The toothbrush became a hit in Beining; everyone knew about this wonderful product. Every morning, people no longer needed to waste salt rinsing their mouths. Even ordinary people could afford the one made of pig bristles; it only cost a few coins and could last for several months. For frugal families, it could last a year.
"Mom, when are we going home? I've had enough of this place," Huo Xiaolong said to his two mothers.
It's been almost a month since we arrived in Beining, and the little dumpling is a bit homesick. She misses the big trees at the entrance of Hualiu Lane, the beautiful ladies in the brothels, and her whiny little bear cub at home. She misses everything; there's no place like home.
"In a few days, your Aunt He will probably be done with her work soon and will be able to come back."
He Qingzhu has been managing Huaxuetang with Wang Buyou recently, and there's a lot to do. Since the store was moved to a larger location, more young ladies and wives have been coming to shop there in person.
Either the product is sold out, or the young lady and lady of the house are arguing over the only remaining plum blossom ointment.
The two of them were so busy they barely had time to breathe, dealing with these matters every day. It would be one thing if it were anyone else, but it just so happened to be these powerful and influential people.
The person in charge couldn't get a word in edgewise; only the owner could speak up.
"Couldn't you have shipped more goods over? We haven't had a proper meal in days," Wang Buyou said, looking much more haggard than when they first met.
"I want to do more! But we only have so many people. We usually have extra stock, but who knew things would turn out like this after we changed shops?"
"You should have thought of these things before you changed..."
Although Young Master Wang is a bit blunt, he is indeed far more mature in business than I am. He Qingzhu pressed her temples and said humbly.
"Indeed, I'll recruit more people when I return to Pingyang County in a few days. Thank you for your help these past few days, running around with me."
The young man was a little embarrassed and lowered his head to say...
"It wasn't too tiring, just a bit troublesome with all the apologizing. You can't blame it on business being too good, can you?"
"Hahaha"
The two exchanged a smile. For people like them who were obsessed with money, this little bit of hardship was nothing but happiness.
The mountain path in early spring felt peaceful and serene, with a moist, earthy scent in the air that was particularly comforting. The trees on both sides of the road were beginning to sprout new buds, their vibrant green tips a pleasing sight. Traces of winter still lingered in the nearby valleys, such as icicles on the trees and snow piled up along the roadside, but these elements blended harmoniously without appearing out of place.
The return journey wasn't as cold as last month, and Huo Xiaolong had already taken off his inner shirt and was playing with Xiangxiang by the carriage window, wrapped in a cotton-padded coat.
"Finally home!"
"Are you homesick?" the little girl asked.
"Yeah, I miss my sisters, and Xiongzi too, I miss them all. Besides, I haven't practiced my external martial arts properly for a month."
"Me too……"
It's so good to be home. The little girl thought she might have a lot of trouble in Beining, but not only did she come back safely, she also brought her grandma with her.
"Aunt Zhang! We're back!"
As soon as the carriage arrived at the entrance of the brothel, a little girl dressed in pink jumped off and ran straight into the courtyard.
"Oh dear, look who's come home!"
"Aunt Zhang!"
When Zhang's mother hugged her beloved daughter, she felt more content than ever before.
Why do I feel so empty inside now that the girl who's always around me is gone? I've never missed her this much, not even when I've been separated from my parents for so many years.
"You've lost weight!"
"Yeah! My mom's cooking in Beining wasn't as good as yours."
The little dumpling whispered in Zhang's mother's ear that He Yi was more particular about health when cooking, and didn't use as much oil as Zhang's mother, so it didn't taste as good.
"Aunt Zhang has been cooking for you every day these past few days! What would our Long'er like to eat?"
I want to eat rice with pork lard tonight!
"become!"
Huo Xiaolong couldn't help but swallow when he thought of that fragrant aroma. Each grain of rice was distinct, plump, and delicate, coated with fragrant but not greasy lard. It didn't need many seasonings; just a little soy sauce was enough to make it delicious.
Her mother didn't let her eat much of it, saying that it would ruin her figure when she grew up.
It's not really He Yi's fault. Huo Xiaolong eats whatever he finds delicious every day. For example, if he wants to eat rice with lard, he has to eat it for three or four meals in a row before he can stop, until he's had enough.
This is not good; it easily leads to a lack of self-discipline. All that talk about body shape is just a joke.
"Long'er!"
"You're not going home tonight, are you? How about sleeping with your sister?"
"Let me tell you about Liu Xu. We've hardly ever argued about anything in our building. You can't just get Long'er to stay with you because you arrived first. If you ask me, the sisters should draw lots."
"Yes, yes, yes! Zhihua's method is excellent."
Everyone's been missing their sister for a long time, so tonight we have to compete fairly.
Is there any idea that won't hurt feelings but will convince everyone? Well, the only solution is to draw lots. Let's leave it to fate.
"Long'er, tell me quickly, did you miss me while you were in Beining?"
"I miss you!" Huo Xiaolong expressed his longing openly, his little mouth never stopping for a long time.
"Are the girls from Beining prettier, or are we prettier?"
"You guys look good!"
Even if there are really beautiful women in Beining, I can't say that. In Xiaotuanzi's heart, the women in Fengyuelou are the most beautiful!
They were unfortunate, they were beautiful, and they had no one to rely on in the chaotic world.
But they refused to accept it; even in a brothel, they lived life to the fullest, facing death.
Even with Huo Xiaolong's spiritual spring blessing them, the training was still very arduous. In the beginning, every girl had bruises all over her body, and she couldn't even lift her legs when she slept at night. But none of the girls in the building gave up.
Even without the little dumpling, they were still people who clung to the vines and tried their best to climb up. It was just that a stroke of luck came and someone pulled them up.
I invite you to enjoy this radiant sunshine with me.
"How about we don't open the door tonight?"
Mother Cen returned today but didn't take charge of anything. She was exhausted from the long journey, and even with her profound inner strength, she would still be tired. Right now, it's still Mother Zhang and Manager Zhao who are in charge of the building, and the girls are pleading with the woman in front of them.
"Okay! I'll cook two extra dishes tonight to welcome our Long'er home!"
Huo Xiaolong hadn't touched the ground since arriving at the brothel, spending the entire evening in the arms of the young women.
"Let her eat by herself! Look how spoiled she is, she's got a big head on the planet."
After resting, Cen Ang ate with everyone. Looking at Huo Xiaolong, who was happily squirming in Liu Xu's arms and being fed, she said, "I already think I've spoiled her enough. Who knew these girls in the building would feed her like this? Why don't you guys chew her food for her?"
"Mom, isn't it because Long'er just got back? Besides, the child must be exhausted from all that traveling back and forth."
"That's right, Mom, just for today, you've agreed, haven't you?"
A group of girls took turns nagging her. Cen's mother looked at Huo Xiaolong, who was slightly smug, and said, "Fine, be smug, I'll let you go to school tomorrow!"
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