During my escape from famine, I survived by eavesdropping on the whispers of food.

Qin Shuangshuang had only one feeling right now: if she weren't so good-tempered, she would really want to slap each of them.

They don't want to take over, and they don't know what they really want. Do they really want to kill the people of this county?

Lin Zheng, not taking those stubborn old men seriously, turned to Qin Shuangshuang and said, "Tell me, are you really capable of taking over as president? I have high hopes for you, but actually, what those wealthy men said makes some sense. If you were to take over, it would be too much for a young woman like you to manage all the affairs of the chamber of commerce."

Or perhaps, after all, the imperial court will send people to inspect the situation and see how our newly elected chamber of commerce president fares? Are you confident you can play this game well?

When Qin Shuangshuang heard that officials from the imperial court would be coming to inspect the area, it seemed that she would have no choice but to bite the bullet and go through with it this time.

Now it seems that if I don't take over the position of chairman, I won't feel at ease handing it over to any of the people in front of me or to the new chairman of the chamber of commerce in other counties. It's better to keep the position in my own hands.

It would be good to wait until later to find a reliable person to hand it over.

Qin Shuangshuang then nodded and said to him, "Leave it to me, I'll take this position."

The wealthy men were not satisfied and stepped forward to say to Qin Shuangshuang, "Have you thought this through? This position as president of the chamber of commerce is not something a young girl can do. You should refuse it immediately."

"That's right. It took us old folks so many years to manage the chamber of commerce in the county so well. How could you, a young lady, possibly understand these things?"

"Yes, she's just a girl from a poor family. How could she possibly understand the affairs of the Chamber of Commerce?"

"Sir, please let her go. Don't let her interfere anymore."

Nobody believes in you.

However, Qin Shuangshuang insisted on going ahead despite her difficulties.

Seeing the commotion, the current president of the association took the initiative and said to Qin Shuangshuang, "Young lady, if you're confident, why not have a contest? I see you're very keen on the position of president."

Although I don't know what your intentions are, I think you also want to help the people in the county this once.

On the way here, I heard about a kind-hearted girl from the mountains who was helping people. It must be you, right?

Qin Shuangshuang nodded and smiled faintly, "I wouldn't call myself kind, it was just a small act of kindness. I just felt that the people in the county shouldn't be left to live and die. Why are you so determined to take over the position of the county association president?"

The man replied without hesitation, "Firstly, it's about supplies. A portion of the supplies sent by the imperial court will go to the merchants' association, and I will manage the rest myself."

I can do whatever I want inside; no one will know the ins and outs of it.

I'm sure I don't need to say more, right?

Qin Shuangshuang understood that he was openly talking about corruption and bribery, but he wouldn't let anyone find any clues about his actions.

Qin Shuangshuang then said to him, "In that case, let's have a competition."

Lin Zheng frowned slightly and asked her curiously, "Miss Qin, if you want to take over as president, I will just give you the position directly. Why did you insist on proposing a competition?"

Qin Shuangshuang's melancholy instantly eased. "My lord, if I were to easily take over the position of chairman, I'm afraid I would find it difficult to obey orders. It would be better to have a competition and let everyone see my abilities."

Lin Zheng thought about it carefully and realized that Qin Shuangshuang was indeed young. If she were truly capable and accepted the position of president, the road ahead would probably be very difficult.

Qin Shuangshuang added, "Although he might tamper with things later, I always feel that if he can truly ensure the people of the county have enough to eat, he would be a lucky star for our county."

Now we have no choice but to try anything, it's better than handing it over to those four tightwads who won't give us a single penny.

The four wealthy men gave Qin Shuangshuang a disdainful look, all thinking that she was just boasting.

Seeing that Qin Shuangshuang was such a promising young girl, the president said with satisfaction, "Since you're willing to gamble with me, then let's make a bet."

Jin Zhangwei then directly posed a test to Qin Shuangshuang, saying, "Let's see who can find a way to ensure the people don't go hungry for three months within the given time limit and deliver the results. What do you think?"

Qin Shuangshuang thought about it. This method was indeed a bit of a headache, but there was no other way now. Since she had already agreed, she could only grit her teeth and say to him, "Okay, then let's hand in the answer in ten days and see who can hand in the answer that best meets the people's and adults' needs. How do you think it would be to let everyone vote to decide?"

President Jin admired Qin Shuangshuang and patted her on the shoulder, feeling the ambition of the younger generation. "You are a fair and just person, so I will trust you this once. Let's do it this way, as you just said."

After the president left, Lin Zheng stepped forward and asked Qin Shuangshuang, "Are you confident?"

Qin Shuangshuang nodded, "Although I'm not entirely confident, I'd like to give it a try. Besides, do you think that if I hand over the chairmanship to him, he would be much better than the other four wealthy men?"

Lin Zheng turned around and glanced at the old stubborn men behind him, who were all there criticizing Qin Shuangshuang.

Lin Zheng chuckled to himself and said to her, "You're quite bold, actually trying to amuse me at a time like this. Have you thought it through? If you lose this competition, you probably won't be able to stay in the county town anymore."

Those common people and other merchants will definitely think you betrayed them, deliberately trying to let others steal their goods. You, a young girl, can't withstand such slander.

Qin Shuangshuang was rational and already knew the consequences. "Since that person said he could make sure they had enough to eat, I trust him more. But I think it's better if we take over ourselves. Don't worry, sir, I don't think I'll lose this time either."

After the two left, the wealthy men behind them began to discuss among themselves.

"What are we going to do? The position of Chamber of Commerce president has been taken by someone else, and now it's their turn to be the Chamber of Commerce president!"

"Brother Chen, why did you have to bring a child here? If Jin Ren enters the Chamber of Commerce and becomes its president, we'll be in big trouble!"

Chen Yuan retorted indignantly to the group in front of him, "It's all your fault! You insisted on stopping me from finishing my sentence, and now look what's happened! It seems Lord Lin is even planning to hand over the chairmanship to someone else."

They're even thinking of having the president of another chamber of commerce take over from us. Will we even have anything to eat after that?

Immediately, Master Chen clenched his fist, slammed it on the table, and said to them, "No, Qin Shuangshuang must win this competition!"

We'll do everything we can to make her win!

The group nodded in agreement, indicating that if Qin Shuangshuang didn't win, they would likely never have a decent life again, and wouldn't even be able to make a penny.

At this point, the group began to plot how to help Qin Shuangshuang.