MGASC -Chapter 127 Doing Unnecessary Favors Means Mischief or Theft

On the other side, Zhang Qiao had just seen her sister off when a few merchants came over, wanting to discuss joining her franchise.

The three newly opened Zhang’s Sauerkraut Fish stores had been doing well.

Even though the Lin family had experienced a fire, Zhang Qiao and Lin Tianyue had been hosting guests in a high-profile way, which only made more people realize that they were doing well. Far from suffering setbacks, they were thriving even more than before.

Merchants who had previously hesitated now saw competitors already making money, with long lines of customers every day—how could they not feel envious?

Gradually, more merchants approached Zhang Qiao, wanting to cooperate, including Li Dazhuang, who had previously requested a refund.

But thanks to the good reputation of the three stores, Zhang Qiao was steadier this time.

When clients arrived, she was still upstairs tutoring Zhou Xiaoxiao and her three children, only letting Xiao Wu take the visitors on a tour of the backyard.

She waited until the tour was over, then an additional hour passed. Only after seeing Zhou Xiaoxiao off did Zhang Qiao calmly go downstairs to meet the potential partners.

“Sorry for the wait, I was tutoring Director Zhou’s daughter just now,” Zhang Qiao greeted them with a smile.

No matter how busy or delayed she was, her words were always polite. She also had Sister Xu quickly serve tea and bring out fruits.

A storeroom downstairs had been tidied up and turned into an office for business meetings.

Lin Tianyue had even specially bought a set of secondhand office furniture—desk, executive chair—and a bookshelf nearby held folders with client information.

The neat and serious environment gave off an aura of authority.

Even if visitors had to wait, seeing the scale and professionalism, they were willing to believe that Zhang Qiao could handle big matters.

Now, when they also heard her mention Director Zhou, their desire to cooperate was practically written on their faces.

Who was Zhou Junlin?

He was an economic expert sent from above, a rising star whom the leaders of Jiangcheng City all sought to curry favor with. Zhang Qiao and Lin Tianyue were on such close terms with him, and they even entrusted his daughter to Zhang Qiao’s care. With just this connection, how could her business not flourish?

Soon, her reputation would spread beyond Xiangshui County, all across Jiangcheng City!

Thus, almost without Zhang Qiao needing to speak much, after the visitors saw her professionalism during the tour, joining her franchise became a natural decision.

Over the next two days, Zhang Qiao signed seven franchise contracts, completing the quarterly targets in one go.

Seven stores brought in over three thousand yuan in franchise fees alone, not counting future profit shares.

It sounded like a lot, but Zhang Qiao calculated that she still had to set up the sauerkraut factory and open a flagship store with Yingzi—both costly ventures. Even with her previous earnings, it might not be enough.

Still, Zhang Qiao wasn’t anxious; she knew there were always more solutions than problems.

Having already signed three franchise stores, handling these seven was like running a production line. She went through the entire process with ease.

In the evening, after seeing off a few more visitors who had come to see the stores, Zhang Qiao finally wanted to rest—only to see Lin Tianyue’s “younger brother,” Song Jiawen, arriving in a tricycle at the front gate.

Zhang Qiao didn’t bother with him and was about to have Xiao Wu deal with him when Song Jiawen called out ingratiatingly from behind: “Sister-in-law!”

“Who’s your sister-in-law?”

“Sister-in-law, I came today to move some furniture, and I thought I’d drop by to see you. About the last incident, it was my fault as the younger brother. I want to apologize. You and my brother shouldn’t hold it against me.”

Song Jiawen had abandoned his previous pride, bowing and nodding while holding two boxes of pastries.

“These are snacks from Daoxiangcun, brought back by a friend from the capital. They’re quite good, for you and the kids to try.”

Zhang Qiao placed her hand on her stomach, still watching Song Jiawen warily.

Unnecessary favors often hide mischief or theft!

She didn’t take the pastries, giving him only a cold glare: “I don’t need these. Now, tell me—what do you want?”

Song Jiawen felt his scalp tighten under her piercing gaze.

What could he want? It was nothing but running errands for their principal, trying to help the school settle a repair fee.

Ever since the principal learned of his relationship with Lin Tianyue, all the pressure was put on Song Jiawen. The principal made it clear: if he couldn’t handle this matter, forget about any promotion.

Song Jiawen had tried to gain favor but failed. He lost a house, nearly ruined his future, and even his partner had been ignoring him lately.

Still, he had to put on a brave face to plead with Lin Tianyue—a humiliating experience.

“Sister-in-law, I don’t have any personal business…”

“No business? Then just take your furniture and leave.”

Seeing that Zhang Qiao truly ignored him, Song Jiawen panicked and tried to step forward—but a big, burly man blocked him.

“Can’t you hear her? Load your furniture and leave!”

It was Xiao Wu—Wu Hongfei.

After the last incident, protecting Zhang Qiao had become Wu Hongfei’s top priority; he practically lived here.

Song Jiawen originally intended to curry favor with Zhang Qiao, knowing her soft heart and tendency to take advantage, thinking that once he bribed her, Lin Tianyue would surely help.

But he ran into a brick wall; even his carefully prepared gift didn’t get delivered.

After the furniture was loaded, he tried to leave the two boxes of pastries behind—but as soon as he stepped out, Wu Hongfei threw them out.

“Take them! Who cares about your pastries!”

Slamming the door, Xiao Wu thought to himself, This guy is so stingy—two boxes of pastries to try and get help? Ridiculous!

Having accompanied Lin Tianyue and Zhang Qiao, he’d seen a lot these days; he’d even tasted Moutai liquor. Compared to that, these little snacks were nothing. And Song still had the nerve to talk about apologizing?

Where’s the sincerity?

Outside the gate, Song Jiawen’s forehead vein throbbed in anger.

This family was outrageous!

He had already apologized—what else did they want?

But he didn’t dare make another move. Grumbling, he picked up his things and got in the vehicle.

Not long after, someone knocked again. Xiao Wu went to open the door.

“I told you, no visitors! Are you thick-skinned or what?”

Xiao Wu froze.

Standing outside was their factory manager.

Lin Tianyue, hearing Xiao Wu’s complaint, looked at him steadily: “What happened? Someone bothering your sister-in-law today?”

Xiao Wu: “Exactly. Manager, that Song guy came earlier, seemed to want Sister-in-law to handle something. He even brought two boxes of pastries—but don’t worry, I threw both him and his things out!”

Song Jiawen?

Lin Tianyue sneered. His cheap younger brother couldn’t hold up already—looks like the principal’s pressure really hurts.

Serves him right!

“Good job today. I’ll add an extra chicken drumstick for dinner!”

Rarely praising Xiao Wu, Lin Tianyue’s words made him ecstatic, as if he’d won five million.

“Yay! The manager praised me—so I did the right thing!”

As Lin Tianyue entered the yard, he immediately looked around for Zhang Qiao’s figure.