36 The Cool Spring Rain (1/2)

Chapter 36: The Cool Spring Rain

Translator: TransnEditor: Transn

The shop just opened, and it might not be a good sign to start a day with your first guest being your Big Owner. But Ning Que was fine with it, and even a piece of troublesome insider information did not disturb him.

He was convinced that the man who owned all of the street shops in Chang'an was someone who was either a billionaire or an aristocrat. Since the landlord had made his promise, there was no point in worrying about the rest. As the Old Brush Pen Shop was the only tenant shop on the street, the middle-aged man had granted him three months rent-free, which was good enough to make both young master and handmaiden in a cheerful mood.

What truly bothered him was their business, which was as bleak as the weather.

The spring rain had been going on for four or five days in Chang'an incessantly, and it seemed that it wouldn't stop. The weather was gloomy and chilly, and the roads were slippery and muddy. No one would like to go out under such weather conditions. Their shop was the only one open on the entire street, and others' doors were firmly closed on either side. The street appeared more deserted than ever as there was no business. In fact, there were only a few people and a couple of sparrows hopping hither and thither on the street.

On the first day of the opening of the shop, Ning Que looked at the spring rain and commented something like, ”Spring rain is as precious as oil.” Now he thought of the rain as cheap as piss. He sat in a wicker armchair, sighing while watching the rain pattering outside. If one's sight did have power, and if he was a Psyche Master of the Knowing Destiny State, then probably his resentful sight could knock down the gray wall in front him.

The middle-aged man said that both side shops of Lin 47th Street belonged to him, except this grey wall opposite to the Old Brush Pen Shop. Behind the wall was the warehouse of Logistics Department, which needed extending. That was the real reason why Ning Que was sulky.

At noon, someone finally walked in the shop. It was a potbellied, stout man with a look of a wealthy businessman, followed by two attendants. At first, Ning Que was vigilant as he thought they were one of those who was trying to persuade him to tear this shop down. Upon overhearing their casual talk, he understood that they were no more than some average shoppers who happened to seek shelter from the rain.

Since they were casual, Ning Que felt lazy to stand up and serve them. With both hands holding a shoddy, red-clay teapot and looking outside at the rain, Ning Que half-opened his eyes as if he could doze off at any moment. But his heart was on fire and eager to make some money.

The stout and wealthy looking man peered at something on the wall at a close distance, with his hands behind his back. It was interesting that those who visited the Old Brush Pen Shop tended to put their hands behind backs, seemingly displaying their sharp appreciation. This wealthy man, who had been living in Chang'an for a good while, was no exception and had cultivated a sharp taste. After examining the calligraphy hung on the wall, he said to his attendants, ”I'm surprised to see such good calligraphy in this shabby little place.”

It could be taken as a compliment, though in a bit of a frivolous and condescending tone, which was unable to strike a chord with Ning Que. Ning Que still sat in his chair, appearing nonchalant. In fact, he was listening carefully to the wealthy man with his ears strained, longing to sell one of those calligraphies.

The stout wealthy man turned around and asked, ”Lad, who wrote these calligraphies?”

”I did,” Ning Que answered politely, slightly making a bow.

The wealthy man didn't say anything more, and after a while, he shook his head and commented. ”What a pity! There were several calligraphies written quite handsomely. However, the young lad wants to pass himself off as some great calligrapher master. Anyway, you're lucky that I happened to seek shelter here. San Er, take this one, I'll buy it.”

Ning Que turned around, looked at them, and asked, ”May I ask how much you'd like to pay for it?”