Chapter 992 - 994: Taking the Opportunity to Win Over_1
Li Dan was completely panicked by now and hadn’t noticed that Teacher Qu was furious. Pointing at Bai Ruozhu, he said, "You woman are too cunning. You must have gotten hold of the account book in advance. This competition doesn’t count!"
With a slap, Teacher Qu’s palm struck the table. "Even Elder Wei has never caused such a stir in my Wuyuan City. Li Dan, if you continue to spout nonsense, don’t blame me for being rude!"
Bai Ruozhu, however, paid no attention to Li Dan and looked at Teacher Qu with a smile, saying, "Teacher Qu, there’s no need for anger. Everyone saw the competition, and fairness lies in the heart of the people. Please proceed to award the prizes."
Teacher Qu had to admit that his mood was much improved in the face of a smiling and beautiful girl. He couldn’t be bothered with Li Dan anymore and went on to distribute the prizes to everyone.
The first-place prize was an exquisitely crafted abacus, its edges wrapped in pure silver. It was very beautiful but, unfortunately, of no use to Bai Ruozhu. However, she happily accepted it. She might not need it, but she could give it to someone else. There’s no reason to refuse a gift.
The second-place prize was a high-quality wolf’s hair brush, which Teacher Qu reluctantly handed to Li Dan. The subsequent prizes were also unique, and the winners were delighted. Not only had they received the prizes, but they had also gained the recognition of the Commerce Association, and some even joined the Wuyuan City Commerce Association as a result.
Li Dan glared at Bai Ruozhu fiercely and said, "We’ll wait and see!"
"Don’t just throw around threats. Remember our wager. I believe the Commerce Association wouldn’t choose someone who breaks his word to be the Young Elder, right?" Bai Ruozhu raised her eyebrows at Li Dan in a triumphant manner. Li Dan was so angered that he almost spat out blood.
Seeing Li Dan leave with his people, Teacher Qu’s gaze fell on the abacus Bai Ruozhu was reluctant to return. He said to her, "Miss Bai, you came to the Commerce Association for a matter, right? How about you join me for a cup of tea inside?"
Bai Ruozhu knew that Teacher Qu wanted to inquire about the abacus. After she told him, she then went to her parents and Grandpa, the clan chief, "Dad, Mom, Grandpa, you go ahead and start welcoming the guests and ordering the dishes. I’ll be there shortly."
However, Lin Ping’er was not too inclined to leave, but considering that Bai Lu had also been standing for half the day, she finally heeded Bai Ruozhu’s advice and went ahead.
Bai Ruozhu followed Teacher Qu and his disciple to the backyard. Teacher Qu directly bowed to Bai Ruozhu, saying, "This old man thanks Miss Bai for preserving the dignity of Wuyuan City Commerce Association. I also assure you that we will conduct a thorough investigation and not allow those who have deceived to harm the Commerce Association."
Bai Ruozhu nodded, handed the abacus to Teacher Qu, and said, "Be careful with this, Teacher Qu. Look here at this bead with a protruding wooden splinter. Don’t prick your hand on it, as this is an important piece of evidence."
Teacher Qu, being old and longsighted, couldn’t see clearly. It was Xue Rang who inspected it closely and found the splinter.
"Master, there really is a fine splinter that’s hard to detect."
Bai Ruozhu continued, "There is poison on the splinter, which can cause temporary dizziness and confusion. Although it won’t cause fainting, it will definitely affect one’s ability to do the accounts."
Teacher Qu and his disciple suddenly realized and cursed Li Dan for being so despicable and shameless in their hearts.
"Such a person cannot be chosen as the Young Elder of the Commerce Association, even if he’s a three-year-old who can use an abacus!" Teacher Qu said indignantly.
Bai Ruozhu smiled and said, "The matter with Manager Su also needs to be dealt with properly. The rules of the Commerce Association are strict, and this time should be no exception."
"Yes, yes, we cannot be lenient," said Teacher Qu.
