Jing Zhe originally wanted to enter through the front door of Wenxiangju, but the storytelling in the lobby on the first floor was so popular that it was packed with people, and someone was responsible for collecting money from each person who entered.
If we go in like this, we'll definitely be recognized at a glance, and it will probably cause a sensation. Murong Xi will definitely find out too.
If you come to her business and don't visit her, she'll think you're avoiding her, as if you've really done something wrong.
So he sneaked in through the back door, but still ran into Shi Tou, who was actually the steward of Wenxiangju.
"Jing—"
"Shh!"
Seeing that Shi Tou was about to shout, Jing Zhe quickly made a shushing gesture, "Keep your voice down!"
Stone was quick-witted, and upon hearing this, he quickly whispered, "President Jing, you're back!"
Jing Zhe nodded: "How's business at Wenxiangju?"
"President Jing, ever since we got the strong liquor and storytelling, Wenxiangju's business has been booming! We're so busy we can't keep up with the demand. Miss Zhang has hired a lot more people, and she's been especially kind to us servants, even raising our wages several times! Everyone's full of energy now! Should I call everyone over so President Jing can give us a pep talk?"
Ultimately, neither Shi San nor Zhang Xiaoyu were in charge of Wenxiangju on the surface; Jing Zhe was the real boss behind the scenes.
When the boss comes back, a lecture is inevitable.
In particular, although Jing Zhe was not in Jingzhou, his reputation in Jingzhou was growing because of newspapers and storytelling. Many new employees did not believe that Jing Zhe was their real boss and said that he was bragging. Therefore, Shi San especially hoped that Jing Zhe would show his face.
However, Jing Zhe didn't have the leisure for that. He waved his hand and said, "I just got back, so there's no rush to give a lecture. It's not too late to do it in a couple of days! Tell everyone to work hard, and I'll give everyone a year-end bonus at the end of the year!"
"Thank you very much, President Jing!"
Shi San was not upset by Jing Zhe's rejection; in fact, he was overjoyed when he heard about the year-end bonus.
"By the way, is my second sister upstairs?"
"Yes, Master Zhu just arrived a little while ago, bringing two beautiful women with him. They've been arranged to stay in the room next to Miss Zhang's..."
Perhaps fearing it would cause a sensation, Zhu Xinning did not reveal Murong Xi's identity to outsiders, but simply arranged for her to live next to Zhang Xiaoyu. This move... is a bit puzzling!
Is Miss Zhang there?
Shi San nodded and said, "Yes, and the daughter of the Duke of Yu is also here—when President Jing is not in Jingzhou, Zhu Sheren and Miss Yu come here to see Miss Zhang every day, and often stay for the whole day!"
"..."
After listening, Jing Zhe was even more confused…
While I was away, could it be that the three women had formed a united front?
While surprised, I was also secretly pleased, as this saved me some trouble!
"Okay, I understand. You go ahead and get busy! I'm going upstairs to check on my second sister and the others!"
"Yes, President Jing."
After saying that, Shi San, with remarkable tact, withdrew.
...
The other two women surprised Jing Zhe, but then he thought it was a good thing.
If only Zhu Xinning were there, she would probably interrogate Murong Xi about everything, just like Su Mochen did.
With all three women present, it's definitely not good to be too harsh, and he can explain himself in front of them.
What people fear most is what they are most likely to come to pass.
As Jing Zhe was walking up to the second floor, someone approached him from the stairs. Jing Zhe kept his head down, intending to simply walk past and quietly go straight to Zhang Xiaoyu's room on the second floor.
But then the figure blocked his way. He moved to the left, and the figure moved to the left; he moved to the right, and the figure moved to the right. This happened several times, and Jing Zhe became furious.
Do you think you can bully me on my turf?
Jing Zhe slowly raised his head, ready to see who had the audacity to stop him.
Her feet were small, encased in white knee-high boots, and her long legs were incredibly slender…
woman?
Jing Zhe was stunned. A woman who could appear on the second floor—he quickly looked up and saw Yueyao Saintess Chuxia with her arms crossed, looking at him with a playful expression.
"President Jing has come to see our Empress?"
Chu Xia nodded slightly and said proudly.
"Forehead…"
Jing Zhe's mind raced as he considered countermeasures.
Murong Xi's room is separated from Zhang Xiaoyu's room by only one wall. Now that Chu Xia has seen him again, it would be too obvious for him to go next door if he wasn't looking for Murong Xi.
Why not just stay home and wait for Zhu Xinning instead of going anywhere?
Having figured this out, Jing Zhe immediately laughed and said, "The Holy Maiden really guessed it! The Empress and the Holy Maiden have graced Wenxiang Residence with their presence. As the host, I originally wanted to ask how the Empress and the Holy Maiden were staying, but seeing how leisurely the Holy Maiden is, I suppose she is staying quite well! As for me, I have some matters to attend to, so I will not go in! Farewell!"
After saying this, he cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, then turned to leave.
"Don't--"
Seeing that Jing Zhe had already descended two steps without turning his head, Chu Xia shouted, "Then should I call our Empress?"
"Don't!"
This time, Jing Zhe had no choice but to stop.
If Chu Xia were to call out, not only would Murong Xi find out, but Zhu Xinning and the others would also find out. He's not Yu the Great; he absolutely cannot let anyone know that he passed by his home without going in.
Seeing his fear, Chu Xia thought to herself that her guess was right. Ever since the Empress and Jing Zhe returned from outside in Liangzhou, the two of them had been acting strangely, especially the Empress's demeanor when talking about Jing Zhe and her amazing performance in the Anguo court. Something must have happened between the two of them!
He then chuckled and said, "President Jing, is there something you want to say to our Empress in private? But you feel embarrassed when you see me, right? Hehe, I understand! I'm going downstairs anyway to hear what the storyteller is saying. You can just go to the Empress's room; I won't go in and disturb her!"
"..."
Haha, women!
You know nothing!
Jing Zhe was on the verge of tears, and waved his hand: "The Holy Maiden is indeed... quick-witted and exceptionally intelligent!"
"Hehe, it's alright!"
Chu Xia was very pleased with herself and urged him, "Hurry up and find our Queen! Don't you know the place? I'll lead you in!"
"No need."
Jing Zhe quickly stopped her: "This Wenxiang Residence belongs to me. How could I not know where the Empress resides? There's no need to trouble yourself. Holy Maiden, please go downstairs and listen to the storytelling!"
He had intended to direct her away so that Jing Zhe could sneak away, but Chu Xia showed no intention of going downstairs. Instead, she took a few steps down, stepped over Jing Zhe, and stopped at the bottom of the stairs, blocking his way. She looked up and said, "No rush. I'll watch President Jing go in before I go downstairs!"
"..."
Jing Zhe was truly on the verge of tears. Seeing Chu Xia blocking the stairwell, it seemed he had no choice but to go find Murong Xi today…
"Okay, I'll go!"
Jing Zhe gritted his teeth and slowly walked up...
————
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