Once the first day of the New Year passed, households began visiting one another—and the Shi family became the most frequently visited of all.
Qingluan Village was small, and word of yesterday’s events had already spread. Everyone knew Shi Wuxiang was now a notable figure in town—even the yamen runners listened to him and had taken away people from Xiahe Village at his word.
Who would dare show disrespect to such a person?
Besides, the Shi household always had melon seeds and sweets available. Anyone who visited could snack freely—it was practically a treat.
Guests brought gifts when they came, and Madam Shi would even send them off with extra seeds. These were practically social currency—wherever you had them, you could chat.
The Shi family’s relatives had long since scattered, and the Yuan family was no different. With no relatives to visit, Shi Wuxiang considered it a good thing. He only brought gifts to Village Head Niu and a few families they were close with.
By the fifth day of the New Year, those who had returned to the village began leaving again. The Shi family also started preparing to open their shop in town.
They could make batter, dough, and fillings themselves. Eggs, however, were essential. With a larger shop, Shi Wuxiang suggested Yuan Zhao cook porridge, and they would serve their homemade pickled vegetables—refreshingly tangy and sweet.
“Are we really only selling these?” Yuan Zhao asked nervously. “It feels like we don’t have much to sell. Can we really make money?”
“We can. Didn’t we make money before with just a stall? Now it’s our own shop—if we sell, we earn; if we don’t, we don’t. But no one can take the shop away,” Shi Wuxiang reassured him. “If you’re still uneasy, we can add more—shredded pork noodles, boiled eggs, pan-fried dumplings. Our breakfast shop can sell anything.”
“But other stalls already sell those,” Yuan Zhao said.
Shi Wuxiang looked unconcerned. “So what? They sell and earn, you sell and earn. Where’s the conflict? Who says just because others can do it, you can’t?”
“…That’s true.”
“Don’t forget the business with the academy and the restaurant. That’s steady income. We’ll definitely make money. Don’t worry.”
Hearing him say that, Yuan Zhao finally felt more at ease.
He nodded firmly. “Then over the next few days, we’ll think through everything we want to sell. When the time comes, we’ll work hard to make money so you and A-Yue can study. How are things at the academy?”
Shi Wuxiang smiled and pinched his soft earlobe. “It’s fine. I’ve already spoken with the academy—they’ll let me start a few days later, once your shop is set up.”
“How can that be? You can’t delay your studies even for a day!” Yuan Zhao grew anxious. “You should be at the academy already. What if you fall behind?”
“Don’t worry. The first few days won’t matter much. Trust me—have I ever lied to you about something this important?” Shi Wuxiang reassured him patiently.
After thinking it over—and confirming several more times that it wouldn’t affect his studies—Yuan Zhao finally relaxed a little.
They spent the fifth and sixth days of the New Year preparing, finalizing their menu. Alongside their original wraps and egg pancakes, they added items commonly sold at street stalls.
As for grilled tofu and stir-fried meat slices, those were set as limited dishes—larger portions, but priced higher.
Since the shop had living space, the whole family simply squeezed in and stayed there.
On the seventh day of the New Year—
None of them slept through the latter half of the night. They got up early to start cooking: setting up stoves, tending fires, kneading dough. Despite the variety of food, everything proceeded in an orderly way.
By dawn, Yuan Zhao hurried to hang firecrackers on both sides of the entrance. At the usual time they would have set up their stall, they lit them.
The crackling explosions chased away everyone’s drowsiness. People on the street, still lingering in the holiday mood, suddenly realized—there was a new shop opening.
Some regular customers came looking for their old wrap stall, only to find it empty. They stood there, staring at one another, until the bun seller nearby spoke up.
“You’re all in the wrong place. Their new shop opened today—it’s just up at the intersection. Great spot—you’ll see it right away!”
“How did I forget after the New Year? They said before they’d open a shop—and even give discounts! Let’s hurry over!”
“Yeah, maybe they’ve got new food too. Let’s go check it out! Now that they’ve got a shop, we’ll finally have somewhere to sit, right?”
“Probably. I passed by—it’s a small two-story place!”
The firecrackers drew a crowd. Some children ran through the streets shouting, “New shop opening!” After shouting, they’d run to Shi Wuxiang to collect a copper coin—enough to make them happy for days.
