Chapter 25 Chapter 25 Lin Anran is about to expand

"Congratulations on choosing the path of burning your boats." After being surprised, Lin Anran was simply happy about the choice Yu Jing made. Perhaps, the words she said really played a role and even changed Yu Jing's future.

Yu Jing repeated, "Burn the boats? Indeed, we only have one chance, less than a year. If I'm not resolute, I might give up halfway." She gritted her teeth, "I will persevere to the end."

Lin Anran patted her shoulder to encourage her: "Let's work hard together."

Yu Jing looked at her and said, "By the way, Anran, you are going to take the adult college entrance examination next year. Let's study hard together."

"Does Mr. Ma know that you have decided to take the college entrance examination?" Lin Anran mentioned Ma Yaozu.

It was not known whether Ma Yaozu was trying to learn and improve himself or to pursue Yu Jing, but he did go to the night university to sign up for English classes. However, his class progress was different from that of Lin Anran and Yu Jing, so the three of them did not take the same English class. Lin Anran was very happy that she did not have to see Ma Yaozu, but through learning English, Yu Jing and Ma Yaozu did have a lot more contact.

In this regard, Lin Anran never said anything to Jing about Ma Yaozu. She did not interfere in how the relationship between the two developed and just acted as a bystander.

Yu Jing was silent. "I haven't figured out how to tell him yet. We're just friends now, not a confirmed relationship." She looked up at An Ran and said, "If you hadn't told me I could take the college entrance exam next year, I might have really decided to be in a relationship with Mr. Ma. He's a very kind man, and I know he wants to get married as soon as possible. But I have to take the college entrance exam... I shouldn't have delayed him."

Lin Anran listened patiently to Yu Jing's words. She only heard the last sentence, and a smile immediately appeared on her face. "What delay? My friend, haven't you heard that men only affect the speed of our swords?"

"Ah?" Yu Jing was confused.

"Well, anyway, we can't let men hinder the progress of us women." Lin Anran waved his hand, not caring that Yu Jingting didn't understand.

Yu Jing seemed to be thinking about something. After a moment's thought, she said, "An Ran, you're right. I need to talk to Mr. Ma and explain things to him as soon as possible. But it's true that I've delayed him. I wanted to have a relationship before, but now I'm the one who's not doing it yet. I can't delay him. Anyway, I absolutely can't have a boyfriend during my next review. I was talking to someone and helping my ex-boyfriend with his homework at the same time. It took up a lot of time and I was easily distracted. This time, I want to spend all my time on myself. I can't focus on studying while also having a relationship with someone else. I can only focus on one thing."

Lin Anran had no idea what to do about Jing's lack of confidence, after all, Jing's life was full of bad luck.

Lin Anran was so happy that he wanted to set off firecrackers to celebrate Jing's decision to talk things out with Ma Yaozu.

However, Lin Anran did not mention the unimportant Ma Yaozu again. She said to Yu Jing, "I have been reading the high school textbooks. I have already read them roughly and will reread them later. I will also do some exercises while I am going to buy some materials. Do you want to come?"

"I'll buy one first. I haven't done any exercises in a few years, so I'll pick them up first. Besides, it's not convenient for me to bring too many books home for the time being. I haven't told my family that I want to repeat the grade. Fortunately, I haven't sold the textbook and exercise books from high school." Yu Jing looked conflicted.

Lin Anran simply said, "It seems like there's still room for learning in your heart."

Yu Jing smiled bitterly: "Who doesn't want to get into college?"

"Come on, let's stop talking about those unhappy things and learn first." Lin Anran believed that Yu Jing would resolve the family conflict, so she would not interfere in this matter. She didn't want to because she really didn't have much experience in getting along with her parents.

Lin Anran didn't expect to run into Tang Rui in the bookstore. She looked at the textbook in Tang Rui's hand and said, "Mr. Tang, what a coincidence! You're here to buy books too."

Tang Rui wasn't surprised to see the high school problem set in Lin Anran's hand. He had seen Lin Anran many times at the rental bookstore and knew she was self-studying. He raised the textbook in his hand and explained with a smile, "What a coincidence indeed."

Lin Anran would see Tang Rui in the rental bookstore from time to time. The two would chat for a while when they met, and gradually they communicated more and more, and their relationship evolved to the point where they could even joke around.

