The younger brother thought too highly of himself, believing Miss Li's kindness would make her unable to refuse. But how could he, in his current state, possibly go there to work?
"Everyone has to take the first step. Life is long. Others desire this opportunity but don't have it. Now, it's presented to you. If you ask me, you should be brave. Besides, I'm the one teaching you. What can't we brothers discuss?"
Zhang Changhe felt that even if his elder brother never left the house to work again, he could still support him. But he knew that given their personalities, such a situation was impossible. He also wanted his elder brother to see more of the world.
"Can I... can I do it?" Zhang Dahe looked at his younger brother uncertainly, his heart surging. He had always thought his life was destined to be that of a laborer, earning a bit more money to help his two sons get married. He never expected fate to take such a turn, giving him a chance to do the very work he used to admire from afar. He nodded resolutely, tears welling up. Just as his brother had said, such an opportunity was something he wouldn't have dared to dream of before.
Seeing his elder brother filled with fighting spirit, Zhang Changhe couldn't help but smile.
At that time, Wu Caiwei also finished her day's work and was about to head home after leaving the newly opened shop.
As soon as she stepped out, she saw a man dressed as a household servant approach her, bow, and then make a gesture of invitation. Wu Caiwei had experienced such scenes countless times and knew someone wanted to have a word with her. After a moment's thought, she understood. Her recent prominence in the city must have threatened someone's interests. However, the moment she started her business, she had anticipated this day and was mentally prepared for whatever came her way.
Wu Caiwei didn't dawdle and went with the man to a teahouse not far away. As soon as they were seated, the man calmly said, "With Miss Li's intelligence, you must have already guessed my purpose for coming."
Wu Caiwei opened her innocent eyes and asked knowingly, "Sir, you jest. I don't even know who you are. Someone invited me for tea, so I came without hesitation. I am merely a young woman; how could I possibly guess the thoughts of important figures like yourselves?"
The man poured himself a cup of tea, chuckled, and said in a tone as if chatting with a friend, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Master Xu. It seems my objective today will not be achieved."
Wu Caiwei had anticipated someone approaching her, but she hadn't expected it to be Master Xu. After all, the Xu family was the most prominent family in Yangcheng. How had she, a small fry, caught his attention?
"So, it's Master Xu. We've never met, nor have we had any business dealings. The few shops I own must be insignificant in your eyes, Master Xu. I wonder why you have come." This time, Wu Caiwei didn't play dumb. Honestly, she hadn't grasped the crux of the matter.
"Miss Li is too modest. Do you know why this old man has stood tall in Yangcheng for so many years without falling? It's because of my sharp judgment. Even if you only have a few shops now, who knows about the future? I prefer to nip any uncertain factors in the bud." Seeing that she was no longer feigning ignorance, Master Xu spoke his mind. There was no need for pretense with her. He felt like a towering mountain, while Wu Caiwei was merely a small hill, never able to surpass him.
"Master Xu overestimates me. You own nearly half the shops in this small city, and the Wu family has the most among the rest. In fact, the Wu family is your biggest threat. You aren't seeking out the head of the Wu family or other merchants, but you've come to see me alone. I suspect it's because you see me as a weak woman with no backing, thinking I'm easy to bully." Wu Caiwei was tired of playing games and decided to be direct.
"Miss Li knows the truth, and she should understand that you are no match for my Li family. Today, I am giving you face by speaking with you alone. If you can leave Yangcheng, I am willing to purchase your shops at market price. With that money, you can start anew elsewhere. But if you stay here, things might not be so simple. Our Xu family has been in Yangcheng for many years and has deep roots. I've also sent people to investigate you in Lan City. The locals there said there is no young lady named Li Shiqin. I suspect your identity is false." Master Xu hinted at his intentions, combining both persuasion and veiled threats.
"I'm afraid Master Xu's information is mistaken. I am a native of Lan City. As a woman, I managed to start a business in Yangcheng. While I may not have anyone behind me, I do have my own means. Did you think I wouldn't have considered this situation? You underestimate me too much. Compared to your Xu family, I may seem to have no advantage, but I believe my chances of winning are quite high. If Master Xu doesn't believe me, we can compete."
It's just a scare tactic. Although Wu Caiwei usually kept a low profile, she wouldn't easily admit defeat. Her mission target was here, and she wouldn't leave until her mission was complete.
This time, it was Master Xu's turn to be surprised. He looked at the composed woman across from him, unsure if her words were true. However, he was very certain she was no ordinary person. After being the family head for so many years, he believed he possessed a certain authority. His own sons and grandsons trembled in his presence. Yet, this young woman, whom he met for the first time, faced the richest man in Yangcheng without batting an eye.
She showed no signs of unease and could even engage in a battle of wits with him. If she weren't already engaged, he would have genuinely wanted to bring her into the Xu family. He had a few unworthy sons, and with a capable partner like her, their future would undoubtedly be secure.
Although his heart was pounding, he couldn't lose face in front of Wu Caiwei. Thus, he said meaningfully, "Young people shouldn't speak so boastfully. Since we cannot come to an agreement today, you should be prepared for what's coming. To survive in Yangcheng, you must first get past our Xu family."
Wu Caiwei shrugged indifferently as she watched the man's retreating figure. Seeing that there were still several delicate pastries on the table, she quickly packed them up. She hadn't visited Zhang Changhe's brother and sister-in-law in a long time. Since he had two children, she could give them the pastries. It was free money, after all.
Upon seeing the pastries, the two children's eyes lit up with surprise. It was the first time they had ever seen such beautifully made pastries. They were reluctant to eat them, but under Wu Caiwei's encouraging gaze, they cautiously tasted them bite by bite, afraid of not savoring the flavor as they devoured them.
"You've spent money again." Fang Xuehua said somewhat sheepishly. Every time Miss Li visited, she either brought money or gifts. Having nothing of value to offer, she always felt indebted.