CHAPTER 785: CHAPTER 784: EXCHANGE TWO SHOPS FOR 50%

Ah Jiu returned to Jin Yu’s residence with Yan Er in tow. Jin Yu was somewhat surprised to see an unfamiliar face but did not say anything. In fact, the new arrival appeared carefree and easy-going, seemingly very amiable.

Jin Yu instructed a servant to arrange accommodations for Yan Er, then went to visit Ah Jiu’s quarters and explained that the matter involving Gobi Beach had been spread.

"Ninth Master, rest assured, even if outsiders trace it back to the Jin family, they will just assume I’ve hired experts from Jianghu for escort. They won’t reveal your whereabouts." Jin Yu explained.

Hearing this, Ah Jiu’s eyebrows rose, and he said, "Aren’t you afraid that the Jin family will become the target of retaliation? Sky Ghost Fort is so arrogant because it has the support of the Government Office. The Jin family’s business, if I remember correctly, also has a presence in that town, right?"

"If that’s the case, then we’ll just close it," Jin Yu said, "We can do business anywhere. Closing one shop is not too great a loss."

"Young Master Jin seems to be very decisive!" Ah Jiu complimented.

Jin Yu smiled faintly and said, "The Jin family’s foundation mainly lies in Yuhang; these remote branches sometimes really are beyond our reach. It’s no problem to close them."

"This Nanyang Prefecture... the Auspicious Pavilion’s store is quite large, isn’t it?" Ah Jiu pondered briefly before asking.

"The branch at the west dock of Nanyang Prefecture has access to the sea and attracts many foreigners who do business there. Our Auspicious Pavilion deals not only in jewelry and gemstones but also in a lot of antiques and imported goods. The Nanyang store, given its geographical convenience, could be considered the main store for imported goods," Jin Yu said.

Ah Jiu said, "I hope Young Master Jin will be willing to part with the Auspicious Pavilion’s stores in Nanyang and Changan for me, and we can forgo the rest."

Jin Yu was startled, then tentatively asked, "What exactly do you mean, Ninth Master?"

"I want the operating rights of these two stores. The staff will naturally be mine, but on the surface, they will still be under the name of your Auspicious Pavilion," Ah Jiu stated, "As for the other assets, they are not necessary. Just these two places will make up for the fifty percent that you were going to give me."

Jin Yu’s heart skipped a beat. The operating rights of two stores for fifty percent of the assets seemed like a bargain for him, but these two stores?

Ah Jiu, whether intentionally or due to a unique insight, chose the two most profitable stores.

Changan goes without saying – it’s the imperial capital, filled with nobles and officials, and the Auspicious Pavilion specializes in such jewelry and antiques, naturally making a lot of money.

Meanwhile, Nanyang holds a geographic advantage, and doing business with foreigners there is very profitable.

But however profitable, it cannot compare with fifty percent of the assets. Yet, Ah Jiu had made such a proposal, and it left Jin Yu feeling uncertain.

Did Ah Jiu genuinely see the potential profit in these two stores, or was there an ulterior motive? By keeping the name of Auspicious Pavilion, if anything untoward happened, it would be the Jin family at risk...

Jin Yu thought of the people around Ah Jiu, all well-trained and extraordinary, even a mere servant was not to be underestimated. It was hard not to be concerned.

He feared that one decision of his could drag the Jin family into deep waters!

Jin Yu’s indecision did not escape Ah Jiu’s notice, and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Good, he thought, the man is not rash or brainless. He has courage, his own opinions, and is not the kind of sheltered fool who knows nothing of the world.

Jin Yu looked towards Ah Jiu, pursed his lips and said, "May I be bold enough to inquire as to Ninth Master’s true identity?"