Chapter 159 is back
Arriving at the bookstore, Lu Yao did not reveal her identity first, but simply explained her purpose. Unexpectedly, the waiter did not kick her out, but instead invited her into the reception room at the back, and then went to find the shopkeeper before going to the front to greet other customers.
The shopkeeper was an old man from the Liu family, but he hadn't seen Liu Manyun for many years. Apart from thinking that the person looked familiar, he didn't recognize who she was.
Lu Yao curled her lips slightly and repeated her purpose.
When the shopkeeper heard they had a storybook they wanted to print and sell, he immediately became serious and asked, "Would you mind letting me have a sneak peek?"
Without having read the quality of the storybook, it is useless to talk about anything else.
"That's natural." Lu Yao took out a book and handed it over.
This is one of the books written by Gu Li.
The shopkeeper took it and began to look through it. His attitude was very professional, but as he looked more and more, his expression became more surprised and delighted, and his attitude became more serious.
He flipped through a few pages and couldn't help but want to continue reading, but in the end, his identity as the shopkeeper made him resist the urge to continue.
He coughed lightly, and without resorting to deceptive understatement, he spoke sincerely, "To be honest, this storybook is very well written. I hope our bookstore can help print and sell it."
Lu Yao smiled and said, "There's no rush, boss. Take another look at this."
As he spoke, he took out another book from Gu Li.
With the first book as a foundation, the shopkeeper was looking forward to this one. After flipping through a few pages, he had an idea in his mind that he must keep this big man in their bookstore. He had a hunch that with the help of the other party's storybook, their bookstore would be able to reach a higher level.
"Madam, may I meet the author of this book?"
Lu Yao hesitated.
"I'm sorry for being so abrupt," the shopkeeper said apologetically upon seeing this. "That's actually quite true. I'm a bit overjoyed."
Lu Yao explained, "It's nothing, actually. The main issue is that the author has a bad reputation."
The shopkeeper was a little curious, "Excuse me, could you please tell me more?"
If he wants long-term cooperation, he naturally needs to understand each other.
"I wonder if the shopkeeper has heard of Gu Li?" Lu Yao decided to be honest.
"Gu Li?" The shopkeeper thought for a moment and immediately matched the number. He was surprised: "Could it be him?"
Lu Yao nodded.
"He's finally willing to write?" The shopkeeper was very happy. "I went to him before, but he didn't want to write anymore. It's really a pity."
After hearing what he said, Lu Yao casually asked, "Does the shopkeeper know him?"
The shopkeeper sighed softly: "He is also a miserable person."
"The shopkeeper should know his reputation outside..."
The shopkeeper waved his hand: "The rumors outside are true and false. Without knowing the inside story, they are just people following the crowd and being exploited by those with ulterior motives."
As early as when their people went to him to write a book, this person's background had already been thoroughly investigated.
"Aren't you afraid, boss, that he really is that kind of person?"
"My master was very sorry and said that if he had been there, he would have prevented the injustice done to him and prevented the loss of such a talented and capable person."
The implication is that the head of the Liu family also knew this man and had a very high opinion of him, but unfortunately, the matter had already been decided and he was powerless to change it.
After hearing this, Lu Yao finally felt relieved.
"But the people outside..." She was still a little worried.
"Don't worry, Madam. We will definitely protect Mr. Gu's privacy and won't let anyone know that he wrote this book."
The shopkeeper paused for a moment and then asked, "Mr. Gu, have you ever thought about changing the current situation?"
"His fame and fortune were stripped away, his work was snatched away, and his job was destroyed. Now, Mr. Gu just wants to have a stable life."
After six years of painful experiences, fame and so on are no longer important to me.
Maybe they do, but in the face of survival, so-called self-esteem and pride are worthless.
Lu Yao thought.
It is very commendable that Mr. Gu sticks to his bottom line and principles even when he is at his wit's end.
As for those that have been lost, we still need to consider them in the long run.
As for those sinister villains who use tricks behind the scenes, they will always get their comeuppance.
Lu Yao and the shopkeeper, one with good intentions and the other with intent, reached a cooperation intention. After that, they communicated directly and drafted the contract. After confirming that it was correct, they signed it and made three copies at a very fast speed.
After signing the contract, they further discussed and negotiated about the distribution and promotion. The shopkeeper thought he was quite good at doing business, but after chatting with Lu Yao, he was surprised to realize that there are always people better than you. This woman was young but had outstanding insights and unique creativity. He was already treating her sincerely, and he was even more sincere.
He had a premonition that as long as he became friends with the other party, Sifang Bookstore would surely become prosperous in the future.
Lu Yao didn't know what the shopkeeper was thinking. She put the contract away and then looked at Liu Manyun.
