Chapter 733: Life Without Attachment

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

Wang Village is a community that thrives on brick-making. However, this year, the village faced a severe calamity. Following a drought, many brick kilns shut down. Chu Qingzhi contemplated visiting this village to recruit a few skilled brick-makers to help her construct a kiln.

The village was poor and desolate, filled with an air of depression and gloom.

The arrival of Chu Qingzhi, like a burst of colorful light, immediately caught the attention of the villagers. Soon, she was surrounded by curious locals.

An elderly woman tentatively asked, “What brings you to our village, young lady?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled gently, “I’m looking to hire a few experienced brick­makers.”

The elderly woman excitedly said, “Our village’s brick-makers are particularly skilled, really impressive. Whatever level of expertise you’re looking for, we have it.”

Chu Qingzhi politely responded, “Could you please gather them for me? I’ll need people to start working tomorrow.”

The elderly woman and those around her agreed enthusiastically, “Of course, of course, I’ll go call them right away.”

Word of Chu Qingzhi’s need for brick-makers quickly spread throughout Wang Village. Soon, everyone in need of work gathered, creating a lively scene.

Chu Qingzhi’s gaze settled on the brick-makers in their forties. With rich experience and robust health, they were the ideal candidates. “Are there any masters with twenty years of experience in brick-making?”

Before the men could respond, their wives shouted out.

“Yes, my husband has been doing it for twenty-five years.”

“My man’s been at it for twenty-three years.”

“My husband has twenty-five years under his belt.”

Listening to everyone, Chu Qingzhi scanned the men beside them, judging their character by their appearance.

Since she couldn’t know people’s hearts, she had to choose those who seemed honest and hardworking based on their looks.

She found three promising candidates.

Chu Qingzhi signaled to them, “Uncle, you, and you, please come here.”

The three selected men were all in their early forties, with calloused hands and straightforward gazes—signs of diligent workers.

“I plan to build a brick kiln and would like your help. After it’s built, you’ll be appointed as head craftsmen. The contract is for five years. Are you interested?”

It was as if money had fallen from the sky for these men who had been struggling to find work. They eagerly agreed, “Yes, yes…”

Chu Qingzhi said, “Alright, come find me tomorrow morning at Chu village. My name is Chu Qingzhi.”

“We’ll be there on time.”

“I won’t take more of your time then. Please make arrangements at home, as you might not get much rest for a while. Thank you for your hard work.”

“Take care, young lady.”

After leaving Wang Village, the three selected uncles became the envy of the entire village. Becoming a head craftsman meant a significant monthly wage, a stroke of incredible luck.

In the Chu Village.

The ice-making and rice dumpling-making workshops were all relocated to the workshop area yesterday, transforming the old workshop into a storage space, all completed within a day.

Shen Ruyue saw off the workers and was about to head to the workshop area when she spotted Chu Qingzhi and waved at her, “Qingzhi.”

Chu Qingzhi changed direction and approached Shen Ruyue, glancing at the old workshop, “Is the modification complete?”

Shen Ruyue smiled and nodded, “It’s done. Now, we just need a couple of wolves to guard it.”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “Leave that to me.”

Shen Ruyue added, “By the way, they’ve managed to make a trial batch of the small cakes, come take a look.”

Chu Qingzhi agreed happily, “Sure, let’s go.”

The small cakes were a new attempt at the egg tart workshop, where the mold had been changed to a five-pointed star shape, and three new workers were hired for a trial run.

Following Chu Qingzhi’s recipe, they made a hundred cakes in five attempts, each batch improving upon the last. The small cakes were lined up on the counter, visibly getting better with each iteration.

Chu Qingzhi tasted a cake from the fifth batch, finding its softness, aroma, sweetness, and appearance all very satisfactory.

“If you don’t mind, you can take the first three batches home to eat.” The rest, Chu Qingzhi took back home for her family.

“Thankyou, Sister Qingzhi.”

“You all continue making small cakes tomorrow, aiming for the quality of the fifth batch, a total of five hundred cakes. I’ll allow each of you one mistake, but if there are two, the trial period will end.”

The three workers tensed up, solemnly replying, “We understand.”

After discussing work, Chu Qingzhi and Shen Ruyue went to the office, closed the door, and relaxed into their chairs.

Chu Qingzhi, noticing Shen Ruyue’s hesitation, guessed what was on her mind, “Do you think I was too harsh?”

Shen Ruyue nodded slightly, “Alittle.”

Chu Qingzhi asserted, “Ruyue, as managers, we need to be both firm and gentle.”

Chu Qingzhi then detailed to Shen Ruyue how to effectively manage the workshops…

“If you’re too lenient, it gives off the impression that you’re easy to persuade. Then, everyone will test your boundaries, and as our workshops grow, this will become a significant burden.”

“It’s better to establish a firm image from the start. Simply put, my word is law, and there’s no room for negotiation. This sets a standard in everyone’s mind, making it easier for you to manage.”

Shen Ruyue, being clever, caught on quickly, “Qingzhi, I understand now.”

After digesting Chu Qingzhi’s advice, Shen Ruyue mentioned, “Shiyu is here, and she’s as prickly as a hedgehog lately. I don’t know what’s gotten into her.” “Shiyu?” Chu Qingzhi recalled hearing Yuan Hongjun and Bao Linjiang mentioning her while attending to the soldiers, “Didn’t Linjiang come looking for her?”

“She didn’t leave, and Linjiang even scolded her.”

Considering the temperaments of the young disciples, it was unusual for them to scold anyone. Chu Qingzhi said, “I’ll go see her.”

“Go ahead, I’ve got some things to take care of here. I’ll head back later.”

“Ok.”

In the swing pavilion.

Rong Shiyu sat on the swing, staring blankly at a late-blooming chrysanthemum, her face a portrait of despair and numbness.

Nearby, Chu Qingyan was playing Go with Chu Hongxiu and a group of friends, their laughter and cheerful voices filling the air, creating a joyous atmosphere. One pavilion, two different worlds.

Chu Qingzhi approached, patting Chu Qingyan on the head, “Did you finish your homework today?”

Chu Qingyan looked up in surprise, “Yes, Fifth Sister is back.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded towards Rong Shiyu, “Continue playing, then. I’ll go see the person who’s about to turn into stone.”

Chu Qingyan grabbed Chu Qingzhi’s hand, “Fifth Sister, Sister Shiyu has been like this for a long time. She might be upset because she was scolded. Can you talk to her?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled, “I’ll see what I can do.”

She walked up to Rong Shiyu, waving her hand in front of her face. Finally, Rong Shiyu snapped back to reality, grasping Chu Qingzhi’s hands, “Qingzhi, please help me.”

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