Chapter 36: Yaoyao Finds Her Path to Making Money

“You’ve fallen for Comrade Xiao Lin, has she noticed?”

Fu Huayi was startled, then said, “Don’t talk nonsense, it’s nothing like that. I just felt bad about what we did to her parents without understanding the situation, so I wanted to help her.”

Yi Yunshuo: “…” Why is he denying it again?

He’s making excuses.

Such a stubborn mule.

…

The next day, Lin Yuyao didn’t go to work; it was her day off.

She took out her notebook and began writing a novel.

Next to it was a dictionary; when she encountered a word she didn’t know, she would look it up. She was severely academically imbalanced, excelling in the humanities, especially essay writing. Unfortunately, this severe imbalance prevented her from getting into university.

In her past life, Lin Yuyao supported her daughter alone, and Lu Jiangting’s meager salary was simply not enough.

So, in her spare time, Lin Yuyao would write manuscripts and send them to magazines.

She could earn some money, but not much.

However, something was better than nothing; a little money could sometimes solve her immediate problems.

Now, after becoming a librarian, she suddenly had an epiphany.

Contributing to magazines simply didn’t earn much money. Because there were many authors, the requirements for submissions were high, and even if it was accepted, the payment was a one-time buyout—how much could that be? But writing novels was different; a novel usually had only one author, and the royalties belonged solely to that author.

Moreover, best-selling novels sold exceptionally well in their bookstore, far more profitable than magazines.

Also, currently, there are few novelists in mainland China; less competition meant a huge opportunity for her.

She would make good use of her librarian status, reading extensively and observing what types of novels were popular.

Before the blossoming of a hundred flowers, she would create something excellent to establish her reputation.

Wasn’t this easier and more profitable than doing business?

She decided to act immediately, and Lin Yuyao stayed up late that night to work. She had already written over 10,000 words. A short novel only needed around 100,000 words; anything more wouldn’t fit in one book and would need to be divided into volumes.

“I’ll write a 100,000-word practice novel first,” she told herself.

She didn’t go out all day, eating steamed buns and pickles, and drinking cold water when she got hungry.

It was summer, so she wasn’t worried about getting diarrhea from drinking cold water.

Until the sunset and night fell.

A knock came on her door.

Lin Yuyao frowned slightly, gently blowing out the lamp, not daring to answer.

To save money, she didn’t use electric lights but a kerosene lamp.

Because the current electric lights were very dim, even if turned on, they wouldn’t illuminate well; the kerosene lamp was better, perfectly illuminating her desk.

Lin Yuyao tiptoed to the door and peeked through the crack to see who was outside.

She had no friends here, but she could chat with the two girls next door.

But they had switched to night shifts a few days ago; at this time, they would already be at work. Who would be knocking on her door?

Could it be Lu Jiangting returning?

“Xiao Lin, are you there?”

The person outside spoke; it wasn’t Lu Jiangting, but Fu Huayi.

Lin Yuyao breathed a sigh of relief.

Hmm? Why was he here again?

“It’s Brother Fu, I’m here, please wait a moment.”

She had to move the table to open the door.

As she opened the door, she saw Fu Huayi standing at the entrance, holding a bottle of medicine.

“Your leg injury is serious; Red Flower Oil won’t work, use this.”

Lin Yuyao took the medicine; she recognized it—it was a special supply from their army, unavailable outside. It had an excellent effect on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

Lin Yuyao was touched, “Brother Fu, you’re such a good person, thank you.”

Me?

A good person?

Fu Huayi felt a little embarrassed but was still quite happy inside.

“Then, who’s better, me or Lu Jiangting?”

Huh?

His question stunned Lin Yuyao.

Fu Huayi realized he had asked a stupid question and quickly changed the subject.

“Right, this is for you.”

It was a key.

“What key is this?”

“A bicycle key, from the bike I rode last time. I looked at your bike; it’s probably beyond repair, and even if it is repaired, it would cost enough to buy a second-hand one, it’s not worth it.”

Lin Yuyao blushed with shame.

She had indeed bought a second-hand bike; what else could a poor person do?

Lin Yuyao didn’t take it, saying, “Your bike is quite expensive, I’m afraid I’ll damage it. I won’t be staying here for long; I’ll find a place to move soon, so I don’t need the bike.”

“Take it, it’s convenient to have a bike, you can return it to me when you don’t need it anymore.”

Fu Huayi forcefully put the key into her hand.

“This…” Lin Yuyao was about to say something, but he had already turned and left.

Leaving her to awkwardly accept it.

Lin Yuyao understood; he was helping her because of the guilt he felt about what they did to her parents at Lu Jiangting’s doorstep.

But he had already helped her so much; she felt he had already repaid her. Accepting more help made her feel very uncomfortable. Forget it, she’d accept it for now and find a chance later to talk to him and explain.

He shouldn’t feel guilty; he didn’t owe her anything anymore.

…

The next day, Lin Yuyao saw Fu Huayi’s bicycle downstairs.

It was brand new, and riding it was effortless—much better than her old bike.

Bicycles were still quite expensive in this era; this probably cost several hundred yuan; she couldn’t afford to compensate if she damaged it.

Lin Yuyao cycled incredibly slowly and cautiously, almost making her late for work that day.

Two days later, the boss, Fu Leyi, came to pay their salaries.

Lin Yuyao had only worked half a month last month—actually, it was still two days short of half a month—but the boss still gave her half a month’s salary: forty yuan.

“Boss, thank you.”

Fu Leyi smiled, “You always say thank you.  The salary is yours; keep it.”

“Yes.” Lin Yuyao smiled.

“By the way, I haven’t been here lately, how are you doing? Are you getting used to it?”

Lin Yuyao smiled, “I’m used to it. Sister Zhou and Sister Liu are very nice, and there are free books to read; there’s no better job than this.”

“Hahaha, you’re so naive and honest. Okay, if you’re used to it, keep working hard.”

Fu Leyi paid their salaries, walked around, casually asked them a few questions, and left.

The car parked at the entrance belonged to her; a handsome and stylish young man was in the driver’s seat, politely holding an umbrella for her and opening the car door for her to get in.

Lin Yuyao thought, this must be her chauffeur.

It’s good to be rich.

Just as she was thinking this, Zhou Jing said, “That’s the boss’s husband.”

Huh?

Lin Yuyao looked at Zhou Jing in surprise.

Zhou Jing smiled, “He doesn’t look like it, right?”

Lin Yuyao: “I thought he was a driver.”

“Ha, he is also her driver.”

Hmm?

“He’s the son-in-law her parents found for her.”

“Ah? Really?”

“Yes, she originally had a brother, but he died unexpectedly, leaving only her as the only child in that family branch. So, her family found a son-in-law for her.  Their family is quite wealthy, able to support a son-in-law.”