Chapter 4 The Way We Came From

I've forgotten how I answered him.

All I remember is him raising his hand to cover my eyes, then crouching down and pulling me into his arms.

His tears, burning hot in the autumn night, could scald my soul.

Later, he went out for a while.

When I went to the shop the next day, I found everyone there shrouded in fear and trepidation.

I never saw those two shopkeepers again in my life, nor did I ever hear anyone mention them again.

He did not directly address the difficulties he encountered.

And he never discussed shop operations with me in public again.

I have completely retired from the spotlight.

After we reached a conclusion, he put it into practice.

He never questioned my suggestions regarding quarterly marketing plans, store management optimization, and financial report optimization.

I tried my best to explain all the knowledge to him in a localized way, and he gave me the most direct feedback after I explained it to the natives.

He never looked at me like I was a monster.

The comments were all: "As expected of my little page, he's so clever, hahaha."

I could vaguely sense his anxiety, but he was unwilling to say it.

*

The autumn financial report showed a profit of 14,697 taels.

Compared to the record set when the business just opened in June, the autumn performance has declined significantly.

This is a normal indication of store operation.

As long as operations continue to be strengthened, revenue will gradually stabilize.

It's worth mentioning that, to this day, no one has ever climbed the second floor of Xianbaozhai.

In the context of social classes in a particular era, we can only classify those below the pinnacle of power into consumer classes.

A woman at the pinnacle of power is at the pinnacle in every aspect of society.

In the 'noble' luxury store in Yicheng, only the Princess Consort of Yan could step onto those noble steps for the first time.

However, our monthly invitations to Princess Yan have all gone unanswered.

Moreover, the Prince of Yan's residence did not give us any verbal response.

This undoubtedly limited the spending enthusiasm of the top-tier consumer group, as no one dared to surpass the Princess Consort of Yan.

But it also gives us more time to enrich the 'noble' details on the second floor.

In winter, we moved again.

We sold Baodaizhai and Xianyan Pavilion, and used the money we had to buy a three-story 'mansion' with a garden in the backyard.

Later, this place became the headquarters of Yandi Xianbaozhai.

Without any trusted confidants to share the work, he was the one who coordinated with me and carried out everything, which made him even busier.

Although we were very tired, we felt very fulfilled.

Because we are running in the direction of the light.

We meticulously prepared for this expansion and relocation for three months.

However, a scandal involving physical disability is like a giant wave, being pushed towards us by those with malicious intentions.

*

On the eve of the opening, rumors began to circulate wildly in Yicheng that "he is a homosexual and castrated himself in order to become a woman".

The act of a man dressing as a woman to have homosexual relations is hardly respectable and can only be described as a misguided form of "romanticism".

The phrase "castrating oneself because of homosexuality" is a slander against one's character and a questioning of one's moral integrity.

How reliable can something be made by someone with an extreme personality and poor character?

This rumor created a hurricane, instantly dragging Xianbaozhai's reputation to rock bottom.

From bustling with customers to deserted, it only took a day.

Customers who made reservations are demanding refunds of their deposits.

Customers who haven't used the product yet are holding it up and demanding a refund.

Some people even demanded that he step forward, take off his pants, and clarify the rumors.

This is undoubtedly a shameless act of using the fact of 'physical disability' to blackmail one's reputation and character.

The other party's purpose was quickly revealed to us.

*

We were summoned to Mr. Wu's study.

The disgusting eldest son of the Wu family said this in a relaxed tone.

“Father, Sixth Brother’s reputation is ruined! The best way to save Xianbaozhai is to introduce someone with a better reputation to take over Xianbaozhai as soon as possible. As the eldest son of the Wu family, I am undoubtedly the most suitable.”

This disgusting person not only wants Xianbaozhai, but also wants to ruin Wu Xubai along the way.

Wu's father slapped him twice and scolded him.

A scene that seemed familiar.

It was like what happened the day I first arrived at the Wu family's house.

At that time, when Wu's eldest son was questioned by his father about the fact that Wu Xubai had been mutilated, he was in a difficult situation.