There were many onlookers, but even more regular customers. They crowded inside, greeting the family as they went.
Once the firecrackers finished, Yuan Zhao raised his voice:
“New shop opening! Come take a look! We’ve got wraps, egg pancakes, tofu, grilled meat slices, plain porridge, rice porridge, sweet porridge—everything you could want!”
The regulars rushed in without hesitation. Others, drawn by the commotion, squeezed in after hearing the variety.
Jia Xiaomei worked quickly making wraps and pancakes. Madam Shi, with the two children, kept serving porridge and pickled vegetables. Chen Yishu guided customers to tables, noting down orders.
The shop grew lively—almost too busy. Just as they began to feel overwhelmed, the little beggar children they had cleaned up and dressed arrived.
Yuan Zhao carefully checked them over. Clean clothes, washed faces and hands—they now looked like poor but proper children, no longer like beggars.
Their hands were clean, nails free of dirt—clearly scrubbed thoroughly.
“Do your work well,” Yuan Zhao instructed, bringing them inside.
Customers noticed the children serving food, but assumed they were relatives helping out. No one guessed they had once been beggars—they all looked neat and tidy.
Business was booming. With seating available, people weren’t in a rush to leave. They sat chatting as they ate.
The festive atmosphere hadn’t faded, so even strangers struck up conversations. Every table buzzed with laughter and talk.
Normally, their stall closed by noon. But now, after working nonstop from before dawn, they shut the shop early afternoon, exhausted and ready to collapse.
The former beggar children were hired as workers, paid daily. They lived in a shabby hut Yuan Zhao helped them find, paying five coins a day in rent.
Five children worked that day. Each received ten coins and a plain flatbread. After thanking him, they left happily.
“I’ll come earlier tomorrow,” Chen Yishu said, ashamed. “I didn’t realize you all start working in the middle of the night. If I don’t do more, I won’t feel right taking my wages.”
“It’s fine—you’re here to serve customers,” Yuan Zhao replied quickly.
“I should still come earlier. I may not cook well, but I can stir porridge,” Chen Yishu insisted.
Seeing his sincerity, Yuan Zhao agreed and told him when to come next time.
—
The accountant hadn’t arrived yet, so Yuan Zhao handled the books himself—thanks to Shi Wuxiang’s teaching.
Soon, only the family remained.
Shi Wuxiang slowly worked the abacus. After Yuan Zhao gave his total, he paused and raised a brow.
“Ten taels and eighteen coins—after deducting wages,” Yuan Zhao said carefully.
Everyone was stunned.
Over ten taels in a single day.
Ten taels!
If every day were like this, that would be three hundred taels a month!
“So much…”
Their faces flushed with excitement, breathing quickening as they stared at the abacus.
“We’re rich!” Yuan Yuan exclaimed.
“Hahaha… we’ll get even richer!” Yuan Zhao laughed.
Smiles spread across every face. Their future suddenly felt full of hope.
Yuan Zhao let out a quiet breath. At this rate, they’d recover the cost of the shop in just a few days.
“Save the celebration for home,” Shi Wuxiang said gently. “It’s time to rest.”
They returned to the village. After such a grueling day, nothing felt better than sleeping in their own home.
Jia Xiaomei was the most exhausted, so Shi Wuxiang drove the cart. Inside, everyone had already fallen asleep.
Back home, they didn’t even eat—just went straight to bed.
Shi Wuxiang forced himself to cook, leaving food warming on the stove so anyone who woke hungry could eat.
They slept until nightfall before waking to eat, feeling somewhat restored.
“We work at night and sleep during the day… like owls,” Yuan Yuan said softly.
“Yeah, yeah,” Shi Qingran echoed.
Even the adults were exhausted—let alone growing children. But leaving them at home or relying on neighbors wasn’t a long-term solution.
They ate quietly, arms sore from the day’s labor.
Shi Wuxiang’s earlier thoughts resurfaced—but bringing them up now, just after opening, would only burden Yuan Zhao.
“I’ll hire more help tomorrow,” he said. “At least two people who can stay at the shop and handle the early work.”
“Alright,” Yuan Zhao agreed readily. “It’s been too tiring. Sorry to trouble Sister Xiaomei with the early shifts.”
