Chapter 6
There's no one else around, so let's not act.
Lu Qin was certain that Lu Ming was in trouble, so she was in a great mood.
She gently wiped Hao Jingshi's mouth, and inadvertently glanced at the ledger beside him, only to find that he wasn't keeping accounts, but drawing on it.
I never knew Hao Jingshi had such a hobby.
Curious, Lu Qin moved closer to see what he was drawing.
It turned out to be clothes.
To be precise, they are all kinds of clothing design drafts.
Lu Qin's eyes lit up, and she observed with great interest for a while, discovering that the clothing styles in each painting were very novel and quite different from the patterns she had seen when she went to the clothing store before.
"Husband, did you come up with all of these yourself?" Lu Qin couldn't help but pick up the ledger and flip through it. You see, Hao Jingshi's designs were very innovative; he was practically a genius.
If she could make these clothes and hang them in a clothing store as limited editions, wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?
"Hmm." Hao Jingshi snatched the ledger back and tossed it aside, seemingly unwilling to say more. "Just doodling to pass the time when I have nothing to do."
"Oh—" Lu Qin quickly picked up the ledger again and patted it. "Even your random scribbles are so exquisite. My husband is truly gifted! Husband, with such talent, why don't you open a clothing store?"
When Hao Jingshi saw her holding the ledger as if she had found a treasure, his expression changed. There was a hint of pride from being praised, and a hint of annoyance at having his secret thoughts exposed.
“I can’t even decide my own marriage, why do you think that is?” he said. “Those old fogies keep nagging that the eldest son should inherit the family business, and my parents just listen to their advice. It’s so annoying.”
"..." Lu Qin couldn't help but think to herself: This tiny plot of land, can it really be considered a family business?
The Hao family is wealthy and powerful, yet they let their young master, Hao Jingshi, run this small and old clinic. Shouldn't they be spending lavishly on their son's hobbies and interests?
Even just renovating the clinic and expanding its space would be great!
Lu Qin felt increasingly heartbroken as she thought about it. Such a promising talent, wasted like this!
Only with discerning judges can a fine horse be recognized. Since the in-laws don't appreciate talent, let her be Hao Jingshi's discerning judge!
Moreover, if she could win over Hao Jingshi to open a clothing shop with her, it would be entirely beneficial, saving her money and design drafts. How wonderful!
Thinking of this, Lu Qin quickly used her silver tongue to persuade Hao Jingshi: "Husband, although inheriting the family business is a comfortable choice, everyone has their own strengths. It's such a pity that your talent is being buried here!"
Hao Jingshi paused for a moment: "Don't you think this is neglecting your duties?"
Lu Qin continued to shower him with compliments: "How could that be! I think quite the opposite. My husband is destined for great things! The clothes he designs are ingenious. If they can be made, many people will surely love them!"
"Really...?" Hao Jingshi was skeptical.
"Of course!" Lu Qin nodded eagerly. "Husband, since you like it, why don't we open a clothing store together?"
"..." Hao Jingshi looked at her overly enthusiastic eyes, raised his hand and rubbed his chin, "I'm afraid it will be difficult. How will we explain it to our parents?"
Lu Qin held up one finger and analyzed, "Your in-laws don't know about your talent. They're afraid you'll suffer. If you secretly achieve something and amaze everyone, they definitely won't object anymore. Don't you think so?"
Hao Jingshi's eyes trembled, seemingly showing signs of being tempted.
But after thinking for a moment, he shook his head: "Forget it, it's unrealistic."
As he spoke, he closed the ledger and set it aside without drawing any more. Just then, a patient came to the clinic, so he got up to treat the patient.
Lu Qin wisely kept quiet and sat obediently to the side without disturbing anyone, but secretly moved one hand to the other side of the table and took the account book.
Hey, you're such a cool guy, why are you such a coward at crucial moments, always afraid of your parents?
It seems that she still needs to put in some extra effort to become a talent scout.
...
In the following days, Lu Qin began to use her brainwashing techniques, showering Hao Jingshi with compliments every day and using her silver tongue to persuade him and subtly inquire about his opinion.
However, Hao Jingshi remained unmoved, as if he couldn't understand her hints, or as if he thought her fantasy was too difficult to realize.
In short, he was as stubborn as a rock, and no matter how much you pushed him, he wouldn't budge and remained rooted to the spot.
