Chapter 49: I Know What You Want to Ask

Despite feeling puzzled by Xu Mo’s odd behavior, Ning Yaxin chose not to say anything. After a short while, she asked, “Young Master Xu, where do you plan to set up the soap workshop?”

Xu Mo gestured around them and asked, “What do you think of this place?”

Ning Yaxin immediately understood. “You want to open the workshop here?”

Xu Mo nodded. “Exactly! It’s close to my uncle’s house, the land is flat, and if we cut down these trees, they can be used to build the workshop. Even if they’re not suitable for construction, they’ll make great firewood.”

Ning Yaxin couldn’t help but laugh. “You certainly know how to make the most of everything.”

Xu Mo grinned, “That’s the way of business! Making careful calculations is fundamental… don’t you agree, Miss Ning?”

She had to concede the point and nodded her approval.

With that, Xu Mo and Ning Yaxin turned and walked out of the woods together.

Suddenly, Ning Yaxin said, “By the way, Young Master Xu, there’s something I’ve always wondered about, but I’m not sure if I should ask.”

Xu Mo paused briefly, then replied, “If you can’t decide, then perhaps it’s best not to ask.”

“Ah?” Ning Yaxin was taken aback by his response and stood there in surprise.

Xu Mo continued, “Miss Ning, I know what you want to ask...”

“You want to know how I managed to squander my family fortune and even pawn off my own wife, isn’t that right?” Xu Mo said.

Ning Yaxin nodded, anticipation in her eyes.

Xu Mo sighed. “Honestly, there’s not much to say. I was reckless and disappointed a great many people. It wasn’t until I was gravely ill not long ago that I finally came to my senses. That’s really all there is to it...”

Ning Yaxin hesitated, then asked, “Young Master Xu, was there perhaps some hidden reason behind your actions that you couldn’t reveal?”

Xu Mo shook his head. “No, not at all. It was just me being an utter fool in the past. But I assure you, I won’t be like that anymore.”

Ning Yaxin didn’t get the answer she had hoped for and felt a tinge of disappointment.

Soon, the two of them emerged from the woods and returned to Xu Tieshu’s house.

By then, Chen Miaoyi had already boiled water. Seeing them return, she hurried to greet them.

“Miss Ning, please come inside and have a cup of water,” Chen Miaoyi said warmly.

But Ning Yaxin politely declined, bid farewell to everyone, and left with Ling’er.

Once the two women were gone, Chen Miaoyi turned to Xu Mo and asked, “Husband, what did you and Miss Ning talk about just now?”

At that moment, Xu Hui also came over, eager to hear the details.

Xu Mo said, “Miaoyi, I’ve already reached an agreement with Miss Ning. Once our soap workshop is up and running, the Ning family will act as our exclusive distributor and handle all sales!”

Neither Chen Miaoyi nor Xu Hui understood the term “exclusive distributor,” so Xu Mo explained it to them again.

Xu Hui, quick-witted as ever, broke into a smile. “That’s wonderful, cousin! The Ning family does business in all the nearby counties. If they become our exclusive distributor, our soap will reach even farther, and we’ll earn that much more!”

Chen Miaoyi shared the sentiment, her face lighting up with pleasure.

Suddenly, Chen Miaoyi thought of the Sundry Goods Hall and asked, “Husband, if that’s the case, will Manager Liu’s shop also have to purchase soap from Miss Ning in the future?”

“Exactly! Otherwise, what would make them the exclusive distributor?” Xu Mo replied.

Chen Miaoyi nodded, then added, “Husband, the Ning family is truly an ideal business partner with their vast wealth and widespread businesses. Still, I can’t help but worry…”

“What’s bothering you?” Xu Mo asked.

Xu Hui also looked at her sister-in-law with curiosity.

Chen Miaoyi voiced her concern, “Husband, the Ning family is rich and influential, far beyond the likes of us common folk. What if one day they learn the secrets of soapmaking and set up their own workshop? What will we do then?”

Xu Hui grew anxious at once. “That’s right, cousin! Can Miss Ning really be trusted? You just made that agreement with her so quickly—don’t let it be wishful thinking, or you might end up inviting a wolf into the house!”

Xu Mo couldn’t help but laugh. He reached out to ruffle Xu Hui’s hair. “Huihui, don’t always assume the worst of people.”

Xu Hui shot back, “Weren’t you the one who always said people are unpredictable and not to let your guard down? Now you’re accusing me of being suspicious?”

Xu Mo nodded. “It’s true we haven’t known Miss Ning for long, but I can tell she’s a person of great integrity. She’ll be a reliable partner.”

Chen Miaoyi agreed, saying, “That’s right, Huihui. I feel the same way about her. Besides, Young Master Ning is known for his chivalry, which surely reflects the upbringing he and his sister received from their elders.”

Xu Mo smiled, “Miaoyi, Huihui, don’t worry about this. I’ll be vigilant!”

Chen Miaoyi nodded, trusting her husband, and went inside.

Xu Mo thought to discuss the matter with his uncle, so he headed toward the front yard. He had barely taken a step when Xu Hui tugged at him.

“What is it?” Xu Mo turned and asked.

Xu Hui leaned in and whispered, “Cousin, you’re not thinking of working with Miss Ning just because she’s so pretty, are you?”

Xu Mo hadn’t considered that and frowned. “What do you take me for? Sure, she’s beautiful, but can she compare to your sister-in-law?”

Xu Hui glanced at Chen Miaoyi inside, then pursed her lips mischievously. “That’s hard to say. Sister-in-law is kind and lovely, while Miss Ning is cool and proud—they’re each beautiful in their own way!”

Xu Mo rolled his eyes. “You little rascal, what do you know?”

Xu Hui pouted unhappily at being called a child and stomped off with a huff.

After noon, a sudden commotion rose in the village, loud enough that Xu Mo could hear it even at the far end of the settlement.

Soon after, someone called for him outside.

“Master Xu! Master Xu?”

Xu Mo recognized the voice immediately—it could only be Ning Yongqiang.

He stepped out to see several villagers leading Ning Yongqiang and his attendants his way.

“Young Master Ning, what brings you here?” Xu Mo hurried over to greet him.

Ning Yongqiang quickened his pace, bowed deeply with genuine gratitude, and said, “Master Xu, you saved my sister’s life. I will never forget this great kindness!”

Xu Mo quickly helped him up. “Please, Young Master Ning! We’re friends—this is only natural.”

As they spoke, Chen Miaoyi and Xu Tieshu’s family stepped outside as well.

Ning Yongqiang immediately stepped forward to thank Xu Tieshu, making for a very warm scene.

After a while, Ning Yongqiang asked, “By the way, Master Xu, my sister mentioned there was a young hero with you at the time. Where is he?”

Xu Hui, having overheard, immediately said, “He’s at home. I’ll go fetch him!”

With that, Xu Hui dashed into the yard and called out, “Woodenhead! Woodenhead!”

No sooner had she spoken than Qin Mutou emerged from his house. Seeing Xu Hui beckoning him, he hurried over.

Xu Hui pulled Qin Mutou before Ning Yongqiang. “Young Master Ning, this is the young hero you’re looking for!”

Ning Yongqiang recognized him at once and looked at Xu Mo in surprise. “Hey! Isn’t he the one who ate for free at our Zhenxiu Restaurant?”

Xu Mo frowned and shook his head. “Young Master Ning, is that any way to put it? He didn’t eat for free—he earned it, fair and square!”

“Yes, yes! He earned it! Listen to me, I really have a way with words, don’t I? Hahaha…”

Ning Yongqiang finished with a hearty laugh.