Future Pet Shop

"That's right. All of us, and Hah'Er too, can wear your handicrafts and be live models for you. It'll be much better than waiting for customers on the overpass," Xia Shixuan chimed in. Li's craftsmanship was exquisite, and from their interactions over the past two days, it was clear she was a woman of impeccable character. Add to that the sweet and adorable Lv Tiantian, and they were naturally happy to help. Besides, with a master artisan like her around, they would get first pick of any new creations. It was a win-win situation, helping someone in need while also benefiting themselves—who would say no to that?

"You've all helped me so much already. How could I possibly trouble you any further?" Li was unwilling to impose on others for no reason; it would make her feel guilty.

"But this is good for us, too," Xia Shixuan reasoned. "Look, customers who come to our store don't just buy pets. They also need pet food, clothes, toys, and all sorts of other things. Your handicrafts can be worn by pets, so this is just another way for us to accommodate our customers, wouldn't you say? If our customers are happy, they're sure to recommend us to their friends. In the long run, business at the store will improve. This benefits both of us, so you're not taking advantage of us at all."

"Exactly," Shen Yibin added earnestly. "It's like vendors at a market. I'm here selling soy milk, and you're next door selling fried dough sticks. We complement each other, so business gets better for both of us. If you only have soy milk or only have dough sticks, you can't fully satisfy your customers, and business will suffer."

"You can't compare it like that. Your store is full of so many high-quality things. Even without my little trinkets, your business would only get better and better." Li was, after all, in her seventies, with a lifetime of experience that far surpassed that of these youngsters. She understood their kind intentions after just a moment of thought. Still, doing business here was certainly better than on the overpass. At least here, she wouldn't have to worry about city management or be exposed to the elements. Most importantly, Lv Tiantian was about to start university, and there would be no shortage of expenses. Her own savings were likely not nearly enough. If it were just about her, she might have refused, but this was about her granddaughter's future. When she thought about that, she couldn't bring herself to refuse outright.

"Fine, I can stay here, but I have a few conditions, and I must insist that you agree to them, Boss Shen," Li said gravely after a moment of thought. "If you don't agree, then I'll just go back to the overpass."

"Okay, please, tell us. We promise we'll agree." Li had finally relented, and Shen Yibin was quick to promise. "As long as it's within our power, it's absolutely no problem."

"Very well, then I'll state my terms. First, since I'll be occupying space in your store to do business, I must pay rent." Li looked at Shen Yibin and said earnestly, "Please calculate how much it will be per month."

"You'll mostly be on the second floor, which isn't a commercial space anyway. How could I possibly charge you rent? Besides, I own this store, I'm not renting it from someone else. I don't have that expense, so let's just forget about rent," Shen Yibin said, waving his hands dismissively.

"Look at you. Just a moment ago you promised you'd agree. How can you go back on your word already?" Li feigned a look of anger. "Well, if you won't even agree to the first condition, then I'll just go back!"

"Alright, alright, I agree! Is that better? Um... how does a thousand a month sound? Renting a small stall on the street probably costs less than that, so you can't say I'm ripping you off!" Shen Yibin said hastily, trying to make her stay. 'Even at a thousand a month,' he thought, 'it's a much better deal than the overpass. She could probably earn that back in a single day.'

"How can a small street stall compare to your store? I'm going to go out in a little while and ask about the rent for the shops next door. We can discuss the details when I get back." Li still refused to agree. "We'll set that aside for now. Let's move on to the second matter."

"Okay, please go on. I'm listening." 'Sigh, this old lady is so scrupulous,' Shen Yibin thought. He didn't know what else to say, so he just continued to listen quietly.

"As you can see, I'm just an old woman who isn't very good with words. I don't know how to talk to customers or introduce my work. You referred today's customer, Boss Shen, and Miss Xia was the one who brought yesterday's customer up. She even put in a good word for me to close the sale. So, I must compensate you." 'Damn, this woman's methods are completely airtight,' Shen Yibin thought. 'She even thought of commission.' "Therefore, from now on, for every piece I sell, I'm giving you a thirty percent cut. If you don't accept, I'll be too embarrassed to trouble you!"

"Also, I may be old, but I'm still spry. In the future, if there are any chores around the store like wiping tables or sweeping floors, if I can help, you have to let me. I'd feel terrible just standing around watching..." She listed her conditions one by one, yet hardly any of them were for her own benefit.

As they listened, Shen Yibin and Xia Shixuan found their respect for Li growing. Finally, Shen Yibin sighed. "Ah, no wonder Miss Lv is so sensible. With a wonderful grandmother like you, it's only right that she's turned out so well. Alright, I won't argue with you anymore. I agree to all your conditions. From now on, you can just settle in here and not worry."

"I know you're good people, Boss Shen, and that you pity an old woman like me. But one can't always live by taking advantage of others. By staying here, my business will surely get better and better, so this is what you deserve." With that, Li stood up. "Alright, I'm going out to ask about the rent for the neighboring shops. When I get back, we'll draw up a contract!"

"'Draw up a contract?' Oh, you mean like a formal written agreement?" It took Shen Yibin a moment to understand what Li meant. 'Heh, she may be in her seventies, but she's even more by-the-book than we are.'

After a trip out to inquire about the local market rates, she returned and firmly insisted on increasing the rent severalfold. Only then, satisfied, did Li sign the contract with Shen Yibin.

"Excellent! To celebrate the official start of our partnership, I'll show off my cooking skills tonight. I'll whip up a feast so we can all celebrate with a great meal," Shen Yibin said cheerfully.

That afternoon, Hah'Er and Xiaoliu didn't go out to play. Instead, they wandered around the store wearing the pendants, which drew customers upstairs to order custom-made handicrafts from Li.

When it was time for dinner, Shen Yibin drove to the school to pick up Lv Tiantian so they could all celebrate the new partnership together. But during the celebration, Shen Yibin discovered a new problem.