Say it in the same tone: "Father, Sixth Brother is ruined..."

A similar scene unfolded.

At that time, Wu's father said to Wu Xubai, "Sixth son, for the sake of the Wu family's reputation..."

Now, Wu's father said, "Sixth son, things have come to this point. Let your eldest brother take over Xianbaozhai; that way, you can preserve your hard work."

In the end, it was Wu Xubai who was sacrificed.

But this time Wu Xubai did not choose to compromise.

"Father, it's just a small matter. I wouldn't dare trouble my elder brother for help. I can handle it myself."

Before Mr. Wu could speak, the eldest son of the Wu family glared at him and said, "How can you possibly solve this!"

"No need for you to trouble yourself, elder brother."

Thirteen or fourteen-year-old boys are at the age when they grow taller rapidly.

This year he is a head taller than last year, and can now almost look at the same level as the eldest son of the Wu family.

"If it could be solved, you wouldn't need to solve it!"

The eldest son of the Wu family revealed his true nature.

"Father, as the eldest son of the Wu family, my achievements should be more dazzling than those of a lowly illegitimate son!"

"The credit for the relocation of Xianbaozhai to the new store should be given to our son!"

"This way, when we inherit the Wu family business in the future, we can better unite the people's hearts!"

"I do not want the Wu family to split apart; I want the Wu family to prosper for a hundred years, with each generation stronger than the last!"

Even Madam Wu, the matriarch, chimed in, saying, "A son born out of wedlock, he was born to pave the way for my son!"

"Now that I am disabled and have no children to care for me in my old age, I should do my best to support my son."

"Otherwise, why should my son be obligated to care for him in his old age and see him off in death?"

How ridiculous that the murderer mutilated him, mocked his wounds, and used them to bind him.

The pillow talk is blowing right in front of us.

“Master, Xiao Liu is not an honest man.”

“When the master asked for the indenture of Xianbaozhai and this little thing, he insisted on considering it for a year.”

"If you ask me, why are you talking about considering it for a year or two!"

"His life was given to him by the master, yet he allows a concubine's son to run his household!"

"The important thing is to take advantage of this opportunity to make him hand over the little thing's indenture as well."

Only then did I realize that the night he covered my eyes and held me while I cried, he was forced to agree to the Wu family's demands, promising to hand over Xianbaozhai, my indenture, and... his entire life a year later.

*

He was to my right front. I'm short, so I could only see his shoulder and profile.

I raised my hand and took his fingers into my palm.

He turned slightly to look at me and gave me a slight smile.

He mouthed to me, "We're just here to see the monkey show."

I laughed too.

Our little trick was seen by the eldest son of the Wu family.

He roared, "Laugh! Laugh! Sixth Brother, what good news is there that makes you so happy?"

He turned to look at the most distinguished members of the Wu family.

"If there's nothing else, I'm going back to deal with the matters of Xianbaozhai. We're losing several hundred taels every day with each transaction."

"I have no heir, so all the money I earn will belong to you."

"And big brother, it's almost the end of the year. Hurry up and settle the bad debts of the money shop. If it's too late, I'm afraid you'll have to go out and borrow money from all sides to falsify accounts and fool Dad."

He was no longer a pitiful wretch who had just returned from the county town and had experienced a major life change with no one to rely on.

He was Wu Xubai, who established Xianbaozhai in Yicheng, and he interacted with people from all walks of life in Yicheng.

Mr. Wu was questioning, the eldest son of the Wu family was making excuses, and Mrs. Wu was trying to persuade him.

We're leaving.

Chickens and dogs scattered and jumped around behind us.

We were secretly laughing.

We run and grow along our own paths of destiny.

*

I did not sign a contract of servitude.

Wu Xubai never asked me to sign a contract of servitude.

The trust between us cannot be sustained by a mere contract of servitude.

To resolve the scandal created by the eldest son of the Wu family, we chose to bring out another scandal.

