The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

“Even though he offered some sort of explanation earlier, his expression was stern. I found him difficult to communicate with and feared someone else might impersonate him. In our line of business, we can’t just hand our goods to strangers who claim to be from somewhere or other. So, I went to Fushun Tower to confirm. When I got there, a servant named Ma Tong said that from now on, Tong Fei will handle the pick-ups.”

“I observed that Ma Tong was not willing to say much, so I didn’t ask in detail. I also didn’t want to cause any friction between Chef Zhang and Manager Feng over this trivial matter. I handed over all the goods to Tong Fei first, planning to discuss the matter with you when you arrived.”

“As I recall, when Lian Rong came to the shop yesterday morning looking for you, I told him you weren’t present and he said he’d come again today. He looked unwell, so I didn’t ask about the switch in pick-up personnel, and thought, ‘I’ll tell you about it when I see you today’.”

“Before I could mention it to you, Tong Fei showed up first.”

After hearing Mrs. Cao’s explanation, Zhuang Qingning seemed to understand the situation better, but her frown had only deepened.

“Now you understand, right? I need to get back to work promptly, hurry and prepare the goods to be dispatched.” Tong Fei said, somewhat displeased.

“Your shop does take liberties. All the suppliers for Fushun Tower deliver their goods there. Yours is the only shop from which I have to collect goods.”

“I came here today to inform you that starting from tomorrow, you should deliver the goods on time to reduce my back-and-forth trips; it’s a waste of time.”

Seeing that Zhuang Qingning and the others still did not react, Tong Fei became impatient, “Hurry up, don’t waste time. The kitchen staff are busy and have no time to waste on you.”

“If the kitchen is busy, then you should go on your way. We’ll send the goods over when we’ve figured this out,” said Zhuang Qingning, furrowing her brows. “Hasn’t the situation been clarified? What’s there to figure out?”

Tong Fei immediately put on a stern face and sized up Zhuang Qingning, “Are you the manager of this shop?”

“I knew it! I had heard that the manager of this tofu shop is unreasonably harsh and loves to make things difficult. Seeing you now, I realize it’s not a false rumor. We’ve clarified the situation, yet you’re still being difficult. Do you think the kitchen of Fushun Tower is still under the control of Zhang Yongchang?”

“I’m not afraid to tell you the truth. Fushun Tower has changed hands. Zhang Yongchang has long been dismissed by the current management. If you’re going to act high and mighty in the future, you won’t find a foot in the door!”

Zhang Yongchang got dismissed by Feng Yongkang and is no longer the chef of Fushun Tower?

Mrs. Cao, Zhang Qiuying, and Zhuang Qingsui were all taken aback.

Zhuang Qingning bit her lower lip upon hearing the news.

As expected, her suspicions were not far off. The staff who made purchases for Fushun Tower was replaced, and that was likely the reason Lian Rong had come searching for her.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning’s countenance darken and a trace of nervousness in her eyes, Tong Fei mistook it for fear. He smirked, “Manager Zhuang, don’t just stand there. Quickly get someone to send the goods over to Fushun Tower. They’re waiting to prepare lunch.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Zhuang Qingning replied. She lifted her gaze to meet Tong Fei’s with bright, clear eyes, and said resolutely, “From now on, Zhuang’s Tofu Shop will no longer supply tofu to Fushun Tower.”

“As it happens, our dealings with Fushun Tower, including the daily payments, are all settled immediately. We don’t owe each other anything. Just let Manager Feng know when you get back.”

Tong Fei was stunned for a moment.

This Zhuang Qingning really had no business sense. She said she wouldn’t do business with Fushun Tower and she meant it, not worrying about future poor sales or earning less. Furthermore, she likely had already prepared today’s goods to be supplied to Fushun Tower. Could she really refuse to supply them and risk not being able to sell today’s tofu?

Thinking more about it, if she decided not to do business, then it would sever ties completely with anyone connected to Zhang Yongchang. Thus, preventing these people from causing trouble for himself and his master over Zhang Yongchang’s dismissal.

“Fine, you said it yourself. When your business dries up, don’t come crawling back to us!” Tong Fei retorted indignantly.

“There’s no need to worry about that. The saying goes, ‘Words spoken are like water spilled.’ Naturally, there’s no point in trying to take them back,” Zhuang Qingning answered with a slight smile, “However, it would be best for Fushun Tower not to come asking for my help in the future.”

“Manager Zhuang, you need not worry about that!”

Seeing Zhuang Qingning’s arrogant attitude, Tong Fei felt an equal mixture of disdain and shame. His expression became increasingly ugly and he spoke with gritted teeth, “Rest assured, I won’t beg for anyone’s help, and that includes yours!”