Although Lu Qin was discouraged, she knew that with Hao Jingshi's help, she could open her shop more easily, so she still tried her best to help.
No matter how eloquently she spoke, Hao Jingshi remained unresponsive.
Lu Qin began to doubt his life, and could even imagine how much of a headache the matchmaker who had introduced him to Lu Qin must have had.
If all else fails, I'll just have to go it alone. It'll be tough and tiring, but it'll be less effort than trying to persuade this stubborn mule.
After a struggle.
One evening, Lu Qin decided to let go of herself and give up Hao Jingshi's help.
She washed up and changed her clothes, then returned to her dormitory, where she found Hao Jingshi leaning against the couch, looking at a yellowed book under the lantern on the table.
Seeing that he was staring intently at the book, Lu Qin tiptoed over and took a peek. She discovered that the book was full of clothing styles and embroidery patterns.
As expected, he still likes it; there's definitely potential.
Lu Qin felt a glimmer of hope rekindle in her heart, and seized the opportunity to lean closer and ask, "So it turns out that my husband likes to look at these things in his daily life. No wonder he can come up with such an outstanding design."
"It's none of your business." Hao Jingshi closed the book.
"…………"
鹿芩有点想揍他一顿，但想到自己的衣铺，又忍下来了，转而继续吹捧说，“夫君，妾身并非多管闲事，只是觉得惋惜，这般优秀的设计，竟不能变成实物。若是能照样子做出衣服，必定会有许多人喜爱。”
Hao Jingshi looked up at her, unusually refraining from referring to himself as "Young Master": "You really think... my designs are good?"
You could tell from his expression that he really craved recognition.
Lu Qin put on an expression of "I wish we had met sooner": "The clothes designed by my husband are absolutely wonderful! I am also a woman, and women understand women best! If I could wear the clothes designed by my husband, I would die without regrets!"
She spoke with great emotion, and seeing Hao Jingshi move his lips as if about to speak, she was filled with anticipation.
He still didn't budge, only saying, "Never mind, it's late, let's rest."
After he finished speaking, he took the book and walked out the door.
Lu Qin was a little discouraged, but she knew he was more responsive to gentle persuasion than force, and she couldn't rush things. So she softly said goodnight from behind in a low voice.
Hao Jingshi hummed in agreement.
He walked out the door hesitantly, and Lu Qin suddenly realized that he was actually very hungry for it, but he was hesitant to act because of some concerns.
She suddenly had a flash of inspiration and came up with a solution.
Since he was hesitant and unwilling to agree, she decided to act first and ask for his permission later. She rented the shop first and then pretended to give him a surprise.
No one can resist a surprise, especially when it's something you've always wanted.
Lu Qin quickly called out to Hao Jingshi again: "Wait, husband!"
Hao Jingshi turned around: "Is there anything else? I'm very sleepy right now..."
"Can you return the medical expenses I paid at the clinic?"
"..."
"My husband."
Lu Qin blinked her large, bright eyes.
"Good husband, handsome husband, we're all family, so please don't accept it. You're the best!"
...
Indeed, speaking softly and flattering are the most effective methods.
Lu Qin soon discovered her husband's new virtues—he was very straightforward and generous. He immediately returned the gold bar to her and the next day he even had his maid send her a lot of extra silver.
It's almost like triggering a gold coin explosion system.
Lu Qin was overjoyed as she looked at the trays of gleaming silver coins being brought in by the maids.
It was truly a stroke of luck for her; she obtained her first round of start-up capital so effortlessly!
She no longer needs to go to the money exchange for loans, nor does she need to set up a street stall to perform!
Lu Qin happily began to manage the money: she could divide it into two parts, one part to reward her servants and cultivate her own confidants, and the other part to rent a plot of land and set up and renovate her clothing shop.
After making the arrangements, Lu Qin immediately ran to the side hall to wait and pay her respects to her parents-in-law with Hao Jingshi.
Because she was in a very good mood, Lu Qin found Hao Jingshi more and more pleasing to the eye, and even thought his face was strangely handsome.
Those sharply defined eyebrows, those jewel-like eyes, that high-bridged nose, those rosy lips... she got a young husband for free, it's not a bad deal!
"What are you staring at me for?" Hao Jingshi noticed her infatuated gaze and asked, arms crossed.
