Chapter 785: Passing Off Fakes

Editor: Henyee Translations

From the outset, Chu Qingzhi used a truth spell, but Chu Mingyuan claimed ignorance, indicating his non-involvement in the matter.

Although he wasn’t directly involved, his attitude left much to be desired. Chu Qingzhi remarked, “It’s quite disappointing, then explain yourself to everyone.”

Chu Mingyuan was at a loss for words. If he had known the cause, he wouldn’t be in such a passive position, embarrassed by a teenager’s scolding in front of everyone.

Chu Qingzhi thought to herself that while he was quick to argue, he backed down when it came to taking responsibility.

Chu Qingzhi asked Chu Mingyuan, “Who was your contact?”

At this moment, Chu Shi’an gestured to Chu Qingzhi, “Qingzhi, I have

something to tell you.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded, and the two stepped aside. Chu Shi’an shared what he saw of Chu Mingyuan’s secretive dealings with the quarry workers.

With this new information, Chu Qingzhi returned and pressed, “Remember who it was now?”

Chu Mingyuan was evasive, unwilling to speak.

Chu Rong also noticed something amiss and tested, “Mingyuan, did you agree with the quarry workers to pass off fakes, taking a kickback in the process?

Chu Mingyuan became defensive, letting slip, “Fan Feiyang is the quarry owner’s nephew. He started his own business and asked for my help. I didn’t know he would pass off fakes. It’s not my fault!”

Chu Rong was furious, “I trusted you with the procurement, and this is how you repay that trust?”

Chu Mingyuan argued, “What’s wrong with helping a friend?”

Chu Qingzhi took over, coldly stating, “In that case, you’ll handle this batch of Yunhua rockyourself. If you can’t, you’ll compensate for it.”

Chu Mingyuan glared at Chu Qingzhi, “We’re from the same village, Chu Qingzhi. Do you need to be so heartless?”

Chu Qingzhi retorted, “If everyone acted like you, should we even continue the project?”

Chu Shi’an added, “Mingyuan, you’re at fault here. Who else should be responsible if not you?”

Chu Mingyuan snapped at Chu Shi’an, “Shut up. You’re obviously siding with them because the Chu family helps you.”

Chu Shi’an, infuriated, replied, “I’m just stating the facts.”

“Get lost.” Chu Mingyuan dismissed Chu Shi’an, his anger directed at Chu Qingzhi, “I won’t take responsibility for today’s issue. It wasn’t my doing.”

Chu Qingzhi, tired of the back-and-forth, decided, “Dad, deduct Chu Mingyuan’s wages. He’s barred from participating in any future projects. I’ll deal with Fan Feiyang.”

Chu Rong, concerned for his daughter, offered, “Let me come with you.”

“No need, I need you here,” Chu Qingzhi replied, then instructed, “Dad, have someone gather the Yunhua rock. I’ll make Fan Feiyang replace it with real slates.”

Chu Rong agreed, “Alright, leave it to me.”

Chu Qingzhi asked the workers, “Who knows Fan Feiyang?”

Xu Yang volunteered, “I do.”

Living near Li Qingyin, Xu Yang’s family had close ties with hers.

Chu Qingzhi requested, “Uncle Xu Yang, please lead the way.”

Xu Yang readily agreed, “Sure.”

At the quarry.

The owner, Fan Yongcai, was a principled man in his forties, which was why the quarry had thrived for over twenty years.

During Chu Qingzhi’s fundraising at the county office, he had donated five thousand slates, showing his philanthropic side.

Upon hearing Chu Qingzhi was visiting, Fan Yongcai immediately came out to greet her, “Miss Chu, you could have just sent word. What brings you here?” Chu Qingzhi politely responded, “I need to discuss something with you, Mr. Fan.”

Fan Yongcai, though independent, still relied on Fan Yongcai.

Fan Yongcai gestured warmly, “Please, let’s talk somewhere quiet.” The quarry was noisy, unsuitable for conversation.

They moved to a room built next to the quarry for discussions. Fan Yongcai personally made tea for Chu Qingzhi.

Once seated, Fan Yongcai urged, “Miss Chu, please speakyour mind.”

Chu Qingzhi outlined the situation with Fan Feiyang and Chu Mingyuan to Fan Yongcai.

Fan Yongcai’s expression darkened as he listened, slamming his hand on the armrest in anger, “That scoundrel, running his own quarry was one thing, but passing off fakes as real is intolerable!”

After venting, he assured Chu Qingzhi, “Miss Chu, I’ll take care of this.

Chu Qingzhi said, “I trust you, Mr. Fan, but your nephew’s actions could ruin your good reputation. Please be cautious.”

Fan Yongcai took her words to heart, “I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

He continued, “I’ll have quality slates delivered to your project immediately. Please rest assured, I fully support this community-enhancing project.”

Chu Qingzhi thanked him, “Having someone like you is a blessing for the community.”

After their talk, Chu Qingzhi left. Fan Yongcai immediately ordered the delivery of the correct slates, replacing the Yunhua rocks one-for-one.

Handling the situation, Fan Yongcai summoned Fan Feiyang and reprimanded him harshly, both verbally and physically, teaching him a lesson.

Fan Feiyang, chastised, promised never to repeat his mistake. Fan Yongcai then took back his quarry operations, keeping Fan Feiyang away from them for the foreseeable future.

When the village chief learned of Chu Mingyuan’s actions, he immediately brought his son to apologize to Chu Qingzhi, “Qingzhi, Mingyuan was wrong. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Chu Qingzhi replied, “I won’t hold a grudge, nor will I take it out on your family. But as you know my rules, there’s no need for apologies. Just keep him away from me.”

She still showed respect for the village chief, considering the roots of Chu’s Trade were in the village. Falling out with him would benefit no one.

The village chief sighed, acknowledging his failure to discipline his son.

“It’s his problem now, not yours, village chief. You’ve done your part.”

“Let’s leave it at that, Qingzhi. You go on with your day.”

“Okay.”

Chu Qingzhi moved on without further issue with Chu Mingyuan, but he was ostracized by the villagers, who avoided him, causing him great frustration. After a month of isolation, Chu Mingyuan regretted his actions, recognizing Chu Qingzhi’s influence within the community. Eventually, lie awkwardly approached Chu Qingzhi to apologize sincerely, “I was wrong about what happened before.”

It was rare for a man to apologize to a young woman in such circumstances.

Chu Qingzhi was indifferent, “Are you done? If so, you can leave.”

Chu Mingyuan hesitated before asking, “Can I work again? I want to work.”

Chu Qingzhi considered for a moment before answering, “You can, but there will be no pay.”

Chu Mingyuan was speechless.