"However, because of me, you and your disciple have offended Elder Wei and others. You might face trouble in the future. Here is my teacher’s token. If you encounter difficulties later on, the two of you can bring this token to my teacher for help," Bai Ruozhu said as she handed over a token, extending an olive branch to recruit them.
Teacher Qu had always been neutral, and now he hesitated. Xue Rang, on the other hand, was more straightforward. He tugged at his master’s sleeve and then said to Bai Ruozhu, "My master has always admired Elder Lin’s demeanor. If we can serve Elder Lin in the future, it would be an honor for both of us."
Bai Ruozhu smiled as she feigned to support them both, "I also want to thank you on behalf of my teacher."
After Bai Ruozhu had left, Master Qu heaved a sigh, "I’m really getting old, not as decisive as you anymore, what you just did was right."
Xue Rang shook his head, "Master is just too concerned about his disciples, that’s why you have so many worries. It’s the disciple who is dull and has always failed to shoulder the responsibility."
...
In the bookshop on West Street, Bai Zepei picked up some books to flip through. The journey was still long, and he couldn’t buy too many books, but he was very interested in all of the ones he held, and for the moment, he didn’t know how to choose.
Just then, the sound of the bookshop curtain being pushed aside was heard, and the shopkeeper said with a smile, "What books does Miss need?"
The woman’s gentle voice rose, "Do you have any collections of essays or travel notes?"
"The very last row, Miss can go take a look for herself. If you like storytelling scripts, the first row on the right has the latest fashionable ones," the shopkeeper said cheerily.
Bai Zepei looked up at the visitor; although he had never spoken to her before, he knew she was Princess Diao Bin.
Princess Diao Bin was also stunned to see Bai Zepei, and her feelings became somewhat complicated for a moment. She seldom encountered people from the Bai Family, even less so Bai Zepei, but now that she had run into him like this, she couldn’t help but remember that it was Bai Zepei who had eaten the life-saving pill that was meant for her.
She was already very kind-hearted and didn’t blame the Bai Family, nor did she harbor the slightest resentment towards Bai Zepei, but even so, her heart still ached, feeling miserable for possibly being stuck in her ’ghostly’ appearance forever.
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Bai Zepei’s eyes. He was aware of Princess Diao Bin’s situation, and he knew his sister felt she owed Princess Diao Bin, while he was indeed the one who truly benefited.
He nodded slightly as a greeting, "Princess... Miss, you’ve also come to buy books."
Princess Diao Bin had disembarked from the boat later than they did, with her own guards. It was just that the guards did not follow her inside.
"Yes," answered Princess Diao Bin, then feeling the awkward silence, she asked again, "What books have you bought?"
"Since I can’t take too many things with me, I’m still choosing." Bai Zepei was usually not as cold as Jiang Yichun, but still quite reserved. However, facing Princess Diao Bin, he was much more polite.
Princess Diao Bin nodded but did not speak further. She went on to select some travel notes for herself. Bai Zepei, feeling embarrassed, quickly picked three books at random and said, "I have made my choice. I’ll take my leave now. Miss, please take care for your safety."
"Okay." Princess Diao Bin watched Bai Zepei pay and leave, a bitter smile crossing her lips. But she was wearing a gauze cap, so no one could see her expression.
Taking his books, Bai Zepei headed to the Welcome Guest Inn, where his family had already arrived. Everyone was discussing Bai Ruozhu’s impressive performance in the competition. Bai Zepei wore a faint smile as he set the books aside and didn’t mention his encounter with Princess Diao Bin on the way.
Bai Ruozhu rushed to the Welcome Guest Inn and directly gifted the abacus she had just received to Zhang Liliang. Everyone had a lively and boisterous meal, and then they went shopping for some items before returning to the boat.
When the boat was about to leave, Jiang Yichun did not manage to return in time after all. Although Bai Ruozhu was mentally prepared for this, she still felt reluctant and worried.