Chapter 1448: Refused
Chapter 1448: Refused
Editor: Henyee Translations
Qiao Wei sneered and fixed her gaze on Mianmian with increasing resentment.
What on earth did this insolent girl mean? She had lavished praise on Qiao Xuan in front of her and shown contempt towards her behind her back.
She was determined to hire her!
“Have you come to a decision?” Qiao Wei addressed Ms. Mao with a sly smile. “I wouldn’t want you to make this trip in vain. Very well, I’ll sweeten the deal with an extra ten taels of silver. If you agree, you can depart with the money.”
Thirty taels was no paltry sum!
Ms. Mao’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. While it might not be as lucrative as 200 taels, it was certainly better than nothing. The young lady couldn’t even make 30 taels in a year from selling her scraps, and this journey would last no more than two months. It was a worthwhile opportunity!
“Alright!” Ms. Mao responded without hesitation, her smile broad. “Thank you, Miss! I’m truly grateful! I’ll stay here and serve you!”
Qiao Wei smirked with condescension. “Qiu He, provide her with the banknotes.”
“No! No!” Mianmian began to sob, clutching onto Ms. Mao’s arm and refusing to let go. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Aunt! Aunt! Please, no! Let’s go back, please? We can return. I’ll sell lots of things in the future and earn a lot of money for you. Please don’t let me go, I beg you!”
“You! Let go of me!” Ms. Mao scolded, pushing Mianmian away. Frustration overcame her, and she slapped Mianmian’s face while scolding, “Stop crying! Do you have any idea where you are? Why are you making a scene?”
Qiu He frowned. “If you’re this unwilling, you should leave.”
Qiao Wei shot an irritated glance at Qiu He. In response, Qiu He raised an eyebrow, giving her a stern look as a warning, unwilling to yield.
She didn’t want to complicate matters, and she understood that Qiao Wei was petty and lacked magnanimity. She cared only about her present happiness.
But Mianmian was merely an insignificant girl, and it wouldn’t matter to Qiao Xuan if she were taken away from her.
Ms. Mao grew increasingly agitated upon hearing those words. “No, no, I’ll do it, I’ll do it!”
She yanked Mianmian so forcefully that the poor girl tumbled to the ground. Seizing her by the collar, Ms. Mao gritted her teeth and admonished her in a low, threatening tone, “Shut up! Cease this nonsense, or I’ll teach you a lesson you won’t forget! Do you think I won’t sell you?”
Mianmian’s heart raced, and she gazed at Ms. Mao in fear, unable to utter a word.
Satisfied, Ms. Mao sneered, “That’s more like it! Clean yourself up!”
“Miss, it’s all a misunderstanding. It’s just a misunderstanding,” she quickly explained. “This child has never been far from home, and she’s naturally a bit apprehensive. Once she thinks it through, she’ll be fine. There’s no need to worry if she follows you, Miss. Please, hand me the money. I’ll depart right away and won’t delay you any further.”
“Madame Shao!” Mianmian suddenly cried out in surprise. She scrambled to her feet and rushed towards Qiao Xuan, Lixia, and Liqiu, instinctively seeking refuge behind Qiao Xuan.
Ms. Mao was taken aback.
Qiao Wei was furious and promptly ordered Qiu He, “Give her the banknotes!”
“Madame Shao!”
Mianmian was anxious.
Qiao Xuan, with a gentle smile, shook his head, reassuring her not to worry.
For some reason, in the presence of Qiao Xuan, her anxieties melted away, as if she had found a steadfast ally and a sanctuary.
Ms. Mao, glancing toward Qiao Xuan involuntarily, noted his lack of response. She felt disappointed and a touch of irritation that he had not kept his word. However, aware that she couldn’t afford to offend him, she refrained from voicing her displeasure.
With a grateful smile, she accepted the banknote from Qiu He.