Contract Marriage: Billionaire and His Deaf Wife

"Yes," said Aunt Qiu, "but as I mentioned last night, I definitely can't sell it at a low price. What do you think, how many tens of thousands can I sell this house for?"

Gu Nuan did not respond, silent as if deep in thought.

After what felt like ages without a reply from Gu Nuan, Aunt Qiu's husband, who was in business, had a sudden realization. He grabbed Gu Nuan's hand and said, "Don't worry, I just talked to your mom. When the time comes, if the house sells for a good price, your family will definitely benefit, and at the very least, you will. I, your Aunt Qiu, have money and will not shortchange you. I'm not that stingy."

This statement almost made Gu Nuan laugh.

Just like Gu Nuan's mother, she was well aware that Aunt Qiu was only thinking of the money. Although she accused the Gu Family of being money-grubbers, in truth, Aunt Qiu herself was the one who cared about money the most.

You could say that Aunt Qiu was a clever one. After all, her husband was a businessman and she knew some tricks of the trade. Sometimes, to make money, you need to rely on others. Giving someone a small cut to secure a bigger deal was not wrong. It's better than not making any money at all.

However, Aunt Qiu thought Gu Nuan didn't understand these tactics and that she would be eternally grateful for this little share. But she was — wrong.

Gu Nuan said, "Aunt Qiu, we're family. Talking about money—"

"Never mind that!" Aunt Qiu interrupted, feigning generosity, "Just tell me how much you want for your consultancy fee. When I have things handled outside, I pay for services too. I just figured, instead of others making that money, it might as well stay in the family. Better to keep it within the family than give it to outsiders."

Gu Nuan was aware that Aunt Qiu wouldn't have come to the Gu Family unless she had consulted others first. How could Aunt Qiu possibly place her hopes on the Gu Family, whom she had always looked down upon, and on Gu Nuan, a girl barely mentioned as having any experience in selling anything?

Most likely, the people Aunt Qiu consulted with had done the calculations for her and suggested she should sell. Then this morning, when she realized that there might be room for the property's value to increase, she found that Gu Nuan, who held a different opinion, was the only one who seemed to be correct.

With no choice, Aunt Qiu had come crawling back to ask Gu Nuan for help, swallowing her pride.

In a deal, whoever comes begging has to take the initiative and gains the power to set the price.

Without needing to think too hard, Gu Nuan said, "Since Aunt Qiu has brought it up, not accepting it would seem almost rude."

Aunt Qiu nodded contentedly. Thinking that Gu Nuan wouldn't ask for much after such an offer, she pretended to be generous and said, "What if I give you ten thousand for your consultancy fee?"

Gu Nuan shook her head. "When the deal is done and we settle on a price, I'll take one percent of the final sales price."

One percent, how much was that? Aunt Qiu quickly did the math in her head and worked out: If that house sold for five hundred thousand, one percent would only be five thousand? Less than the ten thousand she'd offered outright. Clearly, this girl had no idea how to calculate.

The Gu Family seemed foolish, and while Gu Nuan might have an eye for investment, ultimately, she was just as foolish as her parents. Aunt Qiu felt reassured and, smiling, grasped Gu Nuan's hand, "Isn't that a bit too little? I can give you ten thousand."

"No need, just one percent."

"Alright. I keep my word," declared Aunt Qiu grandly to the entire Gu household, "in front of your mother, I'll give you a one percent consultancy fee!"

Gu Nuan's mother looked at her daughter, not understanding why she had asked for one percent. Yet Aunt Qiu, the miser, had readily agreed, which meant she must have done her calculations. Could her daughter be at a loss?

To her mother's doubts, Gu Nuan offered only a reassuring glance.

Later on, Gu Nuan's mother thought that since her daughter was not greedy for money, it could be seen as helping out the people on her father's side of the family. Let it be. She would have to talk to her husband later and ask Aunt Qiu not to take advantage of their daughter.

Gu Nuan returned to her room to change into a new outfit in preparation for meeting the buyer with Aunt Qiu.

Aunt Qiu sat in the Gu household and drank another cup of tea. After about the time it took to drink half a cup, she saw Gu Nuan come out.

When Gu Nuan stayed at home, she would wear casual clothes, a simple T-shirt and jeans, not particularly attractive and a bit plain. Now, after getting dressed, she came out wearing a shirt typical of office workers, paired with dress pants.

Though it was just a suit, it gave off a bit of an aunty vibe. However, it was bought from a brand store and, in terms of design and material, was trendy and at the forefront of fashion. Gu Nuan herself was tall and slender, so wearing a new outfit, her whole appearance transformed.

Suddenly, she went from looking like a country girl from a small town to a white-collar professional from a big city.

Aunt Qiu, who often visited big cities, recognized that with just Gu Nuan's look, she felt an unexpected sense of awe.

Clothes make the man, they say, and it's true. However, it's those who know how to dress that reveal their personal qualities and taste, both of which are closely related to one's upbringing.

In that moment, Aunt Qiu had to wonder, was the Gu Family about to produce a golden phoenix?