She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 142 - 141 Just Get to the Point

Chapter 142: Chapter 141 Just Get to the Point

Ye Xinyan turned back to continue sharing her thoughts with Qi Younian, "I see that Grandfather’s construction site is very well-organized. If we could attract more patrons or land a few big orders, I’m afraid it wouldn’t be long before we make a name for ourselves. While such momentum is good, it also draws too much attention."

"I think, if the dairy products are well made, it can be an equally enviable industry. The greatest benefit of making dairy products is their close relation to the cattle farm. If Sixth Master could invest in the dairy product industry, it would not only ensure the stability of the dairy business, but also would provide a reliable backing for your construction projects, as our family would have a joint venture with Sixth Master."

Qi Jia didn’t understand what Ye Xinyan was talking about; he only blinked his bright eyes as he watched his sister speak confidently, feeling that his sister was different and more impressive than other brothers and sisters.

Qi Younian and Nanny Jin, on the other hand, understood her meaning, especially Qi Younian who was all the more moved. His granddaughter, indeed, had seen the world and had extraordinary vision. His construction business hadn’t even taken off yet, and Ye Zi had already thought of so many contingencies.

Qi Younian nodded and remarked with emotion, "Ye Zi has really thought this through. These past few days, I had been thinking about writing a letter to my sworn brother to ask what he’s up to and if he has any good business opportunities. If he is having a tough time, I thought of bringing him here to rebuild this industry together. After all, he’s family and an experienced hand, obviously more reliable than others. If our family’s dairy workshop could get Sixth Master as an investor, it would make things even more secure for me."

"That would be great," Ye Xinyan approved eagerly upon hearing this. "Having someone knowledgeable and from our own family to support you would indeed be the best."

"Grandpa, grandpa, you have a brother? That’s wonderful. Is your brother as close to you as my sister and I are? I’ve never seen your brother; is he an elderly man like Great Uncle?" At the right moment, Qi Jia interjected, causing the family to burst into laughter.

The next day, around Si Hour, Jinrong Residence’s steward Wan Yan came to report that Fan Zhengyuan, the manager of the cattle farm in Clear Water Village, was requesting an audience.

At this time, Jinrong was reviewing letters from the capital in his study. Hearing Steward Wan’s report, he was somewhat surprised, "The manager of the cattle farm? Sent by Ye Xinyan?"

Steward Wan replied, "It appears so. Manager Fan is carrying a box of pastries, saying he has something to discuss regarding the cattle farm."

"A box of pastries?" Jinrong chuckled, "Could it be the cream cake that the children mentioned, which was made by the Qi Family’s snack shop yesterday? Even if they’re sending it, aren’t they a bit late? Surely my place should take priority over those diners at the Great Crane House?"

Steward Wan also laughed, "The box is sealed tightly; it’s really hard to guess what’s inside. But Manager Fan is holding it very carefully, probably afraid of damaging the contents."

"Sending gifts?" Jinrong tapped his desk carelessly with his fingers, "This isn’t usual practice for the Ye Family’s young miss. Well, let him in anyway; let’s see what he has to say."

Fan Zhengyuan didn’t know Jinrong’s identity; he could only sense that the elder steward in front of him looked exceedingly composed. Thus, although Fan carried the careful prudence of meeting his official employer, he wasn’t overly nervous or frightened.

Carrying the cream cake meticulously packed by Nanny Jin, he followed the steward from Sixth Master Rong’s Mansion, step by step into the small and delicate triple-entry courtyard.

Wan Yan led Fan Zhengyuan to stop outside Jinrong’s study and whispered, "Manager Fan, please wait a moment; Old Wan will go in and report."

After a short while, Wan Yan came out and beckoned, "Manager Fan, Sixth Master invites you."

As Fan Zhengyuan entered the study, he remained respectful and dared not look around. Only when Wan Yan announced, "Sixth Master, Manager Fan is here," did he quickly glance at Jinrong, who was leisurely sitting behind the desk, and at the two young servants attending to him, before hurriedly bowing and saying, "I am Fan Zhengyuan, the manager of the cattle farm in Clear Water Village, on Lady Qi’s order, to pay respects to Sixth Master. I am also here to deliver the pastries made from the cow’s milk produced on the farm for Sixth Master to taste."

As he spoke, Fan Zhengyuan raised the pastry box in his hands a little higher.

Jinrong waved his hand, saying, "No need for such formality." He then gestured for Wan Yan to take the items.

Wan Yan approached and took the box from Fan Zhengyuan’s hands, placing it on the table before Jinrong.

Only then did Fan Zhengyuan lift his head and quickly scanned the room. When his gaze shifted to the desk and suddenly met Jinrong’s seemingly smiling eyes, he was taken aback and quickly lowered his head again.

Yet he was inwardly terrified. This was the first time he had seen Sixth Master Rong, who looked amiable and approachable with a smile. How could one glance induce such fear in someone?

Hongzhi stepped forward, untied the knot securing the dessert box, and after a slight look of surprise at how the box opened, he used his hands to hold both sides of the box, lifting off the lid to reveal a platter with a round dessert in the center that was not quite a foot in diameter, appearing soft, oily, and enticingly golden brown.

Jinrong glanced at the deep lid in Hongzhi’s hands, then offhandedly said, "This box is quite unique." He asked Fan Zhengyuan, "Is this the dessert that your Lady Qi sent over? It looks rather ordinary."

Wan Yan stood by, his expression unchanged, faithfully attending to his duties.

Hongzhi, holding the lid of the dessert box, took a step back and slightly bowed his head. His master’s words were increasingly insincere. Ordinary? The color and aroma alone made it special.

Having been caught by Jinrong’s gaze earlier, Fan Zhengyuan didn’t dare to complain like Hongzhi, and cautiously replied, "Your Excellency, this is a new dessert recently made by Lady Qi. She named it ’cream cake’ because it’s made with cream extracted from cow’s milk, which dilutes the flour. Your Excellency might find it looks quite ordinary, but the taste is truly top-notch. You could try it. Lady Qi said that if there is anything unsatisfactory, we can make further improvements."

Jinrong looked at Fan Zhengyuan for a moment and asked, "You might not understand your Lady Qi. She’s a typical example of someone who wouldn’t act without self-interest. She must have something else to say. Just come out with it clearly, so we don’t waste each other’s time."

Fan Zhengyuan broke into a sweat. He had seen quite a few people of status, but none of them acted as unexpectedly as Sixth Master Rong. Not only had he discontinued managing the dairy farms, but he had also not made any public appearances for nearly a month. And now, he was speaking so bluntly, stripping away any pretense.

Reflecting on it, how had he not realized that Lady Qi was a person who acted only for profit?

"Well... My Lady Qi indeed has a favor to ask of Your Excellency," he admitted, realizing he had to be straightforward.

"Let’s hear it," said Jinrong, raising an eyebrow.

"Lady Qi said that the cream extracted from cow’s milk could truly be considered a top-notch ingredient. However, dealing with the leftover milk solids after extraction is somewhat difficult. She wanted to inquire whether Your Excellency has a steward skilled in craftsmanship or someone who has stayed in the pasturing areas of the North and has some knowledge about the production of nomadic dairy products?"

"And then?" Jinrong prompted.

Fan Zhengyuan glanced at Jinrong, thinking to himself how sharp Sixth Master Rong’s words were, leaving no room for maneuver.

"Lady Qi was thinking, if Your Excellency has such people, could you perhaps send one or two over to help start up a dairy products industry?"

Jinrong asked lazily, "Even if there were such people, they would be my men, wouldn’t they?"