Chapter 431: Indeed, They Tampered with the Dividend
Master Du stared into Bai Ruozhu’s eyes, trying to deduce whether she truly didn’t know or she merely didn’t want to tell the Du Family.
"Our toothpaste business is already doing well. You don’t need to focus on the toothpaste. Maybe you should think of other formulas, perhaps there’ll be some gains," Master Du said, stroking his beard.
Bai Ruozhu inwardly sneered. This Master Du must have aged; even his insight had deteriorated.
Any product needs constant enhancement and continuous upgrades to avoid being eliminated from the market, even toothpaste. Besides, toothpaste is a product that anyone can buy, how could he know if someone could work out its ingredients and replicate it?
But if you made progress, and those attempting to imitate remained a step behind, they could never replace your market position.
However, Bai Ruozhu did not intend to say this to Master Du. She didn’t have much affection for the Du Family and wasn’t very familiar with Master Du either. There was no point in upsetting him by voicing her thoughts.
"I’ll try my best, but I can’t guarantee anything," Bai Ruozhu replied, feigning distress.
Master Du was pleased again and cheerfully stated, "Whatever medicinal materials you need, please feel free to ask. Moreover, all the medicinal materials that Zhongshu helped you find are ready. I’ll have them brought to you."
Upon hearing this, Bai Ruozhu brightened up. With these medicinal materials, she could help Zhang Sheng and Rongrong heal faster and might even prevent any lingering scars.
However, the medicinal materials weren’t given to her earlier. They were only brought before her after she had agreed to Master Du’s request. What a calculating old man.
The medicinal materials were promptly carried in. Bai Ruozhu opened them and saw precisely what she needed in the correct quantities. She thanked Master Du, stating, "Please subtract the cost of the medicinal materials from my bonus. I will forego the bonus for these two months."
As soon as she said this, there was a faint change in Du Wenyu’s expression, and Master Du’s reaction, although less evident, was enough confirmation for Bai Ruozhu’s suspicion.
Ever since she discovered that Meng Liangshen and Madam Meng were also using her toothpaste, she began to doubt the authenticity of the bonus report that the Du Family had shown her. But she hadn’t given it much thought before. She had considered this possibility, and even Zhongshu could have been kept in the dark about it. But she didn’t want to dispute it with the Du Family before, to avoid bringing trouble to her family.
But now Master Du was using these medicinal materials in a bid to make her feel indebted to him; there was no way she would stay silent. Did they think she was an ignorant bumpkin?
"I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t disturb Master Du any further. I’ll take my leave now," Bai Ruozhu said politely before bowing slightly to them.
Bai Zepei also excused himself to leave with his sister.
Master Du, unable to prevent them from leaving, mustered a smile and said, "Come by and visit when you’re free. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask."
Bai Ruozhu replied with a smile, "Thank you."
They had just left the reception hall when they saw Du Fuling rushing over to them as if ready for a fight.
"Bai Ruozhu, don’t leave! Didn’t you say you could reset my tooth? Why can’t you now? Are you after money? I’ll pay you!" Du Fuling shouted from afar. Unfortunately, with a missing front tooth, her words came out distorted, making her imposing mannerism somewhat comedic.
Bai Ruozhu managed to contain her laughter and told Du Fuling, "I said I heard of the procedure, don’t you remember? I genuinely don’t know how to reset your tooth. You’d better find an expert."
Having said that, Bai Ruozhu paid no more heed to Du Fuling and continued on her way. However, Du Fuling suddenly reached out to grab her, only to be intercepted by Bai Zepei, who sternly warned, "Miss Du, please behave yourself!"
The cold aura emanating from Bai Zepei startled Du Fuling, causing her to freeze momentarily. By the time she came to, the maids and old women had already restrained her.
If Du Fuling injured a guest, her servants would also be punished, so they held her tightly, regardless of her struggling and crying. Finally, they could only watch helplessly as Bai Ruozhu and her brother walked farther away.
Back in the reception hall, Du Songbai and Du Wenyu both had grim expressions. Thus, neither of them was in the mood to bother with Du Fuling’s tantrum.
"Father, how did Bai Ruozhu know our exact earnings? Could there be a mole in our house?" Du Wenyu asked in a hushed voice.
Master Du shook his head, saying, "If even Zhongshu is oblivious, could there be a leak from our trustworthy accountant?"
A slight disappointment flashed across Du Wenyu’s face, though he maintained his composure. "Could she be deceiving us all along?" he inquired.
"I’m afraid she might have guessed an approximate figure. That woman is very shrewd," the old master sighed. He found such people hard to control.
...
On their way back to the inn, Bai Zepei quietly asked Bai Ruozhu, "Do you suspect that the Du Family is tampering with the accounts and withholding your share of the bonus?"
Bai Ruozhu nodded. "It’s not just a suspicion now; I’m sure of it. They used my silver to buy medicines, but wanted to make it seem like they’re doing me a favor. Do they really think I’m that easy to deceive?"
Bai Zepei couldn’t help laughing, "Yes, I don’t think you’re that easy to fool. You’re as cunning as a fox."
Bai Ruozhu stuck her tongue out, thankfully she wasn’t a "vixen".
The siblings chatted on their way back to Linjiang Inn. Upon their return, they heard the innkeeper say, "You’re back. The manager from the Meng Residence has been waiting for you for a while now."
The siblings exchanged a glance, guessing that it likely had to do with the mansion that the old lady had mentioned earlier.
When the innkeeper led them to their awaiting guest, they found it was Meng Qiu, with whom they had dealt previously.
"Master Bai, Miss Bai, you’re back. The old madam asked me to take you to see what needs to be added to the mansion. She suggested you move out of the inn and directly into the mansion," Meng Qiu cordially greeted them.
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but laugh. The old lady was indeed anxious.
"Many thanks to Chief Meng then," Bai Ruozhu thanked Meng Qiu with a bow.
Meng Qiu hastily sidestepped her bow, exclaiming, "Miss Bai, please don’t distress me. Why don’t you both go gather your belongings and come directly with me?"
They weren’t planning to stay in Beiyu City for much longer and didn’t want the hassle of moving. However, they didn’t have much luggage, and given the old lady’s goodwill, it would seem ungrateful on their part to refuse again.
Reluctantly, they returned to their room to collect their belongings. While settling their account with the innkeeper, they were informed that Meng Qiu had already paid. The innkeeper only asked, "Whenever you have some free time, do come by. Our food and tea are decent too."
"We’ll definitely return," Bai Zepei replied.
Bai Ruozhu tried to reimburse Meng Qiu, but he adamantly refused, explaining, "This is the old madam’s wish. If you give me the silver, wouldn’t it seem as if I’m pocketing it?"
----
Mouka will try to update as early as possible during the return trip today. But I had motion sickness from typing in the car yesterday... Such a bummer... I’ll try to post four more Chapters today, although I can’t guarantee the time. Also, I’m asking for recommendation and monthly tickets. It’s the end of the month, please gift them to Mouka, mwah~