Chapter 493: Chapter 480: Believed in Your Evil

[If it is indeed one of the three, the system is curious, which one does the host choose?]

Well…I choose…

To destroy the marriage stone!

[…]

[Pretend the system didn’t ask.]

A moment later…

[Actually, having a marriage stone is pretty good. It can double your chances of success on the road to wealth. Don’t you want to unravel this whole thing, find your true love, and speed up your path to success?]

Sorry, I’m not used to tying my fate too much to a man.

If I am blessed with good luck, that’s icing on the cake. Even without it, I can still run at full speed on the road to building wealth.

In short, if my destined husband comes to find me in the future, and he can benefit me, then that’s my good fortune. But if I have to do everything in my power to find him, that’s not going to work.

So, no matter why this marriage stone grows, I’ll let things take their natural course.

[The host is indeed the one chosen by the system, domineering and resolute!]

[To reward the host for her self-reliance, the system awards the host 66 points of diligence. Let’s cheer for the host’s independence: 666!]

[Host, rest assured, as the system for a self-reliant host, the system will actively integrate resources, striving to provide the host with the best task solutions, and help the host achieve her great goal of building wealth as early as possible.]

I believe in your wickedness…

Strictly speaking, this should be the system’s ultimate goal, right?

Zhuang Qingning was too lazy to bicker with someone, simply rearranged the tables and chairs, then helped Zhuang Qingsui clean the dinnerware. The sisters went to bed early.

The next day, after Fan Wenxuan and Chu Jinzhou arrived, Zhuang Qingning set off to find Cheng Ruize.

Upon hearing of Zhuang Qingning’s arrival, Cheng Ruize personally greeted her at the door. He led Zhuang Qingning to the flower hall and Fang Hou quickly ordered the servant to bring tea.

“Manager Cheng looks much better.” Zhuang Qingning looked at Cheng Ruize, noticing that his complexion looked normal and he appeared vibrant, she made this comment with a smile.

“Thanks to Manager Zhuang’s help, indeed, I’m much better.” Cheng Ruize replied laughingly, “Manager Zhuang, you originally said I would need to take my medicine for a month, but it’s only been half a month and I feel refreshed and much stronger.”

“I thought I was already recovered and wanted to visit the shop. But they stopped me, saying that I still had residual poison in my body and it would be detrimental if I tired myself. You know how they say, illness comes as a mountain collapses but leaves as silk is spun. Even though I look healthy on the outside, the inside may not necessarily be fine. They won’t allow me out and I have to stay bored in the garden all day.”

“The young master said he just wanted to take a walk and look around, but as soon as he stepped into the shop, he asked for the account book. Seeing the clerks working, he couldn’t resist offering a hand.”

Fang Hou grumbled, “You tell me, how can I let the young master go to the shop with that attitude?”

“The shopkeepers of each shop already report the shop’s condition to the young master every three days. The young master could just enjoy the good life while waiting for the poison to completely clear. It won’t be late to deal with the shop matters then.”

“Hasn’t the young master said before that sharpening the axe will not delay the work of cutting logs? Normally, the young master teaches us this way. Now, the young master can’t ignore this truth when it applies to him.”

Upon hearing Fang Hou’s words, Cheng Ruize shrugged helplessly.

Zhuang Qingning, however, could not hold back her laughter.

So it seems, this Cheng Ruize is a total workaholic, not forgetting about the shop’s business even when he is ill.

In such case, was it not the right time for her to come today?

Fang Hou is hell-bent on Cheng Ruize resting more. But she is here to discuss business with Cheng Ruize. Isn’t that deliberate?

With Fang Hou’s overprotectiveness, his icy stares are likely going to pierce through her.

“Manager Zhuang, don’t take his jokes seriously.”

Cheng Ruize chuckled,” By the way, does Manager Zhuang have any business today?”

“Not much.” Zhuang Qingning hurriedly explained, “I was just wandering around the county town and thought I could stop by to see if Manager Cheng’s condition has improved.”

“Manager Zhuang.” Cheng Ruize narrowed his eyes, “It’s about half an hour from Manager Zhuang’s home to here. Considering the time, Manager Zhuang doesn’t seem to have been anywhere else.”

“And it seems like Manager Zhuang has been holding back something to say. Isn’t the aim of Manager Zhuang’s visit to see me, and the wandering part is just an excuse? You may have hesitated because of Fang Hou’s ramble earlier.”

“Manager Zhuang doesn’t need to worry. What Fang Hou said was just random talk. I really am much better now. So, feel free to speak, Miss Zhuang.”

Impressive, not only is he a workaholic, his deductive ability is strong too.

Zhuang Qingning had a growing admiration for Cheng Ruize. Since Cheng Ruize had put it this way, there was no reason for her to keep beating around the bush. Slightly embarrassed, she started, “Indeed, I’ve come to see Manager Cheng about something.”

“However, this matter is still just an idea in the planning stage. Manager Cheng might want to listen first.”

“Oh?” Cheng Ruize’s spirit was immediately roused, his eyes shining, “Manager Zhuang sounds so serious, it must be excellent business. Let’s hear it.”

He really does have a sharp business sense!

Zhuang Qingning felt truly fortunate to have encountered such a great partner.

“Before I discuss this matter, Manager Cheng, can you try this?” Zhuang Qingning brought out a small box, opened it, and passed it to Cheng Ruize for inspection, “This is a type of incense I recently made. What do you think, Manager Cheng?”

Cheng Ruize took the incense from the box and gave it a careful inspection.

The incense was conic in shape. Just by looking at it, nothing unusual could be seen compared to other incense, but the smell…

Cheng Ruize picked it up and sniffed it. His eyes lit up, “This is…”

“This incense is called Moon Incense. Its fragrance is elegant and everlasting.” Zhuang Qingning explained.

“Is it actually Moon Incense?” Cheng Ruize was even more surprised, “Does Manager Zhuang know the recipe?”

“I’ve heard of this Moon Incense before. It’s said to have a pleasing and exquisite fragrance and is regarded as a top-quality incense. It was created by a great scholar from the former dynasty. However, the recipe was not passed on. Only those in the scholar’s good graces could get their hands on some.”

“Later, when the new dynasty was founded, the big powers fought with one another. The scholar sighed at the change of government, and the people suffering. Disappointed that his great learning had not benefitted the common people, he incinerated his residence and retired to the countryside, secluding himself from the world. He eventually fell ill and died early, which was quite tragic.”

“People lamented the scholar’s actions, but even more regretted the total loss of numerous books and paintings in the fire. The most unfortunate, however, was the loss of the recipe for Moon Incense.”