Overnight, rumors of the eldest son of the Wu family abusing his half-brother and not tolerating him dragged the entire Wu family down with them.

The Wu family ran a money exchange business and valued reputation above all else.

The future heir is utterly lacking in gentlemanly conduct and of terrible character, instantly causing people to lose faith in the Wu family.

People's loss of confidence in money shops was manifested in the long queues to withdraw silver.

Nowadays, depositing silver in a money shop yields no interest and incurs storage fees.

Losing profits is secondary.

The risk of a bank run is the real poison for banks.

Mr. Wu made an emergency public relations effort, saying that the money shop was handed over to his second son, and that his eldest and sixth sons were brothers and respectful to each other.

After Mr. Wu's father made an emergency public relations effort, we followed suit.

Wu Xubai personally attended the public relations event for Xianbaozhai:

"My brother did not come to the small county town two summers ago out of jealousy for my good grades and cruelly mutilate me in an alley behind my father's back. These are all rumors. I hope everyone will not believe or spread these rumors."

“There is a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, and family matters are of utmost importance. As an illegitimate son of the Wu family, I am fortunate to have achieved what I have today thanks to the cultivation of the family, the upbringing of my legitimate mother, and the guidance of my father. Here, I express my gratitude to the family and will dedicate my life to serving the family.”

"I am fortunate to have created Xianbaozhai, a shop favored by distinguished guests; it is thanks to their generosity..."

We portray Wu Xubai as a virtuous and devoted half-brother who never harbors resentment, repays evil with kindness, and respects his elder brother even after being crippled.

This is a persona that aligns with mainstream perceptions and acceptance in this era.

Moreover, it is obvious who is right and who is wrong: the eldest son who was abandoned by his father from inheriting the family's main business, and the pitiful illegitimate son who puts the family's interests first.

If he doesn't want Xianbaozhai, then let him lose his inheritance of the money shop first.

Giant waves crashed towards us, and we hoisted our sails, speeding towards our destination.

*

The 28th day of the twelfth lunar month is an auspicious day for moving.

Xianbaozhai became the last carnival for the women of Yicheng before the New Year.

With the sale of Baodaizhai and Xianyan Pavilion, the threshold on the first floor was changed to an introduction system.

New customers need to be introduced by someone who can go up to the second floor or above, and the customer's spending on the day of introduction must not be less than five hundred taels.

The threshold on the second floor remains unchanged and is open to the public.

The third floor awaits the arrival of the esteemed Princess Consort of Yan.

We were so busy that we barely had time to breathe all day.

After midnight, the day's financial report came out, and we were all shocked as we stared at that number.

Rounded up, it is six thousand nine hundred and seventy taels!

It was one tael more than the profit of Xianbaozhai in the month it was established.

How could this be?

We reviewed all aspects and attributed the surge in performance to the following points:

On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, the Prince of Yan held a grand banquet, which led to the competitive desires of all the women attending the banquet.

The previously suppressed consumer demand due to the second floor being closed was released.

After the store expanded, the variety of products increased, new products were launched, and old products were discounted, which stimulated a wave of consumption.

The widespread reputation of Xianbaozhai attracted scalpers and middlemen. The most obvious result was a five-hundred-fold increase in sales of items like hair ties with small wooden blocks bearing the logo, weighing four ounces each.

In addition, the demand for tipping and gift-giving during the Chinese New Year period also contributed to revenue.

We reviewed the consumer tracking records and found a significant increase in the number of consumers from the lower classes.

Actresses, concubines... they groveled before the social classes of their time, and thus sought to rise above the consumer class.

The concept of luxury is undoubtedly having an increasingly profound impact.

Heaven rewards those who persevere.

Our efforts have paid off.

We smiled at each other.

*

The 29th day of the twelfth lunar month.

Xianbaozhai closed down because Wu Xubai received an invitation from the Prince of Yan's mansion to attend a banquet.

Such good news should be widely publicized.

"Huh, why is the store closed today?"

"Ah, hahaha, the master has been invited to the royal banquet."

