The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Chapter 578: Chapter 565: Despicable

Although this action might seem a bit ostentatious, there was indeed not a single problem with what Zhong Yingcai said.

“By the way, Manager Zhuang,” said Zhong Yingcai, “I have a suggestion. Please consider it and see if it’s feasible.”

“Please go ahead, Manager Zhong.”

“If we continue to make the regular square soap bars, it would be quite ordinary. But if we were to create soap molds in various shapes, wouldn’t that make it more appealing?”

Zhong Yingcai continued, “For instance, we could make the peach blossom soap in the shape of a peach blossom. Similarly, if we were to make soaps out of apricot flowers or roses in the future, we could use their respective shapes. This would allow people to easily identify what type of flower the soap is made from, making it more attractive.”

“Manager Zhong, your proposal is excellent.” Zhuang Qingning nodded her head in agreement. In her heart, she was silently applauding for Zhong Yingcai’s idea.

This was the thought of long-time businessmen; they were often more advanced than what she had thought, relieving her from having to worry about these details.

“Since Manager Zhuang agrees, I’ll start making arrangements,” Zhong Yingcai responded with a smile.

Zhong Yingcai swiftly put the plans into action. Within a few days, new molds were custom-made, making it possible to start producing new soaps.

These soaps began being transported to the capital city, getting ready for the opening of Linglong Pavilion.

While the soap business was booming, Zhuang Yutian and Mrs. Meng were also progressing well on their end.

They began installing spinning machines and looms at the site, as well as starting to purchase cotton.

Manager Li was slightly surprised to see that it was Zhuang Yutian who ended up using the land that he had signed a contract with Zhong Yingcai for. After asking around, he learned that Zhong Yingcai and Zhuang Yutian both worked for the same boss, so he didn’t say anything more.

As far as he was concerned, he still received the agreed-upon amount of money for renting the land. Whether it was used to produce cloth or make soap made no difference to him.

As for the plot twist involved, he decided not to care about it.

As a result, Manager Li took the rental payment without concern and went back to managing his bookstore leisurely.

As for Cao Jiande, he was so angry that he smashed two cups.

Despicable, despicable!

Upon noticing Zhuang Yutian was up to something again, he had contemplated ruining Zhuang Yutian’s plan.

However, doing so would not only harm Zhuang Yutian’s plan but also his own business. Despite his attempts to dissuade Manager Li, Manager Li was adamant about not renting the land to Zhuang Yutian.

Eventually, Cao Jiande had to find another way. He planned to rent the land himself, thwarting Zhuang Yutian’s plan, and compensated for the high cost of the land rental by focusing his anger on Zhong Yingcai.

Zhong Yingcai was a newcomer to the county town, and his standing was unclear. However, judging by his behavior of buying up shops and courtyards, it was evident that he was wealthy. Given Zhong Yingcai’s intention to start a workshop too, Cao Jiande approached him and recommended the cheap and spacious land owned by Manager Li.

Zhong Yingcai indeed took interest in this piece of land and wanted to buy it. However, Manager Li refused to sell it saying it was inherited property. After much persuasion, Cao Jiande managed to arrange a deal.

Although Cao Jiande had to lose some silver for renting the land, the thought of Zhuang Yutian’s plan being foiled and seeing his dejected face was worth every penny.

To taunt Zhuang Yutian, he intentionally visited Zhuang Yutian’s shop, hoping to vent his frustration from his previous loss due to hoarding merchandise.

To his dismay, he did not find Zhuang Yutian dejected but saw him bustling about in high spirits.

“Oh, isn’t this Manager Cao?” Zhuang Yutian greeted Cao Jiande warmly, “What brings you here? Could it be that you’re tired of the fabrics in your own shop? Are you here to check if we have any good ones for you to take back?”

Cao Jiande was visibly annoyed and clenched his teeth in irritation. However, the thought of Zhuang Yutian’s imminent defeat cheered him up a little. “Manager Zhuang, you’re not at your workshop. I heard you wanted to rent land from Manager Li. Why aren’t you there now? Did you encounter any problems?”

“Did you run into any problems while renting the property?” Cao Jiande asked, his eyes narrowed, and a smirk on his face.

“Oh, goodness, I almost forgot about that,” Zhuang Yutian chuckled. “You know, Manager Li is interesting. Initially, I was supposed to pay twenty-five taels a year for the land, but he insisted it to be only twenty taels.”

“I thought it was a bit unfair and wanted to discuss it with him, but he didn’t agree. He insisted on twenty taels. Seeing his determination, I didn’t persuade him further.”

“Isn’t it strange? Who would refuse more money and prefer a loss-making business? No matter how much I thought about it, it didn’t make sense.”

“Manager Cao, you’re older and have more work experience than me. You probably understand these things better. Could you explain why this happened?”

Cao Jiande was momentarily stunned.

Did he just hear that Zhuang Yutian ended up renting the land?

But that’s not possible. He had given money to rent the land to Manager Zhong…

How could Zhong Yingcai possibly relinquish the land to Zhuang Yutian?

“Manager,” a staff member ran over and said with a smile, “Manager Zhong has sent someone over to ask if you’re free this afternoon. If you are, he would like to have a drink with you.”

“I am free. Please tell Manager Zhong I will definitely accompany him for a good drink. After all, we’re both working under the same boss. There’ll be plenty of times we’ll have to work together in the future…”

Before Zhuang Yutian finished speaking, Cao Jiande was stunned.

Zhuang Yutian and Zhong Yingcai work for the same boss?

Does that mean with all his scheming, he ended up losing seven taels of silver a year, practically funding Zhuang Yutian’s plans?

“Manager Cao, you don’t look so good…” Zhuang Yutian squinted.