Since we said we'd invest, we couldn't just talk about it. Everyone here is the type to act on their words, so we went back to get the money right after dinner.
Over the years, I've made some money, more or less. Most of them don't have families, so they only keep some for daily expenses and take the rest.
He Jiu Niang had Lianhua record everything carefully, so that they could receive their share of the profits according to the agreed-upon ratio.
"So, does that mean we're the owners of the club now? Will we have to pay to go there for a good time?"
"What do you think? Of course, it should be deducted from your profit share!"
"Go ahead and deduct it, anyway, I didn't spend any money when I kept track of the expenses, hahaha!"
"Following my sister-in-law's business, we're practically making money without lifting a finger!"
"Who can argue with that? It's all thanks to you, sister-in-law! From now on, this business belongs to us brothers. If there's anything you need, just let us know, sister-in-law!"
...
Listening to them talk, Lu Baichuan was also tempted; he wanted to too…
Forget it, he didn't want to; his wife would give him enough pocket money every month.
After seeing everyone off, Lianhua sighed, "Aunt Jiu Niang is really amazing. So many people want to do business with her."
He Jiuniang smiled and patted her head, saying, "You're great too. I asked your Aunt Cheng, and she said you can already handle things on your own. You've only been in Jingzhou for a few days, and you've already done so well. Your aunt is so proud!"
Lotus smiled shyly and said, "Little Sheep and Youya are also very capable!"
Although they weren't in the same shop, they would exchange ideas and learn from each other when they came back in the evening. The progress of the three of them was almost synchronized, except that Youya was a little younger and lagged behind slightly.
"Yes, you are both great. You and Youya don't need to go to the shop for the banquet the day after tomorrow. Stay home and help out."
This banquet is for women, so Lu Xiaoyang can't attend.
He Jiuniang meant for them to broaden their horizons, but Lianhua thought she was being asked to run errands, so she quickly nodded in agreement.
She's been in Jingzhou for so long, and her aunt has taken such good care of her; it's only right that she does these little things.
However, on the morning of the banquet, when faced with the very gorgeous dress that He Jiuniang had her maids bring, she was so nervous that her hands trembled.
These dresses were designed by He Jiuniang beforehand, specifically for them to wear at the banquet.
The family makes clothes, and Lianhua and Youya have seen many gorgeous clothes like this before, but this is the first time they have worn them themselves.
Both are in the same color family, pale yellow, which is perfect for a girl of this age, just with different designs.
Lianhua was a bit older, and He Jiuniang, understanding the young girl's desire to look beautiful, made her waist more fitted, which made Lianhua look graceful and elegant. In addition, she was already beautiful, and with a little dressing up, she was no less beautiful than those noble ladies.
Youya is still a bit young, so her dress is loose and has a touch of childlike fun. She's cute, lively, and very lovable.
When He Jiuniang finished tidying herself up and came to see them, the maids were helping them with their hair and makeup. When they saw her coming, they were about to bow, but He Jiuniang waved her hand and said, "You are busy, don't worry about me."
Lotus and Youya turned to look at her, and were amazed to see her dressed up in finery and with exquisite makeup.
"Auntie, you're so beautiful!"
Youya couldn't help but cover her mouth. When she and Lianhua put on their new dresses, she thought they were quite pretty, but in front of her aunt, they instantly paled in comparison.
He Jiuniang laughed generously, "Right? We're treating ourselves, so of course we can't be stingy. Everyone dress up nicely so those people know that even though we're from the countryside, we're no worse than them, understand?"
"Uh-huh!"
The two nodded, both wearing confident smiles.
They've matured a lot during this time, seen a lot of the world, and are no longer as timid and uneasy as they were at the beginning. Today, they're determined to put their aunt in her place.
Besides the wives and daughters of officials, He Jiuniang also invited Doctor Song's wife and daughter-in-law, as well as Cheng Xuewei and Jiang Ruoya.
Lady Hou, the wife of Doctor Song, and Lady Jin, the daughter-in-law, were not too bad off. After all, Doctor Song had a glorious few years when he was a royal physician in the capital. He would occasionally attend such banquets and was quite at ease with them.
The gifts they brought were handed to the servants at the door, and then the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, hand in hand, followed the maid into the backyard, admiring the scenery there.
"This legendary Stream Garden is truly something else! Such a beautiful courtyard, and these flowers, it's really rare. Flowers blooming so beautifully in late autumn must be incredibly valuable!"
Madam Song kept praising it, and when she encountered something she really liked, she would reach out and gently touch it.
"If Madam likes them, we can take a few pots back with us later!"
He Jiuniang, accompanied by Lianhua and Youya, came to greet the guests and, upon seeing them, immediately offered to present them with flowers.
"Oh dear, no, no, no!"
Madam Song hurriedly waved her hand in refusal, "Such a fine thing, wouldn't it be a waste to give it to me? It's better to leave it here!"
"Oh my, Dr. He looks like a fairy descended to earth today, how can she be so beautiful!"
"These two must be daughters from your family, right? They're both beauties! When they grow up, this door will be so popular they'll be worn down by suitors!"
Madam Song spoke kind words as if they were free, one after another, giving He Jiu Niang no chance to interject.
"Haha, I like hearing you say that, Mrs. Song. Feel free to wander around. There are pastries and Lu Hei Ya (a type of braised duck) prepared over there. If you're interested, you can go and have a taste!"
He Jiuniang had to entertain other guests, so she couldn't listen to her flattery anymore. She could only point with slight regret to the lawn not far away, where several tables were set up. The pastries and fruits on them were exquisite and beautiful, as well as the brightly colored drinks, which amazed everyone who saw them.
Madam Song and her daughter-in-law were delighted and hurried over to join in the fun.
Cheng Xuewei had attended quite a few banquets before, but those were all organized by daughters of merchants. This time, He Jiuniang had invited women from official families, so she didn't dare to walk too loudly, for fear of offending someone.
He Jiuniang found it amusing to see her like this, so she had Lianhua take her arm and lead her away.
"We're all human, not monsters. Just be yourself. Besides, I'll take care of things if anything happens."
He Jiuniang patted her hand, giving her the greatest encouragement.
Cheng Xuewei said nervously, "I'm just afraid of causing you trouble. I have a lowly status, and I'm afraid someone will use this against me."
"Don't worry, I've got everything covered. Lotus, take your Aunt Cheng inside for a cup of tea."
"Alright! Aunt Cheng, don't worry. Just think of it as a regular meal here. There's nothing to be nervous about. We're in business too! What's there to be afraid of?"
Lianhua took her hand and left while talking. He Jiuniang looked at Youya and smiled, "Are you envious of your sister Lianhua?"
Lotus handles these matters with ease and can now stand on her own, while Youya can only watch from He Jiuniang's side, unable to help but feel envious.
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