Farm Tough Girl
Chapter 366 - 366 367 Agreed Not to Be Angry_1

Chapter 366: Chapter 367 Agreed Not to Be Angry_1 Chapter 366: Chapter 367 Agreed Not to Be Angry_1 He had a strong premonition that, if this man lifted a finger, he could stop breathing immediately.

Muniang glared at Yu Ze, “You agreed not to be angry anymore!”

“I never said I wasn’t angry with him.” Wanting to take liberties with his wife was practically a death wish!

Muniang clearly noticed Zhong Yulang’s embarrassment, so she quickly tugged at Yu Ze and gave him a warning glare, then smiled at Zhong Yulang, “Don’t mind him, my husband has a bad temper. By the way, have you considered our last discussion?”

Only then did Zhong Yulang say, “I’ve thought about it, we can collaborate.”

Muniang smiled, “Manager Zhong is indeed a smart man. Alright, let’s settle the specifics first, and then sign a contract.”

Muniang continued, “If Manager Zhong agrees, then in the future, I will take a stake in Mei Garden. We’ll split the profits 60/40, with me taking the larger share. For the fame of your Mei Team, you’ll be using my ideas. Although you’ll get a smaller cut of the profits, I can guarantee that it will certainly be more than the full amount you are earning now.”

Zhong Yulang nodded, “Agreed.” Such a profit-sharing agreement really sounded fair, and as he was not one to haggle, he naturally wouldn’t make any further demands.

They took paper and pen, drafted the contract, pressed their fingerprints, and stamped it, finally concluding the matter.

Muniang secured the contract, then said, “Starting tomorrow, I’ll begin a thorough renovation of this place, as the overall environment is not very inviting.”

Zhong Yulang was stunned, “How will you renovate?”

“Firstly, the stage below is too small; it doesn’t accommodate enough. It must be at least doubled in size. The stage surface is no good either—we must replace it. Since we’re reopening, naturally we should welcome our guests with a brand-new front. The tables and chairs downstairs probably haven’t been changed in decades. The most important thing for the audience is enjoyment when they come to watch a performance. How uncomfortable it must be to sit on such worn furniture.

The private rooms upstairs, meant for the noble guests, should cater to their tastes, featuring at least a few valuable items to elevate the ambience. Have a few well-trained maids on standby at all times to attend to them. Look at what you have up here! For the tea, you should at least offer the finest West Lake Longjing. You can’t earn money if you’re stingy with investments. When doing business, you can’t be frugal where you need to spend.”

Zhong Yulang clicked his tongue secretly, surprised by how thoroughly Qiao Muniang remembered the furnishings of his establishment from just a couple of visits. Mei Team had a history of several decades; it was founded by his master. The decor of Mei Garden hadn’t been renewed in years, and even when Mrs. Luo took over, he only contemplated using the performers for a quick profit, never considering any changes to the theater itself.

“But, the other troupes also operate in the same way.”

“You know there are other troupes in Chatu Town? There is competition only when customers have choices. If our environment is better than others, and the play is the same, which one would you choose if you were a customer?”

Zhong Yulang had nothing to say in response.

“As for the investments we make now, they are to be earned back later.”

“You mean to raise the price of admission?” Zhong Yulang asked,

“Not entirely; the lower level is usually for the common folks, so let’s not raise the price there, as ordinary people might choose other troupes over a few more coins. But for those who can afford the private rooms upstairs, who are wealthy, what do they care for a bit of extra silver? Moreover, once we have raised our overall quality, the rich will be willing to spend more for the experience. We’ll increase the upstairs price by five taels of silver, based on the previous rates.”

Zhong Yulang was somewhat dumbfounded, looking at Muniang as she laid out her analysis so thoroughly. Suddenly, he felt a sense of astonishment. Although he had seen much of the world over the years, he had never encountered a woman doing business, especially one who was more meticulous than a man.

Yu Ze hooked his lips slightly, feeling an inexplicable strong sense of pride deep within. This was his woman. He did not like to meddle in her affairs because he knew his woman was capable. Deep down, Yu Ze carried the aura of an alpha male, yet he never thought of restraining Muniang into being the little woman by his side. On the contrary, he seemed to particularly love watching his little wife seriously demonstrate her abilities.

“Mr. Zhong?” Muniang noticed Zhong Yulang was completely stunned, so she reminded him.

“Hm? Oh, I’m listening, it sounds good, let’s go with what you said, but—” Zhong Yulang hesitated, “Our theater troupe doesn’t really have the money for this—”

At this point, he felt ashamed. They were being managed by Mrs. Luo, and all of Mei Garden’s income was in Mrs. Luo’s hands. Naturally, he could not access any of it. That Mrs. Luo agreed to this collaboration was already extraordinary. If it was about money, she certainly wouldn’t give a single penny, as the Mei Team was not important to her at all. Why would she want to invest money in it?

Muniang had anticipated this and proceeded, “Don’t worry, I’ll cover the costs. You’re providing the reputation of the Mei Team and such a fine venue as Mei Garden. It’s only right that I contribute as well.”

After all, being forced to sell one’s body for living indicated a true lack of silver.

“Here, this is the script I’ve prepared. It’s perfect for the grand reopening of our theater. Take it and have a close look.”

“Smiling Proud Wanderer? The name does have a ring to it,” Zhong Yulang said, looking at the booklet’s title.

“The script will definitely attract people. For now, take it and get acquainted with it. In a few days, I’ll come personally to select the actors.”

“Actors?”

“The people who will play the characters.”

“Oh, okay,” Zhong Yulang felt inexplicably excited.

“Alright, that covers the general plan. You go ahead and pass on the things to be careful about, and starting from tomorrow, begin setting up the theater. Also, quickly get someone to prepare the costumes and props mentioned in the script.”

“Got it!”

—

“Has there been any movement at Mei Garden?” Mrs. Luo asked languidly from his lounge chair, as if suddenly remembering something.

“There’s a lot going on. Didn’t Zhong Yulang collaborate with an outsider? They’re doing some kind of renovation, and now the whole theater is undergoing repairs.”

“Huh, let them renovate if they want to. It’s not like I’m footing the bill. Just let him be.”

“But Mrs. Luo, are you really content to leave the theater in the hands of Yue Guan’er? If he harbors any small schemes—”

“Dare he! His Servant’s Certificate is in my hands! Hmph! Don’t worry. He’s deeply emotionally invested in the theater and wouldn’t dare to ruin it. He’s bound to make money, no need to bother with him.” Mrs. Luo waved his hand dismissively. It wasn’t just that he didn’t want to meddle; it was also because he didn’t know how to. Coming from a bandit background, he had no understanding of how to run a theater, so he wouldn’t know where to start. It made more sense to leave it to Zhong Yulang to manage. With the Servant’s Certificate in his possession, Zhong Yulang couldn’t cause any major disturbances.