After the serious business is done, the rest depends on my aunt's opinion.
Liu Manyun, who had been serving as a background figure, finally looked at the shopkeeper and said, "Manager Liu did a great job."
Shopkeeper Liu was surprised and wanted to take a closer look, but fearing he might offend the distinguished guest, he could only ask apologetically, "Are you..."
Liu Manyun smiled faintly: "After more than ten years of separation, Manager Liu has become even more powerful."
"Miss!" Shopkeeper Liu finally reacted and exclaimed, "I'm blind, please forgive me, Miss."
I felt a little scared, but fortunately I didn't have any other thoughts.
"I've changed a lot, so it's normal that you can't recognize me," Liu Manyun comforted her, "If I hadn't heard mother mention it, I wouldn't be sure it was you."
Shopkeeper Liu hadn't expected that the script he'd chosen was actually related to the young lady. Thinking of the contract they'd just discussed, he hesitated and said, "Look, should we... re-sign it?"
Lu Yao shook her head: "That's great."
They are seeking long-term cooperation and mutual benefit to achieve a win-win situation. They cannot give special treatment just because the other party is my aunt's family.
Because we are relatives by marriage, we want to give them some convenience, but in terms of interests, if we want long-term cooperation and better development, we cannot take advantage of the relationship.
When it comes to business, once there is no sense of boundaries in some things, even the best relationships cannot withstand the consumption.
Seeing that he had not been of any help, Shopkeeper Liu felt a little embarrassed. Liu Manyun said, "Please take care of this gentleman's work from now on."
Hearing this, he became happy again and patted his chest to guarantee that he would give this gentleman the best treatment. Those conspirators, greedy schemes and calculations outside would not be able to hurt him.
Liu Manyun believed this.
Not to mention the status of the Liu family, the ability of Manager Liu cannot be underestimated. With his guarantee, those people from the outside world can't do anything to Gu Li.
The two men came out of Sifang Bookstore, exchanged a few words, and then left.
Now it is the preliminary preparation stage, and there are still many things to prepare. They have already divided the work according to the plan in advance, and they only need to focus on the part they are responsible for.
Lu Yao returned to Rong's house and first told Gu Li about the situation.
Hearing that there was nothing to worry about and that he just needed to focus on his creation, he felt a little confused. "Sifang Bookstore, really..."
"They had already investigated your situation when they first came to see you, so," Lu Yao explained, "you don't have to worry at all."
After hearing her say this, Encourage couldn't hold back his tears any longer. Those days of fear and uncertainty were finally over.
Oh no, it was over when I met the Rong family.
"Everything will be fine." Lu Yao did not stay here. She comforted him and left.
At this time, he might need to be alone and quiet.
In the following days, they were all busy.
Lu Yao always takes care of her two children no matter what she does, and her life is very fulfilling, but how can she not miss someone without them?
"When will Daddy and Uncle come back?"
"I miss Daddy, Uncle, and Uncle Mozhu."
The two little guys sat in the yard, supporting their heads with their hands, looking a little listless.
"What's going on? Have you decided what to eat for dinner?"
Lu Yao looked at the two of them with amusement. Calculating the time, today was the twelfth day of the first lunar month, and it had been six days since they left. Logically, the formula and process were all there, so it shouldn't take much time. But there was still no news after so many days, and she couldn't help but worry. However, she couldn't show any abnormality in front of the two children.
In the past few days, Lu Yao took the two children to try all kinds of delicious food and played many games they had never played before. While Haohao and Yueyue were happy, they missed their father and uncle even more.
It would be nice if my dad and uncle were around.
Lu Yao understood the children's thoughts and ideas. After all, as an adult, she missed them too.
Oh, I don’t know how they are doing over there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
In a heavily guarded mountain villa, Rong Yanhui and Lu Mingxiu were frowning at a pile of materials.
"Do you want to continue?" Rong Yanhui asked uncertainly.
Lu Mingxiu was also unsure: "What do you think?"
They have completed the assigned tasks, and what lies before them now is purely an unexpected reward. However, when they think of the scene they saw at Yaomei/Xiaomei's place before, it was so earth-shattering, so deafening, so...unbearable to watch.
Rong Yan thought back to what Yao Mei had said about the possible future events, and his mind shifted slightly: "The border is becoming increasingly unstable. Facing the shameless barbarians, the Tatars, our chances of success are slim."
Lu Mingxiu thought of the rumors spread by foreigners and became more determined: "If the people of Dayong have to face such cruelty, I will choose to be cruel to the enemy."
The two made a decision and started to carry out the next research without hesitation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On Lu Yao's side, because the plan was very comprehensive, the preparations for the teahouse were proceeding in an orderly and rapid manner, and it would be all done in about two days.
