Chapter 257: The Considerate Second Sister-in-Law
Chapter 257: The Considerate Second Sister-in-Law
Lu Jiaguang had originally intended to discuss the matter of relocating their ancestors' graves with Lu Jiaxin, and even promised to visit the new burial site during festivals and holidays. However, Lu Jiaxin's attitude made it clear that she was merely informing them of her decision and had no intention of consulting them.
Realizing this, Lu Jiaguang quickly changed the subject. "Jiaxin, I heard that your antique shop acquired a valuable item last month. Someone wanted to buy it, but the owner refused, and the potential buyer caused a scene at the shop."
Lu Jiaxin was taken aback. "Qian Sensei didn't call me about this."
Lu Jiaguang smiled as he explained, "He called me, and I asked Old Li to take care of it. Now everyone knows that the owner of the antique shop has connections, and no one will dare to cause trouble again."
"Big Brother, what does this leader enjoy?"
Since they were family, Lu Jiaguang didn't hold back. "He likes Wuyishan's Dahongpao tea. I managed to get half a catty for him. Don't worry about this matter; I'll handle it. Jiaxin, can this shop owner truly be trusted? Antique shops should be buying and selling. If he's not willing to sell even when offered a high price, it wouldn't have caused this dispute."
Lu Jiaxin smiled and said, "I told him not to sell any rare and precious items and to keep them all for me. The prices in the mainland and in Hong Kong City differ by at least five times. If we sell at mainland prices, we'll be making a huge loss. Big Brother, the antique shop has been open for quite some time now, and we've acquired quite a few valuable pieces. However, I don't need the money right now, so I plan to keep these items for my collection and not sell them for the time being."
Lu Jiaguang hadn't expected her to have such intentions. "That's fine, too. It's good to keep the items left by our ancestors. Otherwise, they might end up being bought by foreigners and we'll never see them again."
Lu Jiaxin asked, "Big Brother, now that Lu Ping is back, isn't the house quite crowded?"
Lu Jiaguang didn't deny it, but he assured her that it wasn't a problem and that Lu Ping would move into a dorm when he started working. "Don't worry about me. Ms. Gu has been so kind to you, so you should take good care of her."
Lu Jiaxin didn't tell him about Gu Xiuxiu's dementia, as it would only worry him and he couldn't do much to help anyway. "Big Brother, if we don't sell the items at the antique shop, I won't be able to calculate the profits and give you your share."
Lu Jiaguang didn't want her shares at all. "What share? I didn't invest any money or effort into your shop. If I take your money, what kind of person would I be?"
Lu Jiaxin knew that he truly had no selfish intentions, but he wasn't alone anymore—he had a family now. "Big Brother, if I go back on my word, what kind of person would I be? And what if Big Sister-in-Law finds out? If this affects our relationship as siblings, it wouldn't be worth it."
"Your Big Sister-in-Law isn't that kind of person."
"I know she isn't," Lu Jiaxin said. "But we can't take advantage of her kindness and go back on our word. Big Brother, I originally planned to give you and Big Sister-in-Law five thousand yuan each year. That way, in two years, you could buy a bigger house. But then I thought about the fact that you and Big Sister-in-Law aren't doing business and only have your fixed salaries. If you suddenly had such a large sum of money to buy a house, people might report it, and it could bring trouble to the antique shop and your friend. If I give you a house and say it's a gift, people won't suspect anything."
"It doesn't matter. I've already donated two million yuan, so giving you a set of houses isn't a big deal. There might be some gossip, though."
Lu Jiaguang immediately refused, saying that he couldn't accept a house from her.
Lu Jiaxin said, "If you're worried about what others might say, then I can give you five thousand yuan each year as your share of the profits. In a few years, you'll be able to buy a house yourself. Big Brother, this is a major family matter, and you can't make the decision alone. Go back and discuss it with Big Sister-in-Law."
"Alright."
After seeing them out, Lu Jiaxin called Lu Jiazong and his wife into the house. "Did Xiaoqiu tell you about the clothing store? Second Brother, Second Sister-in-Law, what do you think about this?"
She felt that her Second Sister-in-Law had good ideas and wouldn't refuse.
Lu Jiaoxin's Second Sister-in-Law spoke earnestly. "Jiaxin, it's better to be rich on the road than at home. Everything costs money in Hong Kong City, and we can't rely on Auntie for everything. The clothing store can bring in three to four thousand yuan a year, which can help a lot."
After some hesitation, she continued, "Your Auntie is getting up there in age. I'm not cursing her, but when people get old, anything can happen. Your Auntie has her own children, so her money probably won't go to you. You still have four years of university ahead of you, and that costs money. Having some savings will give you peace of mind in case something unexpected happens."
Her words were comforting, and Lu Jiaxin assured them with a smile, "You don't need to worry about me. Auntie has bought a house in Hong Kong City for me and my cousin, and she's also set up an education fund for us. This fund will ensure that we can complete our studies no matter what happens. Also, I've been doing some investments on my own, and I've made quite a bit of money this year. Second Sister-in-Law, I know you're considering my best interests, but I truly don't need the money right now."
After hearing this, her Second Sister-in-Law was relieved. "Jiaxin, Auntie has planned so thoroughly for you. You must take good care of her in the future!"
"Don't worry, I will. As for the clothing store, you can take it over. I don't know about the transfer fee, so you can go and inquire about it. Just pay the market price," Lu Jiaxin said. She could have just given it to them directly, but she knew that her Second Sister-in-Law and Xiaoqiu wouldn't accept it.
Her Second Sister-in-Law was a straightforward person, and she readily agreed. "Alright, since you don't need the money, we'll take over the store."
Lu Jiaxin nodded and then asked, "Second Sister-in-Law, it's not ideal for you to keep setting up a stall like this. It's too difficult when it's windy, rainy, or during the winter. Why don't you buy a small shop instead? It doesn't have to be big, just about ten square meters or so."
Lu Jiazong shook his head. "No, shops are too expensive. The one next to our stall is only about twenty square meters, and it's selling for 36,000 yuan! That's daylight robbery!"
Lu Jiaxin smiled. "Second Brother, 36,000 yuan sounds like a lot, but this is a fixed asset that can be passed down to your descendants. There's an old saying that goes, 'One shop can support three generations.' It means that a single shop can support a family for three generations. Moreover, the shops and houses in Si Jiucheng will only get more expensive over time. If you have the money now and borrow a little more, you can afford it. In ten or twenty years, you won't be able to afford it even if you borrow money."
Lu Jiaoxin's Second Brother was tempted by this idea.
Upon hearing that house prices would continue to rise, her Second Sister-in-Law quickly agreed. "Jiaxin, we'll listen to you. When we save up enough money, we'll buy a small shop first, and then we'll save up to buy a house."
Lu Jiaxin nodded. "Don't worry, buying a shop or a house is a safe investment."
After all, they lacked education and technical skills, so they could only rely on their hard work. Buying a shop or a house was the safest option. With the diligence of her Second Brother and Second Sister-in-Law, along with her guidance, it wouldn't be a problem for them to own a shop and two or three houses in a decade or so.
(End of Chapter)
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