Chapter 87 - Chapter 87: Chapter 087: A Great Favor (1/2)
Chapter 87: Chapter 087: A Great Favor
Translator: 549690339
It wouldn’t have mattered much if Zhuang Mingliang were involved, as they were closely related, and it was acceptable for them to work together frequently. However, it would be inconvenient if the hired help were a young man.
Although being known for having a fiery temper could tarnish a woman’s reputation, it was not necessarily fatal. One had to be extremely cautious when it came to working closely with men; a careless misstep could lead to utter disaster for a young maiden.
Even though Zhuang Qingning had not mentioned it, Zhuang Yonghe felt it was something he needed to consider as well.
When Zhuang Qingning heard Zhuang Yonghe emphasize the need for female workers, she burst into laughter and said, “Uncle Yonghe is definitely the right person for this job.”
Zhuang Yonghe, mildly embarrassed with the compliment, grinned and said, “Your aunt and I will ask around. We’ll look for suitable people in our village and let you know as soon as possible.”
“Regarding the wages…”
“For now, let’s go with five wen per day,” Zhuang Qingning proposed. “If the tofu business picks up, we can always increase their wages.”
“Alright, I understand.” Zhuang Yonghe nodded in agreement.
Five wen a day equated to one hundred and fifty wen a month, almost two taels of silver annually. Plus, they would essentially be working from home, and the job specifications were just right. There would be an ample amount of time for them to rest during the day and take care of any household tasks. It was an ideal job in every respect.
There would be no lack of interested individuals at these wages.
“Then I hope both my aunt and uncle can expedite this process, to get things in place,” Zhuang Qingning said cheerfully.
“Don’t worry, if we don’t find a suitable person in the first few days, your aunt and I will manage the job for some time until we secure the business,” Zhuang Yonghe reassured her.
This would allow them to have peace of mind for the time being.
After discussing a few more things, Zhuang Qingning returned to her tofu shop.
Zhuang Yonghe and Mrs He stayed home and deliberated on whom they should recruit. They decided to start inquiring early the next day to get things moving as quickly as possible.
The next morning, Zhuang Yonghe went off to sell tofu while Mrs He stayed behind to take care of household chores. Zhuang Qingning carried on with her usual routine of selling tofu in the town.
The business was as good as usual, and the tofu was selling out quickly.
Zhuang Qingning left Zhuang Qingsui in charge of the stall halfway through the day and went looking for Zhang Yongchang.
Zhang Yongchang was supervising Lian Rong and the others at work in the kitchen. Seeing Zhuang Qingning in the doorway, Zhang Yongchang’s face darkened: “Why can’t you just listen to me? Didn’t I tell you to keep it? If you keep coming here repeatedly, I’m going to get mad.”
Apparently, he misunderstood her presence, presuming that she had come to return his money.
Zhuang Qingning, with a barely restrained smile said playfully, “Uncle Zhang, you have misunderstood. This money is mine to keep. Why would I take it out needlessly?”
“I’ve already planned how to spend the money. Even if Uncle Zhang asked for it back, I would still refuse to give it. Why would I come rushing back to return it?”
“There’s no need for you to worry, Uncle Zhang!”
“So you didn’t come to return the money?”
Zhang Yongchang looked at Zhuang Qingning in astonishment. Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, he finally lightened up: “That sounds more reasonable. It’s good you’re being obedient.”
“However, I do have a matter I need to discuss with Uncle Zhang,” Zhuang Qingning said, smiling.
“Just tell me what it is. As long as I can help.”