After the spectacular performance at Jinyun Bookstore concluded successfully, the story of "The Oil Seller" spread like a spring breeze, reaching every corner of the capital. From the bustling Zhuque Street to the quiet alleys, the story of the oil seller and his courtesan became the talk of the town. Like a magical seed, the story took root and blossomed into a vibrant cultural treasure in the capital.
The booksellers' alliance, which had once attempted to sabotage Jinyun Bookstore, no longer dared to act rashly after witnessing the tremendous success of the performance and the public's enthusiastic support for the company. They knew that Jinyun Bookstore, with its unique cultural charm and endearing stories, had already established a firm foothold in Beijing's cultural landscape. Furthermore, the situation had undergone a dramatic reversal, with many discerning small bookstores actively approaching Jinyun Bookstore, eager to collaborate with it and share in the benefits of this cultural feast.
At this moment, Su Jinli sat in the cozy accounting office of the bookstore. The afternoon sun gently shone upon her, casting a faint glow around her. She held the newly signed cooperation agreement in her hands, her eyes sparkling with joy, her lips curled up slightly, and she smiled broadly. Those agreements seemed to be the fruit of her hard work, each one carrying the boundless possibilities for the future development of Jinyun Bookstore.
"Madam, are you counting money again?" Jiang Yan quietly approached Su Jinli and gently wrapped his arms around her waist. The scent of rouge from her hair during performances still lingered on him. His voice was low and gentle, like a spring breeze, gently brushing against Su Jinli's ear. "How about counting me?" his words were filled with intimacy and teasing.
"You're such a chatterbox." Su Jinli's face flushed slightly. She poked Jiang Yan's chest gently and feigned annoyance. Then, she tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with anticipation, and said, "Tomorrow I plan to take my elder sister to Jiangnan to collect stories. Do you want to come?"
"Of course," Jiang Yan answered without hesitation. He lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on the top of Su Jinli's head, as if leaving a trace of endless tenderness and promise in her hair. Then, he leaned closer to Su Jinli's ear, lowered his voice, and said with a hint of cunning and anticipation, "But next time we go on stage..." He paused deliberately, whetting Su Jinli's appetite, "How about letting my wife play the role of the oiran?"
Before Jiang Yan finished speaking, he heard the sound of cheerful footsteps approaching from afar. Then, like a whirlwind, Young Marquis Su burst into the accounting office, clutching a string of bright red candied haws. A brilliant smile lit up his face, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he shouted, "I want to act too! I want to be the knight with the broadsword!" That vibrant voice seemed to dispel all the gloom in the world.
Su Qingyao followed in with graceful, unhurried steps. She held a delicate box in her hands, which she gently placed on the table. She smiled and said, "Jinli, this is my newly blended 'Zhuangyuanhong' rouge. It's a vibrant yet elegant color, perfect for you as the Oiran." Su Qingyao's voice was gentle and melodious, like a clear mountain spring, carrying the care and hope of an older sister for her younger sister.
The afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the window lattice, spilling into the room like golden threads. It made everyone in the room seem as if they were coated in a layer of gold, creating a dreamlike, warm atmosphere. Su Jinli gently leaned on Jiang Yan's shoulder, feeling his warmth and solid support, and an indescribable happiness and satisfaction welled up in her heart.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, taking in the lively and heartwarming scene before her: Jiang Yan's gentle embrace, Young Marquis Su's innocent smile, Su Qingyao's concerned gaze... It all seemed like a vivid painting, depicting life at its most beautiful. She couldn't help but think of the days of chasing glory and wealth in her past life. Though seemingly glorious, she felt a deep sense of emptiness. But now, this bustling atmosphere, this atmosphere filled with love and warmth, was a thousand times more precious than those past lives.
Su Jinli knew that their story had just begun. In the days ahead, there might be storms and challenges, but as long as their family stayed close together and walked hand in hand, nothing could stop them from pursuing happiness and their dreams.
On this tranquil and beautiful evening, Jinyun Bookstore felt like a warm harbor, carrying their laughter and dreams. And their love, like the classic stories told within the bookstore, has become increasingly rich and precious with the passage of time. With this passion for life and dedication to culture, they will continue to write their own legend.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, gently shimmering on Su Jinli's face, waking her from a sweet dream. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at Jiang Yan, who was still sleeping beside her. A happy smile unconsciously curled up her lips. She stood up gently, afraid to wake Jiang Yan, and began to prepare for her trip to Jiangnan.
When Su Jinli finished washing up and left her room, she found Su Qingyao and Young Marquis Su already waiting in the courtyard. Su Qingyao, dressed in a lavender dress that fluttered gently in the breeze, looked like a blooming violet, elegant and charming. Young Marquis Su, dressed in a sharp suit, his beloved toy sword tucked around his waist, looked eager to venture forth, as if he were truly ready to venture into the martial arts world.
"Sister, you are finally out. We have been waiting for you for a long time!" When Young Marquis Su saw Su Jinli, he ran over excitedly.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting." Su Jinli said with a smile, "Jiang Yan is still sleeping. I'll go wake him up."
Soon, Jiang Yan had packed up, and the four of them embarked on their journey to Jiangnan. Along the way, the carriage slowly moved forward, and the picturesque scenery outside the window passed by. Su Jinli and Su Qingyao sat inside, quietly discussing the customs and people of Jiangnan, imagining the poetic and heartwarming stories they would soon collect there.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com