The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

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.

Such a good person, indeed.

Mrs. Liu wondered about all the good deeds they must’ve done to deserve assistance from someone like Zhuang Qingning.

Endless words of praise and gratitude can become tiresome, so Mrs. Liu chose to keep her feelings to herself and focused on discussing with Zhuang Qingning about who would be best suited to watch over the tofu shop.

In the end, they decided that Mrs. Cao would mind the tofu shop, while Zhang Qiuying would continue selling fried chop rice cake every day. After she sold out of rice cake for the day, she would also be able to help watch the tofu shop. This way, things wouldn’t be too hectic.

Mrs. Liu would stay home to look after Zhang Xiangrong, and Zhang Qiuyue would do chores at home. They could manage it.

Mrs. Cao, being an honest and reliable person, immediately pledged to sell the tofu well and asked Zhuang Qingning not to worry.

After deciding that Mrs. Cao would visit the tofu shop for familiarization the next day, Zhuang Qingning explained a few other things to note. After talking for a while, realizing it was getting late, Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui left.

Everyone from Mrs. Liu’s family accompanied Zhuang Qingning out the door, and watched her and Zhuang Qingsui walk until they were far away before returning home to take care of Zhang Xiangrong.

Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui walked to the main road to see if they could get a ride.

“Big Sister Ning, Big Sister Ning.”

The call came from behind. Turning around, Zhuang Qingning saw Zhang Qiuying, panting heavily, running towards her.

“What happened? Why are you running like that?” Zhuang Qingning quickly reached out to steady her.

“Big Sister Ning”, Zhang Qiuying, holding back the tears in her eyes, kneeled in front of Zhuang Qingning. “I really want to thank you. Your kindness will not be forgotten. In the future, wherever you need me, be it going up to a mountain of knives or down to a sea of flames, I won’t refuse.”

“What are you doing, get up quickly.” Zhuang Qingning helped Zhang Qiuying up from the ground. “Didn’t we agree? I needed someone for the job, it’s just a coincidence that it happened to help your family at this moment.”

“I understand, I understand it all,” Zhang Qiuying pressed her lips together. “I just wanted to say thanks, it’s getting late. You should head home.”

Having said that, Zhang Qiuying turned around and ran off like the wind.

Tears fell from her eyes, but due to her running, they didn’t fall onto her cheeks, but rather flew sideways.

She was extremely grateful to Zhuang Qingning.

To an outsider, it might just seem like she’s excited over being offered a job.

But given her family’s current situation, owing money to others, with her parents out of work and their land sold off, the future looked very bleak, like complete darkness. Suddenly, someone offered them a lifeline..