Chapter 183: Chapter 182: The Right Location
Later that afternoon, Li Jain went to visit his grandfather.
The ancestor’s residence was much larger than the Li members residence, but it was not as cold or overly formal as Li Jain expected. There were many trees in the courtyard, few servants could be seen walking through the paths, and several protective formations were hidden around the buildings.
Li Jain was led into the study by a servant. His grandfather was sitting behind a large wooden desk, reading a jade slip in the study room.
As Li Jain approached, the old man withdrew his consciousness from the slip. He then looked up at the unexpected guest. There was no warmth in that gaze, yet no hostility either.
Li Jain bowed and called out: "Grand Father."
The old man looked at him: "What do I own this visit?"
"I have something to discuss with you." Li Jain walked in and sat opposite him: "I intend to reopen the Spiritual Tavern. South River City is different from Qingyang, I don’t know my way around the business area. I need your help."
The old man leaned back, steepled his fingers, and studied his grandson: "In Qingyang Town, you were a big fish in a puddle. There weren’t many risks. Here however, the currents are deep and filled with predators who act unexpectedly. This place is the very opposite of Qingyang town. Have you given it enough thought?"
Li Jain: "Trouble is the least of my worries. The only reason I waited until now was to see how well the children would adjust to living here. Now that everything is settled, It’s time to reopen my business."
"What help do you require?"
Li Jain had already thought of what he needed, so he wasted no time and put in his request: "I need a proper location. Somewhere busy enough for business but not too difficult to settle down. I also need enough space, the bigger the building the better."
The old man tapped on the ironwood desk and said after a moment of thought: "Your destination will be Downtown District Seven. It is the Heart of the Meridian."
Li Jain: "District Seven? I have never heard of that place."
Ancestor Li:... strange, that was your favorite place to go and waste your parents money a few years back.’ The thought crossed the old man’s mind but he didn’t say anything about it.
"Downtown District Seven is one of the busiest areas in South River City. Many large businesses are located there. Business including but not limited to; Spiritual merchants, pill shops, artifact stores, auction branches, cultivation supply houses, and high-level restaurants. They all gather in that area."
Li Jain nodded: "Oh, I see. I will go take a look there tomorrow, thanks."
"There would be large shops for sale. Those unused buildings were once businesses that were unable to continue after losing their backers. They went bankrupt and were forced to relocate. Things like that are common in this city. You should look around first. If your tavern can establish itself in District Seven, you will not lack customers."
Li Jain nodded: "I will do as grandfather said."
The old man then said: "When you find a location, bring me the details. I will have someone check the ownership records and any hidden problems before you purchase it."
Li Jain was slightly surprised, then he smiled: "Got it. Thanks again"
"Don’t mention it." The old man waved his hand.
Just as Li Jain stood up to leave, the old man suddenly asked: "Have you had a talk with your second brother since you came back?"
"My second brother?" Li Jain asked puzzledly. Apart from the person who tried to give him a hard time when he just arrived, the only family members he interacts with are Li Xinyue and the old man.
"I take it that’s a no. When you have time, you should try to visit him."
"Ok." Li Jain agreed. He doesn’t really have a problem with this Li Yiwei, but from his memory, he can tell that the original owner and Yiwei didn’t get along.
When Li Jain left the ancestor’s residence, the sun was already beginning to set. He decided to check out district seven early tomorrow morning. It would be good to find a nice location with his ideal building, this way, he wouldn’t have to go through the trouble of looking for another place.
...
The next morning, Li Jain left the residence early along with Liu Xiong and Li Yujian.
Liu Xiong was dressed in a dark robe that made him look like a powerful guard. Next to him, Li Yujian was wearing a light blue robe. He was also carrying a small notebook and brush with him. After learning that they were going to buy a shop, he came prepared.
Li Zhang wanted to come too, but had to stay behind after being tricked by Li Cheng. Li Zhang was very unhappy about it, but in the end, Li Jain promised to bring everyone to see the chosen building once it was bought. Only then did Li Zhang let them leave.
The flying carriage rose through the morning sky.
