Chapter 177: Chapter 177: Double Dealing
Translator: 549690339
It took a while for her expression to return to normal.
“Miss, you are truly fated.”
Mrs. Bai lifted her chin and said, “What you say and what I plan are almost identical. But since you guessed it and still chose to come here, it seems you have run out of options.”
“Most people believe in ghosts and spirits, and are pretty concerned about their fate and luck. Your shop is now involved in this kind of thing. If let it continue like this, it will undeniably affect your own business.”
“I don’t ask for much, only ten taels of silver. With just ten taels of silver, I will be able to help you, offend Feng Ershu thoroughly, clear your tofu shop of the haunting issue in front of everyone in town. Then, people will no longer be afraid.”
Zhuang Qingning’s eyes faintly darkened.
As she expected, Mrs. Bai sent Xiao Liuzi as a messenger to attempt playing both sides of the game.
“Ten taels of silver?” Zhuang Qingning sneered: “That’s not a small amount. My tofu shop doesn’t produce much tofu a day, and doesn’t make much money from it either. Half-immortal, your price of ten taels of silver is quite an exorbitant demand.”
“Ten taels of silver may seem a lot, but they can ensure the safety of the business. Why not do it? If people start to avoid your shop because of this and your business goes downhill, you may not make a single coin. However, if you spend these ten taels of silver, the business in the shop will flourish in the future and you will make back the investment.”
“Miss, as a businesswoman, you should be better at financial calculation than me.” Mrs. Bai smirked.
Zhuang Qingning squinted her eyes: “Since you know that I am a businesswoman, you should also know that business people are usually tightfisted and reluctant to part with a penny. It wouldn’t be easy to get money out of me.”
“Are you suggesting…” Mrs. Bai tilted her mouth.
“The cost of this deal is too high, and the return is so-so. I’m afraid we won’t reach an agreement. Excuse me.” Zhuang Qingning sneered, stood up, and prepared to leave.
After taking two steps, she turned back again.
”1 knew it, you would agree to this business deal.” Mrs. Bai smirked: “After all, buying peace and harmony is always a profitable deal, Miss.”
“I came back just to tell you.” Zhuang Qingning said in a deep yet cool voice: “Before I came here, I went to Feng’s tea shop and had a chat with Manager Feng. Judging from his expression, things don’t seem to be going well.”
“I probably won’t be able to make a deal with you, but you might be able to negotiate with Manager Feng.”
Zhuang Qingning left without looking back, leaving behind a string of silvery laughter.
The laughter of a young girl is usually very pleasant, especially when it came from Zhuang Qingning, who always had a clear and melodious voice. But unfortunately, to Mrs. Bai, it could not have been more grating.
As Zhuang Qingning’s footsteps and figure gradually faded away, Mrs. Bai’s face grew increasingly ugly, almost snapping her long nails from tension.
Not only was she foolish, but she also had no clue about buying off danger with money, and she was treacherous. She even went to Feng Ershu.
The fact that Zhuang Qingning had appeared in Feng’s tea shop would certainly lead Feng Ershu to assume that she had revealed everything to Zhuang Qingning.
This Zhuang Qingning, not only did she not do business, she even set her up!
Mrs. Bai was so angry that her face had turned slightly pale.
“Mom, what should we do next?” Xiao Liuzi asked, looking at Mrs. Bai uneasily.
“First, collect the tables and chairs from the street. We’re not setting up a stall today.” Mrs. Bai ordered.
“Alright.” Xiao Liuzi nodded, but then he became extremely concerned: “What about Manager Feng?”
Should he explain?
“Don’t worry about him. If he has any doubts, let him come and ask me. If we rush to explain, it will make us look guilty.”
Mrs. Bai narrowed her eyes, her face full of resentment: “But that Zhuang Qingning, she really doesn’t want to do business.”
“Tell the kids you usually play with to make a bigger spectacle tomorrow when they come. Also, spread rumors about people who bought tofu from our shop being unlucky.”
“I don’t believe I can’t deal with her?”
“I understand.” Xiao Liuzi nodded vigorously, and quickly went to do as instructed.
After Zhuang Qingning left, she returned to her shop.
At this point, most of the things in the shop were sold out, leaving only a small piece of tofu and two or three tofu sheets.
“It’s getting late, Aunt and Qiuying, clean up and go home early.” Zhuang Qingning smiled: “Take the leftovers home for dinner tonight.”
Mrs. Cao hesitated for a moment, then nodded: “Alright, you and Qingsui should go home early too.”
“Now that the day is getting longer, we are also getting up early. Since Qiuying and I have nothing to do at home, we will come to the shop early. Ning, if possible, bring the goods earlier.”
The annoying kids usually came in the afternoon. It was better to take advantage of the morning, sell as much as possible, and avoid not being able to sell everything in the end.
“I understand your concerns.”
Zhuang Qingning pressed her lips: “I went out just now and figured out what to do. It’s just that these kids will probably still come these days. When they come, the commotion might be even bigger, which will somewhat impact our business.”
“When I go back, I’ll tell the tofu factory to reduce the amount of tofu a bit in the next few days, so as not to end up with unsold goods that spoil.”
“Hmm.” Mrs. Cao nodded, then angrily said: “Those children are really annoying. If they come again tomorrow, we have to teach them a lesson and let them know to respect us.”
“We don’t need to do that.” Zhuang Qingning laughed: “When those people come tomorrow, we don’t have to argue with them. Just let them be.”
“By the way, prepare some tea for tomorrow. I will pay for the fried chop rice cake that Qiuying sells tomorrow. Make sure to treat those kids well when they come.”
“What?”
Mrs. Cao and Zhang Qiuying looked at each other in disbelief.
“Do you mean that we are going to entertain them with good food and drinks?” Zhang Qiuying couldn’t help but ask.
“Yes, preferably with gongs and drums, so that others can also see the so-called backflipping ghost.” Zhuang Qingning laughed: “You don’t have to ask why for now, just do as I say. When the time comes, I will invite you to enjoy the show..”
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