Severed ties and living in a dilapidated house? No worries, the poor thing has a space.

Wang Yuan still harbors resentment over the experience of being severely punished with twenty strokes of the cane. The pain and humiliation seem to be etched into his bones, making it unforgettable. Every time he recalls it, it is as clear and profound as if it were yesterday.

I remember when I last met Fang Yu, I thought she had a certain captivating beauty. But seeing her again today, she seems to have grown even more beautiful, especially her skin, which is as white as snow and as delicate as cream.

If it were anyone else, Fang Yu might have been willing to exchange a few words with them. But when it came to the Wang family, she had absolutely no interest.

As the saying goes, one's appearance reflects one's heart. Just by looking at the ill intent on Wang Yuan's face, one could tell that this man was no good. It wasn't that Fang Yu couldn't afford to offend him, but rather that he didn't want to invite trouble.

Without hesitation, she turned around and prepared to leave. Unexpectedly, Wang Yuan reached out and blocked her path: "Miss Fang, wait a moment. I just saw you were interested in renting this shop. Why are you in such a hurry to leave now that you've changed hands?"

Fang Yu's gaze first fell on the folding fan he was tightly holding, and then slowly moved to his face, a contemptuous smile appearing on her lips: "I did intend to rent it just now, but I don't want to now."

Wang Yuan slowly withdrew his arm, his movements elegant and composed. He gently flicked the folding fan in his hand, then leisurely fanned himself twice, a gentle breeze bringing a touch of coolness.

Then, he raised his head slightly, a carefree smile on his face, and said, "Now that Prefect Zhang has been arrested and imprisoned, and the Inspector General is an official from Yunjing, it must be time for him to return to Yunjing as well. Miss Fang, are you perhaps worried about losing your support, which is why you are so wary of me?"

Fear? Hearing this word, Fang Yu couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing. It was just a mere provocation, yet she actually fell for it.

She smiled slightly, then turned around and walked gracefully back to the seat she had just been sitting in, where she sat down.

She reached for the teacup on the table, first gently stroking the rim with her slender fingers, then parting her lips to take a small sip of tea. Setting the cup down, she looked up at Wang Yuan, her tone calm yet firm, and said, "I see that you seem very keen to rent this shop to me. In that case, I cannot refuse your kind offer. Let's have a proper discussion."

"Great job!" Wang Yuan exclaimed, clapping his hands in praise. He then sat down in the seat next to her. He stared intently at Fang Yu and asked curiously, "May I ask what kind of business Miss Fang plans to do with this shop?"

However, Fang Yu merely glanced at him indifferently and replied, "This is probably not something Young Master Wang should worry about. If Young Master Wang is willing to rent the shop to me, then we can continue our discussion; if not, I will not bother you any longer and will take my leave now." With that, she made as if to get up and leave again.

Seeing this, Wang Yuan quickly reached out to stop her, saying urgently, "Miss Fang, please wait! This shop will naturally be rented to you."

Although Wang Yuan had been recuperating from his injuries, he had heard about the major and minor events that had occurred in the city. In particular, the delicious roasted meat that had driven the entire Qingshan City crazy was actually made by this seemingly unknown woman, which made him look at her with new respect.

Now that he heard that she was going to open a shop and do business, Wang Yuan was filled with curiosity and anticipation, eager to know what kind of big business she was going to make.

Looking back, because of that Zhang man's bullying and suppression, the Wang family had no way to make a name for themselves in the business world, even though they wanted to.

No matter what methods they used to pull strings, find connections, or offer bribes, they could hardly catch Zhang Shicong's eye. All their efforts were in vain, and the Wang family could only swallow their humiliation.

However, things are different now. With the changing situation, Qingshan City is no longer the domain of one person, but a stage shared by everyone.

So when the final rent was still the same as the price the shop assistant had quoted, Wang Yuan thought everything would proceed smoothly and he would soon be able to sign and seal the document.

Just then, Fang Yu suddenly stopped what she was doing. She raised her head slightly, looked at Wang Yuan with a firm gaze, and said, "Young Master Wang, I think it's necessary for us to agree on three rules first." In fact, she had already figured out that this guy surnamed Wang was no good and definitely had ill intentions.

Wang Yuan never expected that Fang Yu had such a hidden trick up his sleeve. In fact, he had long coveted this shop, but he hadn't dared to make a move before because he was wary of the Zhang family's power.

Now that I've finally managed to buy it, I really can't find a suitable use for it in the short term, so I might as well rent it out for now and at least generate some income.

Since that's the case, it wouldn't hurt to listen to her so-called "three rules." So, Wang Yuan replied with feigned generosity, "There's no need for such formalities between us, Miss Fang, just speak your mind."

