Pampered by the Toughest Man After Divorce
Chapter 403 - 404 - Why Give Gifts?_1

Chapter 403: Chapter 404 - Why Give Gifts?_1

Nan Feng asked, "But what?"

"The President said, Xiangying Square is a major merchant, and this issue was initially raised by Madam Jiang. So, the President hopes you could visit Madam Jiang personally when you’re free; bring her some gifts and apologize. Maybe, the conflict between your two houses could be alleviated and there might be chances for future cooperation."

"Gifts?" Nan Feng sneered involuntarily, then pulled out those account books, "Indeed, I do have a big gift for her. Please, call the President. I need to speak to him in person."

...

The President of the Business Association is Song Zhaoyu, with a thin mustache and very tall. He usually works in the house in the backyard, while Wang Ju works in the front hall.

Usually, the members of the association would be respectful to the President. But not Nan Feng. He just quietly nodded to President Song, then held up the account book in his hand, "This one belongs to Xiangying Square. The actual number of goods shipped from the dock is four thousand cases less than what was reported. Each case of goods is taxed half a tael of silver, so they’ve evaded two thousand taels of silver on four thousand cases. I’ve checked it thoroughly. This tax evasion not only violates the association’s regulations, but it’s also capital punishment if the tax evasion reaches ten thousand taels."

Song Zhaoyu gasped, "A shortage of a full four thousand cases? Let me see the account books!"

Just as Song Zhaoyu was about to reach for the account book, Nan Feng unexpectedly withdrew his hand, "I can’t give you the account book. What if you cover up for Wan Fengzhen?"

"Young lady, what kind of man do you think I am? As the President of the association, I don’t cover up for anyone. If I intended to protect someone, then no one would elect me as the President," said Song Zhaoyu.

"Not covering up?" Nan Feng couldn’t help but say, "I heard from Wang Ju, you were persuading me to visit Wan Fengzhen and apologize with a gift. Explain this. Isn’t this covering up? It was clearly her who framed me first. Why should I give her gifts?"

Seeing Nan Feng looking chagrined, Song Zhaoyu couldn’t help laughing, "Young lady, Xiangying Square is a big merchant. If they bear a grudge against small merchants like you, it’s natural that the small merchants should be more tactful; give some gifts, do some favors. I suggested it for your sake and for the harmony of our business association."

"Thanks, but I don’t need such favors. Business should be conducted by ability. If I have to please this and that every day, what energy will I have left to do business, don’t you think?" Nan Feng looked at Song Zhaoyu and said.

"Well, I just heard from Wang Ju that you’re young, so..."

Nan Feng stood up, "President, there’s no need to say more. Let’s go to the Yamen before they finish their work and report the issue to the tax officer."

"Wait!" Song Zhaoyu looked at Nan Feng and spoke with a diplomatic tone, "Young lady, I need to remind you if we really go, Xiangying Square will face suspension and rectification. Spikenard Square is also a big merchant; they have heavily subsidized the government. This issue will bother the Yamen and Xiangying Square."

Nan Feng was indifferent, "If they aren’t in trouble, the person in trouble would be me. I can’t consider so much. Anyway, I insist on going. Besides, I trust Mr. Song, I believe he will be impartial in handling the case!"

...

Two days later, Wang Ju visited Spikenard Square again; he was delivering an invitation to Nan Feng, inviting him to attend a quarterly meeting with other merchants.

Wang Ju didn’t enter the shop; it seemed he planned to leave as soon as he delivered the invitation since he had to distribute invitations to other merchants as well. However, Nan Feng called him to stop.