Shen and Li Dong again wanted Li Mai and Zhou Quan to stay for dinner, but Li Mai refused, saying that she had things to arrange when she got back and that she was going out the next day.

When Li Dong asked her where she was going, she explained that she was going to partner with someone and that she wanted to go out and look at the business to find ways to make it better.

Upon hearing this, Shen felt extremely envious of Li Mai. When the young girl got married, no one in the village was optimistic about her. They all said they never expected that Third Aunt would make such a mistake before she passed away. Especially when they heard that Li Mai's husband was a cripple, everyone in the village shook their heads and sighed. Such a strong girl had her life ruined because of her filial piety.

Back then, only Li Dong from their family said that Li Mai wouldn't be miserable for the rest of her life. He said that Li Mai would definitely turn her life around.

At that time, she and Li Dong's father were not very convinced, but looking at the husband that Li Mai brought with her now, such a young man could be considered one of the most outstanding people in the surrounding area. Not only was he outstanding in appearance, but she could also feel his love and care for Li Mai in the way he looked at her.

After listening to Li Mai's words, Li Dong sensed an opportunity and asked with a grin, "Boss, does that mean you're rich now?"

Li Mai shook her head. "I don't think so, but we definitely have enough to eat and wear. Our village was flooded, and we just finished building a new village. I think you probably know that."

Li Dong nodded, "I know. I originally wanted to help you build a house, but my family's autumn harvest wasn't finished when my dad and I had an accident. I recovered after more than a month, but my dad didn't get better. I can't leave home."

After saying that, Li Dong felt extremely guilty towards Li Mai.

Li Mai waved her hand, "It's okay, we have plenty of manpower. You won't be of much help even if you go, and you'll have to eat a few more bowls of rice every day."

After Li Mai finished speaking, Li Dong was stunned and stared at her. "No way, boss, you've actually learned to be frugal after getting married?"

Li Mai smiled and said, "Sit down, let me take your pulse."

Li Mai quickly sat down obediently and let Li Mai take his pulse.

Zhou Quan came over and stood next to Li Mai, staring blankly at her holding Li Dong's wrist.

"It's alright, there's nothing wrong with him now. But he can't do too much heavy work for the time being. You can also eat some of the nourishing foods I gave your father; they'll help with his recovery." With that, Li Mai stood up.

Li Dong quickly stood up and said thank you.

As Li Mai and Zhou Quan were being seen out into the courtyard, Li Dong finally mustered the courage to ask, "Boss, will you need a coachman or servant in the future? If so, could you consider me first?"

Li Mai looked at him silently. "You want to go out and sell yourself to make money?"

Li Dong glanced around his yard and nodded. "Well, I was originally planning to go to town next spring to see if anyone was buying servants. Now that I know you're rich and doing business with people, you'll definitely need to buy servants in the future, right? Then buy me. I can drive the carriage for you and your brother-in-law, be your servant, do anything. I'll still be by your side like before, doing whatever you ask me to do."

Li Mai nodded. "I do intend to start a business, and I will need to hire people, but given your family's situation, can you handle it?"

"Sure, boss, can you pay me a month's wages first? As long as I take care of things at home, my parents and younger siblings will have enough to eat and wear. As long as my dad gets better and there's no need to worry about food at home, I can go with you," Li Dong said hurriedly, glancing at his mother after speaking.

Madam Shen looked at him in surprise; she hadn't expected her son to want to become a servant with Li Mai.

"Mother, we only have a few dozen coins left. We've used all our money to buy medicine. How are we going to survive?" Li Dong whispered to Shen Shi, seemingly afraid that his father inside the house would hear.

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen's eyes reddened. She hadn't expected her usually careless son to understand such things.

Li Mai asked Shen, "If Li Dong works for me in the future, would you be willing, Auntie?"

Madam Shen quickly nodded, "Of course I'm willing."

Li Mai nodded, "Alright, here's two taels of silver. I'll give Li Dong two taels of silver a month for his wages. He can drive my carriage for now. But I haven't bought a carriage yet. I won't take him with me this time. I'll buy a carriage and pick him up when I come back."

"Consider this a loan for one month's wages. Your wages will start being calculated from the date you officially begin working; this month's wages will be deducted gradually then." Li Mai finished speaking and looked at Li Dong, "Got it?"

Li Dong gratefully said, "I'll remember that, thank you, boss."

“Okay, we’ll sign the contract when you officially start working.” After Li Mai finished speaking, she glanced at Shen Shi, who quickly nodded.

"Let's go back!" Li Mai said to Zhou Quan, leading him outside.

Zhou Quan patted Li Dong on the shoulder and left.

He knew that Xiaomai wanted to help this family; two taels of silver would be enough for them to eat and drink from winter until the New Year.

The two left Lijia Village and gradually entered the mountains. Li Mai was tired, so she found a big rock to sit down and rest.

Zhou Quan squatted down in front of her and slowly offered her wrist.

Li Mai asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"

"My wife hasn't taken my pulse in a long time!" Zhou Quan said quietly.

Li Mai understood what was going on, chuckled, and quickly kissed him on the lips. "Alright, you're fine. If you were sick, I would have taken your pulse already."

Zhou Quan was stunned when his wife kissed him. The next moment, he quickly looked around to make sure no one was there, then stood up abruptly, put his arm around his wife, and bent down to kiss her passionately.

Since they were outside, Zhou Quan didn't dare to be too reckless. He kissed her a few times to extinguish the fire that she had stirred in his heart, then quickly released her, turned around, and sat on the big rock with his legs crossed, looking incredibly alluring.

Li Mai immediately understood what was going on, and couldn't help but burst into laughter.

I suddenly realized how adorable this man is.

Zhou Quan glanced at her, then turned his head away and asked, "Xiaomai, are you really planning to have Li Donglai work as our groom in the future?"

“For us, not for our family. I plan to buy a carriage when I come back from this trip, but you can’t keep driving it yourself. I plan to start our own business next year, and you will need to help me with business matters. Naturally, we need a loyal coachman. Since Li Dong himself said so, I will naturally use him. Using him is more suitable than using an outsider.”

“Originally, Xiao Lin or Xiao Lei would have been fine, since family members are the most useful. However, Xiao Lin needs to learn carpentry, and Xiao Lei needs to study, so neither of them has time. Therefore, Li Dong is the most suitable at the moment.” Li Mai patiently explained to him in detail.

Li Mai gradually came to realize that this man had a tendency to be jealous, so she felt that she needed to handle these important matters properly and explain things to him clearly to avoid any unpleasantness.