"Exactly, this way we'll know what to expect and can prepare our finances!" Shopkeeper Xia also chimed in with a smile. He was the biggest fabric merchant here, with ample funds, but who would complain about having more money? Money doesn't bite. Where there's an opportunity to make money, everyone will naturally try to invest.
Gu Qingcheng said unhurriedly, "In a few days, I will present a specific plan. I hope to count on the support of all shopkeepers then."
The crowd immediately became restless, their minds filled with possibilities. Gu Qingcheng's appearance on Cha Liaao Island had stirred up a great deal of excitement. This young Master Gu, with his generous spending and intention to build a cargo terminal here, had his presence and plans quickly spread to everyone on Cha Liaao Island. All factions were eager to get a piece of the pie and were secretly keeping a close eye on Gu Qingcheng.
Cha Liaao Island was originally settled by refugees. Due to the island's large size and its sheltered harbor, it gradually developed into its current state. Old and new powers were intertwined, yet no one knew Gu Qingcheng's origins. The various factions, undeterred, continued to inquire everywhere.
The next day, Boss Lu was having tea in his mansion with the shopkeepers he had drunk with the previous night. "Gentlemen shopkeepers, have any of you found out about this Master Gu's background? If so, let's share, we need to know his true intentions, right? After all, while a terminal is profitable, blindly investing money without knowing the other party, especially if he's a fraud, who could bear that?" Boss Du spoke plainly.
These individuals had come to this island to make their fortunes as soon as business opportunities arose, so their bonds were naturally deeper than Gu Qingcheng's. "Indeed, to build a cargo terminal, one needs at least a hundred thousand taels of silver in investment. If he turns out to be a fraud, how will we salvage our situation?" Shopkeeper Su, who ran a pharmacy, certainly wasn't short of speculative funds.
"However, if Master Gu is truly capable of investing in a cargo terminal, and we don't follow suit, we'll miss a golden opportunity to get rich," Shopkeeper Xia was itching to join. Investing in a cargo terminal, Gu Qingcheng would certainly hold the majority stake. If it required a hundred thousand taels of silver, he himself would have to invest at least eighty thousand. These individuals would at most have the chance to contribute the remaining funds, which would then be divided among them. Ultimately, the profit-sharing would be based on the amount of money each contributed.
Of course, even though it was an insignificant portion of the investment, for them, it was already a substantial enough sum to turn their fortunes around. Once the cargo terminal was built, it would bring long-term benefits. How could they not take it seriously? Furthermore, Master Gu clearly did not yet have full control over Cha Liaao Island, hence his need for their assistance and his willingness to share profits. With his capabilities, he might not even need anyone else's financial backing.
They were like fish eyeing bait, knowing the danger, but the bait was too enticing, and they longed to bite. However, the thought of potential mortal peril and fundamental harm made them hesitate.
"Shopkeeper Xia, why don't you and young master Huo inquire? Perhaps he would know if there are any influential families with the surname Gu in the imperial court and if they are connected to Master Gu," Boss Du pondered for a moment and suggested.
"Alright, I'll go inquire immediately." Shopkeeper Xia didn't refuse. This matter was beneficial to everyone, and to him personally. If his intelligence benefited the group, he would undoubtedly reap greater rewards.
After seeing off his guests, Boss Du sat alone, sipping his tea, his brow furrowed in thought, a habitual sign when he was contemplating significant endeavors. At that moment, he noticed someone hurrying through the front hall. Boss Du called out loudly, "Old Zhu, where are you off to now? I haven't seen you for two days, where have you been?"
"Master," the servant named Old Zhu quickly stopped and bowed, "These past two days, the young ladies asked me to buy them some fashionable hairpins and jewelry. Because the styles they wanted were quite specific, I haven't had time to stay at home. I had to find craftsmen to custom-make them. You know, it's not easy to find good craftsmen these days."
"Alas, these two girls are truly spoiled. They always give you such trivial errands to trouble you!" Boss Du said this verbally, but his face wore an expression of doting affection. He had two sons and two daughters. His youngest son had died in the recent flood, and his eldest son was helping with the family's merchant ships. His two daughters were his most cherished treasures. His daughters were in their prime youth, a time when they naturally loved to adorn themselves. He said this to ensure Old Zhu didn't neglect the task out of laziness.
Old Zhu was also a shrewd man. How could he not understand the doting implication in his master's words? He quickly replied with a smile, "It's alright if I, your old servant, have to work a bit harder. The main issue is finding craftsmen. With these recent natural disasters, the number of talented individuals in this field is diminishing. If this were in the city before, whatever jewelry the young ladies desired, they could have bought from the large jewelry shops on the street, and there would be no need for such effort."
"Haha, yes, Old Zhu has watched them grow up since they were little and dotes on them the most. Then I'll trouble you," Boss Du said with a laugh. Old Zhu bowed and left.
Boss Du touched his tea pet, and his thoughts returned to his contemplation. Old Zhu bowed and took his leave, then went to the lower hall, wiping a bead of fine sweat from his brow. He had, of course, lied. Fortunately, his master's mind was not on him, otherwise, he would have detected the flaw. The task entrusted to him by the young lady was difficult, but if his master knew about it now and there was no result, it might ruin the young lady's life. Therefore, whether to speak or not to speak put him in a dilemma.
However, one thing was certain: investigating the young master's background was paramount. If he was from a respectable family, then his master could find an opportunity to arrange a marriage. If he was from an improper family, then that would be the end of it, and his master wouldn't need to know. Fortunately, over the past two days, he had run around the city and had finally accomplished his mission. Old Zhu quickly hurried to the back courtyard to report to the young ladies.
"Young ladies, this is a portrait of the young man I saw. Is this the person you saw that day?" Old Zhu produced a piece of white silk with a sketch of a young man's head on it, drawn with just a few strokes, yet remarkably lifelike.
"Yes, that's him. It's him," the two girls recognized him immediately. The young man had left too deep an impression on them. These two girls were named Lan Yue and Lan Xing. Lan Yue was the elder sister, and Lan Xing was the younger sister. The elder sister was seventeen this year, and the younger sister was two years younger, only fifteen. The elder sister was in the bloom of youth and it was time for her to find a husband. However, as they had relocated to Cha Liaao Island from elsewhere, finding a respectable man whom they truly fancied was proving difficult. The two sisters were secretly worried. Little did they expect that the young man they had incidentally seen that day had captured Lan Yue's heart. Even less did they expect Old Zhu to be so capable and track down the young man's whereabouts. This was truly a tremendous surprise for them.
Lan Yue, being the one directly involved, became incredibly shy upon hearing there was news and dared not ask. Lan Xing had to prompt Uncle Zhu to explain the situation.