Lu Yao checked the current progress and discussed it with Liu Manyun and others. Finally, they decided to open the store on the 16th day of the first lunar month.
Everything is ready and they are very confident about this teahouse.
"Xiao Rong and the others haven't come back yet?"
Liu Manyun was a little worried: "Could it be..."
She didn't say the rest, but Lu Yao understood. She smiled and said, "Don't worry. If everything goes well, I should be back soon, unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless there is a new discovery." Lu Yao said softly.
If it was just an ordinary fireworks configuration, it wouldn't take so long given Rong Ge and his brother's abilities. And now the return date is still uncertain. Presumably, things have developed as he expected.
She felt complicated, nervous but relieved at the same time. Even though she had a lot of thoughts in her mind, she couldn't do anything now.
All we can do is wait for them to come back.
The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival.
The people of Dayong attach great importance to this festival and start preparations early. On this night, almost all towns will hold lantern festivals of varying sizes. On this day, the women in the family can also go out for fun. If they meet someone they are destined to be with and they both have a good impression of each other, the family will help them get to know each other.
Marriages facilitated during the Lantern Festival are much more reliable than blind marriages arranged by parents and matchmakers. Many young couples have very good relationships after marriage. Therefore, the Lantern Festival is also jokingly called Valentine's Day.
On this day, Lu Yao got up early in the morning. She went around to each shop to check and make sure there were no problems. She then went to check on the follow-up of the teahouse, which would be open tomorrow. Their teahouse was different from ordinary teahouses, and every detail had to be paid attention to in order to make it a hit.
When she got home after finishing her work, it was noon. She had lunch with the two little ones and took a nap. Lu Yao sat under the eaves and looked at the scenery outside. She didn't know what to do for a moment.
It's the fifteenth, and Rong Ge and my elder brother haven't returned yet. I don't know how they are doing now, and whether they have completed the task assigned by the higher-ups. If not, we won't be able to set off the fireworks as planned today...
She shook her head, this result would never happen.
She stood up, walked to the low table, took out a notebook and started writing and drawing.
Mr. Gu has already made some progress, but she still has to continue working on her story outline. Without a novel and interesting story, it will be difficult for the teahouse to retain customers. Her writing skills are not good and she cannot write a touching story, but she can make an outline. As long as she writes the main line of the story, Mr. Gu will naturally take care of the rest.
She had just finished writing an outline and was preparing to flesh out the main plot and add some details when Xiao Yunhao and Xiao Xinyue got up. Lu Yao put away her things and went out to play with the two children. After the Lantern Festival, the Chinese New Year was over. Next, it would be a busy and fulfilling year. It was time for Xiao Yunhao to go to school with Xiao Huaibai. She wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.
As he was playing, Xiao Yunhao looked at the courtyard gate with some sadness: "Aren't Daddy and Uncle coming back today?"
Today is the Lantern Festival. Without my father and uncle, I always feel like something is missing.
"Mom, I miss Dad." Little Xinyue sniffed. She felt like she had been separated from her Dad for a very long time.
Lu Yao sighed softly. She missed them too.
“Hey~”
“Hey~”
“Hey~”
The three of them sighed in unison, looking at each other in bewilderment, and finally couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Lu Yao pinched the two little ones' cheeks and said, "What do you want to eat tonight? Mommy will make it for you."
It’s the holiday season, and although there are three people missing from home, the sense of ceremony is still necessary.
In fact, Liu Manyun and the others told her in advance that they would go to Rong Mansion to celebrate the festival today, but Lu Yao refused. She wanted to wait for them to come back at home.
The two children thought about it and finally decided to eat copper hot pot.
Like hot pot, this one is simple.
Lu Yao gave the order immediately, and within half an hour, the things she needed were delivered from the kitchen.
Lu Yao told Ding Ping to ask the kitchen to prepare extra food for everyone, then asked the servants to leave, and she took the two children to prepare to eat.
After playing for an afternoon, the two children were hungry. They stared at the copper pot anxiously, wondering why it hadn’t been opened yet?
Seeing this, Lu Yao was a little amused and took out a plate of crispy meat: "Fill your stomach first."
The crispy pork was bought from my favorite old store. It is still crispy, salty and fragrant. Haohao and Yueyue also like it the most.
After eating about half of the crispy meat, the bottom of the pot began to boil. Just as Lu Yao was about to put some ingredients in to cook, she heard the excited voice of Butler Ding coming from outside the door.
"Master, uncle, you are back?"
Xiao Yunhao paused while picking up the crispy meat and listened carefully. He heard nothing else and looked at Lu Yao suspiciously: "Wife, did you hear anything?"
Lu Yao was busy preparing the ingredients and didn't pay attention to what was happening outside. She really didn't understand what Xiao Yunhao asked.
