After getting off work, Li Rouniang was thinking about Liu Niangzi, so she bought some food and hurriedly went to the address Liu Niangzi had given her.

After knocking, a handsome young man, about half-grown, opened the door and cautiously asked Li Rou Niang, "Who are you looking for?"

Li Rouniang quickly introduced herself: "Hello, you must be Sister Liu's son, Liu Wenyuan. I work with Sister Liu. I was worried when I learned that she was ill, so I came to visit."

Liu Wenyuan nodded, and like a little adult, invited Li Rou Niang in.

Li Rouniang found it amusing. This Liu Wenyuan looked to be only a few years older than her eldest daughter, yet he acted like an old man.

"Sister Liu, how are you?" Li Rouniang entered the room, briefly glancing around, her expression simple and unassuming.

When Liu Niangzi saw Li Rongniang coming over, she smiled and said, "Look, I don't have any serious illness. It's just that I made you run around."

"What are you saying, Sister Liu? I came over to check on things as soon as I finished work, otherwise I wouldn't feel at ease, would I?"

While the two were exchanging pleasantries, Liu Wenyuan brought over some water: "Aunt Li, have some water. Thank you for coming to see my mother."

Li Rouniang quickly praised, "Sister Liu is so lucky. Yuan-ge seems like a sensible person."

Upon hearing this, Madam Liu couldn't suppress the smile on her lips, but she still humbly replied, "Not at all, I just enjoy reading; I don't know anything else."

"Being able to study is already quite remarkable," Li Rouniang praised.

Seeing that the two were chatting happily, Liu Wenyuan took his leave and went out first.

Then Li Rou Niang told Liu Niangzi about making the pastries that day. She thought it was better to tell Liu Niangzi herself than to hear it from someone else when she went to work the next day, so as not to upset Liu Niangzi.

Upon hearing this, Madam Liu was not dissatisfied, but instead smiled and said, "Then it seems that my sister is about to graduate."

"My sister was teasing me. I was worried that the headmaster wouldn't be satisfied, and that would implicate my sister."

However, judging from the situation, the other side seemed satisfied, and Lady Liu was happy for Li Rou Niang.

Li Rou Niang privately told Liu Niangzi that she didn't plan to stay with the Liu family for long; it was just a temporary arrangement. She wanted to start her own business and sell her ideas. There was no conflict of interest between them!

The two chatted about everyday things for a while.

Li Rouniang asked, "Why hasn't my brother-in-law come back so late?"

Although they usually get along well, they mostly talk about how to make desserts and don't talk much about family matters.

Li Rouniang had only heard Liu Niangzi mention that she had a son who was studying.

Seeing Liu Niangzi pause, Li Rouniang realized she had asked the wrong question and quickly said, "I'm sorry, Sister Liu, I shouldn't have said that."

"It's nothing much, it's like this. My husband went to take the imperial examination and never came back. I sold all my belongings and went to the capital to look for him, but I couldn't find him alive or dead."

When I returned to my hometown, I had a difficult time giving birth to Wen Yuan. We were really desperate. Then we met Old Lady Liu, who took pity on us and let me work in the kitchen. That's how we, mother and son, found a place to stay.

Fortunately, Yuan-ge is a good kid and is doing quite well in his studies. I'm just an old man with no bones left; my only thought is to support him through school, which would fulfill the bond between Liu Lang and me.”

Lady Liu sighed; she was also a woman deeply in love!

Li Rouniang sighed and changed the subject: "Sister Liu, don't belittle yourself. You're not old at all. If you stand next to me, people who don't know us will think I'm your older sister."

"You're always so good at joking," Madam Liu said with a smile.

"It's getting late. Seeing that my sister is alright, I'm relieved. I'll head home now, and we can talk again tomorrow." Li Rouniang smiled as she rose to take her leave.

Madam Liu quickly and politely suggested, "Why don't you have dinner here?"

"Maybe another time, my kids are waiting for me at home. Oh, by the way, I brought some food for Sister Liu and Brother Yuan. Sister Liu probably won't have the energy to cook tonight, so please make do with this," Li Rou Niang said considerately.

Liu Niangzi smiled and nodded, and Liu Wenyuan greeted her and saw Li Rouniang out.

When Xiuer saw Li Rouniang return, she hurriedly went to greet her: "Why are you back so late? Did Steward Fan give you a hard time?"

Xiuer finished work earlier and started work later than Li Rouniang. Although she earned less from her job, it was definitely more comfortable than staying at the Liu residence.

The noodle shop was only busy during mealtimes; otherwise, it was quite quiet. The proprietress was an elderly woman, very kind, and never made things difficult for him.

"No, Madam Liu took sick leave today, so I went to see her. Oh, by the way, I made some snacks for her and delivered them to the main courtyard today. The response should have been quite good, as I didn't hear the main courtyard say anything bad."

Li Rouniang said happily, "Old Madam Liu has naturally tasted many good things, and she doesn't think her work is bad, so I'm naturally happy. This is a good opportunity to try selling pastries myself!"

"Congratulations, Rou Niang, on completing your apprenticeship!" Xiu'er said happily.

"That's still a long way off, but I have some insights to share. I'm thinking of discussing it with Madam Liu again tomorrow. I'm thinking of stopping after this month. I've really been planning to make my own pastries for a while now," Li Rou Niang said, revealing her plans.

"That's good. After all, working for someone else isn't a long-term solution. It would be better to be self-employed," Old Man Mo nodded and said.

Li Rouniang nodded, and soon Dahe and his brothers arrived. The family ate dinner together, chatted briefly, and then went to bed.

Da Ni tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her aunt had come to see her today and poured out her troubles. After all, her aunt and the others all shared the blood of the Zhao family, and she couldn't bear to see her aunt like this.

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