TSWPF -Chapter 70 Speechless

The shopkeeper perked up with interest when Li Qingling spoke. He had noticed when he came in that the room looked a bit different from usual—there was something special about it.

“All right, then, Miss Xiaoling, please show me around!”

Li Qingling smiled and nodded, leading the shopkeeper around and giving him a brief introduction. When he saw the toilet, his eyes widened in surprise.

Noticing his expression, Li Qingling explained how it worked and then let him try it himself.

The shopkeeper didn’t hesitate—he went in, tested it, and came out with eyes shining, looking at Li Qingling.

Without him saying a word, Li Qingling already knew what he was thinking.

“If you, Uncle Shopkeeper, want a toilet like this, I can tell you how to make one.”

“In that case, I thank you in advance, Miss Xiaoling,” the shopkeeper said with a bow.

This was truly a craft, and Li Qingling didn’t hesitate to share her method with him, showing how much she trusted him.

He, of course, would not betray that trust.

Li Qingling curled her lips, intending to tempt the shopkeeper a bit. “Actually, this toilet could be even better, but I don’t have the money. But judging from Fumanlou’s capabilities, it should be possible.” She paused to whet his appetite, then continued, “Uncle Shopkeeper, think about it—if guests at Fumanlou see such a nice toilet, wouldn’t it lift their mood? A good mood means they’ll eat more, and the restaurant’s income will increase as well.”

Hearing this, the shopkeeper clapped his hands and laughed heartily. Li Qingling really knew how to speak persuasively. “Ah, I see Miss Xiaoling has her own intentions. Come, let’s discuss in detail!” He led the way to the main hall.

Li Qingling followed him, passing by the outer room where Liu Zhimou was attending to guests. She waved him over—she thought he should hear this conversation.

Liu Zhimou excused himself from the guests, smiled, and walked over. “What’s up, Qingling?”

“I have something to discuss with Uncle Shopkeeper. You should come too.”

“All right…”

The three of them walked into the main hall together. Seeing them, Li Laifu, who was eating, quickly finished his food and put down his bowl. Pretending he was going to inspect the room, he wobbled inside.

Just as Li Qingling reached a key point in her explanation, the shopkeeper raised a hand to stop her.

Li Qingling looked puzzled. The shopkeeper pointed toward the door, and she immediately realized someone was there.

Liu Zhimou rose quietly and walked toward the door.

As he reached it, he flung it open, causing Li Laifu to fall forward.

He let out a small yelp, hitting the ground, and looked up at Liu Zhimou. He wanted to curse but, seeing Liu Zhimou’s half-smile, swallowed his words.

Snorting, he got up quickly, dusting himself off.

Seeing the shopkeeper, his face immediately shifted into a fawning expression. “I saw the shopkeeper had been here for so long and hadn’t eaten yet. I was about to call him over. But that rascal Zhimou opened the door without a word—almost made me fall!” He mentally vowed he would get back at Liu Zhimou for this.

The shopkeeper remained calm, stood up, and smiled. “Well then, let’s try Zhimou’s cooking!” He realized Li Qingling didn’t like to take the lead here—everything was led by Liu Zhimou—so he wouldn’t undermine her in front of others.

“Right this way,” Liu Zhimou said, leading the shopkeeper to the main seats. The villagers, seeing the shopkeeper’s dignified presence, quieted down and stared curiously.

The shopkeeper laughed and said to Liu Zhimou, “Looks like I startled everyone.”

Liu Zhimou smiled. “They aren’t used to seeing someone of your stature, Uncle Shopkeeper. It’s normal to be a bit taken aback.” The villagers, rarely encountering someone so distinguished, naturally felt a mix of fear and curiosity.

The shopkeeper laughed heartily.

Just then, the village chief arrived. Liu Zhimou quickly greeted him and invited him to the main seat.

Seeing the shopkeeper, the village chief’s heart skipped a beat. After greeting him, he sat down, thinking even more highly of Liu Zhimou’s family.

Having the shopkeeper of Fumanlou attend a feast was not something just anyone could arrange. These children were indeed remarkable.

“Why don’t you two sit here too and talk with Uncle Shopkeeper?” Li Qingling guided Li Qingfeng and Liu Zhiyan to seats, patting their shoulders. “Eat slowly.” She then excused herself.

In that era, women wouldn’t dare sit with a group of distinguished men—it would invite gossip. So she found another seat.

“This is for adults. Kids like you shouldn’t sit here!” Li Laifu, who had cheekily sat down, waved them away.

Li Qingfeng tilted his head innocently. “Uncle, haven’t you already sat and eaten? Aren’t you full yet?” He dared challenge Li Laifu’s authority.

Seeing everyone watching him, Li Laifu’s face flushed. “I… I’m not full.”

“Not full?” Li Qingfeng counted on his fingers and exclaimed in mock shock, “Oh my, Uncle! You ate four bowls and you’re still hungry?”

The previously quiet hall burst into laughter.

“You little rascal, stop playing around!” Li Laifu fumed, embarrassed.

Liu Zhimou remained silent, watching how the children handled the situation. Teaching them wouldn’t work as well as letting them experience it.

Sure enough, the children did not disappoint. Liu Xiangru said, “Uncle Li, why can’t we sit here? We haven’t sat for a feast before, and as the hosts, it’s our right!” He then looked at Li Qingfeng. “Right, Xiaofeng?”

“Yes…” Li Qingfeng nodded vigorously. “If Uncle can sit, we certainly can!” He wished he didn’t have such an embarrassing uncle.

The children’s coordinated response left Li Laifu fuming.

“You…”

“Come on…” The village chief interrupted sharply, glaring at Li Laifu. “If you’re hungry, sit here and eat. If not, go home!” Exposing this side of himself in front of others didn’t embarrass him.

Li Laifu shivered, forced a smile, and claimed he was still hungry, though he secretly hated Li Qingfeng and Liu Xiangru.

The village chief gave him a sharp look before smiling and turning to converse with the shopkeeper.

Apart from that small episode, the meal was a success, with both hosts and guests enjoying themselves. The shopkeeper also grew fond of Li Qingling and Liu Zhimou.

He felt emotional—these children, despite having no parents, were so capable. They were bound for great things.

The shopkeeper, being busy, prepared to leave after the meal. He gave Li Qingling a meaningful look, which she acknowledged with a nod, and he left smiling.

Once he departed, the villagers who had never seen such a person asked about him eagerly.

Li Qingling smiled and stayed silent, keeping up the appearance that she didn’t know him well.

Liu Zhimou looked at her gently. “That was the shopkeeper of Fumanlou. He came to celebrate because I sold him a pancake recipe.”

The villagers murmured in amazement.

Some bold ones asked how much he paid for the recipe.

The crowd quieted again, listening intently.

“Who asked that? Step forward!” The village chief scowled. “Even asking about someone’s money is shameless. Really enough to make me embarrassed for you!”

Aunt Huang added, hands on her hips, “Yes, who asked? Step forward and tell us!” She snorted, “Good thing the Fumanlou gentleman has left, or he might think we’re shameless!”

The village chief agreed and sternly scanned the crowd. “All right, full and satisfied, go home. Don’t mess around here.”

The villagers obeyed, leaving only a few behind to work.

The chief patted Liu Zhimou’s shoulder, nodded approvingly, and left.

“Aunt, some food is left in the kitchen. Help everyone take some home!” Li Qingling said to Aunt Huang.

Aunt Huang nodded politely. “Let’s quickly pack it and distribute.”

“Good!”

They efficiently packed up, returned the utensils, and everyone carried home a portion, smiling.