Chapter 54: Chapter 054: Sore Point
Translator: 549690339
“If you claim that suffering loss is a blessing, and that principle makes sense, then why didn’t you suffer the loss yourself? If you’re unwilling to suffer losses, but want others to suffer them instead, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of such a thing.”
“What’s more, knowing how significant this work is to you and yet not cherishing it, creating all these complications, and then blaming the fault on others?”
Her righteous words resounded powerfully, leaving Li Fang utterly speechless. His face turned from red to white, and all he could do was glare threateningly at Zhuang Qingning.
“Miss Zhuang is right.” Unable to stand Li Fang’s behaviour any longer, Lian Rong couldn’t help but speak up. “Li Fang, your intentions were unrighteous from the beginning. Blaming others for your own downfall is unreasonable. If there’s anyone to blame, it is your own wrongdoings.”
“When a wall falls, everybody pushes it over. You’re nothing more than the grass growing on top of the wall.”
Li Fang looked at Lian Rong disdainfully. “Isn’t it always whatever your master says goes? When have you ever had an idea of your own? Suppose Zhang Yongchang says shit smells good, I bet you wouldn’t dare say it stinks!”
“You…” Lian Rong was too enraged to respond.
Zhuang Qingning’s face darkened, her cold laughter growing louder, “If you insist on making a scene here demanding answers, perhaps I should call out to everyone to come and hear how I’ve harmed you and how you’ve been wronged.”
“There are plenty of people out and about in the streets this morning, surely they won’t miss your grievances if I call for their attention.”
With those words, Zhuang Qingning cleared her throat.
Li Fang’s forehead was covered in cold sweat.
He understood only too well the origin of the dispute. It was just that he was full of resentment and anger towards Zhuang Qingning, and he had accused her without thinking. If everything was truly scrutinized, everyone would undoubtedly point fingers at him.
Now, after being driven out of Fushun Tower by Feng Yongkang, he still had chances to find other places to work. But if his misdeeds were broadcast to everyone, he wouldn’t be able to hide, and no one would want to employ him anymore.
By then, he would truly be out of options.
This vixen always hit where it hurt!
Li Fang dared not argue with Zhuang Qingning much longer. He could only glare at her, snorted coldly, and left after throwing out a “You wait and see!”, his bag slung over his shoulder.
“Tch, disgusting creature, still having the nerve to act tough at this time. Among us all, you’re the one full of tricks. It serves you right!”
Lian Rong had never liked Li Fang, so seeing him now as helpless as a homeless mutt, he found himself feeling exceptionally joyous.
However, seeing young Miss Zhuang’s face, he regretted that his previous statement was a bit crude. He chuckled and said, “Miss Zhuang, don’t take his words to heart. Li Fang has always been a villain. It serves him right to have been driven out.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t take it to heart.” Zhuang Qingning’s expression softened. “The harsher his words, the clearer it is that he is extremely frustrated, right?”
“Shouldn’t I be happier about his frustration then? How could I be unhappy because of his words?”
After contemplating Zhuang Qingning’s words, Lian Rong gave her a thumbs up and said, “Miss Zhuang, you are absolutely right.”
It was getting late, and they both had work to attend to. After paying for the tofu, they both returned to their own businesses.
Zhuang Qingning continued to manage the tofu stall.
Having been selling tofu in the town for a while, her reputation had gradually improved, and there were more and more people buying tofu.
Chai Zhengzhen arrived later than usual today, wearing a gloomy expression.
The business of Ruyi Pavilion had just picked up for a few days, but it returned to its previous state just as fast, when they heard that Fushun Tower had also started purchasing tofu from Zhuang Qingning.
In fact, it was even less successful than before.
As a result, Chai Zhengzhen had been sighing since morning. Even while buying tofu, he occasionally let out deep sighs.
Zhuang Qingning had been in town for a while and had come to understand the relationships between the restaurants. She didn’t say much, but kept her usual friendly demeanor, bidding Chai Zhengzhen farewell as he left with his tofu.
“I think the Ruyi Pavilion may stop buying tofu from us in the future.” Zhuang Qingsui’s face was full of worry. Influenced by Chai Zhengzhen or out of real concern, she let out a long sigh.
“Oh? Why do you think so?” Zhuang Qingning tilted her head.
“In the past, the Ruyi Pavilion bought tofu from us because Fushun Tower didn’t. They saw a profit in it. But if Fushun Tower also starts buying tofu from us, the Ruyi Pavilion loses its advantage over them. Why would they strain themselves for nothing?” Qingsui suggested.
Zhuang Qingning blinked, laughed, and gently tapped Qingsui’s forehead, “You, oh you.”
“Sister, did I say something wrong?” Qingsui’s face was full of confusion.
“Of course you’re wrong. Do you remember why Ruyi Pavilion started buying tofu from us in the first place?” Zhuang Qingning asked with a smile.
“Because our tofu is delicious and Ruyi Pavilion thought they could snag business from Fushun Tower with it.”
“Given that our tofu is delicious, then what would happen if Ruyi Pavilion stopped using our tofu?”
“This…” Qingsui thought for a long time. When she finally lifted her head up, her eyes shone, “1 get it, sister.”
“Even if Ruyi Pavilion fails to compete with Fushun Tower, they have to use our tofu anyway. That’s because our tofu is the best in taste. If they use tofu of a lower quality, their business would be even worse. The Ruyi Pavilion wouldn’t dare to do that.”
“That’s right.” Zhuang Qingning nodded, “Although using our tofu may not necessarily improve their situation, not using it would definitely make things worse. Plus, considering the fair price of our tofu, they don’t have any other choice.”
“Yes, sister. You’re right.” Qingsui nodded with excitement.
“That’s why, keep all your worries inside, okay? There is nothing to worry about with your sister around.” Zhuang Qingning couldn’t resist patting Qingsui’s round head.
Having been well-nourished lately, Qingsui’s previously dry hair was now dark, and her face had filled out, making her look much rounder. Seeing how cute she looked, Zhuang Qingning had to fight back her urge to pinch her cheeks and instead gave her a tender smile.
Watching their warm bond, made Mrs. Liu couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear.
Comparing their relationship to the hostility between her sons at home, she sighed with a headache, and felt a wave of envy towards the bond between Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui..
