The Lucky Heiress

Chapter 149 - 149 Hiring Staff for the Braised Food Shop 1

Wei Qingwan smiled faintly, “Miss He, we’re not familiar with each other, let’s not be so affectionate.”

He Miaomiao, however, seemed oblivious to Wei Qingwan’s explicit sense of estrangement and continued to flatter her. “Sister, I know your situation. Rest assured, we will never mention the relationship between you and us in public. Right now, we are in the Residence, with no one around, and there’s no need for you to be so cautious.”

Madam He hurriedly agreed, “Yes, yes, Wanwan. We’re blood relatives, and Miaomiao is your full sister. We’ll be careful in public, but there’s no need to be so distant from each other at home.”

Wei Qingwan retreated from the three of them and nervously walked behind Yunshi. “Mother,” she said.

Yunshi furrowed her eyebrows, saw her daughter’s discomfort, and said to the He family, “Mr. He and his family, please remember the promise you made to US.”

Madam He hurriedly laughed, “We remember, please rest assured, we will not tell anyone outside that Wanwan is our daughter. But aren’t we all alone here right now? Madam Wei, please also try to understand our parental feelings.” Hearing Madam He’s explanation, Yunshi couldn’t blame the He family too harshly. She, too, was a mother and could understand their feelings.

“Wanwan, they are your biological parents. It’s only natural for them to care about you. Spend some time chatting with them,” Yunshi said to Wei Qingwan. Since Yunshi had said so, Wei Qingwan had no choice but to nod in agreement. Then Yunshi left to deliver the medicine sent by the He family to the military camp and asked Wei Qingwan to entertain the He family on her behalf.

Once Yunshi was gone, the He family began to show even greater affection towards Wei Qingwan.

“Wanwan, my Wanwan… You look so much like your mother when she was younger.” Madam He gazed with love at Wei Qingwan.

Wei Qingwan also noticed that she shared similar features with Madam He. However, this discovery did not make her feel any more comfortable around the He family; in fact, it made her feel uncomfortable.

Sister, I heard that Mr. Wei got promoted again and his future is bright. Will your status rise with him?” He Miaomiao asked curiously.

“Why are you asking these questions?” Wei Qingwan disliked He Miaomiao’s sycophantic demeanor.

I m just curious because I haven’t been as lucky as you to grow up in a noble family like the Earl’s Residence.” He Miaomiao replied with an envious look.

Wei Qingwan did not want a direct confrontation, so she responded, “Being in an official’s family comes with its own difficulties. Many aspects of life are not as carefree as they are for you, Miaomiao.”

He Miaomiao wouldn’t listen, “Sister Wanwan, my parents and I will stay here for a few days. Can you show me around?”

Wei Qingwan declined, “I have to go to the magistrate’s office for lessons every day and don’t have the time to accompany you. And aren’t you supposed to be more familiar with Sister Ruoruo? It would be better if you ask Sister Ruoruo for anything.”

Wei Qingwan wanted to pass this nuisance to Wei Ruo.

Unbeknownst to her, the relationship between the He family and Wei Ruo had been very indifferent, they haven’t seen each other for many years. Now Wei Ruo could stand in front of them and they wouldn’t recognize her.

“But I just overheard that Sister Ruoruo isn’t in the Residence now and won’t be back for a few days,” He Miaomiao hurriedly replied.

Wei Qingwan also realized Wei Qingruo was either lucky or had tactfully managed to avoid the He family.

“Sister Wanwan, stop declining. Just take me around! I promise to behave while we’re out and not to blabber!”

He Miaomiao took the initiative, holding Wei Qingwan’s arm, calling her ‘sister’ repeatedly.

Wei Qingwan had no choice but to agree to take her around when she had spare time.

###

When Wei Qingwan was getting annoyed by the He family, Wei Ruo was busy in the Government City.

Because she was worried that her Uncle Xu couldn’t handle everything alone, she brought Aunt Xu over as well.

After all, the two shops in Xingshan County were running smoothly, and they didn’t require the couple’s constant supervision anymore.

Wei Ruo needed to find suitable workers for both shops. Four Treasure House needed a shopkeeper, and the braised food shop needed someone who knew a bit about cooking, but was also disciplined and sensible.

While Wei Ruo and Xiumei were discussing finding a skilled worker in the kitchen of Tianqin Garden, the Chef overheard and quickly recommended her niece to Wei Ruo.

Upon Wei Ruo’s inquiry, the Chef said her niece had learned some skills with her, but then had to quit to help her parents take care of her younger siblings. The girl was now fifteen years old. She was unmarried and wanted to find a job to help support her family.

After finishing her story, the Chef sighed, “If my niece could have continued to learn from me for a few more years she’d be able to rely on her cooking skills to work for a noble family, like me. She wouldn’t have to worry about food and shelter. Even after getting married, she could rely on her cooking skills to maintain a respectable life. It’s a pity that…”

It was regrettable that girls from families like theirs didn’t have the luxury of choice. Those like her who could work as a chef for a noble family, maintaining a decent life, were a minority.

After listening to the Chef’s story, Wei Ruo agreed to meet her niece.

The Chef was thrilled and immediately arranged a meeting for Wei Ruo.

The moment Wei Ruo met the young woman, she frowned. The girl was two years older than Wei Ruo, skinny and sallow – clearly malnourished.

It was already getting cold, yet the girl was wearing thin and shabby clothes – clearly too small for her.

“Pleased to… meet you, Miss… my name is… Chen Aqing,” the girl stammered, too nervous to look up at Wei Ruo.

“You don’t have to be so nervous, I am hiring you to work in my friend’s shop, not selling you,” Wei Ruo said.

“I… I wouldn’t dare…”

You first make a dish you’re good at for us to taste.”

Wei Ruo instructed Chen Aqing to make a dish for them in the kitchen of Tianqin Garden.

Although the girl was timid, the dish she made was quite satisfying to Wei Ruo and Xiumei.

They decided to have her follow Xiumei for a while to learn some skills and also to boost her confidence.

Anyone who wanted to work in Wei Ruo’s shop needed to develop self-confidence.

Upon knowing that she was hired, Chen Aqing directly knelt down and gave Wei Ruo a kowtow, with tears in her eyes. “Thank you, Miss. Thank you, Miss

Wei Ruo was confused as to why she was so emotional.

The Chef explained, “Miss, you’re not aware, but if she hadn’t found a way to earn a living this time, her heartless older brother would most likely have sold her to the brothel!”

So that’s why.

Wei Ruo looked at the skinny figure kneeling before her and said, “As long as you maintain a proper attitude and work hard, with no distractions, you will not need to worry about going hungry in the future..”