USWHC -Chapter 328 Fooling, Then Continuing to Fool (Part 8)

“No mistake, this really is fine quality!” When she came out again, the madam—completely uncharacteristically—looked very satisfied.

Then she turned to the old man behind her and said, “Go fetch 550 taels of silver!”

Five hundred fifty taels? The Zhu family was stunned. They had just been haggling the price down, and now, in the blink of an eye, she was raising it?

“Mom, it was me who told her!” Zhu Jie smiled and winked at Old Madam Zhu.

Old Madam Zhu’s eyes lit up. What a clever girl! Even more skilled than herself—she had actually persuaded the buyer to increase the price. This was the first time she’d seen such a thing!

The Zhu family was instantly filled with joy and excitement. More money! Wonderful! The losses from the past few days were finally recovered!

The madam then pulled out several documents and smiled at the Zhu family, saying, “Since everyone’s satisfied, let’s sign the contracts of servitude!”

Old Madam Zhu glanced at them and noticed there were three documents—one in front of each of the three women. She asked in surprise, “Isn’t this arranged incorrectly?”

Zhu Jie quickly replied, “Yes, it must be in the wrong place!” She moved the document in front of her back in front of Old Man Zhu. “I can’t read, so let Dad check it for me.”

“That still doesn’t need three documents!” Old Madam Zhu said, puzzled.

“Mom, the whole family has to sign. Otherwise, if you refuse to acknowledge that you sold me, what if you come causing trouble at Yingchun House? This is the rule!” Zhu Jie explained.

Then she said to the madam, “This is my mother’s first time; she doesn’t know the rules. Please don’t laugh!”

Ah, what a good girl! The madam couldn’t help sighing in admiration. She had never seen anyone care about the house like this. Truly a girl who loves the house as her home!

In truth, the Zhu family could barely read. If they had, they’d have gone to take the imperial exam long ago, not scam people outside.

The Zhu family simply stared, eyes wide, glancing at one another. Seeing this, the madam chuckled, “Look at you all. Can I really fool so many people? Don’t worry, you’ll all live well from now on!”

The Zhu family calculated in their hearts: well, it’s not like we’re being sold, so whatever happens later doesn’t matter. The important thing is to get the money first—this is all owed by the Ji family, after all!

Without hesitation, the Zhu family dipped their brushes, drew circles, and pressed their handprints. Yes, the contracts could be signed so happily!

Once the contracts were signed, Zhu Jie should have gone with the people from the house—ready to be trained and teased.

But she tightly held the hands of Old Madam Zhu and Zhu Shishi, reluctant to leave. “Mom, sister, I really can’t bear to leave you! Why don’t you come with me to my new room for a while?”

“Ah? That’s not good, is it?” Zhu Shishi hesitated.

“Exactly, the madam wouldn’t agree!” Old Madam Zhu quickly refused.

Seeing them unwilling, Zhu Jie’s eyes filled with tears. “Do you dislike this place, sister and mom?”

“Not at all!” Old Madam Zhu exclaimed. How is this happening again? She quickly shifted the responsibility back to the madam: “The boss really wouldn’t agree. There’s no need to make things difficult, right?” She looked at the madam as if daring her to forcibly drag Zhu Jie away right now.

But the madam generously said, “No problem. We’re all family anyway—going to have a look won’t hurt!”

Old Madam Zhu felt a bit disappointed, but Zhu Shishi was slightly curious about the brothel. She thought it might be interesting to see if the rooms in Yingchun House were different from ordinary rooms.

Seeing Zhu Jie happily leading Old Madam Zhu and Zhu Shishi to explore the place, the madam felt delighted. “Yes! Wonderful! If every girl who came to Yingchun House felt this sense of belonging, that would be perfect.”

Then Zhu Jie turned and shouted outside, full of joy: “Someone, bring wine and dishes, and take good care of this master! Today, this gentleman is rich!”

As soon as the words fell, someone brought fine wine and food. Two beautiful women, moving gracefully, approached and sat next to Old Man Zhu, their voices sweet and coaxing: “Master~”