Chapter 699 - 701: Wu Wanqing Breaking into Bai Family
The next morning, accompanied by Jiang Yichun, Bai Ruozhu went to see Lin Zhenghui, telling him she was willing to become his heir.
"Good, good." Lin Zhenghui laughed so much that he couldn’t close his mouth. It was as if it was so hard for him, a Commerce Association elder, to find a successor. When he finally found one, his happiness was limitless. Bai Ruozhu was affected by his emotions, and for a moment she felt very accomplished, feeling somewhat proud.
"Old man, where are the people you promised to provide me?" Bai Ruozhu asked cheerfully.
Lin Zhenghui chuckled, "You have a good memory, lass. Alright, I’ll gather the team for you. Come tomorrow afternoon to meet them. Whether they accept you or not will depend on your skills. If you can’t even manage these people, don’t consider becoming my heir."
Bai Ruozhu knew it wouldn’t be easy. Even when buying ordinary servants, winning over their hearts was necessary. Not to mention winning over the managers in the Commerce Association and dark guards.
On the way back, they rode together as usual. Jiang Yichun leaned in and whispered into her ear, "Don’t worry, I’m here for you in everything."
Truthfully, she wasn’t worried. But hearing his words, she felt even more reassured.
The following day, as expected, Bai Ruozhu saw the ten managers and dark guards at Lin Zhenghui’s place. She scanned them and realized they were no ordinary people. Lin Zhenghui introduced her to them, telling them that Bai Ruozhu was his heir. He mentioned her as the creator of toothpaste, the owner of the Hua Xiangrong Weaving Pavilion and the Beauty Pavilion, and a partner at Welcome Inn.
The twenty of them were somewhat astonished when they heard this. Lin Zhenghui explained that Bai Ruozhu came from an ordinary family and had gained her current success all by herself, step by step.
One of them expressed some dissatisfaction with Bai Ruozhu, saying, "Rumors from outside said that Miss Bai partnered with someone to make toothpaste, then abandoned her partner, causing the Du Family to fall apart. How does Miss Bai explain this?"
Bai Ruozhu gave him a cold glance, and said, "You just said they are rumors, so what explanation is needed? Do you think Elder Lin would choose me as his heir if I were the kind of person who breaches my word and discards righteousness? Are you questioning Elder Lin’s judgment here?"
The manager’s expression changed drastically and he hastily added, "I dare not."
Lin Zhenghui gave him a stern glance and said, "Sui Ge, you’re already quite old but you’re still too blunt. How can I rest comfortably when I retire with you behaving like this?"
Sui Ge looked ashamed and bowed his head, saying, "Elder Lin is right in his admonishment. I will take note."
Bai Ruozhu sneaked a glance. Sui Ge’s character was somewhat straightforward, but he was an extremely loyal person. As she was new to the affairs of the Commerce Association, having a shrewd manager wouldn’t serve well for her. If she were manipulated by the manager, it would be a loss. Having someone with high loyalty was more suitable for the present situation.
With Sui Ge taking the first hit, the others obediently followed Bai Ruozhu’s orders. At least on the surface, they didn’t dare show any disobedience. Whether they genuinely respected her and were willing to be loyal was not something that could change in a day or two.
"In a while, I’ll be going to the capital and will take some of you with me. If anyone has any thoughts about this, whether they want to go or not, you can mention it to me." Bai Ruozhu said.
Lin Zhenghui didn’t seem surprised about her going to the capital, evidently, he knew about it already.
Since Bai Ruozhu’s identity was not public yet, the managers couldn’t easily meet with her. She could only secretly meet with them at Lin Zhenghui’s place each day. Fortunately, having dark guards around her was possible. Jiang Yichun told her that the dark guards provided by Lin Zhenghui were no worse than those of the Office of Foreign Affairs, advising her to make good use of them.
At that time, Bai Ruozhu didn’t know how much this decision would help her. But in the following two days, she was very grateful to have these people at her side.
...
That night, Guizhi returned from the Hot Spring Mansion. Bai Ruozhu questioned her about everything, even testing her on how to produce Plum Blossom Moisture Dew, because it was the quickest to be used up, Bai Ruozhu simply taught Guizhi how to make it.
"Different flowers can be used for this according to the seasons. For instance, peach blossom and peony could be used. But after making it, you should try it on yourself first. Pay extra attention when dealing with people who easily have allergic reactions." Bai Ruozhu instructed.
Guizhi nodded, "I will be careful."
The two talked for a while, and Guizhi suddenly remembered something. "Earlier, the manor ordered some tea leaves. Guess who came to deliver them?"
Bai Ruozhu suddenly thought of Qin Kaichang’s attitude and remembered that during the New Year holidays, Qin Kaichang stayed in Beiyu City to work as a shop assistant.
"Was it Qin Kaichang?" Bai Ruozhu asked.
Guizhi widened her eyes. "How did you know? Did he mention it at home?"
"No, I just guessed it." Bai Ruozhu winked smugly at her.
"Ruozhu, you’re simply amazing!" Guizhi exclaimed. "It really was Mr. Qin. He is indeed willing to put up with hardship, serving as a shop assistant, and even helping with delivery. He completely lacks the arrogance of a scholar."
Bai Ruozhu listened attentively. Guizhi had a good impression of Qin Kaichang. If Qin Kaichang turned out to be decent, the two might be able to develop their relationship.
The two talked about Qin Kaichang for a while. Guizhi probably noticed that Bai Ruozhu was prying, her face reddened and she indignantly said, "Let’s stop here, let’s talk about business instead."
Bai Ruozhu chuckled without speaking further. One should not rush in these matters to avoid scaring Guizhi.
The next day, Bai Ruozhu went to Lin Zhenghui’s place to meet with the managers, and Jiang Yichun went to take care of his affairs. But an unexpected visitor had arrived at the Bai’s yard.
"Mrs. Bai, I’m leaving Beiyu City. So, I wanted to say goodbye to my senior brother and Ruozhu, and apologize to them. I was young and ignorant in the past and upset them." Wu Wanqing stood at the doorway of the Bai’s residence, telling Lin Ping’er.
Lin Ping’er wore an uncomfortable expression. She knew Wu Wanqing wasn’t a good person, so she didn’t want her to come in. But she also didn’t want to offend her, and she didn’t know how to reject her.
While she hesitated, Wu Wanqing quickly skirted around her and rushed into the yard. Even though she was injured, she had practiced martial arts and was still agile. Besides, she had a guard assisting her.
"Senior brother, come out. I’ll leave after I apologize. I’m going to Jiangnan for treatment. I’m afraid I won’t be back for a year or half a year." Wu Wanqing appeared to be in a hurry. She ran around the yard searching for Jiang Yichun while Lin Ping’er quickly chased after her, saying, "Don’t bother looking, they’re not here. Go back first, when they return, I’ll convey your message."
Wu Wanqing ignored her and, instead, listened carefully. Suddenly, she rushed toward the main hall. Lin Ping’er startled, immediately realizing that Dengdeng was in the main hall!
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The author had a severe nose bleed yesterday. Today, I’ve been suffering from a headache and ringing in my ears, making it hard to concentrate. Consequently, I could only write this much. I’ll rest for a day and make up for it with five updates tomorrow. If I don’t fulfill it, I’ll commit seppuku...