So Lin Anran pointed at the book in Tang Rui's hand and asked curiously, "Why did you buy these books? I thought you came to the bookstore to buy newly published martial arts novels."

Tang Rui is a loyal fan of martial arts novels. He is either busy at the rental bookstore or reading a martial arts novel. He once told Lin Anran that he wanted to try writing a martial arts novel and submit it for submission, but he has not started writing yet. Lin Anran is sure that he will definitely be a pigeon in the future.

"My parents couldn't stand me staying at home all the time, so they asked me to choose between becoming a teacher and taking the postgraduate entrance examination. I chose the postgraduate entrance examination." Tang Rui smiled helplessly.

Tang Rui studied education at university and was assigned to be a teacher in a high school after graduation. However, after teaching for half a year, he found that he did not like being a teacher, so he decisively resigned without telling his parents. The matter was settled, and the elders of the Tang family could not force him to return to high school to teach. Rather than following the old path, Tang Rui would rather try a new one.

Lin Anran knows so many people, but she envies Tang Rui's situation the most. Tang Rui is a native of Shenzhen. His family has a house and land, and his parents are in business, which is more than enough to support him. So Tang Rui has full freedom and confidence to make any choice. If he doesn't want to work, he can stay at home, and his elders will give him a salary. He can come and go freely and has plenty of time to pursue his dreams. It's so free and easy. How can she, a working person, not be envious?

Lin Anran was envious and jealous for only two seconds, and then that emotion disappeared. She waited, thinking that sooner or later, one day she would be able to live a more free and easy life than Tang Rui.

"Study well, study very well." Lin Anran thought about the people around her. They had all embarked on the smooth and unpredictable road of studying.

Tang Rui: "I'm just trying to fool the parents first. I don't know if I can get into graduate school. Miss Lin, you have to work hard. If you have any questions, remember to ask me. I happen to be free."

"Don't worry, I will definitely bother you." Lin Anran's tone was serious and earnest. Being a teacher for free would be a waste.

Tang Rui laughed out loud: "I absolutely welcome you to ask me."

Because Lin Anran wanted to meet Yu Jing, he said goodbye to Tang Rui directly in the bookstore, and Yu Jing quickly made his choice.

"You chose this one? It just so happens that we chose different ones. We can switch between them later and save money." Lin Anran looked down at the book in Yu Jing's hand.

"Okay," Yu Jing glanced curiously at Tang Rui's receding figure. "I remember that gentleman was from the rental bookstore. His name was Tang Rui?"

Lin Anran: "It was him. He happened to be in front of me when I was paying. I said a few words to him."

Yu Jing smiled and looked at Lin Anran's expression. Lin Anran touched his face in confusion: "Why are you looking at me?"

Yu Jing shook her head gently: "It's okay, wait for me, I'll go pay."

"Go ahead." Lin Anran glanced at the books placed in the most conspicuous position in the bookstore. Hong Kong martial arts novels and Taiwanese romance novels were the most popular leisure books, and another popular category was various learning materials.

"Anran, do you want to buy a novel?" Yu Jing walked over and asked when she saw Lin Anran staring at the bookshelf.

Lin Anran retracted her gaze and patted the new book in her hand: "No, I'm just taking a look. I have more important books to read, and I'm not very interested in reading novels." She came here from the future and had read a wider variety of novels. Her taste had become picky and she couldn't get used to the current romance novels.

After buying things, the two went to a rental bookstore to study for most of the day, and then went back separately.

After dinner, Lin Anran did not study anymore. He used aloe vera and honey gel to care for his skin while reading today's newspaper. He felt relaxed and at ease.

"Xiao Lin, can you help me thread a needle? Oh, right, it's time to take care of your skin today." Aunt Li walked over to Lin Anran, holding a needle in one hand and thread in the other, looking at her face covered in aloe vera and honey gel. "Before, you asked me to see if there were any changes in your face, but I didn't notice. Now, Xiao Lin, if you ask me to tell you, I can definitely tell you one, two, three, four, five. It's a big change."

Lin Anran didn't dare smile too brightly. She nodded gently and held out her hands, which were also coated with aloe vera and honey gel. "Aunt Li, you can praise me more. I love to hear it. I have to wait a while before I can help you thread the needle. What do you want to sew?"

