He wished for Xie Yan to have some sharp edges, to be able to stand firm in the world. At the same time, he hoped he could remain untainted, with fortune and blessings stretching long into the future.
Lu Yang helped him put on the fortune plaque, adjusted the red cord to the right length, tucked it into his clothing, and patted him gently.
“All set! Now my zhuangyuan has a fine piece of jade to match!”
Xie Yan was so moved he began to cry, little pearls spilling from his eyes early in the morning.
Lu Yang cupped his hands to catch them, exclaiming, “Waaah! Hey, I don’t have any pearls yet!”
Xie Yan pressed his face against Lu Yang’s hand, leaving a wet trace.
“Don’t need these pearls—I’ll buy you some proper ones.”
After returning from the provincial city, they had bought earrings for his mother, but Lu Yang had none; he owned very little jewelry.
Xie Yan helped him put on the gold-and-jade peace pendant, examining it closely, liking it more with every glance.
His heart and mind were clever and attentive, everything he did was proper, and everything he thought of was considerate.
Breakfast was at home, and then they loaded the luggage onto the carriage. They left from the front gate, skipping the pier.
Lu Yang accompanied his mother only to the mouth of the alley, not farther.
Once the carriage had gone, mother and son turned the corner to visit Lu Liu’s little shop.
After the morning rush, business had calmed down.
Lu Yang looked around outside. The menu board was already hung, the top showing opening hours, with the phrase “Come rain or shine” beneath it. Below were the soups and broths of the day.
Two boards were hung, and Lu Liu had even had the carpenter make two large blank boards for special announcements. For instance, in summer, when food spoils quickly, he could post red paper notices in the evening with discounts. He had observed that most customers came in groups; he could offer promotions like buy one, get one free, or buy two, get one free.
By evening, little would remain, so even modest profits counted.
The breakfast counter was already set up; it wasn’t yet New Year, but Lu Liu had put up couplets. Upon closer inspection, these weren’t traditional Spring Festival couplets, but rhymed phrases about breakfast.
The shop felt small at first, but just right once seated.
The hall was typical for a modest household: family gathered closely for meals, warm and lively.
The interior light was dim, lamps lit during the day. Tables were narrow; if guests needed more light, a small oil lamp was placed atop. Usually, lanterns hung overhead, three in a row, displaying the shop’s name: “Eat Your Fill.”
Lu Yang ran his hand over a table. It was clean, free of grease.
The walls had been freshly painted, straw mats hung, with little notes attached—some written by Lu Liu describing food flavors, some left by customers. Some were small musings, others poetry, and many recorded what someone had eaten that day.
Shy customers didn’t want to write too much, so they left just a trace.
Lu Yang looked around and praised Lu Liu enthusiastically.
Lu Liu was delighted!
He had much to tell his brother. In the shop, he avoided gossiping about guests, and after a short while, they headed home together.
Upon returning, the two little ones were even more joyful than the adults. Small and not fully discerning, they thought each man was their father and beamed happily.
If someone teased the children to laughter, the other would vie for attention, wanting to be held by the other father.
Lu Yang hoped for twins—two at once would be much easier.
After a year, all would be blissful.
Lu Liu placed Zhuangzhuang into his arms, letting him soak in the joy of twin blessings.
Lu Yang said, “Do I need to soak in their luck? Come closer, and the two of us together are like twins!”
Lu Liu replied, “Then you’ll surely have two children at once!”
Lu Yang nodded seriously, “Two in one pregnancy!”
The brothers chuckled together, making the two little ones laugh as well.
They set up a chessboard, played casually, chatted, and shared stories.
Lu Liu recounted his experiments and adjustments in the shop, along with his reflections.
He was thoughtful, always mindful of family tastes at home, thinking about meals and noticing changes. Observant and careful, he remembered what each family member liked or disliked.
Now running the eatery, he treated customers as family. Listening to him, Lu Yang smiled.
The brothers moved pieces casually, unconcerned with winning or losing. The little ones also picked up pieces and placed them on the board, entertaining the adults.
Lu Liu asked, “Brother, don’t just smile—do you think what I’m doing is okay?”
Lu Yang said, “Yes! My Lu Liu, you’re doing wonderfully. You manage everything smoothly—I’m satisfied, nothing to critique!”
Lu Liu wanted more assurance.
Lu Yang held Xiao Mai’s hand, placing a black piece on the board, smiling. “You’ve really done well. Running a shop is about steady work, not quick profit. Especially with customers—you need to get to know them, as I did in the county shop. Who’s wealthy, who’s frugal, their tastes and habits, when they’re generous or stingy, even who they’re close with, who they feud with—you need to notice. When customers arrive, I know how to serve them. When goods arrive, I check the date, count the regulars, know who to sell to.”
Lu Yang saw Lu Liu listening intently and continued, “All of this you were already doing before I taught you. You’re careful, thoughtful, and considerate. You understand the shop’s range and audience, treating them like family. Remember the regulars, and treat new ones with care. Over time, you’ll memorize everything.”
“For the number of people, it seems overwhelming, but think of how many live in Lujiatun, in Li Village. Group them, and you’ll remember. Use regulars as the core, and connect new guests through friends, neighbors, or similarities in personality or taste. If your memory fails, write it down and review when the shop is quiet. Over time, you’ll remember all.”
Scholarly businesses lasted only a few years; customers rotated, but new scholars brought life to the shop each year.
It was like raising children at home—no favoritism. Regular customers should not feel neglected while seeking new ones.
Lu Liu nodded eagerly. Hearing it again from his brother, he felt reassured.
He then shared anecdotes from the shop, making Lu Yang laugh.
Lu Yang said, “Don’t treat me like an elder, holding me up like porcelain. Good things keep coming, why be glum?”
Lu Liu laughed. “I thought you’d be like me.”
Lu Yang replied, “When you were newly pregnant, you didn’t frown either.”
Lu Liu didn’t recall clearly; recent events felt foggy, only a few vivid memories remained.
“I was so happy when you came to stay with me. Later, when I stayed in the county, I was also glad. I feared troubling you, but you always thought of me and brought me out. I remember it all. When you’re expecting, I’ll accompany you and take you out. But I’m timid and wanted you safe.”
Lu Yang said, “I care for you because I want to. I like you. You thinking of me is enough—I don’t expect anything in return.”
Lu Liu exclaimed, mimicking a little child, cupping his face, “So shy, so shy!” Though the little ones couldn’t express shyness yet.
His coaxing had grown better; when Lu Yang came home, laughter never ceased.
That night, with Xie Yan absent, Lu Liu brought a small pillow to sleep beside his brother.
