An Rong had guessed that she would say that. According to the agreed wages, three taels a month would be enough, and nine taels for three months would be sufficient. Giving her ten taels was already an extra tael.

Fang He ran away from home to prove himself, and now that he's finally decided to go back, he definitely wants to go back in style. He's even a little hesitant to buy anything with ten taels of silver.

"How much do you think is appropriate?" An Rong could only follow Dou Dou's lead, after all, she was the head of the household.

Yuan Doudou thought for a moment and decided to give him twenty taels.

“Okay, whatever you say.” An Rong didn’t even frown.

The next morning, Fang He packed his things and waited in the front hall, looking somewhat forlorn.

"Lu Xi, I'm leaving now. You'll miss me, right?" He held Lu Xi's hand, his voice sweet and cloying as he spoke.

Lu Xi was about to grab a mop to clean the floor when he trapped her, leaving her completely at a loss for what to do.

To be honest, Lu Xi felt bad knowing that Fang He was leaving. First, she was reluctant to let him go, and second, she envied him for having a home to return to, while he didn't even know which way his own home faced.

"Lu Xi, why are you acting like you don't know I'm leaving? We'll hardly see each other again." Their family has many rules, and they can't just go out casually without permission.

Lu Xi looked helpless and reluctant to part, her brows furrowed and her eyes watery.

"Seeing you like this makes me even more heartbroken. Actually, I really hate to part with you. I really don't want to leave." Fang He lowered his head, tears almost streaming down his face. His grandmother often taught him that a man should not easily shed tears, and he was trying his best to control his emotions and not let himself cry.

Lu Xi didn't want him to feel bad, so she quickly returned to normal, her face expressionless and seemingly devoid of emotion.

"Fang He, let go of me, I need to go cook." Lu Xi wanted to quickly prepare breakfast so that Fang He could eat it before leaving.

Fang He hesitated for a long time before letting go of her hand. Well, that's life. Parting and reunion are inevitable. If we're destined to meet again, we'll meet again in the future.

"I'm not eating anymore, I want to leave early." Staying any longer would only make him unable to move.

Lu Xi was helpless.

"Whatever." He has legs; whether he walks or not is his business.

Yuan Doudou came out carrying Tangtang and happened to see this scene. Thinking that Fang He was in a hurry to leave, she quickly went back and took out the purse she had prepared last night.

"Fang He, this is your wages."

Fang He took the money bag, weighed it in his hand, and was somewhat incredulous.

"Sister DouDou, did you give too much?" he asked in surprise.

Yuan Doudou smiled, revealing her pearly white teeth, "It's your brother Anrong. He thought you'd buy something to take back with you, so he gave you extra."

Fang He stood there, stunned, his eyes slightly red.

An Rong was usually stern and strict with him, and he always spoke in a businesslike tone when he made mistakes. I never expected him to be so soft-hearted and kind.

"Sister Dou Dou, I... I don't know what to say." He was so excited that his tongue was tied in knots, and even the hand holding the money bag was trembling.

Yuan Doudou was amused by his flustered appearance. Fang He was an outgoing person, usually carefree and talkative. He always treated guests warmly and never got angry. She didn't expect him to get so excited just because he was given a little more money.

He's still just a child.

"Sister Dou Dou, I will miss you. When I have the chance, I will repay your and Brother An Rong's kindness." Being able to take him in as a waiter when no one else wanted him was already the greatest help they could give him.

Yuan Doudou laughed out loud: "Okay, if you keep talking, I'll laugh my wrinkles out."

Fang He left the tavern with his money bag, without even having breakfast.

Huang Rong got up late and when she came out, Fang He was nowhere to be found.

"That scoundrel Fang He, he's so heartless. I even bought him a gift." She was clutching a box in her hand, which she had bought at the market the day before yesterday, intending to hand it to Fang He herself when he left.

Lu Xi came out of the kitchen carrying a box in her hand; the packaging looked exquisite.

“Sister Rongrong, you’re finally awake. Fang He has already left. This is his parting gift to you.” Lu Xi handed over the box.

Huang Rong was momentarily stunned. What? He actually bought her a gift too? Why didn't he wait and give it to her personally? Really.

She was both secretly pleased and annoyed. She slowly opened the box, revealing a stone pendant engraved with the word "Peace".

Huang Rong's eyes immediately reddened. She opened the box she was originally going to give to Fang He, which was also a stone with the word "Joy" engraved on it.

May he live a carefree and happy life.

May she have a smooth and peaceful life.

Huang Rong didn't eat breakfast and locked herself in her room until evening when she finally came out with red, swollen eyes.

"Rongrong, is something on your mind?" Yuan Doudou looked at Huang Rong, who was sitting there, looking listless.

She was probably still getting used to Fang He's departure.

"It's nothing, I just miss my mother." In her memory, her mother was just a blurry face.

Yuan Doudou had planned to tell her about this, and now that Fang He had left, it was time to talk to her about it.

"Eat your food properly, we'll sit down and chat later," Yuan Doudou comforted her.

The tavern was closed, and there was nothing to do at the shop. An Rong and Lu Xi were enough for three meals a day.

Anji also returned from the academy due to the epidemic, and Anrong picked him up by car.

Upon returning, Anji was somewhat disappointed not to see Fang He. In his view, Fang He was different from Lu Xi. Fang He always had unexpected words that inspired him to explore the unknown world, to look forward to the future, and, more importantly, to bring him joy.

Indeed, Fang He is a seed that can blossom even in hardship.

After dinner, Lu Xi and Anji tidied up in the kitchen, while An Rong went out to organize the storeroom.

Huang Rong followed Yuan Doudou into the bedroom.

"Is Tangtang asleep?" Huang Rong glanced at Tangtang on the bed. She was already a year and a half old, with porcelain-white skin and long, curled eyelashes.

Yuan Doudou nodded and gestured for her to sit down.

"Here, have some tea." Yuan Doudou poured a glass of water.

Huang Rong didn't stand on ceremony and drank it all in one gulp.

"Rongrong, there's something I've always wanted to tell you, and today I finally have the chance." Yuan Doudou became serious.

Huang Rong also straightened her back and sat up straight.

“A few days ago, Sister Juan next door said that a distant relative of hers found a daughter-in-law. She went to the wedding and saw the bride. She said that the bride looked a lot like you and was in her thirties, which matched your age.”

Huang Rong was so startled that she almost dropped the teacup in her hand, but fortunately Yuan Doudou caught it with quick reflexes.

"Where is she?" Huang Rong didn't know, and her voice trembled as she spoke.