“It’s nothing!” Jia Xiaomei said quickly.
Madam Shi could come later with the children after resting.
They carefully discussed every detail, arranging shifts so everyone could rest.
Once they hired more people, Yuan Zhao and Madam Shi wouldn’t need to work as hard—that had been Shi Wuxiang’s plan all along.
What was the point of being the owner if you worked like a laborer?
“The shop is settled now. You should report to the academy,” Yuan Zhao said. “I’ll also speak with Steward Ma about the business.”
“I’ll go the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow I’ll arrange the staffing first,” Shi Wuxiang replied.
It wasn’t that he didn’t want to attend—he just needed everything here to be properly in place before he could leave with peace of mind.
Hearing that, Yuan Zhao nodded in agreement. “Then I’ll get your tuition prepared first.”
The next day was another early start. Before dawn, the whole family set out for town in the dark. Thankfully, they had managed a bit of rest during the night—otherwise, no one could have kept going.
As soon as day broke, the shop opened.
Aside from the effort of cooking several kinds of porridge and Jia Xiaomei handling the wraps and egg pancakes, Madam Shi alternated between boiling noodles and cooking wontons. It was busy, but manageable.
Yuan Zhao stayed at the counter, collecting money and recording every transaction carefully.
Shi Wuxiang, meanwhile, headed out toward Xiangxiang Restaurant. On the way, he happened to run into Zhang Xiang.
“Wuxiang, what a coincidence!” Zhang Xiang grinned. “This is my former classmate, Lu Xiu. I was just about to bring him to meet you—it’s my fault for delaying this.”
“No matter. It’s still in time,” Shi Wuxiang said calmly, then cupped his hands to Lu Xiu. “I’ll be troubling Brother Lu to handle the accounts at our shop from now on.”
Lu Xiu returned the gesture. “You’re too polite. I can start working at the shop immediately.”
“Good.”
As they walked, Shi Wuxiang discussed wages. The shop had just opened, so Lu Xiu’s monthly pay was set at six taels, with room to increase later.
Six taels was already quite generous for a new shop. Lu Xiu had considered negotiating, but knowing Shi Wuxiang’s reputation, declining would only make him seem incapable.
“Your shop is really thriving,” Zhang Xiang said, surprised at the line stretching outside.
“It’s all thanks to my husband,” Shi Wuxiang replied lightly, leading them through the back entrance and bringing Lu Xiu to Yuan Zhao. “A-Zhao, this is our accountant, Lu Xiu.”
“Perfect timing!” Yuan Zhao’s eyes lit up. “Come help me calculate!”
Lu Xiu smiled and immediately got to work.
Zhang Xiang didn’t stay long, as he had duties at the restaurant. He and Shi Wuxiang agreed to meet again another time.
—
Afterward, Shi Wuxiang went to the labor broker again.
“Since you don’t need bonded servants, those long-term workers from last time would suit you,” the broker said.
These people didn’t sell themselves—they just wanted stable work, knowing that once bonded, they’d be tied for life.
This time, Shi Wuxiang quickly selected two young women—simply because they looked clean.
For a food shop, cleanliness mattered most.
After having them freshen up, he brought them straight to the shop. Both were quick-witted—one immediately went to help Jia Xiaomei, while the other assisted Chen Yishu in serving customers.
When Shi Wuxiang reached the counter, Yuan Zhao and Lu Xiu were bent over the accounts. He cleared his throat lightly.
“Got it figured out?”
“A-Xiang!” Yuan Zhao grinned. “Yes! Accountant Lu is amazing—I feel much more at ease now.”
Lu Xiu smiled. “You flatter me. I’m familiar with this work. The two of you can rest now.”
Yuan Zhao blushed, a little embarrassed.
Shi Wuxiang, however, calmly led him upstairs.
The upper floor was also full, but the seating was partitioned with carved wooden panels. Beyond the main area were small private rooms.
Yuan Zhao had seen private rooms in proper restaurants before, but realizing their own shop had them too made him beam foolishly.
“Come sit,” Shi Wuxiang said, guiding him down. “If you’re free, come rest here. It’s all ours.”
“But Ranran and Yuan Ge’er are still helping. How can I slack off?” Yuan Zhao said, half-pleased, half-awkward, his tone unconsciously turning soft and a little coquettish.
