The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Zhang Yongchang insisted on making it sound so easy, not because he wanted to take credit, but because he didn’t want Zhuang Qingning to feel indebted to him.

Upon realizing this, Zhuang Qingning refrained from saying any more words of gratitude.

However, when it came to the bag of money Zhang Yongchang handed over, Zhuang Qingning vehemently refused to accept it, pushing it away repeatedly: “Uncle Zhang, you’ve already done so much for me by securing such a major deal. I cannot possibly accept this as well. Please, take it back.”

“What are you talking about, Miss Sui? Didn’t we agree on this earlier? I’m after the reputation, not money. Money is something you can’t take with you when you’re born or when you die. I really don’t need it. But you and Qingsui, you need it much more than I do. Just take it and spend it.”

“Moreover, all this money was earned thanks to your tofu. It’s also gained me great reputation, so you definitely should accept it.”

Seeing that Zhuang Qingning continued to decline, Zhang Yongchang put on a stern face, “That’s it, no need to say more. Whether you want it or not, you must accept it!”

With that, without waiting for Zhuang Qingning’s response, he tossed the money bag into Zhuang Qingning’s bamboo basket and walked away without looking back.

By the time Zhuang Qingning retrieved the bag from the bamboo basket, all she could see was the retreating back of Zhang Yongchang, his hands clasped behind him.

Since she couldn’t return the money then and there, she decided to find a chance to return it in the future. There was plenty of time ahead, so there was no need to rush.

With that thought, Zhuang Qingning decided to keep the money bag for the time being.

“Sister!” As soon as Zhang Yongchang left, Zhuang Qingsui called out excitedly, “Two hundred pounds a day, doesn’t that mean we can earn a lot more money every day? With that calculation, won’t we be able to build two tile-roofed houses in just a few years?”

Even though they had a place to live now, it was still a rental. Having their own house was certainly more secure. Therefore, Zhuang Qingsui deeply desired a home of her own and her sister.

“Yes.” Zhuang Qingning nodded and smiled.

From the twelve or so taels of silver that Zhang Yongchang gave her, they could already afford to build a courtyard. But Zhuang Qingsui never mentioned this, she only talked about using the money earned from selling tofu to build a house.

Obviously, in Zhuang Qingsui’s heart, she understood that they did not deserve these twelve taels of silver.

“You stay here with the tofu stall, I will go find Brother Rong to see if he knows about any of Uncle Zhang’s preferences.”

If they couldn’t accept this silver, then they could convert it into something he cherished and buy it for him. Then even if he didn’t want to accept it, the money would already be spent, and he would have to accept it.

“Okay, Sister, you go ahead.” Zhuang Qingsui completely agreed with Zhuang Qingning’s approach and eagerly nodded.

Zhuang Qingning found a break in the rush and called Lian Rong aside to ask about Zhang Yongchang’s preferences, also explaining the situation to him.

“I understand your intention, Miss Zhuang, but…”

Lian Rong scratched his head with a powerless look on his face, “Although I have been with the chef for several years, apart from cooking, I really haven’t heard of any other interests he has, nor have I ever seen him favor anything…”

“Is that so…” Zhuang Qingning’s eyes darkened slightly at this.

She had planned to play a trick on the chef’s hobbies and subtly return the twelve taels of silver, but the information she obtained from Lian Rong turned out to be this.

This made things really difficult.

Zhuang Qingning’s brow furrowed.

“However, if I were to say…” Lian Rong continued, “Being the lover of culinary arts he is, the chef’s favorite thing is cooking and studying recipes. If you can get a good recipe for him, he will definitely be thrilled.”

“But this is probably not easy to achieve. The chef’s cooking skills are not to be underestimated, he is definitely a good cook. At least no one in this area can surpass him. Naturally, the dishes he can make are not few. I’m afraid it’s not easy for a recipe that he doesn’t know how to make but desires may cost more than a dozen taels in silver to acquire.”

“In my opinion, Miss Zhuang, you shouldn’t worry about this, and not always think about returning the money. Since Chef Zhang stated that he would give you the silver, he sincerely won’t accept it back. Even if you change it into something else, he definitely won’t accept it.”

“The thing Chef Zhang values least in his daily life is money. Miss Zhuang, you don’t need to worry about this. Just leave it alone and spend the money as you see fit.”

“If you really can’t let go of this, to speak frankly, since chef Zhang lost his wife years ago and has been quite lonely, why not take care of him more when he gets old? Wouldn’t that make it all right?”

“I understand what you mean, Brother Rong.” Zhuang Qingning’s eyebrows relaxed, and she nodded with a smile, “I know what to do now. You go ahead with your work, I won’t bother you any longer.”

“As long as you understand. Your tofu stall is always bustling with people, you should get back to it.” Lian Rong thought Zhuang Qingning had accepted his advice and smiled broadly.

After seeing Zhuang Qingning out, he went to work in the kitchen.

Zhuang Qingning, however, still couldn’t let go of the matter concerning the silver.

What Lian Rong said made sense. She had received the silver, and there would be plenty of opportunities to return it in the future.

But Zhang Yongchang did more for her than just this, and she was certain he would continue to do so in the future. She felt uncomfortable owing him such a huge favor right from the start. Even if she couldn’t repay him in full, shouldn’t she at least make a gesture?

So, during the afternoon rest time, while Zhuang Qingsui was sound asleep, Zhuang Qingning called Xiaowu out.

Arc there any suitable recipes to give to Chef Zhang? Can you recommend one?

“Hmm, let me see…Oh, I’ve got it! Recipe: ‘Sauce Spare Ribs’, easy to find ingredients, low production cost, but because of the unique ratio of ingredients, the flavors are wonderful. It’s the most cost-effective recipe among the basic recipes. It’s definitely worth having.”

The signature dishes of Fushun Tower are mostly richly flavored and heavy, and these Sauce Sparc Ribs are in line with the conventional style of Fushun Tower. But she wasn’t sure if they would be a dish that Chef Zhang desired.

“So are you doubting the quality of System’s products?”

“I’m not boasting, but everything inside the System, be it items or recipes, is of top-notch quality and can stand the test of time. You can feel assured, that once Chef Zhang sees this recipe, he will be overjoyed and shower graces upon you…”

If it weren’t for you boasting, there wouldn’t be anyone left in the world capable of boasting.

But, since you are so sure of yourself, this recipe is probably really good, hence your confidence.

But I wonder….