92 Riding Together (1/2)

This news shocked everyone.

”Didn't the contract just got renewed last year? Wasn't it a renewal for five years? Why does he suddenly want us to move out?” Zhong Xiang asked in bewilderment.

”How would I know? I didn't dare listen to more,” Little Lu cried.

”Let's go and find out,” Ye Jiayao said.

The survival of the restaurant would directly affect the benefits and interest of everyone. It was only natural that they would be concerned about it.

The gang tiptoed up to the second floor, crouching at the door, as though they were forming a human pyramid, to eavesdrop.

”I have no say in this matter. You have to leave this place after three days,” the landlord said firmly.

”Boss Sun, isn't there any room for discussion? The contract clearly stated that if we were to move out, or if you were to stop renting the place to us, there has to be a three-month notification in advance. With only three days, where do you want us to move to?” Shopkeeper Li asked, worry evident in his voice.

”I will compensate you according to the contract and you need not pay the rental fees for this year. Will that do?” Boss Sun sighed.

Ye Jiayao knew that there was something amiss. She had found out that in this district, the rental fees for just a storefront would cost more than 2000 taels per year. A whole building cost at least 6000 taels to rent. 6000 taels was a huge amount, but the landlord had no qualms about refusing it just like that. Could it be that he had a bigger interest in giving it up?

They heard Shopkeeper Li say, ”Boss Sun, this is unfair. We have worked together for eight years and never have I once delayed rental payment. Even if the business cannot go on, you still have to be humane. You're not giving me a way out!”

”Shopkeeper Li, I don't want to do this either, but I really have my difficulties.” Boss Sun sounded apologetic as well.

”Is someone trying to sabotage us?” Shopkeeper Li tried to sound him out.

Everyone pricked their ears to listen but it stayed quiet. Finally, Boss Sun said, ”I have to take this building back, Shopkeeper Li. I'm sorry that I have let you down.”

That was an implicit admittance if Ye Jiayao ever heard one. Shopkeeper Li replied, ”Boss Sun, give us some clue on account of our partnership for all these years. If there is any conflict, I would find a way to solve it and you need not be caught in the middle, right? I will never reveal that you are the one who told me, how about that?”

”Shopkeeper Li, please don't make this difficult for me than it already is. If I could tell you, I would have done so already. You should already know who you offended. I am taking my leave now but I will be back three days later to reclaim the building.”

Before everyone could retreat, the door opened. Cui Dongpeng, who was right at the bottom holding on to the door, lost his support and fell forward. The others fell on top of him and the group sprawled down on the ground.

Boss Sun only shook his head at them.

Everyone hurried to get up, making a way for Boss Sun. When he left, everyone swarmed into the room, talking all at once.

”Shopkeeper, let's just not move and see what he can do about it. This is too unreasonable.”

”With only three days, we don't even have enough time to find another place. He is deliberately making it hard for us.”

”Which bastard is making mischief behind our backs? If I find out, I would chop him up into mincemeat.”

”Shopkeeper Li, what do you think we should do? We wouldn't be afraid of a fight.”

”That's right! When the time comes, we will seize the guy and protect the restaurant. We'll chop anyone who dares come…”

Shopkeeper Li was distraught with anxiety. He could understand how everyone was feeling, but a fight would only make more trouble instead of solving the problem.

”Alright, alright, go back to work! Let me be alone for a while,” Shopkeeper Li said with annoyance. The restaurant's business has been improving at this juncture and the future looked bright. He had even thought of renovating it slightly. He would never have thought of a calamity like this befalling the restaurant.

Ye Jiayao waved her hand and motioned for everyone to get out.

Right now, the mastermind behind this was still unclear. Whether it was someone in the same trade or simply someone who wanted to make things difficult for Heavenly Residence, they didn't know. Without that knowledge, every plan was useless.

Ye Jiayao had a suspect in mind, though. For Boss Sun to act that afraid, this person must be extremely influential. Perhaps, this person was specifically targeting her.

Heavenly Residence has met with an unprecedented crisis, while everyone was feeling indignant at such injustice, for the most part, fear was lurking around. What would happen if the restaurant really closes? Where would they go? Other than Ye Jiayao, the people working here had all been in their jobs for several years. It was not easy to look for a job now, and even if they found one, they would not get the same treatment they have here.

For a moment, Heavenly Residence seemed to be shrouded with depression, the atmosphere was extremely heavy.

”Li Yao, can you look for the Young Royal Highness?” Zhong Xiang broke the silence. He seemed to have hesitated for a long time before saying it.

Everyone was worried about their future. Li Yao was the only one who need not worry that he had no place to go because based on his current fame, many restaurants would scramble to hire him. He would not think of coming to the Young Royal Highness Jing for help. However, all the other brothers need it. As difficult as it was to say, Zhong Xiang had to steel himself and try.

Zhong Xiang's words were like a ray of light piercing through the haze. Everyone turned to look at Li Yao hopefully.

Ye Jiayao propped her chin on her hand and thought about it. After a long while, she nodded and said, ”I shall look for the Young Royal Highness this instant.”

Everyone heaved a sigh of relief, their faces relaxing into smiles. They believed that as long as the Young Royal Highness intervened, the situation would turn for the better.

Ye Jiayao also wanted to find out what or who was behind this. If it really was her fault, as she strongly suspected it was, she would have to take full responsibility. If it was not, then she would still do everything in her power to help all these people.

Just as she arrived at the Helian Mansion, Chunfeng walked out.