Since she had acquired such a vast wharf, Deng Youning knew she had to manage it well. She began by bringing back as many of the Li family’s former employees as possible. These people were seasoned professionals, possessed of both experience and skill. Having them on board would save her a great deal of trouble while her business was still in its infancy. She was not overly concerned that they might remain loyal to their previous masters; once the business stabilized, if she found them unreliable, she would naturally replace them with her own people. For now, however, she could not let them see her intentions, lest she dampen their spirits.
When Han Qiongyue learned that Deng Youning had launched such a major enterprise, her expectations for her granddaughter only grew. She finally understood what Deng Youning had been saving her money for! Knowing that her granddaughter lacked business experience and fearing she might be taken advantage of at her young age, Han Qiongyue specifically transferred several trusted shopkeepers from the Han family’s businesses to assist her.
Lately, there seemed to be a lead regarding Deng Ren’s case. Mammy Dou had been going out frequently. Yesterday morning, Han Qiongyue received a letter and ventured out personally. After she returned to the manor, Deng Youning noticed that her grandmother’s expression was off, as if she had suffered a heavy blow. She had already skipped two consecutive meals.
Chapter 33