Chapter 128 - Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Want to Say Thank You (1/2)

Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Want to Say Thank You

Translator: 549690339

Just as expected, after the compliments, a certain figure grew more obedient and endearing, becoming everyone’s favorite.

There is a reason advocating for praise as a form of education is so popular!

Zhuang Qingning diverted her attention from her thoughts, cleared her throat, and said, “Every household inevitably goes through rough patches, but life must go on, we must look forward. Speaking of Qiuying selling fried chop rice cake in the town…”

“My aunt, my aunt-in-law, my tofu shop in town will soon be open for business. I’ll tell you frankly, once the shop opens, our tofu factory at home will have to operate around the clock. I have to keep an eye on both the factory and the shop, and I really can’t cope with it all.”

“I came home today to check on you guys and inquire whether my aunt or aunt-in-law would have time to help me sell tofu at the shop, from opening in the morning to closing at night. I’ll pay monthly wages. For now, I’m thinking of 200 taels a month. As the tofu business grows and we get busier, I can increase the wages. What do you think?”

Everyone present was taken aback.

They had sold their land and lost their main source of support with Zhang Xiangrong’s illness, worrying about repaying debt and medical expenses. They had prepared to endure the hardship, but suddenly Zhuang Qingning offered them a job?

Two hundred taels a month, that’s six or seven taels a day, and it’s a regular job. The pay might increase in the future, and they’d be working indoors, sheltered from the wind and sun. This job is really good, and just in time. “Ning girl, are you serious?” Mrs. Liu calmed herself and asked first, “You’re not just saying that you want to hire people to sell tofu because you see our family’s current hardship and can’t bear it, are you?”

“Auntie, I really intend to hire someone to sell tofu,” responded Qingning.

Zhuang Qingning knew that Mrs. Liu was feeling uneasy about taking advantage of her offer, so she laughed and explained, “Think about it. Now that my tofu business is booming, and after moving to the shop, it will operate in full day instead of half day, we will definitely have to make more tofu.”

“Many people in county town also mentioned that it’s been getting hot recently, and they wish they could get fresh tofu during lunch as well, so they’d prefer to have two deliveries—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They also want more tofu.”

“In this case, my tofu pot must be kept working day and night, and I need to make at least four pots of tofu a day to keep up. I’m afraid I’ll have to increase the size of my tofu pot, and I’m also considering making more side dishes so that the shop won’t look so empty. If it’s like this, how can I still have time to take care of selling tofu in the shop?”

“I really do need to hire someone to help me sell tofu. Uncle Yonghe at home is busy helping me with the tofu factory and has to sell his own tofu too. I’m having a hard time finding the right person. Since you are close relatives, I thought I would ask if you or your sister-in-law would have the time to do it.”

“If it looks like I’m offering this job because of your current situation at home, I honestly would’ve offered the job even if your family wasn’t experiencing hardship. Even without these circumstances, I originally wanted to ask you if you could help.”

Mrs. Liu understood from Zhuang Qingning’s explanation that she really intended to hire someone due to her busy schedule. She felt relieved and was filled with gratitude.

“My girl, how am I supposed to express my gratitude to you for your consideration of our family in such difficult times…”

“Auntie, you don’t have to say anything. Just make sure the tofu shop is well taken care of, then you’ll have done me a great favor,” said Zhuang Qingning.

Zhuang Qingning laughed and said, “By then, not only would you not be thanking me, but I’ll also be the one thanking you.”

Mrs. Liu felt an indescribable emotion. Zhuang Qingning had in fact helped their family immensely, but she seemed to imply that they had done her a favor, all in an effort to protect their dignity.