From then on, Wu Xubai was not only the sixth son of the Wu family born out of wedlock, but also himself.

He earned his own business card.

I saw him out.

He was riding a horse, dressed in purple robes and a white fur coat, with red lips and white teeth.

"Don't be arrogant. If anything happens, come back and we'll discuss it together. Maintain your public image and come back soon."

"You really aren't coming with me?"

"Young master, please let me go home and stay with my parents."

He scoffed, yanked on the reins, and rode off: "See you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow!"

The entourage followed.

I watched his receding figure on horseback, feeling sorry for him countless times.

*

At Xianbaozhai, I'm a workaholic; at home, I become a confessional.

My mother would nag me.

“Your eldest sister is almost fifteen, and some neighbors have come to ask about marriage. I haven’t dared to tell anyone. What should we do? Should we marry your eldest sister off to someone in Yicheng?”

"Are there any good doctors in Yicheng, Aqu? Why don't you take your mother to get checked out? Your mother still needs to give birth to a younger brother for you."

"Your dad is incredibly stupid. He was sent to buy chickens, and he still got the accounts wrong."

“I said, why do you make your eldest and second eldest sisters learn to read? It’s not like you can put food on the table.”

So happy.

The word 'death' is no longer used.

*

On the eve of the Lunar New Year in the thirty-first year of the reign of Emperor Hong, it was just me and Wu Xubai.

We spent the only New Year's Eve in our lives, just the two of us, on a couch in the Xianbaozhai office, where we could look up and see the winter plum blossoms in full bloom outside the window.

After we finished eating dumplings, one of us sat in a corner of the tatami mat, lazily staying up all night to welcome the New Year.

Ever since that night, he's liked to stare at me blankly.

When she's lost in thought, her eyes reveal a mixture of laughter and affection, sorrow and grief, lingering and inexplicably melancholic.

I didn't know why before.

Now I know.

I smiled and encouraged him, "I didn't sign a contract of servitude. Even if your father and older brother know I'm full of tricks, they can't force a law-abiding citizen like me to do things for them!"

The success of Xianbaozhai and the revenue sharing in my account gave me a sense of security.

He suddenly changed the subject: "I saw a boy who was about your age today."

"He possessed an innate nobility, was as upright as the moon, and... was unapproachable, extremely powerful, and no one dared to offend him."

"who?"

"The Crown Prince of Yan has the single character 'Cong' in his name."

"You could tell at eight years old that this is a gentleman, upright and handsome as the moon?"

"After midnight, it should be the thirteenth."

Wu Xubai was of marriageable age; at thirteen, he was considered a young adult in this era.

I shrugged and spread my hands: "Isn't this more like your age?"

He chuckled.

Seeing him laugh, I laughed too: "If he gives you this feeling, then he must be a very well-mannered person."

He nodded and said, "I had a pot of tea with him, and his speech and manners were excellent."

I got to the point: "Tea?"

"He was curious about how I came up with the idea of ​​making luxury a part of our lives."

...

From the moment I couldn't bear to leave Wu Xubai to struggle alone in Yicheng, our meeting seemed to be destiny.

There were sad, broken, and self-reproachful voices, intermittent, seemingly both near and far, drifting in my ears.

"...Where is the girl? What happened to her...?"

What?

I tried to open my eyelids, but it felt like I was experiencing sleep paralysis.

The voice was filled with deep reluctance, then suddenly made a desperate gamble, like a gambler at a gambling table suddenly throwing away all their chips.

"...Then why can't we climb to the highest branch!"

I heard it clearly and drove away the oppressive ghost.

I sat up, but there was no one by the bed.

It was just a hallucination.

The sound of New Year's Eve fireworks rang out from the city center.

Time pushed me to a fateful turning point: eight years old.

My New Year's goal is to save his Xianbaozhai!

The next day, I received a New Year's gift—a stack of calligraphy practice books.

He smiled and said, "Li San, your handwriting reflects your character; you must have very beautiful handwriting."

Yan style regular script... Xiao Cong's favorite.