Memories gradually surfaced in Cao Shuwan's mind. Looking back now, the feelings of inferiority and timidity that had once made her feel had vanished. She smiled gently and asked curiously, "Boss, in this shop, which of these two products, Luo Eryin and Taowu, is more popular with customers?"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly and replied, "Luo'er Yin is famous far and wide, so she is naturally the sales champion. But Peach Mist Rouge is also loved by female customers because it is natural and pure and can improve skin tone. In particular, this kind of light-colored product is rare on the market. Given time, it will definitely set off a craze in the whole city."
"This is wonderful!"
As they were talking, the door hinges creaked open, and Yingxiang walked in carrying a steaming plate of lotus seed soup, her face beaming with a sweet smile: "Madam, Miss Cao, the lotus seed soup is here."
Cao Shuwan teased her playfully, "Yingxiang, I just came in through the front door and saw you and Deng Shen busy in the shop. It seems the boss is going to give you important responsibilities in the future. Tell me, what's it like to venture into the business world?"
Yingxiang glanced at Jiang Huaiyu furtively, then muttered with a wry smile, "Miss Cao, please stop joking. I'm naturally slow-witted, and I've already miscalculated twice today. I don't think I have any talent for business. I'd better stay by Madam's side."
As she spoke, she picked up a bowl of lotus seed soup and handed it to Jiang Huaiyu, her eyes filled with a flattering smile.
"Young lady, what do you think of the lotus seed soup?"
Jiang Huaiyu did not take the bowl, but said seriously, "Is this your excuse to avoid work, having me learn the account books from the manager today?"
Yingxiang lowered her eyes and said softly, "Miss, I really don't want to get involved in the business world..."
Jiang Huaiyu gazed at her quietly and asked, "Are you really sure?"
Yingxiang nodded firmly: "I have thought it over carefully."
Jiang Huaiyu shook his head and sighed, saying earnestly, "Yingxiang, we grew up together. You are good at writing and calculating, so the shop's accounts are a piece of cake for you. You should understand the deeper meaning behind my decision to have you and Deng Shen work at Hanyifang. Don't you want to be able to start your own business someday?"
Yingxiang hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded, "I think..."
In the past, Jiang Huaiyu returned her indenture, and she had originally harbored hopes for the future, intending to live a stable life and live up to the girl's expectations. However, fate played a cruel trick on her, and she ultimately could not escape the coercion of her brother and sister-in-law. With a glimmer of hope, she resolutely returned to Jiang Huaiyu's side.
After returning to Jiang Huaiyu's protection, the girl's care for her even surpassed that of before.
What virtues or abilities does she possess that allow her to repeatedly receive the young lady's favor?
From that moment on, she became determined to repay the girl's deep affection with her whole life.
She also saw through Jiang Huaiyu's far-reaching scheme. Just as Miss Cao had said, she was training her and Deng Shen so that they would be given important positions in the future. However, this so-called important position meant that she would no longer be able to stay by Jiang Huaiyu's side at all times, which made her reluctant to part with them. Although she understood that the young lady meant well for her, she still refused to obey.
"Girl, whether I'm independent or not is not as important as staying by your side. Please let me stay..."
Jiang Huaiyu sighed softly, "Why can't you understand?"
Yingxiang smiled slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischievousness. "I understand, how could I not know your intentions, Miss? But this time, Yingxiang really doesn't want to comply, and I hope you can be accommodating."
Touched, Jiang Huaiyu took the lotus seed soup offered by the woman, smiled gently, and said, "Alright, ultimately it has to be your own choice. Since you have no interest in business, I will make other plans for you in the future."
"Thank you, young lady!"
Upon hearing this, Yingxiang immediately beamed with joy.
"Miss, I just sneaked into the kitchen and, besides making lotus seed soup, I also prepared your favorite lotus leaf buns. I'll go and bring them to you now!"
After she left, Cao Shuwan smiled and sighed, "Master, Yingxiang's loyalty is as clear as day."
Me too.
She silently recited it in her heart.
Although she and Jiang Huaiyu were not in a master-servant relationship, she still needed to remember and repay the kindness shown to her throughout her life.
The end of July.
Although autumn has arrived, the summer heat in Jiangnan remains stubborn, making Jiang Huaiyu quite uncomfortable. In contrast, at this time of year, the capital and Wanfu County must be gradually getting cooler in the mornings and evenings, with a gentle breeze on their faces.
On this day, Tu Wenying's letter arrived as promised.
As expected, the Tu family readily agreed to Jiang Huaiyu's proposal and were willing to jointly venture into the fabric industry. Jiang Huaiyu would be responsible for providing the source of goods and transportation, while the Tu family would provide the site and be responsible for operation and management. Both parties would get what they wanted and the profits would be split equally.
Once the matter was settled, Jiang Huaiyu immediately began preparations.
Just then, the caravan returned triumphantly from Wanfu County. In addition to transporting rouge back, they also needed to deliver cloth to the Tu family. As a result, the caravan gradually grew in size.
In Tu Wenying's reply, in addition to discussing cooperation matters, she also poured out three pages of "personal thoughts".
The longest chapter expresses deep concern for Jiang Huaiyu's health.
Although Jiang Huaiyu only briefly mentioned her pregnancy in her letter without going into details, Tu Hang had accompanied her all the way and was fully aware of her situation. After he and Hu Yu returned to the Tu family, he would definitely tell Tu Wenying everything he knew in detail.
In the letter, Tu Wenying's tone revealed a subtle reproach. She was dissatisfied with Jiang Huaiyu's failure to tell her the truth and instead let her learn everything from Tu Hang. Jiang Huaiyu could almost picture her frowning and pouting in a huff.
However, Jiang Huaiyu knew that behind this blame lay her boundless concern for her. After venting her dissatisfaction in the letter, she began to nag and urge Jiang Huaiyu to make sure she got plenty of rest and took good care of herself during her pregnancy…
The second longest section recounts various trivial matters that have recently occurred at Fushun Academy.
After several months of operation, the academy is already showing signs of success, with everything progressing smoothly. Its reputation within Wanfu County is also steadily growing. Tu Wenying noted that, based on current trends, Fushun Academy is expected to attract even more young students by the autumn harvest. She consulted Jiang Huaiyu about whether certain admission standards should be set to prevent a surge in student numbers that would overwhelm the teachers and hinder management.
The following are some of Tu Wenying's personal thoughts and reflections.
She mentioned that since losing his beloved rival Jiang Huaiyu, Scholar Tu's interest in playing chess had gradually diminished. Recently, he had become obsessed with bonsai making, filling his home with potted plants of all sizes, making it difficult to even find a place to stand. She also mentioned that her grandmother's condition had worsened, and the doctor said the situation was worrying, and preparations for her passing might have to be made…
At the end of the letter, there was a line of handwriting that seemed a bit out of place, but it was related to Baiyujing.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
