The major shareholder saw the doubts in her mind but didn't say much. He just looked at her thoughtfully. After a long while, he said in a deep voice, "This Imperial Envoy Lin may seem kind - hearted, but he is actually a very scheming man. Boss Li, since you're going to deal with him, you'd better be more careful."
That Lady Lin was a devout vegetarian who chanted Buddhist scriptures. However, this Imperial Envoy Lin had no such taboos and ate heartily. Li Ying had already found it a bit strange.
Now that she heard the major shareholder's reminder, she was even more convinced that Imperial Envoy Lin was no good person. She gave him a knowing smile.
"Thank you for your kindness. I'll consider everything carefully to avoid giving others a chance to criticize me."
The major shareholder didn't say more. Instead, he casually said, "Boss Li, what's in this box is a thank - you gift for you. Have a look and see if you like it."
Li Ying opened the box and was stunned by the dazzling arc.
On the satin lay two perfectly round pearls, shining brightly and radiantly.
"Major shareholder, I can't accept this!"
"I just wanted to make a good impression on this Imperial Envoy so that we could get some convenience in business. It's really about making things easier for others and for ourselves. You giving me such a generous gift really embarrasses me!"
Seeing the pearls in the box, which were top - grade in terms of shape, luster, and size, Li Ying waved her hands repeatedly and refused to accept them no matter what.
The major shareholder didn't argue with her. He just sized her up sharply with his wise eyes.
"These two South Sea pearls were fished by my men from the seaside of the fishing village. Boss Li, you're a smart person. You should understand what I mean."
Li Ying was taken aback for a moment and then quickly came to her senses.
She had felt a bit strange before.
Although the business of Ping'an Bank was not what it used to be, a centipede dies but does not fall down.
The major shareholder was used to living in comfort in the capital. It seemed like overkill for him to stay in this remote fishing village for more than a month just to check the production progress of the 'Nine - Dynasty Tribute Gelatin' and taste some new food.
After seeing these two pearls, she suddenly understood and gave him a bright smile.
"Major shareholder, you've taken a fancy to the coastal area of the fishing village and intend to mine pearls here?"
The major shareholder greatly appreciated Li Ying's quick - wittedness and nodded approvingly.
"The Emperor and the Empress Dowager like the North Sea pearls. If we can offer South Sea pearls, our Ping'an Bank will surely stage a comeback."
He had intended to do this for a long time, but due to his old age, he couldn't bear the long - distance travel. He sent people to several coastal fishing villages to discuss pearl - mining matters.
However, these fishermen had short - sighted views and only cared about immediate small profits. They even regarded him as a greedy merchant who came to grab their sea products.
It was difficult even to sit down and negotiate calmly, let alone do business. He was so angry and anxious that he caught a cold and was seriously ill. He had no choice but to put this matter on hold for the time being.
Unexpectedly, just after recovering from a long illness, God sent Li Ying to help him!
In the past few days, Li Ying had opened a restaurant, fought against unscrupulous merchants, commanded the villagers, and dealt with the government. She had done everything flawlessly.
The more the major shareholder got to know her, the more he admired her.
"Yes, Boss Li. I intend to hire villagers to specifically collect pearls. Besides the basic salary, I'll also give them a commission according to the quality of the pearls. How about entrusting this matter to you entirely?"
Li Ying smiled faintly.
With the 'basic salary' and 'commission', the major shareholder had indeed grasped the operating model of her canned - food factory thoroughly.
To be fair, his conditions were really quite fair. The major shareholder waited calmly for Li Ying to agree.
Unexpectedly, after pondering for a moment, Li Ying said seriously, "No."
What?
Even though the major shareholder had been in business for many years and was good at judging people, he couldn't help frowning and was puzzled by her intention.
Li Ying didn't beat around the bush and explained, "Major shareholder, you must know that fishing for naturally - formed pearls depends more on natural conditions rather than human efforts. If one is unlucky, it's normal not to harvest any pearls for ten days or half a month."
"Your generosity in paying the basic salary regardless of whether pearls are harvested or not shows your kindness."
"However, in the long run, the villagers may become lazy. They may just want to get the basic salary and work intermittently, which is not a good thing."
This made sense. The major shareholder knew she must have had an idea and quickly asked, "What do you mean, Boss Li?"
Li Ying looked at him confidently, and two sharp and determined glints suddenly shot out of her eyes.
"How about opening a pearl farm?"
She briefly explained how to implant nuclei into pearl oysters. The major shareholder was a bit hesitant at first, but when he heard that as long as it was handled properly, rare pink and black pearls could even be cultivated, he finally made up his mind.
"Good! As the saying goes, if you use someone, don't suspect them; if you suspect them, don't use them. Since you're so confident, Boss Li, I'll entrust this matter to you!"
He took out a small token from his bosom and said, "If there's any need for money, you can have unhindered access to all branches of Ping'an Bank with my written order."
Li Ying wasn't polite and was about to take the token when a hand suddenly reached out and stopped her.
"Seeing the written order is like seeing you in person. Husband, how can you so easily give such an important thing to this woman of unknown origin!"
Lian Ji was so anxious that her face turned pale. When she looked at Li Ying, she gritted her teeth with hatred, wishing she could kill her with her eyes.
The major shareholder said calmly, "Lian Ji, I've entrusted most of my family business to you. What are you afraid of?"
"If we can succeed in the South Sea pearl business, Ping'an Bank will stage a comeback, and you'll enjoy endless wealth and honor. Why not do it?"
Lian Ji was speechless. She could only watch helplessly as Li Ying carefully hid the written order close to her body. Li Ying bowed slightly and left gracefully.
"I'm old enough to be Boss Li's father's generation. Lian Ji, why do you regard her as a thorn in your eye?"
"After I'm gone, won't Ping'an Bank be yours? I value Li Ying because she's a woman like you. I hope she can help you when you manage the family in the future. Lian Ji, stop being so willful."
After Li Ying left, the major shareholder finally spoke slowly.
These words seemed to be paving the way for Lian Ji.
She couldn't figure out how much of what the tired - looking old man said was true and how much was false, but she also understood the principle of knowing when to stop. She softened her attitude, nestled under his cloak, and said softly, "Husband has good intentions. It's my fault for being unreasonable."
She apologized softly. Seeing that the major shareholder looked tired, she served him to go to bed, then left the room. After turning a few corridors, she waved and called her confidant.
"Go and find some excellent white - case pastry chefs. At the Qixi Lantern Festival, I want the pastries of Lianji Pastries to be far superior to that village woman surnamed Li in terms of both variety and taste!"
The servant answered and left. Then Lian Ji seemed to think of something and ordered, "This Li Ying is young and arrogant, over - ambitious. She has spread her business too wide and may find it difficult to control. Go and find out if there are any of her subordinates who have second thoughts and can be used by me."