Return to Eighteen, the Spoiled Young Lady Acts Fierce with Her Beauty - Chapter 30: Water Too Clear Has No Fish

Chapter 30: Water Too Clear Has No Fish

The news of that minor car accident eventually reached Old Mr. Ming’s ears.

Fortunately, Mingzhu was completely unharmed.

The driver wasn’t dismissed and continued working for the Ming family.

As for the delivery boy,

Uncle Zhou had thoroughly investigated his background – just an unfortunate child with a hard life.

Old Mr. Ming had no intention of making things difficult for him, feeling Mingzhu’s handling of the situation was quite appropriate.

After the grandfather and granddaughter had dinner together,

Mingzhu took out the note left by the old Zen master to show Old Mr. Ming.

That character for “goodness” had occupied her thoughts all afternoon.

“The old Zen master probably meant for me to do more good deeds,” Mingzhu said, resting her chin in one hand while unconsciously stroking her teacup with the other. “But besides money, I don’t seem to have much else to offer.”

In this world, those truly in need of help often remain hidden beneath the surface of prosperity.

What appeared before Mingzhu’s eyes was always a carefully polished picture of perfection.

“I’ve seen people scattering money on the streets abroad before…” Mingzhu touched her chin, suddenly struck by inspiration. “Maybe I should try that tomorrow?”

She nodded to herself, thinking it was a good idea.

Even if only one out of a hundred people genuinely needed help, she would still be doing a good deed.

As for those who gathered to pick up the money out of curiosity, she could consider it sharing some joy.

Old Mr. Ming was pondering the character on the note when her words made him laugh before he could reach any conclusion.

“Silly girl, scattering money on the streets isn’t proper.”

After all, things were different domestically compared to abroad – scattering money in public was illegal.

After a moment’s thought, Old Mr. Ming made a suggestion, “Zhu Zhu could start with the company’s Charity Foundation.”

“Great!” Mingzhu’s eyes lit up, her dilemma instantly resolved. “Then I’ll go to work with Grandpa tomorrow.”

Old Mr. Ming and Uncle Zhou exchanged glances and burst into simultaneous laughter.

Early the next morning, an exquisite walnut desk appeared in the CEO’s office on the top floor of Ming Corporation.

Uncle Zhou had arranged for it to be prepared overnight, complete with a cute potted succulent on the desk.

Even the height was custom-made to suit Mingzhu’s stature.

Specially for Mingzhu’s use at work – exclusively hers.

Placed right beside Old Mr. Ming’s spacious desk.

It strongly resembled an emperor personally instructing the crown prince who hadn’t yet assumed power in the imperial study room.

Looking at this desk that seemed like child’s play, Mingzhu felt both amused and exasperated.

Grandpa and Uncle Zhou were still treating her like a child.

“Miss, these are all the Foundation’s documents.”

Uncle Zhou gently placed the thick stack of files before Mingzhu, his smile full of affection.

But Mingzhu still played along and sat down, smiling sweetly. “Thank you, Grandpa and Uncle Zhou.”

Sitting nearby, Old Mr. Ming watched as Mingzhu sat down and began enthusiastically flipping through the documents, the smile in the corners of his eyes deepening.

Old Mr. Ming had originally thought Mingzhu would grow bored quickly.

After all, Mingzhu was playful by nature and had never been one for sustained focus since childhood.

But when Uncle Zhou had already served the fourth pot of tea,

Mingzhu was still completely absorbed in reviewing the documents.

Even Old Mr. Ming couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow in surprise.

“Grandpa, something seems off here.”

Mingzhu suddenly looked up, her fingertip pointing at a set of data.

Old Mr. Ming set down the pen he had been using to sign documents, deliberately putting on a stern expression to appear serious. “President Ming, any brilliant insights?”

Mingzhu was first amused by the address, then straightened her expression. “The foundation allocates three billion annually, but current expenditures only cover three batches of Poverty Alleviation Supplies and some Scholarships. Why are we applying for an additional two billion in funding?”

“That’s a good question.” The old man nodded approvingly.

Even if Mingzhu had casually asked the simplest question, Old Mr. Ming would still beam with delight and praise.

But Old Mr. Ming sighed and explained in detail, “Whether it’s those official institutions or private foundations like ours, they all operate on the same principle.”

Seeing Mingzhu deep in thought, Old Mr. Ming continued, “These funds are like passing through a sieve – layer by layer, some must leak through to flow downward. We provide management with sufficiently generous salaries and benefits so they have something to gain, then they’ll get things done. If we’re too tight-fisted…”

Old Mr. Ming paused meaningfully, “What eventually reaches those truly in need might not even be half of what it is now.”

What seemed like extra spending was actually ensuring the effective operation of the funds.

“Then why not just replace the foundation’s person in charge?” Mingzhu asked, puzzled.

The old man shook his head, lifting his teacup for a sip. “The new ones would still reach out their hands… In this world, no one ever thinks they have enough money.”

He added, “But Zhuzhu, when water is too clear, there are no fish. Some things don’t need to be taken too seriously.”

“By the way,” the old man said, holding his teacup and looking at Mingzhu as if bringing it up casually, “Next month they’re delivering a batch of Teaching Materials to the mountain areas. Go with the project team to the warehouse tomorrow to inspect the goods.”

He glanced at Uncle Zhou. “Old Zhou, you arrange it. Just say she’s a new intern.”

Uncle Zhou smiled understandingly.

The old master wanted the young lady to personally experience workplace life – to see how much of those goods requiring multiple approvals would actually match the reported lists.

Some parasites were getting increasingly greedy; it was time to give them a good warning.

“I understand.” Mingzhu was indeed quite curious.

Many things were like exquisitely wrapped gift boxes.

Only by opening them personally could you see whether they contained treasures or worthless stuff.

After lunch, Old Mr. Ming and Uncle Zhou went for their naps. At their age, they couldn’t get through the day without some rest.

Mingzhu didn’t have the habit of napping.

She lounged lazily on the office sofa, fingers idly swiping through mobile games.

Since her rebirth, she had lost much interest in food, drink, and entertainment, becoming much more composed.

The screen flashed with Lin Huaiyan’s incoming call.

“Zhuzhu, why didn’t you tell me you returned to the country?” Lin Huaiyan’s warm voice came through the phone. “Shall we gather tonight to welcome you back?”

Mingzhu shifted to a more comfortable position. “I’ve been a bit busy lately…”

“I already know,” Lin Huaiyan chuckled. “This morning, Grandpa Ming specifically called my grandfather to boast that you’ve been working seriously at the company all morning.”

His tone carried some teasing. “I deliberately waited until lunch break before daring to disturb President Ming.”

Mingzhu laughed. “Cut it out.”

She glanced at her phone. “But… we could have dinner together tomorrow night. Let’s not invite anyone else – too many people would be noisy.”

“Then it’s settled,” Lin Huaiyan’s voice noticeably brightened. “I’ll pick you up at six tomorrow evening.”

After hanging up, Mingzhu stared blankly out the window.

Whatever the true meaning of that “goodness” character might be, performing good deeds and accumulating virtue would ultimately build blessings.

She would consider it as praying for blessings for her grandfather and Uncle Zhou – hoping they would both live long lives in peace and good health.