s no trouble at all, no trouble at all."
"Luo Wen, back to the estate."
Luo Wen flicked the reins.
The people standing before the carriage immediately made way.
"Safe travels, Miss Xiang!" Gu Zhifeng called out, even running a few steps after the carriage.
Seeing this, Gu Yuan fought the urge to curse. ’What a bootlicker.’
Gu Chi bent down and cradled the enormous bag in his arms. The sound of jade clinking from within as he lifted it startled him, and his movements immediately became more careful.
He was struck by the memory of how Miss Xiang had just kicked the bag out of the carriage. ’She really treats priceless treasures like dirt,’ he marveled to himself.
"Be careful with that," Gu Zhifeng cautioned when he saw this.
"Mm."
Gu Zhifeng, overjoyed, picked up the other bag. He was in an excellent mood and turned to leave.
"Uncle," Gu Yuan called out.
"What is it?" Gu Zhifeng asked, turning back.
"You’re no longer the owner of Yu Min Pawnshop, Uncle. Shouldn’t you be taking your belongings with you?"
Gu Zhifeng glanced inside the pawnshop, puzzled. "What belongings?"
"Your sudden arrival was surely no coincidence. This pawnshop is mine now, and I will not tolerate informants under my roof." Gu Yuan was about to clean house.
Gu Zhifeng understood immediately.
"I was the one who sent for the Master," the Shopkeeper said, stepping forward.
Gu Yuan’s gaze darkened. "You traitorous bastard."
"Young Master Gu, it’s not your place to curse at me. While I may be the shopkeeper hired by the Gu family, I am also an elder from a collateral branch. By generation, you should be calling me ’uncle’."
"There’s no room for family in business. Don’t try to pull that card with me, Shopkeeper," Gu Yuan snorted.
"Fine. Let’s put that aside and talk business," the Shopkeeper said, his face full of disdain. "Young Master Gu, you’ve spent more than a decade with your nose in a book. You’ve never touched commerce, and you don’t understand its fundamentals. When Miss Xiang came to pawn her goods just now, even a complete amateur wouldn’t have quoted a price of ten thousand. You were evasive, showing no ability or nerve. Your dithering proves you’re simply not cut out for business."
Gu Yuan gritted his teeth. "No matter how bad I am at business, I am still your boss."
"Not anymore. I quit! With a boss like you, I’m not about to ruin my reputation in my old age and have people point their fingers at me, calling me a cheat." The Shopkeeper couldn’t stomach the insult.
"Who do you think you’re scaring? If you won’t do the job, plenty of others will. Besides, this establishment has no room for a snitch of a shopkeeper like you." Gu Yuan was exercising his new authority.