Chapter 108 - Chapter 108: Chapter 108: This Is Bad (An additional chapter for every 10 monthly pass, the ninth additional chapter) (1/2)
Chapter 108: Chapter 108: This Is Bad (An additional chapter for every 10 monthly pass, the ninth additional chapter)
Translator: 549690339
Being able to pay this rent on time has indeed rid her of many troubles.
But thinking about this rent payment, the initial rate of a hundred and fifty coins he demanded wasn’t exorbitant, but it was not insignificant. It was certainly not a petty amount and it would normally take some time to save up in most households.
How long has Zhuang Qingning actually established her household as a woman, a little more than a month? And she managed to pay this amount so effortlessly?
After all, being able to come up with the entire annual rent implies that she is quite well-off.
Just how much money has Zhuang Qingning made from grinding tofu?
As these thoughts swirled in Zhuang Jingye’s mind, Zhuang Qingning smiled and said, “Since we have already agreed on the terms, I must naturally fulfill my part. However, I do need to let Village Chief Uncle know ahead of time: this money should be regarded as a prepaid amount on my part. If I end up living here for less than a year, I must trouble you to refund the money for the remaining months.”
“That won’t be a problem.”
Zhuang Jingye agreed on this quite promptly.
If the rent has been paid for a year, if she doesn’t live there for the full term, a refund would naturally be due. Zhuang Jingye saw no issues with this.
However…
“Living here less than a year? What do you mean by that?” Zhuang Jingye was rather taken aback by this.
Is Zhuang Qingning planning to move out, to leave this place?
“I’ve made some money from selling tofu in the past while, plus some loans I’ve taken out, and I’ve been thinking about building a couple of rooms and setting up a small courtyard. Having our own house does bring peace of mind.”
Zhuang Qingning smiled and said, “Living in Butcher Hua’s house now is alright for the time being, but it’s not a viable long-term solution. What if they need the house back? Then Qingsui and I would be homeless. So after much thought, I believe the best course of action is to save some money, build a couple of rooms, and settle down.”
“This is the second matter I wanted to discuss with the Village Chief. I hope you could help us look for a suitable plot of land where we could build our house. This will allow us to start preparations as soon as possible with the hope to be able to move in before autumn.”
Building the house sooner rather than later would mean the house could bask in the summer sun, eliminating the dampness before winter so it won’t be chilly and damp.
As for the finances for the house, Zhuang Qingning didn’t elaborate on where those dozen taels of silver came from, only saying that it was borrowed. This would prevent others from getting any ideas if they thought the money was obtained too easily.
“Hmm, your plans do seem quite sound.” Zhuang Jingye nodded, feeling that Zhuang Qingning had quite a long-term view and was not someone who lived life day-to-day. Her considerations were deep and her foresight far-reaching.
What a pity, though; she was a woman after all.
However, since Zhuang Qingning planned to build a house and said she had borrowed money, Zhuang Jingye understood the way of things. This borrowed money wasn’t freely given; it would have to be paid back. If she wouldn’t be able to repay the money, others would be hesitant to lend to her. So, building a house necessitates having a bit of savings as well.
All said and done, Zhuang Qingning’s tofu business must be thriving.
It hasn’t been long, but if things go on like this in the future…
Could it be, as Mrs. Ye suggested, that Zhuang Qingning might really make it in life?