Sarah Harper said, “Father should know that the main reason Jin Yu Lou is so eager to buy Chen Lou is because they want to acquire Chen Lou’s kitchen. As everyone knows, the chefs at Jin Yu Lou are not as skilled as those at Chen Lou. This is Jin Yu Lou’s only shortcoming, and it’s not something that money can fix. Although many restaurants have said they don’t want to compete with Jin Yu Lou in Liangyuan, if it’s just the kitchen for sale, I think they would be very interested.”

“You make a valid point.”

Edward Harper nodded slightly and continued, “But if we split up the sale, and the kitchen is sold first, then the value of Chen Lou will drop significantly. From a business perspective, selling everything together is clearly more reasonable. After all, business isn’t about stubbornness or pride, and Helen Brooks isn’t that kind of person.”

Sarah Harper said, “That’s exactly the brilliance of splitting up the sale.”

“How so?”

“At the moment, this deal is like stagnant water—there’s not even a ripple, and everything in the water is clear for all to see. That’s why no one is interested, which is very advantageous for Jin Yu Lou. If we want to change this situation, we must first stir the waters, make the interests involved less clear. Only then will people become interested, and we’ll have the opportunity to make this deal happen.”

“I see.”

Edward Harper nodded, looking quite pleased. “You really have thought this through.” As he spoke, he couldn’t help but sigh, “If only Brian Grant had even a tenth of your ability, I wouldn’t have to worry about this. Alright, I’ll leave this matter entirely in your hands and won’t interfere.”

“Your daughter will not let you down.”

As she left the main hall, she happened to see William Harper approaching. Sarah Harper asked, “Has Helen Brooks left?”

“He just left a short while ago.” William Harper nodded.

Sarah Harper asked, “How long did my husband talk with him?”

William Harper quickly replied, “He didn’t really talk to him, just saw him to the door and then went back inside.”

“Is that so?”

Sarah Harper frowned slightly.

William Harper said, “Please don’t worry, Miss. He knows nothing about this matter, and besides, he’s not interested in business. He wouldn’t take the initiative to say anything.”

Sarah Harper nodded slightly and said, “Go ahead and spread the word that Chen Lou has already hired our The Harper Family to help him sell Chen Lou.”

“Understood.”

“And for now, keep the news about splitting up the sale confidential.”

William Harper was taken aback. “Why is that?”

Sarah Harper replied calmly, “No particular reason. I just want Charles Bennett to make a few more arrogant promises in front of George Reed.”

After instructing William Harper, Sarah Harper walked alone along the corridor, deep in thought. She felt that something was off, but couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Unconsciously, she found herself in front of Brian Grant’s small courtyard.

“How did I end up here?”

Sarah Harper muttered to herself, then immediately turned to leave. Just as she was about to go, she suddenly looked back at Brian Grant’s courtyard and murmured, “So this is what feels off.”

As luck would have it, Brian Grant came out just then. Their eyes met, and Sarah Harper felt a bit embarrassed, while Brian Grant looked pleasantly surprised, since in his memory, Sarah Harper had almost never come here.

“You…”

“Just passing by.”

Sarah Harper blurted out.

Brian Grant looked around, a bit puzzled. Just passing by? That way is the wall—are you planning to climb over it? Then he noticed the blush on Sarah Harper’s pretty face and thought to himself, She’s my benefactor, I can’t let her feel awkward. With that in mind, a thought struck him: why not take this chance to experience what it’s like to live off a woman? He smiled and said, “You’ve come at just the right time. I was just about to look for you.”

Sarah Harper immediately regained her usual poise and asked, “Husband, is there something you need?”

“There’s something very important.”

Brian Grant said as he walked up.

Sarah Harper asked very seriously, “What important matter?”

Brian Grant said a bit shyly, “It’s… could you give me a bit more pocket money?”

“What?”

Sarah Harper looked at Brian Grant in astonishment.

Brian Grant said awkwardly, “I’ve been out and about a lot lately, and three taels a month isn’t quite enough. Do you think you could give me a bit more, maybe raise it to five taels?”

He had already decided to fully embrace this role of living off his wife, so he had to use some sweet talk and ask for better treatment. That was the standard procedure—after all, what else was there to gain? This was a profession that sold both body and dignity, and only money could make up for it. Although so far he’d only sold his dignity and hadn’t found a chance to sell his body—mainly because the other party wasn’t willing—he was always ready.

But to be fair, in a wealthy family like this, three taels of pocket money a month really wasn’t much. However, the The Harper Family were true merchants, and the people of The Harper Family never spent money recklessly; they were all very frugal. For example, Sarah Harper rarely even made herself a new dress in a year. So, three taels a month was already quite generous.

Sarah Harper was stunned for a moment, then said seriously, “Actually, I was just about to discuss this with you as well.”

“Really?” Brian Grant said in surprise. “It’s rare for us to be so in sync as husband and wife!”