CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36: BROTHER MING HUA

"Mr. Zhao, you..."

How did he find this place? On second thought, it must be his family that told him.

"Miss Xiao, we’re already so familiar with each other, no need to call me Mr. Zhao. My name is Zhao Minghua, just use my name directly."

Without waiting for Chun Nuan to invite him in, he walked straight inside.

He was always naturally easygoing.

"This courtyard has been uninhabited for so long that it’s falling apart everywhere. How can anyone live here? Miss Xiao, why don’t you move into my family’s empty courtyard? It’s spacious and suitable for you to process medicinal herbs. Your family can also fit in."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao, but Chun Nuan just rented this courtyard and the lease is for a year; it would be a waste not to use it."

Renting is good, better than receiving a gift.

After all, taking favors means losing freedom and control; thus, it seems she’s not too close with Old Master Zhang.

"May I ask why Mr. Zhao is here?"

"Oh, here’s the thing, the batch of medicinal herbs you processed last time was fully approved by my grandfather and the others..."

Chun Nuan just wanted to laugh, if the herbs she processed weren’t qualified, there probably wouldn’t be anyone else in Great Xia who could meet the standards.

Over the years, engrossed in medicine, she would process herbs whenever she had free time. The key is, her great-grandfather and grandfather had collected many precious herbs, enough for her to practice; even if she messed up, her grandfather wouldn’t scold.

Many times, the herbs she processed were sent by Lian’er to Pin Kang Big Herbal Store for sale, and they fetched a good price.

The shopkeeper at Pin Kang Big Herbal Store had even told Lian’er to pass on the message: "No matter what kind of medicinal herbs your family processes, you can bring them in for sale. Rest assured, we’ll offer a fair price."

Have to say, Pin Kang Big Herbal Store is indeed straightforward and wouldn’t lower the price or bully because Lian’er keeps her identity hidden, which made her like them.

So, what Zhao Minghua said essentially had one purpose: to make her sign an exclusive contract, to lock her into Hundred Herbs Hall!

This is the true nature of businessmen!

Appearing careless and casual, without defenses, would make you fall into a trap.

"Sorry, Mr. Zhao, I cannot sign this contract."

She’s not a novice at processing herbs; Chun Nuan is still hoping to one day connect with Pin Kang Big Herbal Store and continue selling herbs, moreover, in large quantities to them.

Hundred Herbs Hall is too small to accommodate big ambitions!

"So you indeed have a collaboration with Old Master Zhang?"

Zhao Minghua was worried and slapped his thigh, called it painful, and stomped around the courtyard.

Chun Nuan couldn’t respond to this.

She did indeed have a cooperative relationship with Old Master Zhang, earning 20% profits from the cool tea sold at Fate Tea House, anyone giving her money is her benefactor.

"Why, Old Master Zhang’s family has businesses, but they’re not a pharmacy. What are you thinking, why collaborate with him? Miss Xiao, do you know he will definitely take advantage of you..."

Chun Nuan understood, he misunderstood, thinking she had a medicinal collaboration with Old Master Zhang.

Seeing her ability to generate business value, he wanted to lock her down?

How could Chun Nuan agree to such a thing.

"I believe you might have misunderstood." Chun Nuan explained: "Old Master Zhang doesn’t know I process herbs, our cooperation doesn’t involve herbs."

The formula for cool tea certainly doesn’t count.

"Really, then why won’t you sign a contract with Hundred Herbs Hall?" Zhao Minghua quickly added, "Are you afraid we’ll cheat you out of your money? Rest assured, our Hundred Herbs Hall runs fair and square, I, Zhao Minghua, never cheat in business. You can enquire everywhere, our medicine shop has been handed down by my great-grandfather, not a hundred years but at least eighty..."

Zhao Minghua was almost swearing just to ensure Chun Nuan believes they aren’t shady.

"Mr. Zhao, it’s not a lack of trust, but Chun Nuan feels that plans cannot keep up with changes, and a person’s time will change everything." Chun Nuan said, "I never make long-term plans so as not to bind myself."

Each period has its hurdles to overcome, each period has its debts to pay, today’s partner might turn face tomorrow.

Indeed, especially knowing Zhao Minghua was to marry the granddaughter of the Clan Leader of the Xiao Family, Xiao Chunlan, Chun Nuan had prepared to potentially lose the Hundred Herbs Hall’s income anytime.

Everyone knows the influence of pillow talk, the Xiao Family clan and her side of the family are enemies; how could they happily watch her earn money to support herself?

"You..."

Chun Nuan saw his face turn red with impatience, smiling; young man, still too naive, blunt in speech and actions, showing joy and anger on his face, why would she dare tie her future livelihood to him?

"Is there anything else Mr. Zhao needs?"

"No more."

Angry, Zhao Minghua turned and wanted to leave. At the door, he remembered again: "By the way, we at Hundred Herbs Hall will take whatever herbs you process, regardless of quality."

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao."

Chun Nuan understood, experts can tell at a glance, if the herbs she processed were being disliked, it must be the raw materials, not her skills.

"Calling me Mr. Zhao again, I already told you, you can call me Zhao Minghua."

"Then should I call you Third Master Zhao?"

"You can also call me Minghua Brother." Zhao Minghua finished with chills all over: getting a girl to call you brother seems inappropriate: "I should be a few years older than you."

"Third Master Zhao is naturally older than Chun Nuan."

Minghua Brother?

Are we really that close?

Chun Nuan wouldn’t be so foolish.

Hearing Chun Nuan call him Third Master Zhao, Zhao Minghua felt upset again and strode out the courtyard in anger.

"Minghua Brother."

A tender voice reached his ear, Zhao Minghua nearly stumbled.

"Minghua Brother, be careful, don’t fall."

A fragrant scent rushed in, a figure floated before Zhao Minghua.

"Was it you calling me earlier?"

Zhao Minghua turned to look, seeing the courtyard door closed.

So, what was he hoping for?

"Yes, Minghua Brother, how are you? Did you stumble?"

"You..." Checking once, ensuring she’s not some cousin of his: "I don’t know you, are we that familiar?"

"Minghua Brother, how can you not recognize me? We..." The girl didn’t finish, blushing red.

"We what?" Xiao Minghua suddenly sneezed several times, hurriedly stepped back: "Keep away from me. I really don’t recognize you. Who exactly are you?"