Xiao Yunying let Luo Chen and Luo Yang do their own thing, while she sat down and chatted with Chen Yuancheng about the recent revenue of Huiweilou. Listening to his rough estimate of the accounts, the corners of her mouth never left her lips.
She also mentioned her plans for the fifty acres of land behind the house.
Fifty acres is quite a lot. Even if Huiweilou is doing well, there is a limit to the number of diners it can serve each day, and it probably can't handle that many vegetables.
After thinking for a moment, Chen Yuancheng said, "If you trust me, you can grow more vegetables that are easy to store. I will then transport them to other places to sell. This way, there will be no waste, and you can earn more money."
She had considered this method, but she had her own concerns.
Within the territory of Donglin City, with Chen Yuancheng protecting her, she could engage in minor disturbances as appropriate.
But if she leaves Donglin City and attracts the attention of some powerful or influential person, can Chen Yuancheng protect her?
Perhaps guessing what Xiao Yunying was worried about, Chen Yuancheng said, "Don't worry, as far as I know, it won't be long before the higher authorities issue an order to reopen maritime trade. At that time, your goods will be able to appear on the market openly. As for the rest that you can't say, just put the word 'secrecy' on me."
Xiao Yunying exclaimed with delight, "Really? That's wonderful!"
Chen Yuanyao, eating beef jerky beside her, said, "Sister Yunying, fifty acres of land is quite a lot. You and your family probably can't manage to cultivate it all. Wouldn't you be worried about hiring people to grow those exotic vegetables? Why don't you buy some servants to take back with you?"
Xiao Yunying stroked her chin: "I did have that idea."
Vegetables like chili peppers can be grown from seeds, but hiring someone to grow them could lead to various other problems and issues, which she was indeed worried about.
She had some reservations about buying and selling people, but not much.
After all, the social environment of this world is like this, and it cannot be compared with the modern social environment.
Even though she disliked it, she had to admit that having a contract of servitude in her hands made her feel much more at ease.
Besides, she's not the kind of unscrupulous boss who exploits her employees. She only buys people to keep their contracts as a form of security, and she won't skimp on their monthly wages.
So she doesn't feel any psychological pressure about this.
There's only one problem: the people who bought the place have nowhere to stay.
Chen Yuanyao said in time, "Sister Yunying, if you don't know how to choose people, let your older brother go with you. He's very good at judging people."
Xiao Yunying did not refuse: "Let's talk about it later. We have nowhere to settle the people we've bought. I'm thinking of waiting a few more days, then setting aside a piece of land in the vegetable garden to build some houses before buying more people."
Chen Yuancheng poured her some tea: "Okay, come find me whenever you want to buy people."
After finishing their business, it was almost time for dinner. Since they were going to watch the fireworks tonight, Xiao Yunying and the children were all dressed a bit too warmly, so Chen Yuancheng didn't let her cook.
After dinner, it was already dark, and all sorts of lanterns lit up the streets.
Looking down from the window of the private room, you can see candlelight shining through lanterns of various shapes, casting shadows on people coming and going.
The sounds of vendors hawking their wares and children laughing filled the air, adding a vibrant touch to the quaint street.
Xiao Yunying really liked this environment and atmosphere; it was relaxing and comfortable, allowing her to unwind completely.
If she were alone at this moment, she could sit by the window and watch for an hour or two without feeling tired.
Chen Yuancheng looked at her profile from the side, feeling a sense of peaceful warmth.
He thought it would be nice to spend a little more time with her like this.
Unfortunately, there was also a clueless Chen Yuanxuan who, worried that he would miss the fireworks if he was late, kindly reminded Chen Yuancheng.
"Brother, it's already dark. Let's go down and see the lanterns."
Xiao Yunying withdrew her gaze, stood up and straightened her clothes: "It's getting late, let's go."
Chen Yuancheng glanced at Chen Yuanxuan with a nonchalant expression. Chen Yuanxuan's smile froze. Why did he feel that his elder brother's gaze was so cold? Had he done something wrong?
Chen Yuancheng didn't say anything and left the private room with Xiao Yunying.
After going downstairs, most of the diners in the restaurant had left; they must have all gone to admire the lanterns.
Xiao Yunying held Luo Xin's hand and repeatedly told the children to stay close to the adults and not to go to crowded places.
Chen Yuanxuan raised his head and said, "Don't worry, there are many of my family's guards around, they won't get lost."
Xiao Yunying scanned the street but didn't see any guards. Uncertainly, she asked, "Really? I didn't see any?"
“Yes.” Chen Yuancheng gestured for Xiao Yunying to look at the two men on the left who seemed to be guessing riddles. The two men nodded slightly to him.
Xiao Yunying felt much relieved: "You disguised it quite well."
Chen Yuanyao said, "Don't worry, Sister Yunying. My brother was worried that you would feel uncomfortable if there were too many people around, so he had the guards disguised and hidden in the crowd. There are quite a few of our family's guards around, so it's very safe."
"That's good."
Guessing lantern riddles is an essential part of the Lantern Festival. Chen Yuanyao excitedly led them to the most bustling stall and peeked out to watch others guess the riddles.
Some of these riddles were very simple for Xiao Yunying. She had seen many riddles that were not much different before. They were just different versions of the same thing, and she could guess the answer with a slight change. They were very easy to guess.
But due to cultural differences, some things are difficult for her. She doesn't understand the references and tropes in this world, and she probably wouldn't be able to figure them out even if she racked her brains.
Therefore, she prefers to watch others guess.
The stall owner selling lanterns introduced the activity to everyone. It was very simple: if you guessed ten lantern riddles correctly in a row, you could choose any lantern you wanted.
Xiao Yunying looked at the lanterns hanging on the shelf with great interest. You have to admit, each one was very exquisite and beautiful.
One of the rabbit-shaped ones was particularly cute, so she couldn't help but take a second look.
In order to get free lanterns for their younger siblings, Luo Chen and Luo Yang have already started trying to solve lantern riddles.
Chen Yuanyao also tried, not to be outdone, but Chen Yuanxuan, with his limited education, quickly got stuck on the third riddle.
Chen Yuancheng asked from the side, "Don't you want to give it a try?"
Xiao Yunying watched others guessing riddles with great interest, then shook her head and said, "I know my own limitations; I can't do it."
Listening to the riddles the stall owner was telling, she had no clue about several of them and couldn't even figure out where to start thinking, so she decided to give up.
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