I was pampered like a treasure after being married off to the young marshal, but my father and broth

At this moment, Chi Qingyuan's expression was even more interesting than Shang Sheyu's.

He had only heard the shopkeeper say that two wealthy young ladies wanted to buy the shop, but he didn't pay much attention to it, assuming they were just rich girls out for fun.

But when he saw the woman sitting in the chair, his eyes widened in shock, and he stood frozen in place.

Isn't this the Miss Shang who caught my eye at his and Shang Pengyue's wedding banquet?

Chi Qingyuan felt his heart skip a beat.

She possessed an indescribable quality, both familiar and strange, that made him want to get closer. Even in the days after their marriage, whenever he faced Shang Pengyue's arrogant and domineering face, the image of Shang Sheyu's tranquil and serene demeanor would occasionally appear in his mind.

That feeling was strange.

"The boss? The boss?"

Seeing Chi Qingyuan staring blankly at the girl, the shopkeeper coughed twice, somewhat embarrassed, to remind him.

Chi Qingyuan snapped out of his daze, adjusted his glasses to conceal his reaction, and quickly put on a gentle smile before walking over.

"I never expected it to be Miss Shang San."

His voice was gentle, tinged with surprise, and his eyes were fixed on Shang Sheyu, sparkling with eagerness.

"Since our parting at the last wedding banquet, I have always felt regretful that I was unable to have a proper conversation with Miss San. I never expected that we would meet again today in my own shop."

Upon hearing this form of address, Shang Sheyu frowned slightly.

Logically speaking, since he married Shang Pengyue, he should address her as "Third Sister" just like Shang Pengyue.

The address "Miss Shang the Third" deliberately created a generational distinction between the relatives.

Shang Sheyu's expression remained indifferent; he did not stand up, but merely nodded slightly.

"Young Master Chi."

Distancing, indifferent, and businesslike.

Jiang Yueyan, who was standing to the side, also recognized Chi Qingyuan at this moment.

She was waiting to see who the owner of the shop was, but when she saw that it was the young master who had been rumored to have gone to brothels right after getting married, and also the husband of that annoying, sycophantic merchant, her face immediately fell.

"Why is it you?"

Jiang Yueyan pursed her lips and rolled her eyes without any politeness.

"What a small world! You can run into people you don't want to see just by buying a shop."

Chi Qingyuan was not annoyed. He glanced at Jiang Yueyan and recognized her as the eldest daughter of the Jiang family. He then maintained his elegant smile.

"Miss Jiang is too kind. This is probably fate."

As he spoke, his gaze returned to Shang Sheyu.

The intensity in those eyes made Shang Sheyu feel extremely uncomfortable.

"Since Miss Shang has taken a liking to this shop, then everything is negotiable." Chi Qingyuan pulled out a chair opposite him and sat down, leaning forward slightly to adopt a familiar posture. "The shopkeeper just said you offered two thousand silver dollars?"

Although Jiang Yueyan disliked him, she was more concerned about saving money for her third sister-in-law, so she said irritably, "What? You think it's too little? This shop is in a good location, but it's right across from Tongrentang, so business is very difficult. Two thousand silver dollars is already an astronomical price. Don't even think about raising the price."

Chi Qingyuan shook his head, looked deeply at Shang Sheyu, and suddenly smiled.

"Miss Jiang has misunderstood."

He extended a long, slender finger and tapped it lightly on the table.

"Since it's Miss Shang who wants it, talking about money would hurt our feelings. How about this, one thousand silver dollars?"

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, not only Jiang Yueyan, but even the shopkeeper standing to the side was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped to the ground.

One thousand silver dollars?

This is practically free!

The land alone in this location is worth more than this.

The shopkeeper was sweating profusely, trying to dissuade him: "Master, this..."

Chi Qingyuan raised his hand to stop the shopkeeper, his eyes fixed on Shang Sheyu: "What does Miss San think? If you still think it's too high, we can discuss it further."

Shang Sheyu clenched his hands tightly on his knees.

If it were anyone else, they would probably be overjoyed to hear about such a huge bargain.

But Shang Sheyu just felt disgusted.

Offering unsolicited favors is either a sign of malice or theft.

She knew him better than anyone else.

This discount of one thousand dollars, seemingly a gesture of goodwill, is actually bait.

Shang Sheyu took a deep breath, raised her head, and her gaze was as cold as ice.

"No need."

Her voice was clear and resonant.

"Business is business, and personal relationships are personal relationships. I'll pay whatever this shop is worth—two thousand silver dollars, not a penny less. If Young Master Chi is willing to sell, we can sign the contract now. If not, then let's call it a day."

Chi Qingyuan was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting her to refuse so decisively.

A look of surprise flashed across his eyes, which then turned into even greater interest.

This woman is indeed different from ordinary women.

"Why be so formal, Miss Third?"

Chi Qingyuan didn't give up; instead, he leaned forward even more: "Our two families are related by marriage. You're Pengyue's older sister, which means you're my sister too. We're family, so there's no need for formalities. If I were to make money off you, wouldn't I be scolded by my elders when I go back?"

"Besides..."

He glanced around at the somewhat dilapidated shop.

"This shop has been in disrepair for years and is indeed not worthy of Miss San's status. If Miss San doesn't mind, I'll take care of the renovation. I know a few designers who have returned from studying abroad and I'm sure they can decorate this place beautifully according to Miss San's preferences."

The atmosphere in the room became strange after these words were spoken.

Jiang Yueyan stared wide-eyed at Chi Qingyuan, then at Shang Sheyu, her little brain a bit confused.

this...

Is this something a brother-in-law should say to his sister-in-law?

Do you want the renovation to be handled entirely according to my preferences?

That's a bit too eager.

Even the shopkeeper sensed something was amiss. He lowered his head and pretended to wipe the counter, but his ears were perked up.

Shang Sheyu's anger flared up instantly.

She looked coldly at Chi Qingyuan, a mocking smile curving her lips.

"Young Master Chi," she emphasized, her eyes sharp as knives, "please have some self-respect."

"You are Shang Pengyue's husband, and I am Shang Pengyue's sister. There is nothing between us except this marriage relationship. I bought this shop to do legitimate business. I don't need Young Master Chi to go to such lengths. If Young Master Chi continues to speak unclearly and cause misunderstandings, then it's better not to do this business."

These words were extremely impolite; they were practically a direct slap in the face to Chi Qingyuan.

Chi Qingyuan's smile froze for a moment.

Looking at Shang Sheyu's icy face, he felt a strange pang of pain in his heart.

Why is she always so cold to him, even carrying a strange hostility?

He sensed it from the very first time they met.

The look in her eyes held no appreciation, only defensiveness and indifference.

Chi Qingyuan considered himself dashing and debonair, with an outstanding family background and appearance, making him a hot commodity in the socialite circles of the Northern Territory. He had shown her such affection, and she didn't appreciate it, so why did she have to keep him at arm's length?