The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 888 - 195: Repaying Kindness

Chapter 888: Chapter 195: Repaying Kindness

Most families who brought out cabbages did so willingly; they might eat less themselves, but they made some money too. Yet, there were those reluctant to comply, "Just because we were taught the pickled cabbage recipe doesn’t mean we can all sell pickled cabbage to make money, yet you used it to buy our winter’s supply of cabbages and radishes!"

"This isn’t simply teaching, this is bartering! Still, it’s presented so attractively, fishing for compliments! It’s practically coercive trading!"

Soon, people everywhere began to say that Pei Qin, though appearing to do good deeds, was actually pursuing her own profits. The vegetables were virtually given to them, not only easing their urgent needs but also letting them make a substantial profit this year without buying cabbages. Those who gave Pei Qin their cabbages were indebted to her! The people of Fang Family Village benefited from the Sweet Potato Flour Workshop, and they should’ve contributed! The villagers from around were helping out in times of need, truly indebted to her! They wondered how those at the workshop would show their gratitude in the future!

Many disagreed with the idea of coercive trading, as they had learned to make pickled cabbage and had willingly sold their own cabbages and radishes to Pei Qin and company. However, the notion of emergency help and indebtedness resonated with many. They thought if only Pei Qin expanded her workshop to their village or hired them as workers, they would then experience her gratitude.

People’s hearts are often selfish and opportunist, even more so when guided by circumstances. Within days, some couldn’t resist inquiring about the Sweet Potato Flour Workshop.

The Lizheng from Lin Town even came, saying he could bring in a lot more cabbages and radishes for discussion, proposing to Pei Qin the idea of opening a Sweet Potato Flour Workshop in their town.

Pei Qian turned pale with anger at the pretense of discussing; their respectful manner and smiles were clearly opportunistic exploitation, using kindness as leverage! She feared Pei Qin might waver and agree, "The purchase of cabbages was willing on both sides, with silver money paid upon agreement!"

Seeing her expression, Pei Qin didn’t bring up the matter; she had no intention to agree. There were places everywhere to open a Sweet Potato Flour Workshop, and she might just open three or five if she felt like it. But now she wasn’t in the best of moods! She outright refused and sent the visitor away.

Without reaching an agreement, the Lizheng from Lin Town felt rather embarrassed and vexed. When he returned to his own town, his words carried a tinge of spite.

So Pei Qin’s reputation as hypocritical and selfish spread. Despite the villagers helping them in a crisis, they were unwilling to reciprocate. The Sweet Potato Flour Workshop was for them a profitable venture, a beneficial enterprise for the village, yet without due consideration, they rejected promptly, disheartening the villagers who had aided them.

A fair trade had morphed into a collective rescue effort, as many seemed to forget that they had learned the recipes for pickled cabbage and radishes.

Grandma Sun, too, was infuriated. "These people have all learnt the pickled cabbage recipe for nothing, and got paid for their cabbages, have they forgotten!? Each thinking about gratitude, what gratitude to speak of when blinded by money!" She even regretted suggesting such an idea; even if it meant a monetary loss, Xiao Pei and her companions could afford it, but they didn’t deserve to have their reputations tarnished this way.

Old Scholar Fang wore a gloomy expression, boiling with silent rage.

Grandma Fang consulted him, "Qinqin said earlier that sweet potato flour is selling well. How about we open another Sweet Potato Flour Workshop?"

"To open now would be to concede that we owe them a favor! Wouldn’t that only encourage those gossip-mongers even more!?" Old Scholar Fang disagreed, but after pondering, he drove over to see Pei Qin. He fully supported benefiting the community, but he also believed in acting according to the right timing. It was important to align with the heavenly timing, geographic advantages, and human relations to accomplish something worthwhile!

Pei Qin reassured him that he needn’t worry unnecessarily, "I was actually thinking of opening two Sweet Potato Flour Workshops, but now that Grandfather has voiced it, I won’t!"

Old Scholar Fang nodded in relief, "There’s still plenty of time ahead! It’s just the start for sweet potato flour; expanding the business on a large scale next year is not too late!"

"Alright!" Pei Qin agreed immediately. She had the hired workers who taught pickling cabbage get everyone who’d learned to prepare a few jars of pickled cabbage and radishes for their own use. Only then would they feel they truly benefited.

Rumors were flying everywhere, some even adding fuel to the fire.

Pei Qin didn’t care at all and turned all the gathered cabbages into pickled cabbage. She also apologized to several long-term customers for the decreased supply and assured them that they would have priority in purchasing other goods in the future. As for those who were dissatisfied, she offered compensation.

Previously, Pei Qian hadn’t collected any deposit; Pei Qin personally dealt with the situation. Without pickled cabbage, and unsure what alternative goods they might produce, most didn’t ask for compensation. Only a few requested some Drunkard’s Peanuts as a settlement.

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