Chapter 36

When He Cheng’an returned, he brought two handwritten contracts for Lu Yun. As she looked at the characters and signatures on the paper, she immediately recognized that the contracts were written by He Cheng’an.

The content was clear and well-structured, with all the details included.

After Lu Yun finished reading, He Cheng’an handed her a pen, encouraging her to sign.

Holding the pen, Lu Yun wrote slowly, her handwriting delicate and neat, as if each stroke was made with care. Once she finished, she looked up at He Cheng’an and said, “Let’s keep one copy. You can take this one to them.”

He Cheng’an nodded, replying, “Okay.”

Lu Yun had not expected that the shop she hadn’t opened before her journey through time would actually be established after. With the rapid development of the times, she might complete what she had intended to do before—creating her own brand, making the base for spicy skewers, and preparing other dishes.

Perhaps, there would still be opportunities for her to continue being a food blogger.

When He Cheng’an returned, he saw Lu Yun sitting there, sunlight spilling down around her. She smiled radiantly, her jade-like fingers resting beneath her lips, before covering her mouth as she laughed. He stood there, covered in snow and wind, hesitant to approach, fearing he might disturb her.

Leaning against the wall, He Cheng’an’s eyes were filled with a gentle smile. When Lu Yun glanced over, he said, “Boss Lu, I’ve delivered the contract.”

Referred to as Boss Lu, Lu Yun replied softly, “Alright, Boss Lu understands. Come over, and Boss Lu will settle your payment.”

Since her arrival in this new world, Lu Yun had been frugal with her earnings. She had saved enough money to start a business, which was why she was now embarking on this venture. She had also checked the rent for the shop, which was surprisingly low, likely because He Cheng’an had connections.

Upon hearing Lu Yun say she would settle the payment for him, He Cheng’an’s expression became slightly subdued. Noticing he remained still, Lu Yun tilted her head curiously.

“Hey, He Cheng’an?”

Her tone rose slightly as she called out to him, “Cheng’an?”

He Cheng’an lowered his gaze, responding, “Didn’t you say you wanted me? Since you want me, why wouldn’t you want my money?”

Lu Yun recalled the earlier discussion she had with Zhang Meili about betrothal gifts and remembered a conversation she had long ago with her friend.

They had agreed that a man spending money on you doesn’t necessarily mean he likes you, but if he doesn’t spend money, it certainly indicates a lack of interest. Lu Yun nodded in agreement with this sentiment; after all, if he was unwilling to spend money, how genuine could his feelings really be?

She hadn’t anticipated that one day, a man would stand before her and say something like this.

“Let me rent the shop myself, and you keep the money for my betrothal gift, okay?” Lu Yun proposed.

Upon hearing the words “betrothal gift,” He Cheng’an’s fingers trembled slightly, and he drew them closer. He asked, “Then, let’s consider the shop rent as coming from the betrothal gift.” As he said this, a glimmer of hope sparkled in his eyes. “Is that alright?”

Lu Yun found it hard to refuse He Cheng’an in this moment. She remained silent for a moment before saying, “Stop standing there.”

“Okay, I’m coming over,” He Cheng’an quickly responded.

He Cheng’an intended to redesign the shop and clean it thoroughly. During this time, he had read many books about renovation. Although he had no formal training, he relied on his intelligence and a bit of artistic talent to sketch a very simple design plan.

Lu Yun, on the other hand, knew nothing about these matters. She struggled even with writing; it had taken her considerable effort to make her handwriting somewhat presentable.

“I’ll have someone give your shop a simple makeover. It won’t be ready to open until after New Year’s. If there’s anything you don’t like or if you want something specific, let me know,” he said, handing Lu Yun the simple design sketch he had made.

Seeing Lu Yun not take the drawing, he smiled and said, “Hmm, Ah Yun trusts me.”

After finishing their work at the shop, it was already evening. He Cheng’an took Lu Yun out for dinner on the street, and on their way back, Lu Yun bought a packet of mung bean cake.

Sitting on the back of He Cheng’an’s bicycle, Lu Yun gently rocked back and forth, asking him, “He Cheng’an, how much is my betrothal gift? Does this mung bean cake need to come out of it as well?”

He Cheng’an stopped the bicycle, and under the night sky, he looked at Lu Yun with great seriousness and said, “The money I earn before the wedding will be your betrothal gift, and everything I earn after will also go to you. I won’t hide any of it.”

Lu Yun seemed to have thought of something, softly saying, “Are you silly, He Cheng’an?”

—o—o—o—

The Lu family was stunned when they learned that Lu Yun had rented the shop and would be opening after New Year’s. They hadn’t expected Lu Yun to move so quickly, nor did they anticipate that she would directly rent a shop instead of setting up a stall.

Zhang Meili asked, “What about when you’re working? Who will take care of the shop?”

Lu Yun replied, “I’ll hire someone and pay them a monthly salary.”

As she was about to go to bed, Lu Yun couldn’t help but call out to Zhang Meili: “Mom, I asked He Cheng’an how much my betrothal gift would be.”

