Chapter Fifteen: Cooperation
How could Yuechun have imagined that her mistress had such a formidable tongue? Could it be that, over the past year, she had deceived everyone in the entire Prime Minister’s Estate, and this was her true nature? But Yuechun welcomed it with both hands. This kind of mistress was wonderful—she truly liked her so much. Ever since she had seen how Hua Ling treated Yunxiu as though caring for her own family, Yuechun had already decided to follow her for life.
Seeing Yuechun’s face filled with admiration, Hua Ling smiled faintly and said, “Sit down and eat. If you don’t, it really will get cold.” With that, she sat down, picked up her chopsticks, and continued eating.
Hearing her mistress’s words, Yuechun knew she meant it sincerely, and happily sat down to eat.
“Madam, the food here really is delicious,” Yuechun said happily. In the Prime Minister’s Estate, lowly little maids like them could never eat such fine dishes.
“Yes, it’s quite good. Yuechun, are there women who do business in the Bailian Kingdom?” Hua Ling decided she first had to inquire about the customs and daily lives of the people here before deciding what to do next. Only with money could she move out of the Prime Minister’s Estate—otherwise, was she supposed to live on air?
Although Yuechun was very curious as to why Hua Ling would ask such a thing, she still answered, “How could there be women doing business? I’ve never heard of it. Though our country is already quite open-minded and women can go out onto the streets, I’ve never heard of women engaging in commerce.”
Hua Ling frowned. This was not good. She had been thinking of making her mark here, but now what was she supposed to do?
“Could it be that you want to go into business?” Jin Junxi stood beside Hua Ling and asked curiously. This woman always had so many surprising aspects to her; it was difficult not to notice her. He had not expected her to come to a restaurant he owned. It truly was fate.
Hua Ling raised her head. That voice sounded very familiar. “It’s you? Why are you here?” Hua Ling had not expected to run into him here and was somewhat surprised. This world really was too small—she could bump into someone just by going out for a meal.
“This is my restaurant. Why can’t I be here?” Jin Junxi said with a smile. Without waiting for Hua Ling’s permission, he sat down to the side on his own.
When Yuechun saw Jin Junxi, her expression changed. She quickly stood and curtsied. “This servant greets Your Highness.”
“No need for so much ceremony. We’re outside; there’s no need to be constrained by etiquette. Sit down.” Jin Junxi said it casually, his attention shifting back to Hua Ling. “What sort of business do you want to do here?”
Yuechun sat down stiffly, but she no longer dared to move her chopsticks and eat. Being able to sit at the same table as a prince was already an immense honor—how could she dare act so freely again?
Hua Ling, on the other hand, was somewhat surprised. She had not expected him to be a prince. But then she thought, so what if he was a prince? A prince was still a person. What was there to be afraid of? Thinking this, she instead relaxed and smiled. “What, a dignified prince is actually interested in the thoughts of a humble woman like me? If I say it, I’m afraid Your Highness will laugh.”
“Not necessarily. You’re different from ordinary women. Perhaps I might even be able to help you. You should know that this prince is in charge of procurement for the imperial palace, and I also have some businesses of my own, spanning a wide range of fields. Whatever you want to do, I can help.” Jin Junxi did not know why, but he always felt Hua Ling was someone out of the ordinary. He was actually somewhat looking forward to cooperating with her. Working with a woman in business—this was something he had never done before.
Hua Ling was very tempted by his words. If she could not appear in public and step forward directly, then perhaps cooperating with him would be a good option. After all, he had excellent conditions; having been in business for many years, he must have his own sales channels and regular customers. If she cooperated with him, she would certainly earn until her pots and bowls overflowed.
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