Chapter 815: A New Business

Editor: Henyee Translations

Chu Qingzhi led the three to the workshop’s meeting room, a space well-suited for business discussions as indicated by Elder Zhuo’s immediate understanding.

Upon recognizing that Chu Qingzhi personally escorted them, Shen Ruyue promptly served three cups of tea, “Please, have some tea.”

Chu Qingzhi gave up the main seat for Shen Ruyue, “Ruyue, you talk to them. I’ll just listen.”

She intended to eventually hand over the full management of the workshop to Chu Xuhua and Shen Ruyue. With so much on her plate at home, she was stretched too thin.

Shen Ruyue understood Chu Qingzhi’s intentions and took the main seat, starting the conversation with ease, “Please feel free to speak directly about your business.”

Zhuo Yanhai got straight to the point, “Madam Chu is straightforward, so I’ll do the same.”

“We have our year-end banquet in a little over half a month, for which we need some special food. I thought hard and realized only Chu’s Easy Trade has the most novel and delicious offerings, so I came here.”

Shen Ruyue modestly replied, “We’re flattered by your high regard. We’ll do our best to meet your requirements, sir.”

Zhuo Yanhai said, “I don’t have many requirements; just that it tastes good, is novel, and fits both the academy’s and the New Year’s atmosphere.”

Shen Ruyue glanced at Chu Qingzhi and responded, “I understand your request, sir. However, this is a type of business we’ve never undertaken before. We’ll need some time to discuss. Can you wait a bit?”

Zhuo Yanhai was agreeable, “Of course.”

Chu Qingzhi and Shen Ruyue retreated to the first office.

Shen Ruyue asked, “Qingzhi, should we take this business?” The decision was ultimately Chu Qingzhi’s to make.

“I need to think.” Chu Qingzhi stood by the window, looking out at the lush green hops growing along the fence, pondering.

Shen Ruyue waited silently, also contemplating. The request seemed simple, but realizing it posed significant challenges…

Just then, a voice came from the workshop entrance, “Be careful with these, they’re sticky rice, don’t let them get wet.”

Sticky rice?

An idea struck Chu Qingzhi, “Ruyue, go ahead and take the order. But we need detailed information about the number of teachers, students, administrators like Elder Zhuo, guests, and servants attending the banquet, and if servants are included, how many…”

“Alright.” Though unclear about Chu Qingzhi’s plan, Shen Ruyue agreed and returned to the meeting room.

Chu Qingzhi sat down, jotting her sudden inspiration on paper to refine later. This was an opportunity to make Chu’s Easy Trade renowned!

Back in the meeting room, Shen Ruyue, maintaining a polite smile, said, “We’ll take your order, but we need some information. Please be honest.”

Zhuo Yanhai was cooperative, “Ask away, Madam Chu. I’ll answer what I can.”

Shen Ruyue handed him a paper with Chu Qingzhi’s questions written down, “Sir, could you fill this out?”

Understanding the request, Zhuo Yanhai filled in the details, “Madam Chu, it’s completed.”

After reviewing the filled-out form, Shen Ruyue handed him an order form, “Please fill this out accurately. Once we both sign, it will become a contract.” “Okay.” Zhuo Yanhai filled it out meticulously and handed it back.

Shen Ruyue signed her name, “Normally, the client needs to inspect the goods three days after ordering. If unsatisfied, modifications can be made.”

Trusting Chu’s Easy Trade, Zhuo Yanhai signed the contract without inspecting the goods, though he had a fallback plan to purchase any item from Chu’s Easy Trade in case of dissatisfaction, “I’ll visit again in three days.”

Afterwards, the three guests left.

Shen Ruyue escorted them to the workshop entrance, “Take care.”

After cleaning and drying all the pig bristles, Chu Xuhua headed towards the workshop, calling out, “Ruyue.”

“Xuhua, are the pigs all taken care of?” Shen Ruyue, about to head back into the workshop, saw Chu Xuhua and immediately greeted him with a smile.

Chu Xuhua reached out to hold Shen Ruyue’s hand, “It’s all done. Everyone is working on the follow-up tasks now. I took a moment to come over and discuss something with you.”

Shen Ruyue inquired, “What is it?”

Chu Xuhua said, “Chu Yehui wants to buy a thousand bottles each of mushroom and bamboo shoot soy sauce. He’s in a hurry, so I came over early to let you know so you can prepare in advance.”

Shen Ruyue thought for a moment, “Soybeans are no problem, but the challenge is the mushrooms and bamboo shoots. I’ll have Chu Haodong start purchasing mushrooms and bamboo shoots right away to expedite his order.” Chu Xuhua expressed his concern, “Ruyue, you’ve worked hard.”

Shen Ruyue shook her head, “It’s nothing. It’s all for our own, no matter how hard it is.”

Chu Qingzhi came out from the workshop, “Big brother, Ruyue.”

Seeing the papers in her hand, Shen Ruyue was pleasantly surprised, “Qingzhi, have you finished the design?”

Chu Qingzhi said, “It’s almost done. I’m going to check on the old house first, and I’ll finish up in my room later. Don’t worry, the design will be ready by tomorrow morning.”

Shen Ruyue had complete trust in Chu Qingzhi’s capabilities, “I’m not worried, just curious.”

Chu Qingzhi responded, “Alright, you two take your time. I’m off to the old house.”

Shen Ruyue nodded.

In Wan City.

Yu Wanwan lifted the curtain of the carriage, looking at the familiar streets with emotion, “After traveling for most of the day, I’m finally home.”

The young maid smiled, “Miss, your return will surely dazzle everyone.”

Yu Wanwan, now slimmer and more mature from her experiences, replied, “Whether I dazzle or not isn’t important. As long as my parents are happy, that’s all that matters.”

She knew her parents had been worried sick about her but hadn’t mentioned it to avoid burdening her.

The maid excitedly said, “Miss, you’ve become so beautiful. The Prefect and Madam will surely be overjoyed.”

Yu Wanwan, however, was somewhat worried, “I hope so.”

Zhuang Ziqian gently held Yu Wanwan’s hand, “Wanwan, I wonder if your parents would still agree to our marriage now.”

Yu Wanwan blushed, her fair face turning a shade of pink, “Stop talking nonsense. My parents aren’t like that.”

Zhuang Ziqian looked into Yu Wanwan’s eyes, filled with affection, “Then I’ll propose tomorrow.”

Yu Wanwan shyly smiled, whispering, “I’ll wait for you.”

Zhuang Ziqian joyfully responded, “Good.”

Meanwhile, at the prefectural office, the Prefect and his wife were eagerly waiting. Their daughter was finally coming home.

The Prefect’s wife expressed her concern, “My lord, what do you think our daughter will be like now?”

Without hesitation, the Prefect replied, “She’ll definitely be very beautiful, just like you, dignified and virtuous.”

The Prefect’s wife felt proud, considering marrying this man to be her life’s greatest happiness, “Our daughter will surely be no less.”

The Prefect indulged her, “Of course.”