124 Chapter 124 The Manor (1)
Manager Liu paused for a moment before continuing, “Also, he knows his manners, knowing when to advance and when to retreat.
“Just like today’s matter. To be honest, with your kindness, they could have silently accepted this manor without saying a word.
“If I were pushed out of the family, I would never help them again, let alone treat their illness for free.
“Of course, he might have been forced to help because of his ident.i.ty, but it’s rare for him to help sincerely.”
Young Master Zhou quipped in, “It seems you have a very high opinion of this couple.”
“For now, yes. But I don’t know what will happen in the future.”
“Okay, then, let’s try these recipes out.”
“Yes.” Manager Liu replied and put away the recipes, treating them like treasures. He then hurried back.
After the restaurant’s renovation was settled, Zhou Ying and her husband went to the manor.
At the entrance of the second courtyard, she was stopped by a man in his thirties. “Who are you two looking for?”
“We are the new masters of this manor. Who are you?” Zhou Ying asked as she flashed the t.i.tle deed to him.
“So it’s the new owner. Please come in; I’m Chang Shun, the temporary butler of this manor.” After the man finished speaking, he turned around and led them into the courtyard.
Gu Chengrui looked at his familiarity with the manor and asked, “Chang Shun, right? Where’s the previous butler of the manor?”
“They’ve been taken away. Anyone related to the Qiao family was taken away, and I heard they were sold to other places.”
“Then you are…?” Zhou Ying asked.
“The rest of us are either tenants or long-term workers.”
“Long-term worker?”
“Yes, the long-term workers are mainly those who help raise cattle and sheep. The livestock here needs more care than us.”
“I see. Then do you know how many livestock are in here?”
“I can’t give you the full details, but the gra.s.sland over there is full of cattle and sheep. I heard it produces about 300 cattle and 2000 sheep yearly, and it’s much better than farming.”
Zhou Ying was happy to hear that. If they could produce this much every year, it would be more than enough to supply the consumption of their restaurant.
She replied, “Then please take us to see them.”
“Come with me.” Chang Shun led them to the fields after that. They could see rows of livestock sheds from afar and more than a dozen piles of hay covered with oilcloth on the side.
When the group arrived, more than ten people were busy cutting gra.s.s.
Chang Shun stepped forward and introduced them. “There’s a total of 30 people here, with 15 of them mainly in charge of the fodder.
“Ten people are in charge of cleaning up the sheep pens.
“Three women who usually helped deliver newborns, taking care of the calves and lambs.
“There’s a doctor who treats the sick livestock.
“Finally, a manager who is in charge of everything here.”
“Uncle Nian,” he shouted, “the new owner is here. Come and meet them!”
After a while, a middle-aged man in a sheepskin coat came out while carrying a tobacco pipe and a pot. He was stunned for a moment when he saw Gu Chengrui and Zhou Ying, and he said indifferently, “Are the two of you the new owners?”
“Yes, Uncle Nian. We’re here to understand the situation.” Gu Chengrui greeted him and replied.
“Do look around. But be careful when you go in, don’t scare the little ones inside.
“Right, there are 1082 cows now. Before the new year, 200 of them will be ready for slaughter.
“There are fewer than 4,000 sheep, and we can prepare about 800 before the new year.” The old man pointed at the rows of sheds behind him.
“You are very knowledgeable.” Gu Chengrui looked at his lukewarm att.i.tude and was satisfied, sincerely praising him.