Aunt Li smiled and patted her. "No more praise, you'll get cocky if I keep praising you. The button on my work clothes is loose, and I need to sew it back on. Do you need anything sewn? I'll fix it for you."

"I don't have any, thank you Aunt Li." When the time came, Lin Anran immediately went to the bathroom to wash his face, hands and feet. He looked up and saw himself in the mirror, and immediately grinned. Very good, very good, long live aloe vera honey gel!

Just keep persevering and strive to restore your physical condition and appearance to the same as when you were 22 in your previous life before you turn 23.

Lin Anran came out of the bathroom and immediately helped Aunt Li thread the needle.

Aunt Li took advantage of Lin Anran lowering her head and her eyes fell on her face. When she saw her, her eyes were a little dazed, and she finally had the feeling that "Xiao Lin is 22 years old this year."

"Xiao Lin, you really look very young. Youth is the key to recovery." Aunt Li took back the threaded needle and thread and said with emotion.

"Hmm? Yes! Indeed, young bodies have a fast metabolism." Lin Anran smiled happily. As long as she was praised for her youth, she would be happy, hehe!

She also used aloe vera and honey gel. At first, her skin recovered slowly, but now, after using it for a long time, the effect is becoming more and more obvious. Lin Anran can feel that she is getting healthier day by day, especially since her period comes on time every month, and her complexion looks really good.

Thinking about his health problems, Lin Anran felt that he should go to the hospital for a full physical examination.

*

"Old He, stop comparing your Clivia with Xiaolin's. No matter how much you compare, I still think Xiaolin's Clivia is prettier." Old Man Zhu glanced at Old He with disdain, then turned his head and his eyes were filled with the Clivia that Lin Anran had specially brought. "Look at the neat leaves on this Clivia. The leaves are a deep green, so pleasing to the eye..."

Lin Anran's Clivia has exactly twelve leaves, and the shape and appearance of each leaf are worth appreciating. Most of them have grown newly in the past few months. Even Lin Anran, who grows Clivia every day, likes to stare at it and admire it for a while, let alone Old Man Zhu, who has many years of experience in growing orchids?

Ever since Lin Anran started showing off her Clivia, Old Man Zhu's eyes had been glued to it.

Old He was particularly conflicted. His Clivia was naturally his favorite, but Lin Anran's Clivia was also very beautiful and very much in his heart. He was torn between two feelings. In the end, he couldn't say his Clivia was better against his conscience. He stammered, "Xiao Lin, your Clivia is really good."

Old Man Zhu was unhappy: "What do you mean it's really good? Xiaolin's Clivia is the best Clivia I've ever seen. I can admire just one leaf all day long!"

Lin Anran almost broke out in a sweat: "Uncle Zhu, you are exaggerating."

Old Man Zhu shook his head. "Xiao Lin, I'm not exaggerating. Some people love Clivia and never get tired of looking at it every day. Your Clivia is the best I've seen in all these years. Even though it hasn't bloomed yet, if you ask for 50,000 yuan, there will definitely be a lot of people rushing to buy it."

Can her Clivia really be sold for 50,000 yuan?

Lin Anran's heart was pounding. She was very confident that her Clivia was better than Lao He's. She had secretly compared them in her mind, but she was a novice among novices in the orchid circle and had a superficial understanding of the orchid market. She was not sure of the value of orchids.

Old He said disdainfully, "Xiao Lin, don't listen to Old Man Zhu. If someone offers 50,000 yuan for your Clivia, you absolutely must not sell it. 50,000 yuan is too little."

Old Man Zhu nodded in agreement: "Yes, it's less. Xiaolin, if you are not in a hurry to use the money, you can wait until your Clivia blooms. If the flowers bloom well, you can sell it for more money."

Old He and Old Man Zhu love orchids, but they are not ignorant of vulgar things. Orchid trading can make this market active. Moreover, they are good at judging people. They can see that Lin Anran is not well-off, so they actively help him with ideas.

Lin Anran pinched his palms, thanked the two old uncles, and explained, "I originally wanted to raise the orchid until it blooms before considering selling it."

Old He and Old Zhu nodded.

Old Man Zhu warned Lin Anran again, "Xiao Lin, it's best not to bring your Clivia to an orchid gathering. Although we're all in the same circle, there are many people and sometimes people with ulterior motives sneak in. If someone sets their sights on your Clivia, I'm afraid they might act without scruples. Your Clivia is too beautiful."

