Chapter 1272: An Unexpected Refusal

After having dinner, we will leave here. Who knows when we’ll return? From now on, it will be Sister Li spending time with Zao Hua.

If Sister Li makes things difficult for Zao Hua out of resentment, then once they leave, Zao Hua will certainly retaliate tenfold. Gu Qiaoqiao is not someone who would do something that foolish.

Gu Qiaoqiao called Zao Hua over and handed her the money for the noodles.

Zao Hua happily placed the money for twelve bowls of noodles into a money bag.

At this moment, it seemed like this noodle shop belonged to Zao Hua, and Sister Li was merely a hired worker.

Chu Chengfeng, being a boy, acted very directly without thinking too much. He stood in front of the kitchen, knocked on the window glass and grinned, saying, "Sister Li, you can consider my proposal. If you’re interested, give me a call, but I only trust your skill and you as a person. If you teach your skills to others, the collaboration is off."

After Chu Chengfeng finished speaking, he proudly raised an eyebrow at Qin Yize.

Gu Qiaoqiao couldn’t help but admire Chu Chengfeng’s courage and strategy.

Chu Chengfeng turned towards Xiao Wen, who gave him a thumbs up.

Zao Hua’s expression didn’t look very good.

She had been calculating this matter in her heart. If what this wealthy young man said was true, they could leverage his power to open a store in the Imperial Capital.

Which would mean living in the Imperial Capital.

The Imperial Capital, the capital of Huaxia Country.

A holy place everyone yearns for; she’s never been there, even though it’s not far from here.

Zao Hua was pondering how to persuade Li Gufen to teach her the family craft entirely, then she could follow and open a store, bringing her cousin along to make big money, wouldn’t that be a life like an Immortal?

However, she didn’t expect this man’s words, clearly guarding against her, but she couldn’t say a word, just glaring fiercely at Li Gufen, thinking about how to get revenge when she gets back, making her cousin teach her a lesson.

Yet, simultaneously, Zao Hua pondered that if she really got her beaten badly, then there would be no hope for going to the Imperial Capital.

But this woman is weak and easy to bully; if she convinces her to cooperate with this young man, she’d only have to work while she and her cousin collect money, isn’t that better?

Then she’d be the real boss – no, the boss lady!

Moreover, what does Li Gufen need her skills for, working herself to death, kneading dough until her arms couldn’t lift?

Thinking this, the sinister look on Zao Hua’s face faded, and she smiled for the first time, "Sister-in-law, you might as well consider what this young man said."

Everyone thought Li Gufen would just go along and nod, saying, alright, I’ll consider it...

Because everyone knew Sister Li was somewhat afraid and wary of Zao Hua.

However, unexpectedly, Li Gufen firmly shook her head, a gentle face for the first time showing an undeniable look, and said to Chu Chengfeng, "Young man, I appreciate your offer, but I won’t be going to the Imperial Capital to open a store."

"Why?" Chu Chengfeng asked in surprise.

"No reason, but I’m definitely not going..." Sister Li said, not looking at Chu Chengfeng, instead lowering her head and starting to tidy up the noodle counter.

Completely different from her earlier attitude, now a trace of coldness appeared on her face.

Gu Qiaoqiao’s heart stirred, as if she understood why Sister Li rejected Chu Chengfeng so decisively; if she guessed right, she might be worried about Lu Hao’s family.

Being bullied in the Imperial Capital isn’t a problem, but Sister Li didn’t want to create trouble for Chu Chengfeng.

This also explained why Sister Li sent her own younger uncle, Lu Hao, away in her past life.

Maybe in her eyes, Lu Hao and Chu Chengfeng were both not to be involved.

Gu Qiaoqiao’s heart sank slightly.

Chu Chengfeng felt a bit puzzled; a moment ago, Sister Li was all smiles at him, and now she was suddenly cold and distant?

Isn’t his proposal good?

It could help her escape suffering, no longer enduring Zao Hua’s drama, and Zao Hua wishing to take her skills and cooperate is impossible.

Besides, Chu Chengfeng had his own plans; he was a thorough foodie, having tasted delicacies all over Jiangnan, and he truly thought highly of Sister Li’s beef noodles.

It’s not just excellent cooking; it might be ancestral skills passed down.

The seasoning and braised beef weren’t something just anyone could make.

If he really opened a noodle shop, business would be booming.

It’s a win-win situation.

So Chu Chengfeng, unwilling to give up, asked again, "Sister Li, I’ve been thinking about opening a noodle shop for a while, but haven’t found a suitable partner. You should seriously consider it."

Zao Hua angrily tapped the glass, "Sister-in-law, you’ve lost your mind, knowing neither good nor bad. Such a good thing, others beg for even in vain; even if not immediately agreeing, you should still consider it. Not just for yourself but for your cousin!"

All honest people have a stubborn temper.

Sister Li seemed oblivious to both Chu Chengfeng’s and Zao Hua’s words, continuing silently to tidy her workspace and countertop.

Still not uttering a word.

Chu Chengfeng felt slightly embarrassed; he genuinely wished to help this woman who made exceptionally delicious dishes, but she didn’t appreciate it. He ventured too closely, and it wasn’t a purchase.

Then Qin Yize calmly walked over, placed a hand on Chu Chengfeng’s shoulder, and asked plainly, "When did you think about opening a noodle shop?"

"I was thinking recently..." Chu Chengfeng replied sulkily.

"I know you’re capable, but Sister Li’s noodle shop has just gained a bit of reputation here; leaving now would be quite regrettable, delaying it wouldn’t hurt."

Chu Chengfeng always listened to Qin Yize; he agreed it made sense, thus nodded his head, his expression improved somewhat,

Qin Yize exerted a bit of force with his hand, turned gracefully till holding onto Chu Chengfeng’s shoulder, leading him outside, saying as he walked, "Looks like it’s going to rain, better leave early."

Gu Qiaoqiao glanced outside; it was sunny earlier, but now it appeared somewhat gloomy.

Qin Yize stopped by Gu Qiaoqiao, released his hold, while Chu Chengfeng pouted, calling others to leave.

Meanwhile, Qin Yize took hold of Gu Qiaoqiao, picking up her small bag — a beige leather small shoulder bag.

Qin Yize leisurely carried the lady’s small shoulder bag in his hand, holding Gu Qiaoqiao as they walked out of the noodle shop.

Gu Qiaoqiao didn’t have any more inclination to probe further or speak with Sister Li. Since Sister Li made up her mind, a guest is just a guest, leaving her to it.

But she did gain a completely new viewpoint on Sister Li.