Chapter 271: Worthless

Translator: 549690339 |

“What are you here for?”

As Feng Yongkang interrogated them, without waiting for Zhang Yongchang’s answer, he continued, “The question seems redundant. You have returned at this critical time, so it is natural that Chef Zhang should come to watch the fun.”

At this, Zhang Yongchang’s eyes widened abruptly.

“Look, I’m right, aren’t I? You’re even getting angry.”

Feng Yongkang scoffed, “After everything you’ve done, do you still have the right to get upset?”

“I reckon you are enjoying seeing Fushun Tower like this, aren’t you? Do you find it satisfying and vindicating?”

“But don’t get too complacent. Things change. Who knows what will happen next? Chef Zhang, you shouldn’t be too proud. You really think Fushun Tower cannot survive without you? Let’s just wait and see!”

Having spoken his piece, Feng Yongkang left in a huff, but then he turned and pointed at Ma Tong and the others, saying, “Are you all dead or something? Can’t you see people laughing at Fushun Tower? Get them out of here and lock the door!”

“You clumsy fools! Have you forgotten who gives you your food and pays your wages? Be careful if you dare to harm our interests for your own, I won’t hesitate to turn against you!”

His last words carried a hint of implication.

Hearing this, Lian Rong flushed with rage.

Even Ma Tong felt indignant, though a sense of helplessness prevailed. He could only stand there, staring apologetically at Zhang Yongchang. “Chef Zhang, this….I…”

Without saying a word, Zhang Yongchang turned and walked away.

“Good for nothing!” Lian Rong cursed, then hurried after Zhang Yongchang.

Helplessly, Ma Tong watched the master and his pupil leave, then hurriedly resumed his task of securing the door.

“Master, calm down.” Lian Rong tried to catch up, seeking to soothe him, “It’s not worth getting angry with him. Can’t you see what he has become? He’s like a mad dog, biting anyone he sees.”

Zhang Yongchang kept walking without a word.

“Master…”

Lian Rong was growing increasingly worried, his frown deepening.

All of a sudden, Zhang Yongchang stopped in his tracks.

Unable to stop, Lian Rong bashed his forehead into Zhang Yongchang’s broad back.

“Master…what’s wrong?”

“You, go to Ruyi Pavilion now, ask Manager Chai of Ruyi Pavilion if he still needs a cook.” Zhang Yongchang said.

“What?”

After a moment of surprise, Lian Rong nodded vigorously, “Okay, I’m going.”

That Zhang Yongchang was willing to work at Ruyi Pavilion was undoubtedly prompted by Feng Yongkang. Regardless, as long as Zhang Yongchang wanted to do it, Lian Rong had to abide by his wishes.

Thus, he sprinted off to Ruyi Pavilion.

Upon hearing the news that Zhang Yongchang intended to go to Ruyi Pavilion, Zhuang Qingning was similarly surprised.

But after listening to Lian Rong explain, she understood.

“Miss Zhuang.” Lian Rong seemed uneasy, “I believe Master made this sudden decision because he was angered by Feng Yongkang. It’s a good thing that Master is willing to work, when he is busy he seems happier. As long as Master is happy, I can’t ask for anything more.”

“However, the current state of Master has me worried. I don’t know if he really has let go of the incident yesterday, or if he’s still brooding over it, intending to confront Feng Yongkang.”

If he has let go, that’s the best outcome. If he’s still stewing over it, I’m afraid his anger may harm his health.”

“As for that…”

Zhuang Qingning exhaled, saying, “Since Uncle Zhang has not spoken up, there is no way for us to ask. Regardless of his reasons, given Uncle Zhang’s character, he is firm in his decisions, and anyone’s attempts to dissuade him are likely in vain.”

“We might as well wait and see. If Uncle Zhang is willing to go to Ruyi Pavilion, then let him go. Some things must be realized on his own. If he can’t realize them, then there is nothing we can do.”

“Besides, Uncle Zhang is so much older than us, and he has experienced so much. He is undoubtedly more insightful, and it’s probably us who are overthinking.”

“True enough.” Lian Rong scratched his ear, “We’ll leave it at that for now. No matter what Master does, I’ll support him, without considering anything else.” Zhuang Qingning smiled slightly.

Lian Rong’s respect and dedication to Zhang Yongchang were heartfelt, and with him by Zhang Yongchang’s side, much worry could be dispelled.

“When you went to see Manager Chai yesterday, he must have been delighted, right?”

Just when Chai Zhengzhen was looking for a cook, he had been cautiously exploring Zhang Yongchang’s thoughts through Zhuang Qingning.

Now that Zhang Yongchang had come forward on his own, Chai Zhengzhen must have felt like he had won a lottery.

When he mentioned this, Lian Rong looked much less upset. In fact, he even began to smile, “‘Delighted’ is not enough to describe Manager Chai’s mood, he was ecstatic. He said he wanted to personally visit Master and officially invite him, to make things formal. He also suggested that I should go with Master.”

“At that time, he looked so happy, he nearly cramped his face in excitement. As it was only Master sending me to inquire, and he didn’t say anything else, whether Manager Chai should visit was not for me to decide. Therefore, I told him I would go back and ask Master before giving him an answer.”

“When I came out of Ruyi Pavilion, Manager Chai escorted me to the door. As he returned, I saw him trip over the doorstep, probably due to excitement.” “What did Uncle Zhang have to say? Did he allow Manager Chai to visit?” Zhuang Qingning asked.

“Master said that as he is presently out of work and it was he who asked whether Manager Chai needed a cook, it would be improper to let the manager visit. He said that it was unnecessary for Manager Chai to come, and he would go to Ruyi Pavilion to work this afternoon.”

“I’m just about to go and give Manager Chai his response. But before that, I wanted to come here and inform Miss Zhuang. Master and I will be busy from now on, so there won’t be many chances for us to eat together. Have lunch at our place today if you have the time.” Lian Rong proposed with a smile.

“Sure, I’ll go over after I’m done with my work.” Zhuang Qingning nodded.

“Okay, I’ll go to Ruyi Pavilion first. Miss Zhuang, carry on with your work.”

“Take care, Brother Rong.” As Zhuang Qingning watched Lian Rong walk away, she returned to the tofu shop, where she saw Mrs. Cao talking to a young woman.

She didn’t know what Mrs. Cao had said, but the young woman looked disappointed and left with her head down. She lingered at the door for a moment, seemingly unsure which way to go.