The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

After many attempts, the people in charge of sieving and boiling the noodles gradually got the hang of it, and the first pot of well-made glass noodles was finally cooked.

Watching those noodles being dried, with every strand clear and distinct. Under the strong sun and the soft breeze, they gradually solidified and retained their shapes. A sense of relief spread among the crowd.

By this time, the sun was slowly setting.

“It’s getting late. Let’s stop here for today. If you’re not too tired, you could practice some more, and see if you can get a feel for making the noodles,”

Zhuang Qingning said, “I will come tomorrow and give you some advice on what’s been done imperfectly.”

“Sure…” Upon hearing these words, the crowd dispersed.

The tasks in the noodle workshop were clearly divided and almost everyone stayed to familiarize themselves with their respective jobs, instead of going home to rest.

Miao Hongjin saw Zhuang Qingning out of the workshop.

Shen Quan and Zhang Lin were already waiting by the carriage at the door of the workshop. Seeing Zhuang Qingning, they stepped down from the carriage.

“Thank you for your hard work, Manager Zhuang,” Miao Hongjin folded his hands and thanked her.

“There’s no need to be so polite, Village Chief Miao, it’s what I’m supposed to do,” Zhuang Qingning laughed, “As I mentioned to you before, have you discussed with everyone about supplying Cheng’s with our noodles?”

“Yes, yes,” Miao Hongjin nodded repeatedly, “Everyone thinks it’s a good thing, they all agreed.”

Most of the villagers are uneducated. They can work but they rarely visit the town, let alone sell things there. They feel a little apprehensive about the idea, fearing they might not get a good price for their products.

Having Cheng’s buying directly from them, saving them the hassle of transportation and selling, of course, it’s a good thing, isn’t it?

Moreover, Cheng’s promised that every time they send a shipment of sweet potato noodles to Zhuang Qingning, they would get a 10 percent commission from the net profit.

In other words, they would be earning more money from the noodles. Miao Hongjin didn’t need to say anything, but the villagers readily agreed.

However, in Miao Hongjin’s eyes, that Zhuang Qingning was able to negotiate an additional 10 percent income and convince Cheng’s to sell their sweet potato glass noodles, surely required a great deal of effort.

At this moment, Miao Hongjin was full of gratitude for Zhuang Qingning. He had endless words of thanks for her.

However, if he keeps saying “thankyou”, it might seem superficial and distant.

Miao Hongjin decided to hold back his gratitude for now and made a plan to discuss with the villagers about how to properly thank Zhuang Qingning once the noodle workshop was fully operational.

Right now, he respectfully helped Zhuang Qingning into the carriage and even gave her a half bag of chestnut sweet potatoes to steam and eat at home.

Zhuang Qingsui loved to eat this, so Zhuang Qingning accepted it and left in the carriage.

Miao Hongjin watched the carriage leave the village and disappear from sight before returning to check on the workshop and supervise everyone’s work.

Zhuang Qingning was escorted home by Shen Quan and Zhang Lin.

“Thank you for your hard work today, Manager Zhuang. We will come to pick you up tomorrow,” Shen Quan said.

“You two are the ones who’ve worked hard,” Zhuang Qingning laughed. She asked them to wait for a while and brought some lotus root cake from home, “The cakes from Ruyi Pavilion may be sweet. But they are also light in taste. I think you guys will enjoy them.”

These two were specially assigned by Ding Gaochang to escort Zhuang Qingning.

Though Zhuang Qingning understood Ding Gaochang’s intentions, she didn’t take it for granted. She still returned their kindness appropriately.

“Thankyou, Manager Zhuang,” Shen Quan received it and thanked her repeatedly. He even looked a bit embarrassed, “I feel bad for constantly receiving your kindness.”

“You feel bad?” Zhang Lin sneered from the side, “Didn’t look like that when you were eating hungrily.”

“What are you talking about…” Shen Quan’s face turned red, “Only because the food Manager Zhuang offers is too delicious.”

Zhuang Qingning giggled seeing the two grown men bickering. “If you like it, I can bring more for you later. The stock of sweet potato noodles is running low. Once the noodle from Miao Village is available, I will treat you both to some spicy noodles in the town shop.”

She figured they would enjoy the strong-flavored dish.

“It would be rude to refuse such a gracious offer. We’ll be happy to try the spicy noodles,” Zhang Lin quickly agreed.

The previous time when Zhuang Qingning visited Ding Gaochang, she brought some spicy noodles for Ding Gaochang and Xu Zhengping to taste.

But she didn’t bring much, and unfortunately, Zhang Lin wasn’t at the County Government Office that day. When he returned, he heard everyone talking about how delicious the spicy noodles are, he felt so envious.

Upon hearing Zhuang Qingning’s offer, he felt he had to seize this opportunity.

Shen Quan smirked at the side.

See, aren’t you doing the same?

Zhuang Qingning laughed and promised.

“Little Sister Ning.”

Zhou Daya ran over, “You’re back?”

“Sister Zhou,” Zhuang Qingning returned the greeting with a smile, “Need something from me?”

“Not about the workshop. My great-aunt asked me to come and see if you’re back and to invite you for dinner. We just got some crystal skin jelly, why don’t you come and try some?” Zhou Daya said with a smile.

“Are you… Miss Zhou?” Zhang Lin looked at Zhou Daya for a while before he tentatively asked.

Zhou Daya found Zhang Lin’s voice familiar. She carefully studied Zhang Lin, dressed as a government official, she finally exclaimed in surprise, “Are you Big Brother Zhang from the County Office?”

“Yes, that’s me,” Zhang Lin nodded, “Master Ding had sent me to check on you a few times, but after a few days, you and your grandmother disappeared. Master Ding had us searching for you for a few days before we heard that you might have gone to live with some relatives, so we stopped searching.”

“I didn’t expect to see you here, and you…”

And you’ve changed a lot.

Zhang Lin recalled the Zhou Daya he had seen before, a young girl filled with fear, despair, resistance, and intense sadness. She was completely different from the Zhou Daya standing before him now, filled with joy and vitality.

It was understandable, anyone who experienced what she did would be scared. Now that she was safe, of course, she was happier and felt secure.

Since Zhou Daya was doing well now, Zhang Lin didn’t want to bring up the unpleasant past and decided to change the subject.