Lin Qinghe woke up close to noon. She was momentarily stunned, recalling the progress bar increasing before she lost consciousness.
She clicked on it to check, and indeed, the progress bar had advanced.
Lin Qinghe mused, "The progress bar has reached ninety-six percent. The remainder should be completed once I buy a residence in town and move into the new house with Mother You. Then the progress bar will be full."
With a creak, the door opened, and You Rong walked in.
Lin Qinghe threw back the covers and sat up, complaining, "Why didn't you wake me? It's almost noon. Are we not opening the small eatery today?"
You Rong took Lin Qinghe's hand and smiled gently, "You were too tired last night. Let's rest for a day. I've already asked Aunt Li to visit the small eatery and inform the customers that we are closed today. You don't need to worry."
Mentioning last night, Lin Qinghe's cheeks flushed, "How dare you bring it up. I clearly said no, and you still, still..."
You Rong acknowledged his fault, "It was my mistake. I won't do it next time. I'll fetch water for you to wash up. After washing up, we'll have breakfast."
Watching You Rong's retreating back, Lin Qinghe felt a strange sense of sentimentality.
Thinking that this world was nearing its end, she found herself harboring a trace of reluctance...
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Three days later.
You Rong sent a letter to the Xu residence. Lin Qinghe didn't know what Xu Yiyi thought after reading it, as she hadn't appeared for two days. Lin Qinghe stopped giving her any thought.
To Lin Qinghe's surprise, after she had been so clear with Jiang Jingren that day, Jiang Jingren still sent things to her.
Staring at the pile of items before her, Lin Qinghe frowned and coldly told the person, "I don't need these. Please take them all back!"
The person was a young attendant, barely over twenty. He looked troubled and said, "Madam... Young Master insisted these be delivered. Please don't make things difficult for this humble servant. Also, the Young Master asked me to convey a message: he will be residing in Linjiangyuan for a while. If Madam faces any difficulties, please feel free to seek him out." Su Dan Novel Network.
After speaking, the attendant, truly intimidated by You Rong's menacing demeanor, hurried away, fearing that any delay would result in a beating before he could leave.
As soon as the person left, Lin Qinghe turned to see You Rong's dark expression and inwardly knew it was not good.
You Rong was a notorious jealous person. The last time he was jealous, it nearly turned the world upside down. She wasn't sure how she would appease him this time.
Jiang Jingren was also baffling, as if his brain were addled. Why couldn't he understand what was said? And sending these things to her just to provoke her!
Lin Qinghe pondered for a moment, then tugged at You Rong's sleeve, "You Rong, don't be angry. It's not that I'm entangled with Jiang Jingren. It's just that he has repeatedly..."
Before she could finish, You Rong picked up the pile of items and strode outside, throwing them all away. He returned with a slightly softened expression, took Lin Qinghe's hand, and said, "I am displeased, but I am not angry with you. You don't need to apologize. I know, your heart belongs only to me."
Lin Qinghe smiled upon hearing this, "That's right, my heart belongs only to you, and there's no room for anyone else..."
You Rong hummed in response, and the slight displeasure from before vanished completely. He gazed at Lin Qinghe with doting affection.
After Lin Qinghe returned to the kitchen to continue her work, she was unaware that You Rong had secretly found someone to deliver a letter to Jiang Jingren at Linjiangyuan. The letter was extremely harsh, berating Jiang Jingren and incidentally detailing how Lin Qinghe and he were deeply in love, their affection as profound as the sea.
You Rong didn't know what Jiang Jingren thought after reading the letter, but he was certainly in a very good mood.
Days passed, and the business of the small eatery grew increasingly prosperous. Lin Qinghe hired three more people and personally taught Aunt Li and Aunt Zhang how to cook, which finally allowed her to ease up a bit.
Aunt Zhang returned from outside, muttering indignantly, "Pah! Just because they have a bit of money, they think they're so great. I would never be such an ungrateful person..."
Lin Qinghe asked confusedly, "Aunt Zhang, what's wrong? Why are you so angry?"
Aunt Zhang said, "Just now, a man stopped me outside. He offered me money to work in his restaurant and tell him our small eatery's recipes, promising even more money. As soon as I heard it, I scolded him soundly and sent him away!"
Aunt Zhang took Lin Qinghe's hand and said, "Qinghe, rest assured, Aunt Zhang and Aunt Li will never forget your kindness. You taught us to cook, showing you didn't treat us as outsiders. You pay us such high wages and always help us. We will never be ungrateful people!"
Lin Qinghe smiled faintly and patted Aunt Zhang's hand, "Aunt Zhang, of course, I believe you!"
After comforting Aunt Zhang, who then returned to the kitchen to continue her work, Lin Qinghe lowered her eyes, a thoughtful expression on her small face.
With the business booming, it was inevitable that others would covet it. Could this person be the arrogant rich gentleman who had threatened to buy their recipe last time?
Unable to be certain, Lin Qinghe decided not to dwell on it. She trusted her judgment of people, otherwise she wouldn't have taught Aunt Li and Aunt Zhang how to cook so wholeheartedly.
Outside the small eatery at that moment.
A young attendant, head bowed, was being berated by a portly rich gentleman, "Useless! You can't even do a small thing right! What's the use of me keeping you, you good-for-nothing!"
"Master, I've done as you instructed, but that woman absolutely refused and even scolded me. I truly have no other recourse..."
The rich gentleman looked at the stream of customers entering the small eatery, gritted his teeth, and a malicious glint flashed in his eyes, "Very well! You refuse to accept a toast, so you'll be forced to drink a forfeit. Then don't blame me!"
The rich gentleman gave the attendant a look. The attendant quickly leaned in, and the rich gentleman whispered a few words to him. The attendant looked hesitant, "Master, must we really do this? What if, what if..."
"What is there to worry about? Hurry up and do it! I'll take care of anything that happens!"
The attendant dared not object further, repeatedly agreeing, "Yes, Master. I understand. I will proceed as you have instructed..."
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At night.
Lin Qinghe was calculating accounts when You Rong brought in hot water, "Qinghe, it's too cold. Your hands and feet are always icy. Soak your feet before sleeping; it will be more comfortable."
Lin Qinghe, while working on her abacus, replied, "Okay, put the wooden basin down first. I'll soak my feet after I finish this account."
You Rong placed the wooden basin at Lin Qinghe's feet, picked up her small feet, removed her shoes and socks, and placed them in the basin.
Lin Qinghe was taken aback. Seeing You Rong meticulously washing her feet, her cheeks flushed, and she urged, "You Rong! Get up quickly. I can soak them myself. Why are you washing them for me..."
You Rong gently held Lin Qinghe's foot to prevent her from moving, saying, "You went out to purchase ingredients today and were running around all day. You must be tired. Massaging your feet will prevent soreness and aches." You Rong looked up at her, "Continue with your accounts, don't mind me."