It would also keep certain riffraff from constantly setting their sights on it.

“Sister…”

Hu Qiaohui blushed, then stamped her foot. “How can it be so fast? I’m still young, and I want to take care of our parents for a few more years. Besides, how can the woman bring up such a thing? If word gets out, it’ll be incredibly embarrassing.”

Yes, in this kind of situation, it seemed a bit frivolous for the woman to be so eager, which was actually not good.

But if this matter was left unattended, a woman pursuing a man was easy, and if Shuangye kept pestering him, Yu Xiucai would eventually get interested.

In the end, it was all because of that hateful Shuangye…

Hu Qiaolan gritted her teeth, determined not to let someone like Shuangye steal her sister’s good match. She had to show everyone what kind of person she was!

Someone like that wouldn’t even be worthy of carrying her sister’s shoes!

……

Huibinlou and Suji both received notices to attend a meeting.

The meeting concerned the preparations for the establishment of the Chamber of Commerce.

Since it was the first time such a meeting had been held, Su Yujin took it very seriously and attended with Wu Jiantong. Wu Jiantong represented Huibinlou, while she represented Suji.

The meeting was held at the Feng family’s villa, and the meeting was presided over by the second young master of the Feng family, Feng Yuandong.

Feng Yuandong was just over thirty years old, in his prime. He was already tall and imposing, and now, dressed in a brocade robe, he stood on the raised platform, speaking eloquently, appearing even more spirited and confident.

Because of this, many merchants were attracted to him, and coupled with their respect for the wealthy Feng family, they frequently nodded in agreement with Feng Yuandong’s words, occasionally applauding and cheering.

Feng Yuandong was indeed shrewd and capable and quite organized in his work. He had clearly done his homework on the preparations for the chamber of commerce, bringing out all the rules, regulations, and examples from the Jiangnan region, explaining everything in detail, from primary to secondary.

Even Su Yujin and Wu Jiantong couldn’t help but nod repeatedly, expressing their approval of many of Feng Yuandong’s suggestions.

The meeting lasted a full half day, and most of the merchants agreed to the establishment of the chamber of commerce, signing their names on the proposal.

The chamber of commerce would have one president, three organizers, and several stewards.

The position of president naturally fell to Feng Yuandong.

The organizers were primarily responsible for several important tasks: firstly, formulating the chamber’s rules and mediating internal conflicts among merchants; secondly, safeguarding the chamber’s finances and assets, ensuring sufficient funds for daily operations; and thirdly, providing daily assistance to the poor and needy, disaster relief, and other relief efforts with solutions for any unforeseen emergencies.

The stewards, selected from various trades, were responsible for reporting problems and handling affairs, avoiding the need to summon all merchants for every matter, which would be chaotic and waste everyone’s time.

While there was less consensus on the organizers than on the president, after discussion, Madam Zhou (Li Shi), Yun Yongnian of Yunzhizhai, and the Ma family, who traded in grain, were chosen. However, the selection of the stewards was highly contentious among the merchants.

As industry representatives with a certain status within the chamber, stewards were believed to have an advantage in any situation, and many felt they were qualified.

The debate escalated, with some even arguing and creating some chaos.

Feng Yuandong and others hurriedly tried to dissuade them.   

Meanwhile, the restaurants and eateries where Su Yujin and Wu Jiantong worked were unusually quiet, with no one arguing. People exchanged glances, and occasionally a couple would whisper among themselves, not daring to raise their voices.

After all, in this business, the size of your business mattered most. If your business was large, you spoke with confidence, and others trusted you, making things easier.

If your business was small, you lacked confidence, and if anything happened, you’d have to beg and plead, making a fool of yourself.

Those in this line of work were used to greeting and seeing off customers daily, and they understood the situation quite well. They simply glanced back and forth between Wu Jiantong, Su Yujin, Manager Zhao, and Manager Qian—the owners of the large restaurants.

Seeing that no one spoke up, Manager Qian of Fuyunlou coughed lightly, then walked out with his hands behind his back and his large belly protruding. “I see that none of you seem interested in being the steward. My Fuyunlou has been in Qinghe County for quite some time; it’s a well-established brand. And I’m not young anymore; I have plenty of experience and connections. I think I should take on the steward position.”

Upon hearing this, the other restaurant and eatery owners looked at each other, not saying yes or no, but only looking at the remaining three.

They were unhappy about Manager Qian being the manager and hoped that one of Wu Jiantong, Su Yujin, or Manager Zhao would take the position.

But since the three of them remained silent, they naturally couldn’t recommend or oppose Manager Qian.

Seeing that no one objected, Manager Qian was delighted and raised his chin. “Since that’s the case…”

“Well, since that’s the case…”

Manager Zhào and Sū Yùjǐn spoke at the same time.

The two paused for a moment, then looked at each other.

Recently, Manager Zhao had been frequently showing goodwill towards Huibinlou, and there hadn’t been much competition in business lately; the two families’ relationship was currently quite good. Su Yujin, respecting Manager Zhao’s age, made a “please” gesture.

“Thank you,” Manager Zhao nodded in thanks, clearing his throat. “In that case, I think it would be better to let Miss Su or Manager Wu be the manager.”

Manager Qian, equally surprised, immediately jumped up. “Why should those two be managers? Huibinlou has only been open for a short time, and Miss Su is too young; how can they handle such a task?”

Manager Qian had assumed Manager Zhao was going to compete for the position, but instead, he was recommending Su Yujin and Wu Jiantong.

This meant two against one, meaning his Fuyunlou had no chance.

“Ambition knows no age. Miss Su and Manager Wu’s abilities are evident to all. As Manager Qian said, Huibinlou has only been open for a short time, yet it has already become one of the most successful restaurants in Qinghe County, which shows its remarkable capabilities,” Manager Zhao said. “Regardless of what others say, I am completely convinced. Someone with such abilities will surely be able to help our restaurant and eatery within the Chamber of Commerce, securing more support and assistance in any situation. This would be very beneficial for us.”

In that case, let’s cast our vote!

(End of Chapter)

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