With sparkling eyes, Lu Qin blurted out, "My husband is so handsome and dashing. I am truly blessed to have married him."
In order to obtain the silver, she had become completely absorbed in her art of flattery.
Although Hao Jingshi is stubborn and arrogant, he is easy to coax. A few kind words are enough to make him happy.
"Hmph, of course." As she expected, Hao Jingshi was very pleased, and his chin was raised high.
Lu Qin glanced at him and couldn't help but laugh.
If Hao Jingshi had a tail, it would be wagging high right now.
The two entered the hall together to pay their respects and chatted with Master Hao and Madam Hao for a while.
Master Hao and his wife scolded Hao Jingshi a few times, and then said that Lu Qin could go home to visit her family in a few days.
In addition, Madam Hao also said things like that Lu Qin should learn to manage the household affairs and have children soon.
Hearing the two elders mention the words "holding a grandson," Lu Qin felt uncomfortable all over, but she still pretended to be virtuous and obedient, nodding obediently.
She subtly inquired about the elders' views on women opening shops, but was met with disdain. They believed that women should prioritize their husbands, manage household affairs, and take care of their children, and should not be too ostentatious or show their faces in public.
She probed a few more times on Hao Jingshi's behalf and found that they didn't care whether Hao Jingshi liked it or not; they only arranged what they thought was most suitable for him, whether it was marriage or career.
They believed that saving lives was an ancestral duty that should not be neglected, and that Hao Jingshi, as the eldest son, was of noble status and rightfully entitled to inherit it.
They believe that marriage should be between people of similar social standing, and the main purpose is to continue the family line. They believe that having many children and grandchildren is a blessing.
Lu Qin had thought that a prominent family like the Hao family would be more open-minded, but she was surprised to find that they were just as rigid and conservative. She was quite worried.
Fifteen minutes later.
As the two emerged from the hall, Lu Qin was still lost in thought, pondering how to embarrass Aunt Zhao and Lu Ming.
Lost in thought, he suddenly heard Hao Jingshi say, "Because of that Aunt Zhao?"
Lu Qin was stunned for a moment: "What?"
She turned her head and saw Hao Jingshi standing with his arms crossed, looking in her direction.
"Cowardly as a mouse." He stood tall and straight, his steps were unrestrained, and his high ponytail swayed. "The moment you mention going back to your parents' home, your face turns as long as an eggplant. With me here, what are you afraid of?"
Lu Qin was stunned for a moment, completely unexpected that he would say this. She immediately felt that although her husband was a bit domineering, he was quite loyal.
"I am indeed afraid of Aunt Zhao, but I don't want my husband to be humiliated," Lu Qin said in a gentle voice. "If my husband feels it's bad luck, I will go back to my parents' home myself."
"No need for 'I don't care,' it's tiring for me to hear." Hao Jingshi turned his head back, still looking arrogant. "I'm going to meet these shallow people. If they dare to harm you in front of me, I'll take their lives."
With that, he turned and left.
"I'm going to the clinic now, you should go back and rest."
"Okay." Lu Qin agreed, secretly delighted. Is this what it feels like to have someone protecting you?
No matter how big or small the mountains are, nothing beats having a mountain to rely on!
She silently counted to five, then, thinking it was about time, called out again, "Husband, wait a minute!"
She would never let her powerful backer be defeated by another man!
Hao Jingshi stopped and looked back for a moment.
"What's wrong now?"
Lu Qin maintained her elegant posture and jogged over, raising her head to look at him affectionately. Unexpectedly, she stepped on a pebble, lost her footing, and fell headfirst into his arms.
"..."
Afraid she would fall, Hao Jingshi instinctively hugged her tightly, then awkwardly let go a moment later.
"..."
Lu Qin steadied herself and casually raised her hand, pretending nothing had happened: "Please don't overwork yourself, my husband, it will break my heart." She looked at him as she straightened his clothes.
Hao Jingshi crossed his arms again, stubbornly turned around, and refused to look at her, but his ears turned red instantly.
"There's no one else around, so let's not act."
He strode away, his dark robes fluttering anxiously. After a second, he turned back and said, "I've had some medicine brewed. Remember to drink it on time, or you'll be poisoned."
Having said that, it walked even faster, like a rabbit.
[Author's Note]
Note: The saying "Only with discerning judges of horses can one recognize a fine steed" comes from Han Yu's essay "On Horses".
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