Lin Anran was stunned, then nodded obediently: "Okay, Uncle Zhu, or can I bring the Phalaenopsis?"

Lao He immediately said, "Bring it to us first. If your Phalaenopsis is too well-groomed, it's better not to bring it outside. It's too conspicuous. You don't have to bring your own orchids to orchid gatherings. Xiaolin, you can keep my Clivia alive. Just by doing this, you will become famous in the orchid circle in Shenzhen."

Old Man Zhu sighed, "I should have asked you, Xiaolin, to bring the Phalaenopsis out today. I don't know when you'll be free next time."

"I have some free time anyway," Lao He said contentedly, hugging his pot of Clivia. "Xiao Lin, you've been helping me take care of my Clivia for a month now. You've taken good care of it, and it's grown new leaves. Although I have to pay you the final payment today, I've decided to continue hiring you to help me take care of the orchids. I'll pay you once a week, 50 yuan each time. What do you think?"

Lin Anran's eyes lit up: "Of course! Thank you, Uncle He."

Once a week, that means she can earn two hundred yuan extra money every month, which is quite profitable!

But Lao He waved his hands and said, "Why thank me? I should thank you."

Old Man Zhu said cheerfully, "Xiao Lin, you really shouldn't thank Lao He. If you can help Lao He raise his Clivia to be of similar quality to yours, you must ask Lao He for a big red envelope."

Old He looked at Lin Anran's Clivia, then at his own, and said, "No need to ask, I'll give it to you directly."

Lin Anran quickly said, "I can't guarantee that. Every Clivia plant is different."

The biggest reason why Lin Anran's Clivia grew like this was that she touched it too much, but Lao He's Clivia could not be touched by her at any time, so naturally it could not grow as well as her Clivia.

"Xiao Lin, what do you want to promise?" Cheng Dacai arrived and just heard what Lin Anran said. He looked at the three of them in confusion.

However, when Cheng Dacai's eyes shifted slightly downward, he immediately cast aside all doubts and looked at the pot of Clivia in the middle with shock on his face: "Whose Clivia is this? Is it Uncle Zhu's?"

Old Man Zhu shook his head and pointed at Lin Anran: "Xiao Lin's. Oh, by the way, Xiao Lin said that she bought this Clivia from you for one dollar."

Cheng Dacai was dumbfounded. He looked at Clivia, then at Lin Anran who was smiling calmly. He opened and closed his mouth, but no sound came out.

"Haha, Boss Cheng, don't be too surprised. I bought it from your flower stall." Lin Anran looked at Cheng Dacai's changing expression with amusement.

It took Cheng Dacai a long while to accept the reality. After he recovered, he looked at Lin Anran and asked, "Xiao Lin, no, Boss Lin, do you want to find a buyer? If you want to sell this Clivia, I can help you find a buyer. It doesn't cost any money. I'll just help you sell it."

Cheng Dacai is a shrewd businessman. He runs a flower stall in the flower market, but he has been working hard to expand his network, especially by taking advantage of the orchid craze. He knows very well how much some wealthy bosses love orchids, especially Clivia, which is widely loved in the orchid circle. He helps Lin Anran sell orchids for free, but he can make new connections or consolidate his current connections, which always brings greater benefits.

Lin Anran was surprised for a moment, then refused: "I don't plan to sell the orchids now. I can cooperate with Boss Cheng if I have the chance in the future."

Cheng Dacai is a person who is easy to get along with and smart, but he is also honest and sensible, and he is good at speaking, so he can get along well in the orchid circle. Now he sees that the value of the Clivia that Lin Anran bought at a low price has soared to such a high level, and he is not jealous. Lin Anran makes a promise to him in her heart, that Cheng Dacai is also her connection, and she must maintain it well.

"There will definitely be a chance. Boss Lin, you must think of me first when the time comes." Cheng Dacai was not annoyed. He still had a warm smile on his face. He sat down and admired the Clivia from various angles with Old Man Zhu.

After admiring the Clivia, Cheng Dacai said to Lin Anran, "Boss Lin, you helped Uncle He take care of his Clivia. Are you planning to take on other people's Clivia jobs? Someone asked me about Uncle He's Clivia, and I told them the truth. Someone is interested and wants your help."

