Chapter 52: Chapter 052: Damn it
Translator: 549690339
If he could keep him, Feng Yongkang would be interested in retaining Li Fang, but if he had to choose between Zhang Yongchang and the current staff, Feng would naturally not hesitate at all.
“It’s settled, get up. You’ve committed such a grave error, thinking you can still remain here with a thick skin, that’s utterly impossible.” Feng Yongkang looked at Li Fang sternly, saying, “Pack up your belongings, find the accountant, settle your wages, and leave promptly.”
After saying these words, he paused briefly and then added, “It’s already late today, so you can sleep here for one more night before leaving tomorrow.”
After all, Li was an old associate. Even if he was no longer needed, Feng didn’t feel the need to make the situation overly tense. He believed he should still give him the necessary respect.
Li Fang’s face turned pale as he slumped down to the ground, not responding for a long time. He didn’t know if it was mainly due to the heartbreaking reality or his self-blame and regret.
Anyway, from now on, Li wouldn’t be his staff member anymore. Feng didn’t think too much about it and just walked away.
Zhang Yongchang completely despised such people. He sneered and left without further ado.
Ma Tong, who was left behind to watch this drama, couldn’t help but feel like giving applause and cheering.
Right!
People with impure intentions deserved such an ending!
As for Uncle Zhang, Ma used to think he was stubborn, bad-tempered, and hard to get along with, but now he seemed decent. At least his character was exceptional.
While humoring a tune, Ma was considering how to build a good relationship with Zhang Yongchang.
Li Fang remained slumped on the ground for a while, his complexion gradually changing from white to a pork liver color.
Damn it!
Starting tomorrow, Zhuang Qingning would need to supply tofu to the Fushun Tower, as well as reserve some tofu for selling in the village for Mrs. He. To meet this demand, she had to increase the amount of beans for soaking and grind more tofu.
However, this could be an issue. While the tofu pot was large enough to cook so much soy milk, grinding and filtering the soy milk could be a strenuously laborious task.
Considering this, Zhuang Qingning decided to bring Zhuang Qingsui along to the tofu workshop earlier to begin grinding the soy milk.
As soon as they walked out the front door, they bumped into Zhuang Mingliang, who was carrying two bamboo baskets in his hands.
“Big Sister Ning.” Zhuang Mingliang greeted Qingning with a smile on his face.
He was round-faced and appeared honest by nature. When he smiled, his goodness seemed to shine through even more.
“What are you doing here?” Zhuang Qingning laughed, “Did your parents send you to deliver something to me?”
“My parents said that you’re going to grind so much tofu and feared that you may not be able to handle it alone. They asked me to help you. Even though 1 don’t really know how to grind tofu, I can use my strength to assist in grinding the beans.” Mingliang expressed, flexing his arm, “They also said that tomorrow morning, 1 can directly take the tofu back, so you don’t need to worry about arranging that.”
Mingliang, being twelve years old and three months younger than Qingning, had inherited his father’s Zhuang Yonghe’s tall stature. He was already a full head taller than Qingning and appeared robust.
Having long been accustomed to farm work, even youngsters like Mingliang possessed impressive physical strength.
Qingning was even more delighted when she heard this news.
It must be that Mrs. He was worried about her workload and hence asked Mingliang to help.
“I was just thinking about this matter and planning to go to the mill earlier to start grinding the beans. Coincidentally, you’re here, so let’s do it together.” Said Qingning with a smile.
“Alright then.” Responded Mingliang with a nod, and then headed to the mill with Qingning.
From soaking beans, grinding soy milk, helping in starting fire, to finally pressing the tofu into shape.
Mingliang, being tall and strong, was also diligent and quick. He handled more than half of the tofu grinding tasks.
“Here are today’s tofu, I’ve packed them all for you, just take them back.” Qingning finished packing the right quantity of tofu into the bamboo baskets, then she added an extra two pounds of tofu on top, “Take this back and cook it for lunch.”
“I don’t need…” Mingliang refused, extending his hand.
“If you refuse it, 1 wouldn’t dare to let you help me grind tofu in the future.” Zhuang Qingning covered the tofu with a cloche, not giving Mingliang any chance to resist, “Take these back first, and also tell your uncle and aunt. I’ve been making more and more tofu, and I can certainly use extra help here. You can continue to help me for now and see how tofu sales are going. If things continue to be promising, 1 will give you daily wages.”
Mingliang, who was usually at a loss for words, considered this and eventually nodded, “Alright, I’ll talk to my parents when 1 get home.”
He then picked up the two bamboo baskets, one in each hand, and declared his departure, “Then, Big Sister Ning, I’m leaving now.”
“Alright, take care on your way.”
“Ok.” Mingliang walked away a few steps, then turned back with a laugh, “If you have anything you need help with at home, just call for Minghao and me.”
“Alright.” Qingning responded with a smile, her eyebrows curved. She saw Mingliang out of the tofu workshop, then tidied it up, and brought Mrs. Wen’s tofu pudding and tofu into the kitchen.
When Bai San arrived with the bullock cart, she put basket after basket full of tofu on the cart, ready to set off to town.
“Miss Ning, 1 heard that Chef Zhang from Fushun Tower has bought tofu from you?” Bai San extended his whip, cracking it with a resounding snap in the air. “Uncle Bai heard about it?” Qingning asked with a smile.
“I went to the town to buy something yesterday afternoon, and 1 heard it from Aunt Liu who sells pretty good stuff.” Answered Bai, “Chef Zhang, I’ve dealt with him a couple of times before. He’s stubborn and likes to compete, but he’s straightforward. Now that he’s decided to buy tofu from you, probably the entire Fushun Tower will only use your tofu, no one else’s.”
“Also, I heard that Chef Zhang used to work as a cook in the county town. I guess he must know many restaurants and diners there. If he’s willing to spread the word, your tofu could be sold in the county town.”
The more Bai spoke, the happier he became. His mouth was almost spread to his ears. He said to Qingning, “Miss Ning, in my opinion, you should rent a storefront in town for selling tofu. It would be more convenient. Otherwise, it would be less convenient during rainy days.”
“I’ve been considering this matter. However, 1 think that first, the amount of tofu 1 produce every day isn’t great enough for a full day’s sales. Half a day’s sales would have to do, and for the remaining half of the day, the shop would have to be closed, which seems wasteful. Secondly, setting up a stall in town doesn’t cost much, but if I were to rent a shop, it would mean extra costs..”
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