Chapter 162: Chapter 162: The Choice Is Yours
In the evening at the “Youwei” shop.
Braised pig’s head meat, stewed chicken, cold tofu slices… A meal full of color, aroma, taste, and generous portions left everyone extremely satisfied.
After a full meal and plenty to drink, Xia Chuyi said to Xia Chengzong, “Second Brother, I owe you big time for what happened today. You’ve made up for your mistakes; consider your debt paid off.”
“You won’t need to come help starting from tomorrow.”
Xia Chengzong looked up at her, “Really?”
He obviously couldn’t quite believe that the girl had become so easygoing.
Xia Chuyi nodded, “Really.”
“Second Brother, I know that you don’t want to help out here. You’d rather go find Brother Qiang.”
“In your eyes, the loyalty of the Jianghu and camaraderie must be far more enjoyable than working in our little shop.”
Xia Chengzong paused for a moment and hesitated, “Not really…”
He didn’t feel that way.
To be honest, even though working in the shop was hard, there was a feeling of solidity that was completely different from his gangster days.
Xia Chuyi could ignore his expression and continued, “It doesn’t matter either way. Second Brother, although I hope you won’t be a gangster anymore, if that’s your dream I won’t stop you.”
“I’ll take my own path, and you can walk your single-plank bridge.”
Why did that sound so off?
“However, if you want to come back and help out, I’ll welcome you anytime. I’ll pay you a salary directly, thirty yuan a month.”
“Do well, and I’ll give you a percentage based on the business.”
“And bonuses at the end of the year.”
A series of offers made Xia Chengzong look at her very cautiously.
Seeing his look, Xia Chuyi knew he must think it was a trap. She smiled and said, “The choice is yours; I won’t force you.”
And with that, she ended the subject.
The next day, in accordance with her promise, Xia Chuyi let Xia Chengzong go. She didn’t say anything superfluous the entire time, just smiled beamingly.
Her manner made Xia Chengzong look back every three steps, leaving amidst hesitation and reluctance.
“Sis, were you just pulling his leg with what you said yesterday?” As soon as he was gone, Zhao Xiaogui quickly came over and asked curiously, “Xia Chengzong is alright as a person, but he’s still part of the Xia Family, so were you saying all that on purpose yesterday?”
“Yeah, to let him work here, offer him a high salary, and then let the rest of the Xia Family, especially Xia Mei and Xia Chengzu, know about it, heh heh, that’ll certainly stir up chaos… ow!”
After smacking her cousin with complete composure, Xia Chuyi said serenely, “You’re really missing out not writing domestic drama scripts.”
“What?” Zhao Xiaogui didn’t understand.
Xia Chuyi shook her head and didn’t explain.
Indeed, having Xia Chengzong work for her had its extra benefits. But her initial intention was still to get Xia Chengzong to leave Ban Cunqiang and avoid his fateful troubles down the line.
Without dwelling on the issue, she removed the door plank and set it aside. Open for business!
Being one person short, Xia Chuyi and Zhao Xiaogui got even busier than the day before.
But being busy meant making money.
The two of them were quite happy despite the rush.
The only unhappy incident involved Zhang Xiaoling.
After the rush of the work day, Zhang Xiaoling came out from the family compound and arrived at the shop’s doorstep. Seeing the thriving business, she looked on unhappily.
She stared at everything “Youwei” had to offer with resentful eyes.
The customers all felt uncomfortable under her gaze.
“Ah, maybe I’ll buy next time!”
Whether it was the pressure or purely because Zhang Xiaoling spoiled their appetites, business suddenly slowed by half.