Lin Anran became interested and asked, "What's the price?"

Cheng Dacai: "The price is a bit low. Some ask for ten yuan, some ask for twenty yuan, and some ask for hundreds of yuan. But the orchid owner is difficult and has high demands. I think you won't be able to arrange it in time."

"Well, I'll think about it. Thank you, Boss Cheng, for keeping an eye out for these things for me." Lin Anran didn't want to cause trouble for herself. It was because the first time she made extra money, she met the generous Lao He. Before Lao He decided to ask her to help grow orchids, she could earn a fixed 200 yuan from Lao He every month. Moreover, this part-time job was simple. The main thing was that Lao He, the orchid owner, had to do as he was told.

Finding a difficult client for herself? Lin Anran didn't want to make a small profit. Yes, she was inflated, hehe.

Cheng Dacai nodded and said, "It's okay. It's okay if you don't accept it. Boss Lin, take good care of the Clivia. You will definitely make a lot of money next year."

Lin Anran, who was predicted to make a fortune from Clivia next year, went back happily. He felt like he could fly to the sky when he walked. It was so cool, so cool!

Back in the room, Lin Anran gently put the Clivia away. Thanks to the security of the villa area, she no longer had to worry about her orchid being stolen.

Lin Anran looked at the time. It was the time she had agreed to call the Lin family. She had not been idle at all in the past two weeks. She had contacted and communicated with the Lin family. Mother Lin and Sister-in-law Lin were a little interested in her suggestion and planned to give it a try. Lin Anran had previously picked out some hair ties that sold well in Shenzhen Market and bought them. She also asked Yu Jing to buy some scraps of cloth materials and packed them together and sent them back to the Lin family. She only sent it this time in order to give Mother Lin and Sister-in-law Lin a pattern to follow. What to do next was up to Mother Lin and Sister-in-law Lin, and she would not interfere too much.

The call was connected quickly. There was no telephone in her hometown village, so Mother Lin went to the town early to wait for the call.

Lin Anran greeted them briefly and then got straight to the point: "Did you receive the package I sent back?"

Mother Lin said immediately, "I got it. Your father went to the post office to pick it up this morning. Your sister-in-law and I made two hair ties as soon as we got them. They're very simple and quick to make. Your brother and I will go to the rural market to sell them, and then try them out in the town and county."

Lin Anran nodded twice. She just listened and didn't offer any advice. As a completely inexperienced person, she didn't want to casually instruct others on how to do business. If she led the Lin family into a trap, it would be better not to mention it in the first place.

After talking about family matters, Mother Lin habitually showed concern for Lin Anran. After caring for Lin Anran, she also cared for Lin Anhua and Lin Anli who worked at the electronics factory: "...Anran, when you have time, go to the electronics factory to see Anhua and Anli."

Lin Anran: "Okay, it just so happens that I haven't seen them for a long time."

"Look carefully and ask quietly to see if there is anyone who wants to lead them astray, especially Anli." Mother Lin lowered her voice deliberately.

Lin Anran was puzzled: "What? Who would lead them astray?"

Mother Lin sighed and explained, "It's the Lin Lai Pi family in our village. They're building a new house, buying a house in the city, and planning to marry their eldest son off with a banquet. They tell everyone they've made a fortune, but everyone in the village doesn't know they haven't. Only their eldest daughter works in Shenzhen. The Lin Lai Pi family is the poorest in the village, so there are some rumors in the village. Isn't that why I'm worried?"

"Maybe he really made a fortune secretly, and the villagers didn't hide under his bed and watch him." Lin Anran didn't want to think about those things, but she suddenly remembered what Lin Anli said about the electronics factory owner.

But Lin Ma said, "Where can you find such a good opportunity to make a fortune? Money doesn't fall from the sky."

"Okay, I'll ask Anhua and Anli." This was the only answer Lin Anran could give.

Mother Lin: "We can't interfere with other people's affairs. Our family is down-to-earth. It's okay to earn less. Only when we earn money this way can we feel at ease. Otherwise, Mom won't be able to sleep at night."

In order to prevent Lin's mother from losing sleep at night, Lin Anran chose a Sunday and made an appointment with the twins to meet near the electronics factory.