Zhang Meili: “………”

She gave Lu Yun’s arm a light tap, though not with much force. “You silly girl, how can you just ask about the betrothal gift? I meant for you to tell He Cheng’an that he can decide the amount himself. I know he won’t shortchange you, but you shouldn’t directly ask him how much it is.”

After saying this, she couldn’t help but ask, “So, what did he say?”

Lu Yun replied, “He said the money he earns before the wedding will be my betrothal gift, and everything he earns afterward will also go to me.” She bit her lip while smiling, her eyes bright and clear. “After all, once we’re married, we’ll need to support a family, right?”

Zhang Meili said, “Yes, yes, yes, he has to support a family, but you’re starting a business and earning a salary as well. Even though He Cheng’an treats you well, don’t let him feel like you’re going to depend on him for everything. Did you hear me?”

Lu Yun nodded, “Got it, got it.”

Zhang Meili continued, “No, I need to tell you this. A woman can’t just rely on a man to get by. You have to earn your own money and have confidence. Do you understand? You need to have your own backbone. If he treats you poorly in the future, you shouldn’t tolerate it.”

Hearing Zhang Meili’s words, Lu Yun was surprised at how insightful her mother was. She wrapped her arms around Zhang Meili’s and nodded, “I know, I know. I’ll definitely make something of myself, and then I’ll make sure you enjoy life.”

Zhang Meili advised, “When you hire someone, find someone capable and with a good heart.”

Lu Yun said, “He Cheng’an mentioned that Zhang Hao has a cousin who’s pretty good. I’ll ask him if he can help me out. If he’s reliable, then it should be fine. With Zhang Hao’s connections, I won’t have to worry about the shop.”

Upon mentioning Zhang Hao, Zhang Meili began to worry again. “Does he have a girlfriend? We have some nice girls at our factory. If he’s single, I could introduce him to someone.”

Lu Yun replied, “I think he might already have a girlfriend.”

Zhang Meili nodded. “Well, when he comes back next time, let’s invite him over for dinner. He always just drops off things and leaves; it’s starting to feel a bit awkward for me.”

After washing her hair and getting ready, Lu Yun hurried back to her room. The weather was cold, and her hair was taking a long time to dry. She carefully dried her hair while thinking that it would be great to have some conditioner; with her hair type, conditioner would likely improve its quality after washing.

—o—o—o—

That day, when Lu Yun finished work and exited the Cotton Textile Factory, she saw Li Ling waving at her. “Cousin, cousin!”

Lu Yun had initially planned to head back with Sister Sun, but upon seeing Li Ling, she informed Sister Sun and then went over to her.

As she approached, she helped Li Ling adjust her scarf, which had come undone. Li Ling, however, wrapped her own scarf around Lu Yun and asked, “Cousin, why aren’t you wearing a scarf today?”

Lu Yun explained, “I washed it, but since it’s snowing, it didn’t dry in time, so I didn’t bring it. But I’m wearing a turtleneck sweater today.”

Li Ling hugged Lu Yun affectionately and said, “Cousin, I’ve missed you!”

After that, she mentioned the reason for her visit. “I heard they’re using some kind of conditioner called Fenghua. It only costs two or three yuan a bottle, but it makes your hair feel amazing afterward.”

Lu Yun suddenly recalled the Fenghua conditioner. She had been wanting to buy some. “Where can we get it?”

Li Ling replied, “I know where. They just received a new shipment today. I came over to see if you wanted to go buy some Fenghua conditioner with me.”

Sister Sun, who was listening nearby, touched her own hair, looking a bit hesitant.

She knew about Fenghua conditioner but was reluctant to spend the money.

After thinking it over, she approached Lu Yun and asked if she could get a bottle as well.

Once Lu Yun nodded in agreement, Sister Sun handed her the money, giving her a little extra.

Sister Sun said, “I’m not sure how much it costs, so just give me back the change.”

—o—o—o—

When they went to buy the Fenghua conditioner, Li Ling led Lu Yun there. As they walked, she said about Sister Sun, “Sister Sun is really nice. Ever since I got married, she gave me a red envelope, and when I asked her to help me buy something, she just gave you the money directly. Unlike some others, who only pay you after you’ve bought something for them or try to take advantage of you, I wouldn’t help those kinds of people carry anything.”

Lu Yun asked, “What about Han Jiangang?”

Although she asked that, Lu Yun still felt that Li Ling was doing well with Han Jiangang; otherwise, Li Ling would probably show some signs of exhaustion after marriage. But Li Ling didn’t seem to feel that way at all.

Li Ling said, “Han Jiangang is great; I really didn’t misjudge him. But dealing with the in-laws can be exhausting, especially with an eldest brother and sister-in-law around.”

After chatting for a while, Lu Yun shared her own business ventures with Li Ling. Li Ling was thrilled to hear about it, thinking it was wonderful that Lu Yun was starting a business.

She expressed her desire to do something with Han Jiangang as well, but Han Jiangang was solely focused on his stable job and didn’t want to venture into business.

This made Li Ling wonder when they would be able to move into their new home.

