The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

But how much will this recipe cost?

Would it be very expensive…

[Recipe: Sauce-Bones, exchange price is 156 labor points.]

Good, that’s all right.

Zhuang Qingning took a breath.

The cost was not as high as the original tofu recipe and, in fact, it was much cheaper.

[Of course, the production formulas are a lifetime purchase, and the unlocked formulas do not require additional purchases and can even be automatically upgraded. They will, of course, be more expensive. On the other hand, recipes are a one-time purchase and this is a basic recipe. So, the price must be cheaper.]

Zhuang Qingning raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.

It might be cheap, but…

Ah — Xiaowu, how about we negotiate again? Look at my labor points…

I could always cash in on a good bargain again!

[Given your recent labor value deduction of 666 and a further deduction of 156 labor points for the Sauce-Bones recipe…]

[Um, you currently have 89 labor points left.]

What?!

Does that mean that since she started making tofu after getting the recipe, she has already earned so many labor points?

And she’s not only repaid the labor points she borrowed, but she’s also left with quite some surplus…

Why didn’t you tell me earlier, leading me to believe that I still had a debt to pay, and I was so cautious and calculating, constantly plotting how to deceive… uh, I mean borrow a recipe from Xiaowu.

In fact, I didn’t even dare to think about redeeming items from the system mall during this period. It was just my overthinking.

[Well, it’s not entirely my fault. You didn’t ask me, did you?] (nose picking)

What?!!

Are Systems allowed to pass the buck so blatantly now?

We can’t say that. Xiaowu is a quality System. It didn’t take the initiative to tell you in order to ensure you didn’t become arrogant and not lose yourself because of your early achievements.]

[Xiaowu is all for your benefit. You have to believe me! ] (A frightened but pretending to be calm face)

Zhuang Qingning stayed silent, pressing her lips.

After a while…

Exchange for a Sauce-Bones recipe and then discreetly disappear!

[You call me Xiaowu before you need me but want me to disappear after using me, waiting online for advice on how to deal with a bad host. It’s quite urgent…]

It’s not impossible. Give me another recipe for free, and we’ll call it even.

As such, Zhuang Qingning suddenly had a rolled up paper in her hand and the system in her mind disappeared on command.

It really is stingy Xiaowu!

Zhuang Qingning hummed coldly and opened the recipe in her hand.

The specific formula for making Sauce-Bones was written neatly and in detail on it, including the types and quantities of ingredients, the ratios, how to cook them, and even what to look out for during the cooking process.

When Zhuang Qingning was living alone in her past life, she would often cook. Whether looking at the content or the details, this is clearly a very good recipe.

It should be okay to give to Zhang Yongchang.

I need to see whether it is a high-quality recipe as Xiaowu said.

[Any product from the System is guaranteed to be of high quality! Please don’t doubt the System, thank you.]

Since you’ve appeared, have you decided to compensate me with another recipe?

There was no more sound in her mind. Quite evidently, Xiaowu had already vanished.

Shameless system!

Zhuang Qingning harrumphed, temporarily collecting the recipe.

After having dinner in the evening and reaching the tofu factory, Zhuang Mingliang had already started scooping beans.

In this period, Zhuang Mingliang had understood all the processes of making tofu very well. Aside from the special tofu pudding part, he could manage almost everything and was also utterly dedicated. He didn’t wait for Zhuang Qingning to instruct but started doing work of his own accord.

With faster work, though they might spend the entire night on the tofu-making task, they could take turns to take a nap and were no longer as busy and tired as they had been.

Observing Zhuang Mingliang working so efficiently and reliably, Zhuang Qingning was absolutely relieved.

Indeed, he is the child of Zhuang Yonghe and Mrs. He, and their temperaments coincide.

“You two keep busy here for a while, I’ll go find uncle and auntie to discuss something.” Zhuang Qingning instructed.

Since the county town needs two hundred catties of tofu daily, one tofu pot won’t suffice. They’d have to find a way to open up two tofu pots. In that case, they’d have to utilize the entire tofu factory completely – harvest more beans and hire one or two more trustworthy individuals who can work hard.

Zhuang Qingning thought she likely wouldn’t be able to manage this on her own and so thought of seeking Zhuang Yonghe and Mrs. He for a discussion.

“Okay, you go ahead with your work, sister. Brother Mingliang and I can handle things here.”

It was clear to Zhuang Qingsui that Zhuang Qingning was concerned about the matter in the county town.

Having left the tofu factory, Zhuang Qingning went directly to Zhuang Yonghe’s home.

“Miss Zhuang Ning is here.” Zhuang Yonghe put down the straw shoes he was working on and hurriedly moved a bench for her. Mrs. He too quickly brought tea over.

The tofu business was getting better and better, making much more money. The couple now view Zhuang Qingning as the good luck charm of their family.

“We don’t have anything to serve you here. However, yesterday we roasted some peanuts. Your uncle roasted them himself using sand. They turned out a bit black, but they are quite crispy and fragrant inside. Try them.” Mrs. He brought the plate of blackened peanuts to the table.

“Don’t fuss around uncle and auntie.”

Zhuang Qingning could sense the couple’s warmth and said, “I am here to discuss something with uncle…”

She then detailed the matter about the requirement of tofu in the county town, the need to harvest more beans, and the recruitment of one or two more hardworking and honest laborers to Zhuang Yonghe.

“That’s a great development.” Zhuang Yonghe’s face was all smiles, “Niece Zhuang’s tofu store is set to grow bigger!”

The better the tofu shop business is, the longer it lasts, the more benefits his family will get. That was something they were hoping for.

“As for harvesting the beans, you don’t have to worry about that. There are plenty of villagers willing to sell beans. If that’s not enough, we could always go to the neighboring village and purchase some more. It won’t take much effort.”

“In fact, once everyone sees how well the beans sell, I think they’ll want to plant more beans in the next season.”

Zhuang Qingning gave a small smile, “I trust Uncle Yonghe with the bean collection task completely. I am not worried about it. The matter I am concerned with is finding two more workers who are diligent and honest.”

“Yes, hiring is the most crucial issue. We need someone of good character and honest nature. The best would be sturdy and strong women who are capable of hard work.” Zhuang Yonghe nodded his head.

Now that Zhuang Qingning is in her teens and Zhuang Qingsui is eight, they have to maintain appropriate boundaries between males and females..