NOVEL WEB Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Planning the Shop
Starting a shop seemed like a straightforward idea, but Jiang Huaiyu quickly realized it was far more complicated than she had expected. She needed to hire a skilled manager to handle the accounts since she couldn't sit in the shop day and night. And she'd need to borrow space in Qin Ziqin's workshop outside the city for some of her products.
"Does your workshop have any extra space?" she asked, glancing up at Qin Ziqin. "If not, have Steward Lin come by my house—I need to ask if she knows of any workshops for rent or sale."
Qin Ziqin paused mid-swish of his folding fan, his expression a mix of amusement and indifference. "I'll have Lin come to you. Easier that way."
"…Fine," Jiang Huaiyu replied, narrowing her eyes. For someone who seemed so clueless, Qin Ziqin had a way of carrying himself as though he knew everything. Sometimes, it was infuriating.
"By the way, you still haven't told me what you plan to sell in this shop." Qin Ziqin leaned against the doorframe, his curiosity evident despite his usual nonchalance. "I've thought of all kinds of possibilities, but you're always full of surprises."
"A general store," Jiang Huaiyu replied with a sly smile.
Qin Ziqin blinked, looking perplexed. "That doesn't explain anything."
"Exactly. You'll have to wait and see," she said, her grin widening.
She had no intention of explaining her full plan. Describing her ideas verbally would only confuse him further. How could Qin Ziqin, or anyone in this era, believe her if she claimed to have a product that could make someone smell naturally fragrant? No, Jiang Huaiyu decided it was better to show rather than tell.
Her strategy was clear: she'd start with small batches of unique items that could quietly captivate attention without drawing too much notice. Unlike the bath beans, these products wouldn't spark a frenzy but would still stand out enough to establish her brand. Slowly, she could expand her offerings, testing the market and adapting to its needs.
Dismissing Qin Ziqin's probing questions, she focused on the shop's layout. The surrounding neighborhood catered to merchants and travelers, with an abundance of inns and restaurants but a noticeable lack of variety in goods. Even the food relied on simple spices like pepper and cinnamon, without the complexity Jiang Huaiyu remembered from her world. She resolved to create and sell custom spice blends—a simple but innovative start.
Other ideas buzzed in her mind, but first, she needed to renovate the shop and plan its layout. Her train of thought was interrupted by Qin Ziqin's voice.
"You're still here?" she asked, turning to see him lounging against the doorframe.
Qin Ziqin raised an eyebrow. "Still here? I'm standing right in front of you, and you've been ignoring me completely."
"Sorry, I was lost in thought," Jiang Huaiyu replied with an amused smile. "But don't expect me to treat you to dinner. Why are you still loitering?"
With a flourish, Qin Ziqin produced an intricately crafted rattle drum from behind his back. "I remembered I hadn't given your son a proper gift. Here, for him."
Jiang Huaiyu took the drum, her brows lifting in surprise. It was a ridiculously extravagant piece—crafted from white jade, with golden beads strung on silver wire, and a body of polished rosewood covered in fine deerskin.
"...Wow," she muttered, struggling to find words.
"Nice, right?" Qin Ziqin said, clearly proud of himself.
Nice? More like garish! she thought but couldn't bring herself to dampen his enthusiasm. Instead, she forced a polite smile and nodded. "Thank you. My son will love it."
This level of extravagance could have been better used to create a family heirloom rather than a child's toy, but she chose to hold her tongue.
"It's nothing," Qin Ziqin said with a smug grin. "I'm a marquis, after all. This is just a little trinket."
Jiang Huaiyu resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Since you're so wealthy, how about we change the terms of the bath bean shop? You take zero profit, and I'll keep it all."
Qin Ziqin's grin faltered. "That's… not possible. My household depends on you."
Jiang Huaiyu snorted softly at his quick about-face. This man could bend and twist his words faster than she could keep up. Sometimes it was hard to tell which version of Qin Ziqin was real—the flamboyant marquis or the cunning businessman.
As she packed up her plans and prepared to leave, she said, "Don't forget to send Steward Lin."
"Consider it done," he replied with a light-hearted wave.
Just as Jiang Huaiyu turned to lock the door, a soft, hesitant voice called out.
"Cousin?"
Jiang Huaiyu looked up to see a young woman in a pale yellow dress standing nearby. Her features were delicate, and her expression carried a hint of grievance as she glanced between Jiang Huaiyu and Qin Ziqin.
Qin Ziqin's relaxed demeanor shifted instantly. His brows furrowed as he turned to face her. "What are you doing here?"
The young woman clasped her hands nervously. "I was on my way to meet Feixue at Jingyou Tower to try their fruit wine, but I happened to see you…"
In truth, Li Qingruo had orchestrated this meeting. Encouraged by her friend Murong Feixue, she had deliberately sought out Qin Ziqin's whereabouts. Seeing him talking so casually with another woman, her chest tightened with jealousy.
Jiang Huaiyu, sensing the tension, bowed politely. "I'll be on my way, Marquis Qin. Thank you for your instructions."
Qin Ziqin's eyes widened in disbelief. He was so unaccustomed to Jiang Huaiyu's formal tone that it took him a moment to respond.
"Ah… Yes. Do your best!" he said hastily, playing along with her charade.
Jiang Huaiyu gave a faint smile and quickly walked away, leaving Li Qingruo staring up at Qin Ziqin, her emotions in turmoil.
When the awkward silence grew too much, Li Qingruo forced a smile and said, "So… she's a servant from your estate?"
"No," Qin Ziqin replied firmly. "She's a merchant."
The answer seemed to surprise Li Qingruo, but she masked her reaction with another delicate smile. She resolved to remain composed, even as unease prickled at her heart.