“So what? Bring them up to rest too. We have enough staff now—you should take it easy.”
“Mother is still busy.”
“She doesn’t know how to sit still. If you tell her to rest, she’ll feel uneasy. Besides, with enough help, she’s not that busy.”
Yuan Zhao thought about it. “That’s true. Tomorrow I’ll take you to the academy—and stop by to see A-Yue.”
“He’s only been there two days. Why rush to see him?” Shi Wuxiang clicked his tongue lightly. “If you spoil him, he’ll want you there every day.”
“I wouldn’t do that!” Yuan Zhao hurried to defend himself. “It’s just because it’s his first days—and it’s on the way.”
Shi Wuxiang chuckled. “Do as you like.”
—
Business remained brisk. Before, at the street stall, wealthy families would send servants to buy food. Now, there were even well-dressed young ladies dining in the shop.
After the final wave of customers in the afternoon, they closed as usual.
They paid the children and gave instructions to the new hires—clean themselves thoroughly before coming, arrive on time, and understand their duties—before everyone dispersed.
—
At Zhenlan Academy.
Because Shi Wuxiang brought bedding, their carriage was allowed inside. Yuan Zhao looked around in awe, marveling every few steps.
“A-Xiang, your academy is so beautiful!” he exclaimed. “Study well here—I’ll come visit you often.”
Shi Wuxiang chuckled. “Do you take me for Yuan Ge’er?”
“How could I? Even Yuan Ge’er doesn’t cling like that!” Yuan Zhao grinned mischievously.
That was basically calling Shi Wuxiang more childish than Yuan Ge’er.
Shi Wuxiang laughed and led him to the student quarters. His old dorm room was still there.
As soon as the door opened, a distinct smell wafted out.
Yuan Zhao immediately felt uncomfortable, waving his hand. “A-Xiang… maybe you should change rooms? This big shared bed isn’t good—and it might bump your head…”
Shi Wuxiang laughed. “It’s not that bad. In winter, no one opens windows. Air it out and it’ll be fine.”
Yuan Zhao immediately rushed to open the windows. The cold air cleared the smell.
As Shi Wuxiang laid out his bedding, Yuan Zhao jumped in. “How can you do this yourself? Let me! I’ll make the bed for you!”
Shi Wuxiang adjusted his clothes.
“I’ll do it!” Yuan Zhao rushed again.
Shi Wuxiang narrowed his eyes. “You’re being awfully attentive. What guilty thing did you do?”
“Ungrateful!” Yuan Zhao huffed. “If you don’t want me helping, who are you thinking about instead?”
“Oh? So that’s what this is about.” Shi Wuxiang picked up a book with the name Cui Xiuxiu written on it and chuckled. “You don’t know many characters, but you recognize the important ones.”
“Hmph!”
“This book was borrowed for someone else. It was probably used to prop up a table leg. After repairs, it wasn’t needed anymore—likely meant for kindling.”
He explained patiently.
Yuan Zhao wasn’t unreasonable. After hearing this, he relaxed.
They finished unpacking. Yuan Zhao closed the window, and the room smelled much better.
“I’ll walk you out. I need to go to class soon,” Shi Wuxiang said.
“So soon?” Yuan Zhao tugged his sleeve, reluctant. “Can’t I walk you to class?”
Shi Wuxiang hesitated—not because it wasn’t allowed, but because he didn’t want Yuan Zhao wandering back alone.
Seeing his silence, Yuan Zhao quickly backtracked. “I was just joking. I shouldn’t go to such a serious place anyway! I’ll leave now.”
“You can go,” Shi Wuxiang said. “But you’ll have to leave on your own afterward.”
“That’s fine.” Yuan Zhao smiled brightly.
—
They walked through winding corridors to the lecture hall.
Even in winter, doors and windows were open—to keep students alert and prepare them for harsh exam conditions.
As soon as Shi Wuxiang appeared, the room buzzed. The teacher looked up.
“Hurry in. You’ve missed enough lessons already!”
“Yes, sir,” Shi Wuxiang replied, then squeezed Yuan Zhao’s hand, signaling him to slip away.
Yuan Zhao blinked.
His eyes suddenly reddened.