District Seven was nearly an hour away from the Li residence, even with the carriage traveling quickly through the city. The closer they got to the area, the busier the streets became. Large merchant carriages moved along the main roads. Cultivators entered and left spiritual tool shops. Several shops had already opened their doors, displaying bright signs outside.
By the time they arrived in District Seven, the area was already crowded.
The streets were wide, but there were so many people that the road felt narrow. Merchant houses stood beside markets. There were several large tea houses and inns. Small food stalls lined the outer streets.
Li Jain looked around and couldn’t help but comment: "This place is very lively."
Liu Xiong nodded: "Too lively. Not a good place to live but very suitable for business."
"This liveliness could invite both customers, but also trouble. The closer we are to the main roads, the more visible the tavern will be. Father, what’s your ideal location?"
Li Jain: "The location doesn’t really matter, as long as the building is three or four times larger than our previous building."
"Whao, you’re going all out."
Liu Xiong laughs and the three continue moving forward.
The salesperson assigned to guide them was a middle-aged man named Sun Qiao. He had been waiting near the District Seven property office since early morning, and when he saw the Li family carriage descend, his eyes brightened.
He had heard enough rumors to know who Li Jain was. The owner of Spiritual Tavern. Although the Spiritual Tavern was far away in Qingyang town, its reputation had spread far and wide.
Sun Qiao had spent the entire morning wondering whether Li Jain would casually buy several buildings at once. Encountering such big fish, as a salesperson, he wanted to use this opportunity to prove himself.
"Master Li," Sun Qiao greeted with a deep bow: "I am Sun Qiao. I have prepared several properties for you to inspect."
Li Jain nodded and returned his greetings: "Thank you for the trouble."
"Please follow me, this way." Sun Qiao quickly led them through District Seven.
The first shop was close to a busy road. It was large and clean, with wide windows and a good front entrance. The location was not bad, and several nearby shops sold spiritual clothes, talismans, and weapons.
But after walking through it, Li Jain shook his head: "This place is too small."
Sun Qiao nodded immediately: "Yes, that is true. The previous owner only sold tea and light snacks."
Li Jain also noticed that there was no proper back courtyard.
Li Yujian added, "The upper floor only has six rooms. It would not be enough if Father needs a place for us to stay during busy periods. We need a much bigger place, three times as big as this one."
Sun Qiao said: "I will try my best to find you the right building. Please follow me to the next location."
The second place was larger, but it was hidden behind several merchant warehouses.
The building itself had enough rooms, a large back courtyard, and even a small storage basement. But the entrance faced a narrow road where fewer guests would notice it.
Li Jain stood outside for some time. Then he shook his head again. Even though he doesn’t care about attraction, the right location will make things easier.
Sun Qiao looked relieved that Li Jain had not rushed into a decision, because he was saving the best for last. As a salesperson, he can’t just put his best foot forward.
He led them to the third shop, then the fourth.
They compared the roads, the crowd flow, the building sizes, and the surrounding businesses. By noon, Li Jain still had not found one he liked.
Sun Qiao wiped sweat from his forehead. Then he hesitated before saying, "Master Li, there is one more place. It is larger than the others, and the location is excellent. But..."
Li Jain looked at him: "Continue."
Sun Qiao lowered his voice: "It’s an abandoned building. No business had ever lasted more than a few months there."
Liu Xiong’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Li Yujian looked interested instead: "Why is that?"
Sun Qiao shook his head and led them farther into District Seven. At the end of the road stood a large nine-story building with a faded sign hanging above its entrance.
The sign was old, but the words could still be seen; ’Cloud River Spiritual Feast Hall.’
The building itself was large.
It had a wide front hall, several private rooms upstairs, and a rear courtyard. Behind the main building stood a smaller residence with enough rooms for many people to stay.
Li Jain’s eyes brightened immediately: "This place is just right."
"Are you sure it’s not too big?" Liu Xiong muttered
Sun Qiao nodded: "It used to be one of the most successful spiritual food restaurants in District Seven, then it was turned into a brothel and several more, but unfortunately, they all went bankrupt and were forced to close down."
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