Chapter 226: Chapter 226: So This Is What That Woman Is Really Like
Qu Fulan declined Fang Yuan’s kindness.
She had anticipated such a situation before.
So she did not panic when it happened.
Life continued as usual.
During this time, she gradually learned about the affairs at the Pei Mansion.
The unconscious lady of the house woke up within three months after several treatments, but she still needed to stay in bed, requiring a wheelchair for outings. The doctor estimated it would take three to four years for her to walk again.
Cheng Ru, having helped the second mistress manage household affairs, received much praise in the Pei Mansion, with Master Lu speaking well of her to the Marquis.
In ancient times, major marriage decisions were typically made by parents and matchmakers. If parents believed it was suitable, they’d want to finalize it.
But with ordinary families, it’s normal for parents to directly arrange an engagement.
Heir Pei was different. His achievements were such that even the emperor promised not to meddle in his marriage and wouldn’t arbitrarily arrange a match. A promise made by the emperor couldn’t be decided unilaterally by the Pei Family’s main branch.
They had to wait for Heir Pei’s return to get his consent before making a decision.
However, since both Marquis Pei and the Marchioness agreed, others considered it a done deal, believing Heir Pei wouldn’t defy his parents’ wishes.
Everyone thought so.
What concerned Qu Fulan more was that Master Lu had returned from the family temple.
As the daughter of the Marquis’s beloved teacher, the Marquis naturally treated her well and even scolded the Heir Pei for being young and reckless.
These were things Qu Fulan only heard about. Her reputation with the Marquis was already tarnished, labeled as a seductress.
This was all thanks to Master Lu; she didn’t know what Master Lu said to the Marquis, but it left her with a reputation for bewitching men.
Qu Fulan felt she was wronged but had no place to express it.
But she didn’t care how Marquis Pei viewed her since Heir Pei was independent and didn’t need to rely on Marquis Pei, ensuring her partnership with Heir Pei remained unaffected.
Qu Fulan went to the noodle shop to check on business; it was bustling, much better than a year ago.
In the restaurant business, taste is paramount at any time. As long as the food is delicious, there’s no worry about a lack of returning customers.
With a year of accumulating new and returning clientele, business was bound to do well.
Qu Fulan had noticed that her noodle shop had become the best business on that street.
Many wondered if it was truly that delicious and, with curiosity, gave it a try. They were unexpectedly delighted and kept coming back.
Qu Fulan understood this feeling well. She had a particular affinity for noodle soup.
In modern times with so many delicious options, she wasn’t interested in noodle soup, and local noodle shops didn’t impress her, leading her to label it as unpalatable after one try.
However, during a business trip, she stopped at a spot that was a major traffic hub where many drivers ate. Reluctant initially, her hunger made her try it.
She was amazed at how delicious it was. Even now, she hadn’t replicated that taste in her shops, indicating how phenomenal that place was, able to attract numerous passing drivers.
Having checked the noodle shop, she visited the coffee shop; high society clients were always willing to spend, especially since it was the only coffee shop around. It was bound to do well.
Qu Fulan then inspected the bookstore and milk tea shop, both met her expectations.
Though she was just the manager of the bookstore and milk tea shop, she drew a salary. Key points were the coffee and noodle shops.
With profits in hand, she planned her next steps.
It’s a process; Qu Fulan decided to discuss it further when Heir Pei returned.
In business, one naturally needs to pull in some heavyweight investors.
Qu Fulan had everything planned meticulously, but an unexpected guest awaited her when she returned to Gaoyi Lane.
None other than Cheng Ru.
Truly befitting the "designated Princely Heir’s wife," her demeanor had changed completely.
Her attire had shifted towards that of a Princely Heir’s wife, and the number of servant girls and maids matched those standards.
For some reason, a phrase popped into Qu Fulan’s mind: ’A petty person made good is conceited.’
Even someone as carefree as Fang Yuan, when targeted, maintained a gentlemanly demeanor.
But look at Cheng Ru, though a relative of the second mistress, her father’s lower official rank left her lesser status.
Such people, before achieving success, often endure and bear with adversity. Once they succeed, however, they tend to reveal certain human flaws.
Having not been respected before gaining success, or having been bullied before, once they succeed, they eagerly flaunt it and relish in the misfortune of those less fortunate. Ultimately, it’s their internal imbalance at play.
Previously humble, Cheng Ru now, having climbed up, eagerly wanted to flaunt her status.
"Speaking of which, this house belongs to the Heir. Does Miss Qu intend to become the heir’s concubine by living here so comfortably?"
Cheng Ru gracefully took a sip of tea before speaking, her approach unhurried.
Clearly, she came to meet Qu Fulan well prepared.
Qu Fulan was somewhat surprised, unaware that the house belonged to Heir Pei, which explained the low rent.
But even if the house belonged to the Heir, leasing it to a partner, which legal provision prohibited that?
"Miss Cheng, in what capacity are you labeling someone a concubine? Are you engaged to Heir Pei, or even married? If I’m not mistaken, Miss Cheng is currently residing at the Pei Mansion as a distant relative; what gives you the right to speak of others?"
Cheng Ru hadn’t expected Qu Fulan to counter so, feeling slightly annoyed inside, but she remained composed on the surface, "It’s just a matter of time."
"Then address it after you’re securely seated, or else if the Heir disagrees, Miss Cheng’s haste to announce your status might land you in embarrassment," Qu Fulan was even calmer.
Cheng Ru’s expression shifted slightly, but instead of arguing more, she stated her purpose for visiting.
"Even though I am not yet the Princely Heir’s wife, I’m now managing household affairs, and hence, can make many decisions. For instance, with this house, if I decide against your residence, you’ll have to move out today."
"And regarding the coffee shop, milk tea shop, bookstore, and restaurant, I’ll assign specific personnel to manage them, henceforth relieving Miss Qu of these responsibilities."
This not only threatened Qu Fulan with losing her residence but also sought to strip away her ventures.
These were enterprises Qu Fulan had worked hard for, which Cheng Ru wanted to reclaim with a single sentence.
"Miss Cheng’s authority is truly impressive."
A voice sounded from the door, causing Cheng Ru’s face to change instantly.
"Tsk tsk tsk, the airs are already up even before becoming the Princely Heir’s wife."
"You think if the boss knew this woman who might become his fiancée had such a face, wouldn’t he be disgusted?"
"I don’t know about the boss, but I’m already disgusted, ugh..."
Prince An, Mr. Wei, Mr. Chu, and Mr. Ge had arrived at some point, coincidentally hearing everything Cheng Ru said.