"Reading?"
Several people uttered confused sounds one after another.
They truly did not understand what Song Qingchao meant.
"Yes," Song Qingchao said with certainty. "You don't need to doubt it."
She continued to boil tea and then poured tea for everyone. "Drink up."
She lowered her head and rummaged through the pile of books beside her, then laid out several books in front of the nine people.
The books she chose covered industry, agriculture, and commerce, with further sub-classifications within the broad categories.
"Pick one that you think you can learn and understand," Song Qingchao spoke again. "When you have thoroughly grasped the content of the book and can apply it, you will have the leverage to negotiate with me."
She took a sip of the hot tea, her exhaled breath still steaming. "This job requires a lot of mental effort, but compared to other manual labor, I don't think you will miss this opportunity."
Seeing their hesitation, Song Qingchao added, "If you are unwilling, you can go out now and build houses with the others. However, I want you to understand that each person has only one chance. Once missed, it's gone."
After saying this, she didn't say anything else.
Because smart people would take the initiative.
Before long, the first person to take a book was an old gentleman.
His demeanor alone exuded a sense of stability.
As expected, the old gentleman picked up a book on human resources.
Song Qingchao couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. "May I ask what the old gentleman did before?"
The old gentleman seemed to snap out of a daze and then replied steadily, "Replying to my lady, this old servant used to be a steward. But my lady need not worry. The former household met with an accident on Liufang Road, and no one survived. Now that I have chosen you, you are my only lady."
"It's fine."
Song Qingchao did not reveal her thoughts.
She needed to observe more. If things went well, this old gentleman might become the manager of the private school she would establish.
The others also took other books.
However, Song Qingchao was particularly interested in one of them.
Because she never expected anyone to pay attention to this particular book.
"Why did you choose this one?"
This book was written in simplified characters.
She had never given up on her idea of popularizing simplified characters, and this book was a trial to see if anyone could help her.
"I'm curious how the characters will become simpler," said a young woman. "Because the characters have too many strokes, I always forget how to write them. If there were fewer strokes, I might remember them."
The woman's voice grew softer, and she finally lowered her head shyly.
It was the old gentleman beside her who smoothed things over for her.
"My lady, Shaoyu is young and ignorant. Please forgive her."
"Grandfather..." Shaoyu softly retorted, "Surely I'm not the only one who can't remember characters."
"Shaoyu."
Song Qingchao found the grandfather and granddaughter rather endearing.
And the name Shaoyu was lovely.
Peaceful and carefree, serene and joyful. She hoped she could allow Shaoyu to live such a life.
"Old gentleman, Shaoyu has chosen a good book."
The old gentleman had felt a trace of shame initially, but he hadn't expected Song Qingchao to say this.
Song Qingchao continued to explain, "Most people here are illiterate, but without culture, they will only be bullied. My people must be literate, so simplifying strokes is very important."
Her gaze swept over everyone present. "Including all of you here, you will all need to learn simplified characters in the future and use them to compile what you learn into books."
Several people looked at each other, most of them looking bewildered.
But they had no other choice.
Reading was much easier than doing hard labor.
Song Qingchao then looked at Shaoyu, "You must study diligently. You will be the teacher for these people in the future."
Shaoyu's face, which had been flushed with shyness, now turned completely red with excitement.
Her eyes lit up.
"Don't worry, my lady!"
After seeing everyone off, the next group of people entered.
But Song Qingchao did not expect Su Nanyi to arrive with dishes, followed by He Huai and the couple Shui Luo.
"Miss Song, have you forgotten about mealtime?" Su Nanyi unceremoniously sat by the stove. "What important matter kept you so long?"
Song Qingchao's attention was entirely on the dishes he brought. The originally greasy pork belly was now glistening and emitting a fragrant aroma, making one's mouth water.
"Of course, it's an important matter. Otherwise, how can I complete the transaction with Young Master Su?"
Su Nanyi simply gave a dry laugh.
He Huai and Shui Luo, who followed behind, also placed the small dishes they were carrying.
These were simpler, just side dishes, but they were refreshing and delicious.
"I wonder if Miss Song is satisfied with these dishes?"
Song Qingchao nodded while eating.
She had truly never eaten such delicious food before. Being asked suddenly, she stammered slightly, only managing to say, "Have others eaten yet?"
Su Nanyi rolled his eyes at her. "You haven't even eaten yet, and others have already finished and gone to work."
Song Qingchao said "Oh, oh" twice. "Is this the work of He Huai and Shui Luo?"
"He Huai's cooking," Su Nanyi answered for both of them directly.
Song Qingchao shot him a return glance. "Did I ask you?"
Su Nanyi smiled. "Does it matter who says it?"
"So, you're here because you want me to arrange a good position for you?"
Su Nanyi nodded unceremoniously. "You know He Huai's situation. Also, such excellent cooking skills would be a waste if not used. Do you want to drink plain boiled pork every day?"
Song Qingchao thought about the white foam on the edge of the pot and immediately shook her head.
"Then He Huai will be responsible for everyone's meals from now on. Zhou Yi will handle food storage, but I will have him liaise with you. You will be mainly responsible for this aspect from now on. Is that acceptable?"
He Huai only nodded, remaining silent.
Shui Luo, however, spoke up for him. "My lady, my He Huai is a man of few words. Please excuse him."
Song Qingchao said it was fine.
As long as the chef cooks well, that's all that matters. Furthermore, ensuring everyone's food safety is crucial.
After all, illness enters through the mouth.
"Shui Luo, can you count? Do you usually manage the money at home?"
At this moment, He Huai interjected, "All my money goes to my wife."
This angered Shui Luo, who directly punched him in the ribs.
Song Qingchao suppressed a smile.
Then she glanced at Su Nanyi. "I wonder if our business genius is willing to help train an accountant?"
This directly appeased Su Nanyi.
"Miss Song, you truly are making full use of everyone, aren't you?"
Song Qingchao nodded matter-of-factly. "Who can compare to Young Master Su in managing accounts? If you say second, no one dares to say first."
Su Nanyi twitched the corner of his mouth. "Your calculations are quite shrewd."
Song Qingchao put down her bowl. "After all, with more people, there are more expenses. If there's no one to manage the accounts, wouldn't it be chaos?"