Chapter 243: Chapter 235: Making Enemies (4000+)

Translator: 549690339 |

With that said, he dramatically walked away, muttering berating remarks under his breath: “What’s the world coming to when sellers become so arrogant and overbearing? They have no clue about how reality works and still expect others to seek for their favors. Is it a daydream or something? Do they think the sun rises from the west now?”

Watching Tong Fei leave the shop, Mrs. Cao walked uneasily over to Zhuang Qingning. “Are those things he said true?”

“I have no idea, but judging from the current situation, it’s probably mostly accurate,” Zhuang Qingning answered with a frown. “Given Uncle Zhang’s personality, he certainly wouldn’t divulge such an incident. I presume Big Brother Lian Rong was here yesterday exactly because of this matter.”

“That could be the case.” Mrs. Cao’s face filled with even more guilt. “I should have asked more yesterday.”

If she had asked more prudently yesterday, she could have discussed this with Zhuang Qingning earlier, thereby avoiding this unnecessary argument with the ignorant staff.

Not supplying to Fushun Tower was quite a trivial matter as per tofu shop’s business perspective. Regardless of the quantity of the products, they never lacked buyers; the key point was whether they were willing to sell or not. It was quite disheartening that they came to know about this from Tong Fei, which inevitably put them on the back foot, making Zhuang Qingning quite embarrassed and disadvantaged.

“Regardless, there’s nothing to celebrate about this situation. Big Brother Lian Rong probably wouldn’t want this to be common knowledge either. Even if you had asked Auntie yesterday, I’m afraid Big Brother Lian Rong still wouldn’t have said anything.”

Zhuang Qingning continued, “So, auntie, you don’t need to feel too guilty about it. If Big Brother Lian Rong wanted to keep it a secret, there must be a reason.

The folks at Fushun Tower are nothing more than deliberately picking a quarrel – they would always find some nonsense to argue about. Thus, no need to pay too much heed.”

“We should still find out where Uncle Zhang is just in case.”

Zhang Yongchang actually had a home in the town, but he usually lived in the backyard of Fushun Tower with his colleagues like Lian Rong. Therefore, Zhuang Qingning didn’t know where Uncle Zhang’s house was.

“Given the size of this town and our frequent encounters, I’m certain we’ll find his whereabouts if we ask a few people who know Chef Zhang quite well.”

Mrs. Cao said, “However, in my opinion, it would be a good idea to stay at the shop and wait for Lian Rong. This way, if he comes looking for you while you are not at the shop, it won’t result in more hassle from both parties missing each other.”

“You’re right.” Zhuang Qingning nodded, “I’ll just wait for Big Brother Lian Rong here.”

As Zhuang Qingning spoke, she picked up the basket and put back everything that had been prepared for Fushun Tower on the shelf.

Business at the tofu shop continued as usual with customers steadily trickling in.

Among those customers, there was an excited Chai Zhengzhen from Ruyi Pavilion.

But upon seeing Zhuang Qingning in the shop, Chai Zhengzhen quickly dampened the smile on his face.

Just a moment ago, he had been told in his shop about the argument between Tong Fei and Zhuang Qingning at Zhuang’s Tofu Shop, and how Zhuang Qingning had declared she will no longer supply tofu to Fushun Tower. At this news, he had been so delighted that he had paced around the backyard of Ruyi Pavilion several times.

Although he was shocked to hear about the falling out between Feng Yongkang and Zhang Yongchang, and felt regretful about their decades-long friendship ending this way, considering things from the standpoint of Ruyi Pavilion, Zhang Yongchang’s departure from Fushun Tower was mostly advantageous.

Especially since the new chef at Fushun Tower, who shared the same sentiments as Feng Yongkang, had a very low regard for Zhuang’s Tofu Shop. Now that they had severed business relations with Zhuang’s Tofu Shop, it would be great for Ruyi Pavilion.

Chai Zhengzhen didn’t even have the time to ponder over what had gone wrong with Feng Yongkang. He hastily rushed to the tofu shop, intending to purchase more stock. He aimed to use the quality of his ingredients to attract customers to Ruyi Pavilion during this period.

Despite his excitement, upon seeing Zhuang Qingning, especially the displeasure on her face, he quickly tried to hide his joy.

Chai Zhengzhen was aware of the deep relationship between Zhuang Qingning and Zhang Yongchang. While he was delighted by the advantageous situation for Ruyi Pavilion, he didn’t want to appear petty and disrespectful.

“Manager Zhuang.” Chai Zhengzhen greeted.

“Good morning, Manager Chai.” Seeing Chai Zhengzhen, Zhuang Qingning’s gloominess started to fade, replaced by a smile. “Manager Chai, are you planning to buy a bit more today?”