Even the best of friends can feel awkward when talking about money.

Talking about money hurts feelings.

Sun Lifang tried to put herself in the other person's shoes—

If Yoshiko Takeuchi disagrees, what should I do next?

You can't rely on others in the end; you need to have a backup plan.

"If you're going to do business, do business with strangers; don't try to make money off your relatives and friends."

This is what one of the teachers in the countless "wife improvement classes" that Sun Lifang heard in her previous life said.

Imagine you own a restaurant. When your relatives and friends come over for a meal, how much should you charge?

They'll offer you a discount today, and tomorrow they'll ask you to round down the price and give you free drinks. If you don't agree, it'll be awkward, since they're all acquaintances.

Even if you agree, she might be thinking to herself, "Look at what I said, she agreed, which means the profit is high and she's taking advantage of me."

In the end, I didn't make much money, and I even had to give away favors.

If we put ourselves in Sun Lifang's shoes, that's exactly how it would be.

She was afraid that others would think she was the one "taking advantage".

When you ask someone for cooperation, you need the courage to humble yourself and speak respectfully.

Thinking of this, Sun Lifang couldn't help but put herself in her husband's shoes—

Did Zhou Yunshi feel the same way when he was starting from scratch and seeking business partnerships?

Perhaps she will never understand how much the other person has sacrificed until she experiences it herself.

Now her position has reversed with Yoshiko Takeuchi's; she is no longer the one who "strategizes" and advises her partner in matters of the heart.

As a newcomer to the business world, she had to be prepared to be rejected.

Even if it's incredibly embarrassing, Sun Lifang accepts it.

She has to take that step and step out of her comfort zone.

When we arrived at the restaurant we had booked, Yoshiko Takeuchi was already waiting at the door.

Upon seeing them, he pulled his black and white knitted shawl over himself and came over with a warm smile, "Is this Grandma Sun?"

Yoshiko Takeuchi always had boundless patience when dealing with the elderly and children.

She first tried to help Grandma Sun, but was refused. Instead, she took the baby from Grandma Sun's bamboo basket to lighten her load.

Considerate, kind, and willing to humble themselves.

Sun Lifang intuitively felt that something was different—

The happiness emanating from Yoshiko Takeuchi is impossible to hide.

Her brows and eyes radiated contentment; she faced life with a gentle attitude and was full of hope for the future.

It was she herself who changed the fate of Yoshiko Takeuchi, who would end up alone in her old age.

Infected by the happiness emanating from him, Sun Lifang's initial "awkward" feeling about seeking cooperation in the car also disappeared somewhat.

The restaurant was booked by Yoshiko Takeuchi. Considering the elderly and children, she specifically booked a hotel with both Chinese and Western menus for the meal.

This was the first time that Grandma Sun, at her age, had ever been to such a magnificent hotel.

There's a gleaming golden tiger zodiac statue right at the elevator entrance, and the corridor is also scented with fragrance.

The lights were too bright, and the elderly person's eyes couldn't stand it. Sun Lifang noticed this and told the waiter, "You can turn off the spotlights."

In the center of the private room, a square crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling, cascading down like a flower. There are also wall lamps every few steps around the room.

There were also spotlights all around.

It feels like we're not eating a meal, but performing right in the center of a stage!

All the lights converge here; it truly lives up to its reputation as a business hotel.

They're there specifically to discuss business.

It's just my own business—

Seriously, doing business for the first time felt like going back to my first job interview.

I was so nervous I didn't know what to do with my hands.

Although she felt some fear in her heart, Sun Lifang remained calm and composed on the surface.

Inside the private room, Yoshiko Takeuchi chatted happily with Grandma Sun. "Grandma, the dress you made by hand is very beautiful."

"I'll wear it next time we meet."

Hearing this, Old Mrs. Sun felt a little uncertain. "Really? Then I'll make you two more, you see—"

At this point, he glanced at the table and said, "How could I possibly take advantage of you by treating us to so much food?"

"No, no, you're welcome. This is the first time I've ever worn handmade clothes."

Putting aside the clothes, what Yoshiko Takeuchi cares about more is this relationship.

Clothes made by elders themselves naturally carry a special meaning.

For wealthy people like myself, wearing handmade custom-made clothes is a piece of cake, but it's different when a friend makes one as a gift.

Is it a lack of love or a yearning for a better life?

For a moment, even Yoshiko Takeuchi couldn't quite grasp the feeling.

She really admired the heartwarming banter between Sun Lifang and her grandmother.

Elders will directly "criticize" your extravagance and waste.

This feeling is truly nostalgic. Since taking over the company, Yoshiko Takeuchi has been the most prominent figure in the family, and no one would dare to "criticize" her.

The family has become wealthy, but the bonds between relatives have also become diluted.

Her mother was a noblewoman, elegant and considerate.

Aside from company matters, no one cared about the details of her personal life.

But Grandma Sun was different. After seeing her style of dress, she secretly prepared this "surprise" for her.

To put it bluntly, it was envy. Listening to Grandma Sun's worried tone, "Why are your hands so cold? Come, come, turn off that air conditioner."

"Wait here, I'll make you a padded jacket."

Yoshiko Takeuchi's hand was held by the old man's rough, calloused hands, which felt prickly but warmed her heart.

She tilted her head slightly towards Sun Lifang's position—

The person went out at some point.

Sun Lifang's visit to discuss cooperation today was something Takeuchi Yoshiko hadn't expected.

It's surprising that someone you admire still has other "desires".

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!