Chapter 392 - Chapter 392: Chapter 399: Actually Left (1/2)

Chapter 392: Chapter 399: Actually Left

The Shopkeeper’s face was flushed with anger, first from being scolded by Chen Li; an old man like him being cursed by a young girl in front of so many guys, feeling both ashamed and humiliated, unbearably embarrassed. Then, he was filled with rage by Chen Li’s overt and covert accusations, doubting his integrity when he’d always conducted himself honorably, sitting upright in the Store for so long. He had worked diligently, without glory or recognition, and now, to be doubted by the boss was an outright insult to his character.

“What are you implying, boss? Are you doubting this old man?” Shopkeeper Yu, a stubborn old fellow who valued his reputation above everything else, had swallowed the insults from Chen Li, bearing them like a grandson, without retort. But now he couldn’t contain himself—the boss might doubt anything but not his character, which was an insult he would not accept.

“Let’s speak frankly; since the Shopkeeper puts it that way, I’ll be direct. Business has clearly been picking up lately, and even without turning a profit, the losses couldn’t have been so severe. Clearly, someone is playing the ghost, lining their own pockets, and that someone could only be you, Shopkeeper. After all, no one else but you has the authority and ability to do so,” she said.

Chen Li eyed the Shopkeeper sharply, appearing both heartbroken and bitter, not leaving the Shopkeeper a shred of dignity. In her mind, the Shopkeeper was there to work for her—naturally, she had the right to direct him and call him to account. Hadn’t her superiors done the same to her when things went wrong in the past? Moreover, the Shopkeeper had committed such an outrageous act, betraying her trust.

“Boss, I’ve served you with all my heart and strength, not seeking your gratitude since, after all, the old man gets his wages. But you can’t insult my character like this. Without clarifying the facts, with no evidence, you cast baseless accusations on me. I, Yu Zhengqing, have lived an honest life, doing right by heaven and earth’s conscience. You can’t be so unreasonable!”

To Chen Li, Yu Zhengqing’s righteous and unapologetic words were nothing but sheer sophistry. She believed the Shopkeeper had hidden the evidence of embezzlement, assuming she wouldn’t discover it, hence his bold and fearless attitude. This only fueled her anger and frustration further.

“Shopkeeper Yu, you don’t have to act so innocent. If you’re truly innocent, where did all the money that’s missing from the accounts go? Did it just vanish into thin air? Some deeds leave traces, and I will find them. You’d be better off admitting to swallowing the money and spitting it out. I might forgive and forget. Otherwise, when I get serious, you won’t be able to save your old face!” Chen Li pointed at Yu Zhengqing and said angrily, thinking she had been too lenient—a troublemaker like him deserved to be sent to the Government Office for punishment.

“I’ve lived most of my lifetime, but this is the first time I’ve seen someone so unreasonable. After all, she’s just a woman, with long hair and short sight. If you can’t afford to lose, don’t go into Business—making such a fuss is truly shameful,” Yu Zhengqing said angrily, his words losing their courtesy. He had long recognized the boss’ Daughter’s identity but had not mentioned it, and now he couldn’t hold back any longer.

“Well, well, shameless old man, an old lecher at that—you knew my identity all along, so you concocted this plan, thinking that being a Daughter made me an easy target? If you don’t cough up the embezzled funds today, don’t blame me for taking you to court. Let the Government punish you!”

Chen Li felt annoyed at having her status exposed by the Shopkeeper, and her thought process, different from most people, took a somewhat bizarre turn. Deep down, Chen Li refused to believe her Store was losing money. With her modern perspective and talent, having put so much effort into managing the Store, it should have been making money hand over fist, like the other stores she had opened, which were all gold mines. The recent smooth sailing inflated her confidence; unable to accept failure, she placed the blame squarely on Shopkeeper Yu.

Shopkeeper Yu’s face alternated between pale and flushed. He had simply stated the truth, without any ill intentions, and yet was labeled an old lecher, accused and cursed in ways he had never experienced in his lifetime. Had his health not been so good, he might have nearly passed out from rage.