Chapter 498 - Chapter 498: Chapter 485: A Slap (1/2)

Chapter 498: Chapter 485: A Slap

It would be best to address this matter promptly.

Besides, it’s true that she saved Cheng Ruize, but that was part of her duty. To continually allow herself to be addressed as a life-saving benefactor made her feel somewhat feigned…

“Manager Zhuang, you underestimate your actions. To you, it was merely a matter of saving a life in passing, but to the entire Cheng family, it was an enormous favour.”

Qingyu chuckled, “Furthermore, our mistress has heard from the Third Young Master that Manager Zhuang is not after fame or wealth, hence she didn’t send elaborate presents, just a few small chosen trinkets. Please, Manager Zhuang, don’t refuse to accept them.”

Just this…this is the pared-down version?

Zhuang Qingning looked helplessly at the mountain of brocade boxes that Fang Hou and Qingyu held, enough to fill their arms to capacity.

If they had chosen freely, wouldn’t they have filled half the room?

“Really, there’s no need.” Zhuang Qingning refused again and again, “When you return, please tell Mrs. Cheng that treating the sick is a doctor’s duty, there really is no need for all this.”

“Please return…”

“Manager Zhuang…” Qingyu, having been entrusted by Mrs. Cheng to ensure these gifts were delivered, found herself in a dilemma at Zhuang Qingning’s stubborn refusal as she didn’t know how to explain this to her mistress.

Fang Hou struggled to place the items in his hands on the stone table, bowing to Zhuang Qingning, “Manager Zhuang, please heed my advice and accept them.”

“The incident of the Young Master’s poisoning has always been kept from the master and his wife. When the mistress found out, she was extremely upset. She couldn’t do anything for the Third Young Master, but she would feel guilty if she couldn’t show her gratitude towards the person who saved his life.”

“I understand Manager Zhuang’s mindset, you don’t value these material things. But thinking of the mistress’ good intentions, at least accept some, it will make it easier for us to report back.”

After the conversation had gotten this far, if Zhuang Qingning continued to refuse, it would appear unsightly.

After contemplating for a moment, Zhuang Qingning could only nod her head, “Then…”

“I’ll keep two.”

Zhuang Qingning casually picked two unobtrusive boxes from the pile that Qingyu and Fang Hou were holding.

“Take the rest back with you, and extend my greetings to Mrs. Cheng.”

Qingyu hesitated, she wanted to persuade Zhuang Qingning to keep more, but Fang Hou bowed and said, “Alright, Manager Zhuang, don’t worry, I will remember this.”

“We won’t trouble Manager Zhuang anymore and take our leave.”

“Safe trip.” Zhuang Qingning saw Fang Hou and Qingyu out.

“Earlier when Manager Zhuang agreed to take two items, she could’ve taken more. Why didn’t you persuade her further? When others refuse politely, should we not back off? Doesn’t it look like the mistress lacks sincerity in her gift-giving?”

On their way back, Qingyu frowned in dissatisfaction.

“If it were others, we might have been successful. But Manager Zhuang is honest. What she can accept, she’ll accept; what she cannot accept, she won’t accept under any circumstances. If we had stayed there any longer, even the two items we left behind might not have stayed behind.”

Fang Hou explained, “Dealing with honest people requires honesty. We can discuss this issue further in the future. If we push her too hard, she might end up avoiding us, which would be improper.”