"Madam, Miss and Master are preparing to eat copper hot pot in the house."
"Master and uncle, do you want to wash up first?"
The voice outside was faint and vague. Except for the first sentence, which was too loud due to shock, there was no panic or other expressions in the rest of the sentence.
As the people outside got closer, their voices became clearer.
"Mother, is it Father or Uncle?"
"Mom, Daddy and Uncle are back!"
The two little guys stood up immediately and ran outside quickly, shouting "Daddy and Uncle" as they ran, full of anxiety.
Lu Yao also had a look of longing on her face, but she did not run out like the two children. Instead, she quickly took out more ingredients from the space and put them aside, and put some more ingredients into the pot.
After everything was done, he tidied his clothes and hair, and made sure there was nothing wrong, then he followed him out.
At this time, Xiao Yunhao and Xiao Xinyue had already thrown themselves into the arms of their father and uncle. They really missed them after not seeing them for so many days.
Rong Yanhui and Lu Mingxiu each carried a child as they walked into the yard. When they saw Yaomei/Xiaomei, they curled their lips and smiled at her.
"Sister Yao, I'm back."
"Little sister, we are back."
Lu Yao smiled brightly at them: "Welcome home."
After saying that, he told Ding Ping to have the kitchen prepare some more ingredients and send them over. Then he looked at the two of them and asked, "Do you want to wash up first?"
Rong Yanhui and Lu Mingxiu shook their heads. After they finished their work, they washed and changed their clothes before returning.
"In that case, let's wash our hands and get ready to eat." The food in the pot was almost cooked.
Knowing that his master had something to say, Ding Ping immediately asked people to prepare, while he himself stood guard at the door, intending to wait for the things to be delivered, and then he would take them in and leave.
Here, Rong Yanhui and the other two had already washed their hands and went to the table.
"I could tell it was hot pot from the aroma from afar," Rong Yanhui couldn't help but say before he even sat down. "It's been a while since I've had home-cooked meals."
He really thought about it.
"How have you been lately? How's your diet?" Lu Yao felt sorry for both of them, noticing they had lost weight. "It must have been tough, right?"
Lu Mingxiu shook his head. It wasn't that hard. He just wanted to finish it quickly so he could go home earlier.
"There are dedicated people to take care of my food and accommodation, but I am always worried about things and always want to finish them early and come back early," he said.
In the past, he only saw his younger sister and two children a few times a year, and he didn't think it was a big deal at the time. But in the past few months, they have been together almost day and night. After being separated for a few days, he felt like something was missing in his heart, and it was empty.
Rong Yanhui also nodded. He had never been separated from Yao Mei since they got married. Now that they were separated, he felt something was wrong all over. Even though the food was good and the accommodation was good, he still couldn't eat or sleep well.
Lu Yao understood what they were thinking. She said nothing, but simply poured a lot of the boiled meat and vegetables into the three people's bowls, indicating that they should eat more.
It perfectly demonstrates that silence is better than sound.
It was not the first time they had eaten copper hotpot, but every time, they were shocked by its deliciousness, especially when they were reunited after being separated for several days, they felt that the taste of this delicious food had risen to a higher level.
Lu Yao silently picked up food for the others. Lu Mingxiu and the others didn't hesitate either. After eating for a while, they put down their chopsticks and said, "You should eat quickly too. Don't just focus on picking food for us."
"We haven't been hungry or tired these past few days. We've just been using our brains more. Whatever we want to do, the people below will do it for us."
Lu Yao believed half of these words.
In order to avoid making them worry, these people usually only report good news and not bad news. Since they are unwilling to talk, I will not ask anymore.
only,
There is an important issue that must be understood first.
"Have you finished your work over there? Are you going back?"
After hearing this, both of them smiled:
"I'm not going back. I've given the information to those people. I'm sure there will be results soon."
"We have other things to do. We can't stay there all the time to study fireworks and other things."
"Have you made the fireworks?" Lu Yao asked again.
Rong Yanhui and Lu Mingxiu nodded, "Actually, we were almost done on the third day, but then we realized...that's why we were delayed."
Needless to say, Lu Yao knew what she had discovered.
"The Emperor will set off fireworks near the Lantern Festival tonight," Rong Yanhui added, "After dinner, let's go out for fun together."
If they hadn't wanted to rush back early to celebrate the festival and visit the lantern festival with them, the three of them wouldn't have been researching non-stop day and night.
Fortunately,
They returned in time of course.
The family happily enjoyed a reunion hotpot.
After dinner, they changed into simple, convenient and less eye-catching clothes and went out.
None of them had ever attended a lantern festival, so they naturally wouldn't miss it today.
Just like the last time they went to the temple fair, the group not only carried the children with them, but also gave both children anti-lost devices.
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