Chapter 602: Chapter 589: Do a Favor

Zhong Yingcai was both elated and excited, nodding hastily, “Yes, I’m on it right away.”

After speaking, he respectfully toasted Chu Jinnian and Zhuang Qingning a cup of wine, before he went to the private room next door with a guilty expression to talk and clink glasses with the other businessmen, discussing the soap business.

Seeing Zhong Yingcai leave, Chu Jinnian breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly picked up his chopsticks to serve Zhuang Qingning a piece of fish meat, “Hungry, isn’t it? Let’s eat.”

“Poor Manager Zhong thought you were concerned about the business. But it turned out you were simply tricking him into leaving.” Zhuang Qingning was laughing while covering her mouth, “If Manager Zhong knew your intentions, he would be heartbroken.”

“How would he?” Chu Jinnian picked up a piece of crystal skin jelly, “I’m genuinely concerned about the business.”

“Moreover, I never inquire about business or the family’s properties. Manager Zhong has been feeling underappreciated. Seeing my interest in the business now, he is delighted. Regardless of what others say, he probably won’t believe them.”

“That makes sense…” Zhuang Qingning agreed, nodding her head.

From the moment Zhong Yingcai first saw Chu Jinnian, Zhuang Qingning detected subtle changes in his emotions, which were exactly as Chu Jinnian had described.

“However, poor Manager Zhong seems pitiful in this situation,” Zhuang Qingning raised her eyebrows.

She had witnessed Zhong Yingcai’s business acumen, fearless determination, and efficient decision-making. He could be considered a rare and commendable businessman, one who could undoubtedly become a wealthy merchant.

Yet such a man as Zhong Yingcai was seeking Chu Jinnian’s approval and endorsement…

Zhuang Qingning felt that Zhong Yingcai was somewhat undervalued.

“Speaking of which, it’s his persistent choice,”

Chu Jinnian said, “Before I returned to the capital city from Yangzhou, Zhong Yingcai was already a major manager of the Qiao family, widely praised by my maternal grandfather. Many expected him to become the right-hand man of the Qiao family’s head, but Zhong Yingcai didn’t seem to care. When my grandfather wanted to choose someone to manage the properties, Zhong Yingcai volunteered to follow me back to the capital.”

“My grandfather was very curious as to why Zhong Yingcai made such a decision. He even told Zhong that as I didn’t care about money and he was very confident in his abilities, he would likely feel unappreciated if he stayed by my side.”

“However, Zhong Yingcai said that he didn’t believe that I was uninterested in money. He wanted to prove to me the joy and satisfaction of doing business and earning money. Seeing his determination, my grandfather didn’t say anything else and agreed.”

“So, he accompanied me to the capital, responsible for managing all the shops and properties under my name. I heard that all the businesses he managed have been very profitable over the years. However, as I genuinely have little interest in money, I still seldom interfere. I originally thought Zhong Yingcai would give up after seeing my indifference, but to my surprise, he remains persistent and refuses to give up.”

Zhuang Qingning blinked her eyes.

She did not expect such a story behind this.

This Zhong Yingcai, who seemed so adept at doing business, had such stubbornness deep down.

But on the other hand, perhaps it was because of this stubbornness that he could persist in doing something. This persistent fostered success in various areas.

“In fact, I had almost forgotten about Zhong Yingcai, but when you asked me to help you find a reliable business partner, I remembered him. Now, it seems like everyone has been able to utilize their full potential,” Chu Jinnian said with a smile.

He could make Zhong Yingcai feel useful and satisfied with a strong sense of accomplishment while making Zhuang Qingning’s business even better.

The key point was that they could make a lot of money.

Although he was not short of money, since his future belongs to her, he should satisfy Zhuang Qingning’s interest in making money.

Listening to Chu Jinnian’s words, Zhuang Qingning felt that there was some truth in them. She nodded in agreement and stopped discussing this matter, focusing instead on enjoying lunch with Chu Jinnian.

The chef at the Hanfeng Tower was quite skilled, and every dish was delicious. Zhuang Qingning and Chu Jinnian enjoyed a wonderful lunch. After finishing their meal, they went with Zhong Yingcai to visit the soap shop and the soap workshop.

Zhong Yingcai managed the workshop and shop very well and had implemented many of his ideas in the management and operation of the business. Zhuang Qingning praised many aspects of his work.

Needless to say, this was another business where she didn’t have to worry and could just lie down and count money.

Zhuang Qingning was quite satisfied with this.

Both the cloth workshop and soap business were progressing very smoothly. Zhuang Qingning felt much more settled.

Seeing this, Chu Jinnian once again proposed to Zhuang Qingning the idea of going to the lake together.

Zhuang Qingning tilted her head and thought for a while. She figured there wouldn’t be much to do tomorrow, so she planned to agree.

But before she could say anything, a commotion came from outside, followed by Mrs. Han’s voice, “Is Miss Zhuang at home?”

“Mrs. Han?” Zhuang Qingning was surprised to see Mrs. Han and immediately brewed some tea for her to drink.

“No, no, Miss Zhuang, please don’t bother.” Mrs. Han’s face was full of kind smiles, “I came today to ask for your help.”

“Mrs. Han, there’s no need to be so polite. Just tell me what you need,” said Zhuang Qingning with a smile.

“Actually, it’s a joyful matter.” Mrs. Han’s smile deepened when she spoke about it, her wrinkled face almost crinkling into one piece, “Didn’t the marriage of Daya and Sifu got arranged recently? Tomorrow is a good day, and it was originally planned that Sifu will come to our house to give the betrothal gift.”

“Even though Daya and I aren’t from this village, essentially, we don’t have our own family. For now, we are thick-skinned enough to treat Aunt Wen’s house as Daya’s maiden home. Daya will get married from here in the future.”

“We have a place, but with only me and Aunt Wen here as Daya’s relatives when Sifu brings the betrothal gift tomorrow, we seem to be short on people. I was wondering if you could join us if you are free?”

“Mrs. Han, you’re being too polite. What do you mean by ‘join in the fun’? It’s a big event for Daya, and I should definitely attend,” Zhuang Qingning readily agreed.

From a professional point of view, she is Sifu and Daya’s boss. She must attend her employees’ important events. From a personal point of view, she has a very good private relationship with Daya and Mrs. Han, and Mrs. Han is Mrs. Wen’s close friend.