CHAPTER 43: CHAPTER 43: DO NOT EMPLOY THOSE YOU SUSPECT, AND DO NOT SUSPECT THOSE YOU EMPLOY

Shengxiang Restaurant was reached quickly, and it was bustling in the front. There were quite a few people dining in the hall, and people upstairs were constantly coming and going, with the restaurant staff all busy.

Compared to the backyard, the front yard was very lively.

The owner of the bun shop led Shen Qinglan through the familiar path to the backyard, found a place for her to sit, and said, "Miss, you rest here for a while. I’ll go and call Lao Tang."

Lao Tang, Shen Qinglan knew, was the shopkeeper of this restaurant.

The previous day, when she came to sell wild boar, that shopkeeper had introduced himself and said that she should bring any good prey here next time, as long as it’s edible, they would buy it.

This Lao Tang was astute yet warm-hearted. From Shen Qinglan’s previous life perspective, this person was definitely a very cunning old fox.

Shen Qinglan sat for quite a while and still didn’t see anyone come over. Just as she was about to get up, a staff member brought tea and snacks, smiled at her and said, "Miss, Mr. Tong had to return to the bun shop for some business. Our shopkeeper is still busy upstairs. He asked you to wait here for a bit; he will come shortly."

Shen Qinglan nodded to the staff member and said, "Thank you!"

The staff member wiped his sweat with a cloth on his shoulder and said, "No need to thank, Miss, you sit here first, I’ve got to go back to work."

With that, he hurriedly left.

It was clear to see, he was indeed very busy.

The staff was so busy, yet Lao Tang still had them take the time to bring things to him, which showed thoughtfulness.

In the elegant room on the third floor, Lao Tang and Xuan Ming, Xuan Ying were serving dishes to Young Master Duan, occasionally raising their heads to observe his expression.

Unexpectedly, their Young Master’s expression had been unusual since yesterday. He didn’t speak, just sat there lost in thought.

Lao Tang looked at Xuan Ming and asked in a low voice, "Did the Young Master go strolling on the street today?"

Xuan Ming nodded, replied in a low voice as well, "He strolled all morning, until Xuan Ying complained of hunger before returning."

Seeing all the dishes were served, Lao Tang cleared his throat and said to Duan Yunfei, "Young Master, I have guests to attend to, so I’ll go downstairs first!"

Duan Yunfei said nothing, just waved his hand.

Lao Tang glanced at him with some concern before turning around and leaving the private room.

"Miss Shen, how is it you?"

Lao Tang was somewhat surprised to see Shen Qinglan.

Shen Qinglan stood up, nodded to him and called out, "Shopkeeper Tang."

Lao Tang uncertainly asked, "Are you the person Mr. Tong introduced?"

Shen Qinglan thought of the staff just calling the bun shop owner Mr. Tong, and nodded.

Lao Tang smiled and said, "This is truly fate."

While saying this, he gestured for Shen Qinglan to sit down, then asked, "Miss, what kind of work would you like to do?"

Shen Qinglan raised her eyelids slightly, and said softly, "Isn’t it hiring for a cook?"

Lao Tang did not answer her question, but instead asked with a smile, "Miss, can you read?"

Shen Qinglan nodded, "Yes."

Lao Tang nodded, it’s no longer surprising for women to read these days.

He further asked, "Can you do arithmetic?"

Shen Qinglan nodded again.

Lao Tang nodded with satisfaction and said, "It’s like this: we’ve filled the cook position ourselves, but we’re short an accountant. The previous accountant resigned to return home because his mother is ill. If Miss feels capable, I’ll take you to familiarize yourself with bookkeeping now."

Shen Qinglan didn’t move but tilted her head and said, "I’m only thirteen years old, isn’t Shopkeeper Tang afraid I can’t handle it?"

Lao Tang laughed heartily and said, "As the saying goes, employ the trustworthy and don’t doubt the employed. However, Miss has to be capable, or I wouldn’t dare hire you."

For some reason, Lao Tang always felt that this girl gave him a sense of maturity beyond her age.

If it were any other girl her age, he wouldn’t consider hiring them.