“Cousin, you need to work hard and earn more money. Show Han Jiangang what you can do. I just can’t believe he wouldn’t want to follow your example once he sees you making money,” Li Ling encouraged.

Lu Yun smiled and replied, “Alright, once I open up, I’ll invite you both over.”

“Great!” Li Ling responded enthusiastically.

—o—o—o—

When Lu Yun and Li Ling finally bought the Fenghua conditioner, they had a bit of a challenge finding it. Lu Yun purchased three bottles for herself, one for Sister Sun, and Li Ling bought one as well.

In addition, Lu Yun also bought three bottles of Fenghua shampoo. As they were leaving, Lu Yun remembered to go back and get another bottle of shampoo, finally making their way out.

Lu Yun felt she hadn’t bought too much; she planned to share it with Zhang Meili at home.

After finishing their shopping for conditioner, Lu Yun and Li Ling wandered around for a bit longer, browsing clothes and snacks. When Lu Yun spotted a bookstore, she tugged on Li Ling’s arm, urging her to join her in looking around.

Inside the bookstore, Lu Yun picked out several books related to home decoration.

She also bought some culinary books, poetry collections, and the latest trending reads.

Although she might have seen many of them before, she knew she wouldn’t remember everything, so reviewing them would be beneficial.

Li Ling, watching her, smiled and said, “These are for He Cheng’an, aren’t they?”

Lu Yun nodded, chuckling. “Yes, they’re for him. He’ll probably be back the day after tomorrow.”

Unlike before, when He Cheng’an struggled to find good enough workers and was always busy, he had now hired quite a few people. He was able to return home for two or three days each week.

Previously, Lu Yun had heard Zhang Hao mention that He Cheng’an was quite adept at business; he only hired skilled workers who were capable. When leading people to view the houses they had renovated, others were impressed and eager to hire He Cheng’an for their own projects.

Lu Yun thought He Cheng’an was doing the right thing. After all, good quality attracted customers, and she believed that earning money from poor quality work wasn’t right.

As for her own food business, Lu Yun knew she needed to select high-quality ingredients and seasonings, as integrity and quality were fundamental principles.

When she returned home, Lu Yun excitedly showed Zhang Meili the Fenghua shampoo and conditioner she had bought. Zhang Meili thought they looked great, and Lu Yun immediately went to wash her hair with them.

In comparison to the diverse range of shampoos and conditioners available in the future market, the options in their current local market were still quite limited.

After washing her hair and using the conditioner, Lu Yun emerged with noticeably healthier-looking hair than before. However, by the time she was ready for bed, her hair was still only partially dry.

“What are we having for dinner today?” Lu Yun asked.

Zhang Meili replied, “Today, we’re having chive pockets, plain rice porridge, and cold tossed cabbage.” Then, noticing Lu Yun was just coming out of the bathroom, she quickly added, “Your dad will come help me; you just got your hair washed, so hurry back.”

Lu Yun smiled and said, “Okay, I’ll head back now.”

While waiting for dinner, Lu Yun placed the new books she had bought for He Cheng’an in the drawer and set aside the ones she wanted to read on the bookshelf. She casually took one out to look at, her expression becoming serious as she came across “To the Oak Tree,” a poem she had learned a long time ago.

—o—o—o—

He Cheng’an always called Lu Yun in advance before returning home.

Sometimes it was Lu Yun who answered the phone, and other times it was Lu Dong.

Lu Dong would also chat a bit with He Cheng’an and inquire about him. Whenever He Cheng’an came back, if Lu Dong was free, he would wait at the station for He Cheng’an. Lu Xiang’an would jokingly act jealous, saying that if one didn’t know better, they might think He Cheng’an was Lu Dong’s son.

Lu Dong exclaimed, “You’re back, you’re back! This time you say you have something to do, and you can stay for a few days before heading back.”

After saying this, He Cheng’an went to find Lu Yun. He took the initiative to explain why he could stay for a few days.

Whenever he looked at Lu Yun, his gaze was always gentle. He said, “I had given some wood ear mushrooms to the homeowner I did renovations for, and they thought they were great. They reached out to me to buy more. Since it’s almost New Year’s, many of the businesses are looking to buy more, so I’m back to take care of this. I want to package the mushrooms nicely and sell them to them.”

He added, “Boss Lu, your bridal money has increased again.”

Lu Yun suddenly thought of something and said, “Come in quickly.”

When He Cheng’an entered the room, he found Lu Yun sitting there with a book. Her voice was clear and soft as she read “To the Oak Tree.”

Each line she read brought a smile to He Cheng’an’s eyes. When she finished, she looked at He Cheng’an, waiting for him to share his thoughts.

He Cheng’an, with his good memory, said, “I must be a cotton tree close to you, standing together with you as a symbol of the tree. Ah Yun, I will work hard to be worthy of you.” He reached out and gently tousled Lu Yun’s long hair.

“He Cheng’an,” Lu Yun said softly.

He Cheng’an leaned in and kissed her hair, whispering, “In my heart, you are the best.” As he spoke, his Adam’s apple moved, his gaze traveled from her hair to her eyes, then to the tip of her nose, and finally landed on her lips.