CHAPTER 207: CHAPTER 41 ADMIRING MANAGER NIU

"Ah?" Manager Niu was a bit taken aback, not understanding how the conversation shifted from mountain bandits to this.

"Oh! It’s rented!" Manager Niu came to his senses and gave Gu Chengyu a curious look.

"Does Manager Niu not make much silver here in a year? Especially with the alley behind the inn blocking quite some business!"

Manager Niu blushed at Gu Chengyu’s words. For scholars coming to the examination, the inn they stay at is important, mainly needing to be quiet! But if the alley behind houses so many beauties, any man who looks out the window daily won’t be able to resist. Over time, as word spreads, scholars would avoid coming here, perhaps even be afraid to!

This inn is actually not large, with only five upper rooms available, the rest are middle, lower rooms, and shared spaces that earn less silver; moreover, it’s somewhat remote, neither close to the examination hall nor the docks, naturally making the business sluggish!

"Please, Manager Niu, don’t be offended! But is Manager Niu really willing to nestle in this place for a lifetime?" Gu Chengyu had noticed that although Manager Niu was smooth in doing business, he was not a man without principles. Gu Chengyu wanted to open a restaurant in the Prefecture and thought it better to have Manager Niu work for him, just offering more silver.

"What does the young master mean?" Manager Niu’s eyes widened, wondering if it was what he thought.

"Of course, I want to invite Manager Niu to work for me. I want to open a restaurant and still need a manager. Would Manager Niu be willing?" Although Gu Chengyu was not entirely familiar with Manager Niu’s disposition, restaurants typically have separate accountants, and what he valued was Manager Niu’s capability.

"Is this true?" Manager Niu found it somewhat unbelievable. Actually, apart from rent, his restaurant could earn up to two hundred taels of silver a year, enough for his family of three to get by. Here, he’s not under anyone’s control, but if he goes to Gu Chengyu’s place, he would just be a worker, making him hesitant!

"Manager Niu, no need to rush to decide! I’ll stay in the Prefecture a few more days, you can reply to me before I leave!" Gu Chengyu had anticipated Manager Niu’s hesitation, as going from being one’s own boss to working for someone else, some would not even consider it.

"Then I apologize for needing some time! I must think carefully!"

"As for the mountain bandits, I’ll have to trouble Manager Niu. I’m a scholar and do not wish to be involved! Just report honestly to Prefect Jiang. I’ll take my leave now!" After saying this, Gu Chengyu rose and headed upstairs!

It’s gratifying to find talent, but if one is unwilling, he cannot force it. He doesn’t want to paint a rosy picture, it’s up to Manager Niu to decide!

Manager Niu watched the back of Gu Chengyu as he went upstairs. This young master had an extraordinary bearing, but judging from his classmates nearby, none seemed to belong to an aristocratic family. However, it’s true that his family seemingly lacks no silver, yet he wonders if following Mr. Gu would lead to future prospects.

Manager Niu looked up at the inn, pondering if he is truly to stay here for life. Deep in thought, he finally decided to gather some information before deciding!

Gu Chengyu sat in the number eight examination stall, gazing at the examination paper in front of him. This was the second round, mainly testing informal essays. These essays were much like modern prose but presented in classical Chinese.

The exam did not require a specific format, just the task of composing an informal essay about scenery.

Gu Chengyu thought for a moment, then penned the opening on draft paper, "Proceeding west from a small hill for about a hundred and twenty steps, separated by bamboo, the sound of water is heard, like the ringing of ornaments, the heart delights..." Doing much thinking, he wrote and revised along the way, completing the entire essay by afternoon.

After a final review and slight refinement, he transcribed it onto the official answer sheet.

This time, Gu Chengyu didn’t wait for others to submit first; he was the first to ring the bell, while the row of examinees opposite him were still deep in thought!

Gu Chengyu left the examination hall and saw Ming Mo and Gu Wanqian waiting outside.

"Master, you came out so early?" Ming Mo was slightly surprised that Gu Chengyu finished so quickly, assuming it would take at least another half hour.

The prefectural examination does not require waiting for a specific submission time, once done, handing in the paper allows one to leave!

Gu Chengyu glanced at Gu Wanqian and noted some delight on his face, suspecting things went well!

"Uncle! It’s settled!" Gu Wanqian spoke with a lighthearted tone, a joy emanating from within.

"Let’s head back to the inn to discuss!" Gu Chengyu looked at the family members waiting at the examination hall doors and gestured for Gu Wanqian to hold off on talking further. Given the bandit issue, it’s prudent to remain cautious, as prudence ensures a long and prosperous journey!

Gu Wanqian was initially puzzled but immediately complied: "Okay!"

Gu Chengyu waited at a secluded spot for about an hour until everyone gathered. This time, Gu Wanhua refrained from making careless remarks. Writing an informal essay is feasible, but its quality depends, not having a standard answer.

"Master! The owner of that restaurant agreed to a reduction of two hundred taels of silver, it’s the lowest they’ll go. As for that small shop, the owner is only willing to reduce by thirty taels, that’s the final negotiation price." Upon returning to the inn, Gu Wanqian relayed the final price in Gu Chengyu’s room.

He watched Gu Chengyu nervously, having managed only this. Initially, the broker took him to the owners, who barely gave him a nod, but after his sincere persuasion and logical arguments, he finally pulled his ace, saying if they wouldn’t sell, the young master wouldn’t buy, and after the exams, they’d leave—there’s no guarantee they’d get such an offer. Only then did the owners relent, guessing that Ming Mo’s too eager initial approach made them think it was a must-buy situation.

"Hmm! The price seems reasonable; tomorrow, let’s go take a look, and buy it promptly!" Gu Chengyu pulled ten taels of silver from his pocket and handed it to Gu Wanqian.

"Take it! Buy something good for your grandma to nourish her health!" A promised reward, Gu Chengyu would certainly provide!

Gu Wanqian accepted without refusing, as he needed the silver, and his grandma needed medicine.

A night without a word, and it was judgment day again.

"Master! You came in first this time!" Ming Mo rushed over excitedly, not caring about his messy topknot, and spoke to Gu Chengyu.

"Eh? You can’t just look at Little Uncle’s. How about ours? Did we pass? Ah, no! I must squeeze in to see for myself!" Gu Wanhua watched Ming Mo barely make his way out, suspecting he hadn’t seen their results and wondering if he’d pass, remembering as he pushed through the crowd.

"Ah, Young Master Hua! I forgot, let me go back in and check." With that, Ming Mo squeezed back in.

Gu Wanhua didn’t know martial arts, and joining late to push through was no easy task. Soon enough, he was pushed out by the crowd.

"Just relax here! Ming Mo will help you check properly." Gu Chengyu held Gu Wanhua, stopping him from squeezing further, and spoke to the others.

"Chengyu! You’re incredible, to place first again!" Ye Zhiqiu always admired Gu Chengyu, for consistently standing first or second, making envy fade into mere admiration.