Fang Yu gently shook his head and said firmly, "Given your past engagement with Fang Ling, you cannot appear in this shop at will unless there is something particularly important. Moreover, only I can terminate the lease; you cannot unilaterally tear up the contract. Furthermore, our relationship is merely a lease agreement, so there's no need for any attempts to establish kinship or curry favor. These are my current requirements. What do you think of this, Young Master Wang?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuan couldn't help but twitch his lips, muttering to himself. He was clearly the owner of this shop, yet after hearing her say these words, he felt like an outsider, as if she were the one in charge.

He hesitated and dawdled for a long time, unable to give a clear answer. Seeing this, Fang Yu simply put down the pen he was holding and said calmly, "Since Young Master Wang has not yet thought it through, let's talk again after you have made up your mind."

Just then, Wang Yuan suddenly seemed to have made up his mind and hurriedly replied, "Alright! I will grant all of your requests, young lady."

However, in a corner out of his sight, a subtle, almost imperceptible smile curved Fang Yu's lips. She picked up her pen again and meticulously wrote down every word and sentence she had just spoken, until finally, she solemnly signed her name on the contract.

Although it was only a few words, the way she wrote it revealed a bold and unrestrained spirit, making people's eyes light up.

Wang Yuan stared at her from afar, his gaze gradually turning strange. He had inquired about the Fang family beforehand; they were just honest, simple farmers. But he never expected that this woman named Fang Yu would not only be literate but also possess such beautiful handwriting.

At this moment, Wang Yuan couldn't help but say, "Miss Fang is truly a hidden talent. But in my opinion, there's no need to sign these three rules, is there?"

Fang Yu replied with a serious expression, "Precisely because Young Master Wang's character is flawed, this is a crucial guarantee for me. Of course, if Young Master Wang is truly unwilling to sign this contract, then consider all my words as having vanished with the wind."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yuan fell silent. In truth, if he hadn't been so curious about what kind of business Fang Yu was planning, and if he hadn't harbored a small, selfish motive, how could he have been so easily manipulated by her? Despite his reluctance, Wang Yuan gritted his teeth, picked up the pen, and signed his name.

Seeing this, Fang Yu immediately handed him the contract and then unceremoniously dismissed him: "Alright, Young Master Wang, please take care. I won't see you off."

Seeing this, Wang Yuan muttered to himself, "What kind of situation is this? Who exactly owns this shop?"

However, even though he was dissatisfied, he was helpless and could only turn around and leave dejectedly.

Wang Yuan's lips twitched even more violently than before.

Fang Yuping reminded him in a low voice, "Young Master Wang, don't forget our three-point agreement. Besides, you were the one who begged to rent the shop to me, not the other way around."

With the shop secured, opening is just around the corner.

She closed the door; it was time to go home. The matter with her partner wasn't urgent for now.

Just as I turned the corner at the city gate, I heard hurried footsteps behind me, and before I could even turn around, I heard a familiar voice.

"Fang Yu".

Turning around, she saw it was Fang Ling. Without intending to acknowledge her, she continued walking forward.

Fang Ling gripped her basket tightly and caught up, saying with a hint of smugness, "You still look down on people? Your barbecue does sell well, but fortunes change, so what's there to be so arrogant about?"

Fang Yu picked at her ear and pointed to a half-eaten and discarded steamed bun by the roadside: "That's for you. Stop yelling in my ear, you're so noisy."

"Fang Yu, what do you mean? You didn't expect me to figure out your method of grilling meat, did you? Do you know how much silver I earned today?"

She pointed a finger at Fang Yu and said, "Two hundred coins! Did you already have this plan in mind? No wonder you tried to get your mother to sever ties with us. You're really cunning..."

"call out……"

Before Ling could finish speaking, a steamed bun covered in rotten leaves was stuffed into her mouth.

By the time Fang Ling realized what was happening and spat out the steamed bun, Fang Yu had already disappeared. She was so angry that she stomped her feet a few times.

Fang Yu knew that if she didn't use some tricks, Fang Ling might start yelling at her all the way to Xishan Village.

After several days of busy work, the new courtyard is taking shape. With so many people working, it should be almost finished before the Mid-Autumn Festival.

By the way, Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon. In previous years, I've only seen mooncakes, but I've never even tasted them. This year, I'm determined to have a proper celebration for Mid-Autumn Festival.

Li had changed into her newly made clothes and was sitting and chatting with Fang Xin at the door.

Fang Yu stood to the side watching the people working on the new house. Fang Xin came over and whispered to her, "Sister, Lin Wu is finally not coming. I don't like him coming to our house. He clearly has ulterior motives towards you."

Today, Lin Wu was nowhere to be seen among the workers. She had finished discussing the details with the craftsmen and then left it to them, so she hadn't asked about it for two days and hadn't paid any attention to the workers.

It seems that Lin Wu has come to his senses and realized that earning the few dozen coins from her is not as good as hunting in the mountains.