Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with winning over Daiyu's favorability

Chapter 218 I Came at the Wrong Time

Qin Keqing led the way, her steps leisurely and light. There was not a trace of restraint or unfamiliarity in her eyes; on the contrary, she seemed to know the way well, her every move natural and relaxed. She had the air of a master who was used to this place and had long been accustomed to its sights.

Her gaze swept lightly across the path under the corridor, then she turned to Deng Zechen: "Let's go. If we're talking about serious matters, we should go to the study. I know the way, just follow me, this way."

The maid did not object, seemingly agreeing with Qin Keqing's words.

Since Qin Keqing was now completely certain that Deng Zechen was not upset at all because she had concealed her identity as her aunt, she became much more cheerful after putting this matter to rest.

With her inner knot untied, her brows and eyes relaxed, her face glowed, and her entire aura became lighter and brighter.

He kept talking about what had happened at the shop recently: "Your idea really worked. Ever since someone actually found silver and gold in our soap, business has improved a lot. We're completely short-staffed now, and I'm thinking of taking this opportunity to hire more people."

As she spoke, Qin Keqing's eyes sparkled, and a slight smile remained on her lips. When discussing business accounts, her words were always sharp and composed.

Deng Zechen was very reassured about entrusting all the affairs of the shops to Qin Keqing, after all, all the shops under her management had become thriving businesses that made a fortune every day.

So even though his business was growing bigger and bigger, he never thought of getting involved. No matter what industry it is, the worst thing is for an outsider to direct an insider.

His job is to provide technical support and develop more innovative features; he can leave the operational aspects to the professionals.

"You decide what to do. If the business stabilizes and you're still short-handed, then you can look for more people. But you must be careful when choosing people."

Although I think the method for making this soap will eventually be figured out by someone with the right mindset, we still need to be prepared and try to slow it down as much as possible.

Qin Keqing nodded solemnly upon hearing this, her expression serious, her eyes full of confidence and certainty: "I know everything. The soap makers are all experienced people we trust, and the purchase of raw materials is also arranged in batches."

Deng Zechen was completely relieved to learn that his promotional plan was showing initial success and that Qin Keqing was so thorough in her actions.

When he first suggested putting gold and silver beads in some of the soaps, he wasn't very confident; he was just taking a chance.

The effect was unexpectedly good; it looks like we can increase the intensity even further!

"I have another method here. I'll explain it to you in detail later. You can see if it's feasible. If it is, then let me know."

Business could get even better; it won't be long before we can open a few more shops.

Qin Keqing naturally had no reason to refuse, but now was not the time to talk about it. She nodded reservedly, maintaining her composure, but she couldn't hide the expectation in her eyes.

The two walked side by side, chatting and laughing, in a harmonious and intimate atmosphere. Before long, they arrived at the door of the study and stopped to stand.

A maidservant who was accompanying her stepped forward and gently tapped the wooden door twice with her moss-covered fingertips. Soon, the sound of footsteps approaching came from inside.

Taking advantage of the brief moment the door was open, Deng Zechen straightened his clothes.

"Is there anything wrong with my outfit?"

Qin Keqing reached out and straightened Deng Zechen's collar with remarkable ease, smoothing over the slight wrinkles in his clothes as if she had done it a thousand times before.

Just then, the door was pulled open from the inside, and this was the scene that Bai Shuang'er saw when she opened the door.

Her heart, which had been pounding wildly with the thought of the sisters recognizing each other, gradually calmed down, and she said in a somewhat awkward and uncomfortable tone, "Looks like I've come at the wrong time."

Duoduo: "No, you've come at the perfect time—no? What are you doing here?"

Qin Keqing and Deng Zechen were both shocked to see Bai Shuang'er open the door. Qin Keqing, in particular, covered her mouth in surprise, her heart churning with astonishment as she looked at the woman who bore a striking resemblance to herself.

"Why can't I be here?" Although Bai Shuang'er had suffered a great loss at Deng Zechen's hands before, she was unwilling to show that she had lost her ground at this moment.

But Qin Keqing knew nothing of this. Hearing their conversation, she looked puzzled: "You...know each other?"

"yes."

"I encountered a female bandit with ulterior motives on the road; we weren't familiar with her."

Bai Shuang'er was furious when she heard this title. What did she mean by "female bandit"? What kind of thieving and robbery had she done? She was the one who was the one who suffered!

Qin Keqing was even more confused by Deng Zechen's words. She was about to ask again when she heard Sun Junyue's voice: "Come in, all of you. What kind of behavior is this, standing at the door?"

Bai Shuang'er glared fiercely at Deng Zechen, let out a hiss, and turned to leave without hesitation. This interruption eased her tension; her mind was filled with the embarrassing image of being tied up.

Seeing Qin Keqing's questioning gaze, Deng Zechen said in a low voice, "I'll tell you when we get back. Let's go inside first."

After the two entered the study, the door was quickly closed. Although Qin Keqing was very curious about Bai Shuang'er, she still stepped forward and bowed to Sun Junyue, greeting her, "Aunt."

Sun Junyue's gaze softened, and she beckoned Qin Keqing to come closer: "Come here, stand closer to me."

"Why!"

Qin Keqing responded cheerfully, shifting her gaze away from Bai Shuang'er beside Sun Junyue, and stepped forward without hesitation.

Sun Junyue then said to Bai Shuang'er, "You take your sister with you, I'll talk to him alone for a while."

In fact, Qin Keqing had a guess after seeing Bai Shuang'er's face. Hearing Sun Junyue's words confirmed her guess. However, she was still a little lost when faced with this fact and subconsciously looked at Deng Zechen.

"Don't worry, we'll go home together later."

Upon hearing this, Bai Shuang'er felt like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She wanted to snarl and hiss, but realized that the disparity in strength would only put her at a disadvantage. Therefore, she merely retorted with a light, unhurried tone, "I'm not going to eat you, so why are you looking at him?"

Could he possibly be a good person? This silly girl is probably too naive and has been fooled!

Sun Junyue looked at the three juniors in front of her, her eyebrows relaxed, as if she had discovered something extremely interesting: "Qing'er, go ahead, this is your sister, haven't you always wanted to see her? Now that you're here, have a good talk with her."

"Yes—Aunt."

The two sisters were clearly a little nervous, but in order not to lose face in front of Deng Zechen, Bai Shuang'er still acted like the eldest sister and led Qin Keqing to the inner room.

After the two figures disappeared, Deng Zechen's faint smile vanished completely. He looked at Sun Junyue at the head of the table and said, "This humble official greets Your Highness the Grand Princess."