"It was my wife who urged me to come over early," Jiang Yichun grumbled, ignoring Lin Zhenghui as he walked into the room and began to pour himself some tea.
Bai Ruozhu felt awkward standing there, so she carried little Dengdeng in to give Lin Zhenghui a salute before entering the room as well.
"Girl, is this your son, Dengdeng? Would you let this old guy hold him?" Lin Zhenghui asked with a glint in his eyes that showed his eagerness to hold Dengdeng.
Bai Ruozhu had a soft heart and couldn’t refuse his request, so she handed Dengdeng to him.
Jiang Yichun waved Bai Ruozhu over, signaling for her to come over and sit down for some tea, assuring her that there was nothing to worry about.
Taking comfort in the fact that Lin Zhenghui wasn’t showing too much affection towards Dengdeng, Bai Ruozhu allowed herself a small sigh of relief.
Unfazed by meeting a stranger for the first time, Dengdeng reached out and tugged at Lin Zhenghui’s white beard. He had never seen such a snowy-white beard before, so his little face was full of curiosity.
After a while of amusing the child, Lin Zhenghui suddenly said, "I would like to discuss the matter I mentioned earlier..."
Jiang Yichun cut him off before he could finish, saying, "Old man, there’s no need to talk about that, I’ve told you that I’m not interested."
Lin Zhenghui rolled his eyes at him and, with a hint of indignation, said, "I wasn’t talking to you. Don’t flatter yourself, I’ve already found a better successor than you. You still fall short."
Jiang Yichun burst into laughter, believing that Lin Zhenghui was merely using fiery rhetoric. "That’s great then. It’s a relief for both of us, you’ll have your successor and I’ll have less to worry about."
Ignoring him, Lin Zhenghui walked over to Bai Ruozhu with Dengdeng in his arms, and asked her, "Girl, would you like to become the elder of the Commerce Association?"
"What?" Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but exclaim in astonishment. Even Jiang Yichun, who was standing next to her, looked at Lin Zhenghui in surprise, and asked, "Old man, are you joking?"
Lin Zhenghui scowled at him, "Since when have you known me to joke around?"
Coming back to her senses, Bai Ruozhu asked, "Why choose me? I’m a woman, can a woman even be an elder? And isn’t an elder usually someone older and highly respected?"
Lin Zhenghui chuckled, "I’ll answer your questions one by one, so you won’t say no out of caution."
Bai Ruozhu let out an embarrassed laugh. It was naturally necessary to be cautious about such matters.
"There are two reasons why I chose you. First, this brat refuses to become my successor. Second, you’re suitable for the role, even more so than him. I’ve observed you for a while; you’re business savvy yet principled, which aligns with the business values the Commerce Association advocates. You’re also bright and calm, with meticulous thoughts and unique perspectives, making you quite suitable to be an elder of the Commerce Association."
"Also, who said a woman can’t be an elder? There’s a female elder in the Southwest Branch Meeting who holds significant influence within the association. Traditionally, elders of the Commerce Association are indeed older and respected individuals, but in light of recent changes within the association aiming for continuous progress, age can’t be the only deciding factor anymore, so I’ll need to step down soon."
Sighing with an air of melancholy burgeoning within him, he gave an impression of a declining elderly figure.
"During the election of elders, the Commerce Association will follow traditional practices and select eight respected senior individuals to serve as elders. They are allowed for reappointment; I myself have served for three terms, a total of nine years. In addition, we, the elders, can propose our successors. The association will also select outstanding individuals from the younger generation. These young individuals will be tested and compared, and ultimately, eight will be chosen to serve as the young elders."
"The young elders have the same authority as us, for they hold more innovative ideas, potentially leading to better development of the association," Lin Zhenghui added.
Shaking her head, Bai Ruozhu replied, "It seems too complicated. The evaluation and subsequent competition sounds quite troublesome and full of intrigue. I’d save a lot of time running my own business and earn a lot of silver, why waste energy on that?"
"Yes, that was my thought, too." Jiang Yichun backed her up, grinning at Lin Zhenghui in satisfaction, causing the old gentleman’s beard to bristle in annoyance.
"Oh, you both exaggerate. With my support, the election won’t be an issue; as for the test and competition, your intelligence and wisdom should have no problem handling them. Isn’t it better to have another layer of protection in addition to just relying on your business operation?" Lin Zhenghui spoke rapidly, showing his growing anxiety.
Bai Ruozhu looked at Jiang Yichun, a sly spark hidden within her eyes. Perhaps becoming an elder in the Commerce Association wasn’t a bad idea, but should she really agree so easily?
Jiang Yichun also gave her a glimpse, indicating her to hold Lin Zhenghui up to a high price, not allowing any ounce of politeness to prevail.
Both of you, enough with your knowing glances. Even though I’m old, I’m nobody’s fool. Becoming my successor will entail you to my properties in the future," he said, glaring at Bai Ruozhu, "How about this, I’ll give you ten stewards and additionally ten dark guards from the Commerce Association to use, alright? Don’t be too picky. When I retire, my subordinates will all become yours. But for now, this is it. Lest you become too conspicuous and invite jealousy from the older folks in the association."
Bai Ruozhu didn’t rush to agree, instead asking, "You don’t strike me as someone who cares for power. Why are you so insistent on finding a successor? If I became your successor, other than being an elder, would there be any other responsibilities or duties?"
"Oh, what a careful and meticulous girl you are. I could never have been as profound at your age," he sighed, "I’ve been an elder for nine years, and prior to that, I was the head of a branch meeting. Many people rely on my protection. When I step down, what worries me the most are those people. I need a successor to ensure their peace of mind."
"This responsibility seems heavy. I’m just a woman who knows only how to take care of her family and manage a small business. How could I provide shelter for your subordinates," Bai Ruozhu felt this matter suddenly became a big headache.
Lin Zhenghui’s expression immediately turned somber. He suddenly seemed to age a few years, the energy swept away from him.
"Think about it again. You don’t have to do anything, as long as you have a place in the association, no one would dare to harm them," his voice filled with entreaty.
Bai Ruozhu felt a little uncomfortable. Would it be too cruel to reject an elderly man like this?
"I’ll go home and think about it," She lowered her head and murmured.
Jiang Yichun stood up and took Dengdeng back from Lin Zhenghui’s arms, jokingly said, "Old man, you’re becoming more crafty. You called me here to persuade my wife. We’ll have to think this matter over carefully and will get back to you in a few days."
Lin Zhenghui sighed, "Alright, go home and talk it over."
----
Thanks to Book Friends - Baby, Feng, Kay, Falling Cherry Blossom, Rhombus, "if...," T’ong*, §Laziness§, Little Temper, Ming Yue Sky, Crystal. Baby*, Blue Elf, Poison Scorpion with an Innocent Face for the reward. Also, I forgot to say, wishing everyone a healthy Dragon Boat Festival. I, Mouka, am so messed up that I didn’t even have a dumpling yesterday, still thinking it was the Dragon Boat Festival today...