Chapter 65: The Pitiful Female Supporting Character from a Patriarchal Family in the 2000s (12)

Ye Zhou was starting a business again.

This gave Mother Ye a real scare.

Last time he had not even officially started before being scammed. Mother Ye felt that Ye Zhou was silent and inexpressive, unfamiliar with the ways of the world, and not at all cut out for doing business.

Unlike herself, who had struggled through hardships all the way.

Mother Ye had always wanted to earn more money and then find a capable daughter-in-law like Ai Xiaoling for Ye Zhou. That way, someone would manage the store, and Ye Zhou could just handle deliveries. Life would be stable.

The one thing he could not do was start a business and get scammed again.

They, as parents, had worked hard to earn some money. They were not afraid of their child lacking ambition. He would not starve anyway. What they feared was him being too ambitious and losing everything in one go.

The boss who ran the hotel across the street had lost his entire hotel because his son wanted to start a business. Now at sixty, he had to drive a taxi to support the family.

Ever since learning that Ye Zhou wanted to start a business, Mother Ye had been so worried she could not sleep. She even wanted to take the truck back, afraid that Ye Zhou would lose it too. But Ye Zhou did not agree, because he had already paid her back for the truck.

Now the truck belonged to him.

Mother Ye was completely deflated and filled with anxiety. She walked to the counter and asked Ai Xiaoling worriedly, “What do you think will happen with my son’s business venture?”

“It’ll succeed! You won’t have to work so hard anymore and can enjoy a comfortable life at home!” Ai Xiaoling grinned from ear to ear, her tone filled with certainty.

She had originally thought Ye Zhou had picked some random project, and success was uncertain. But now that money was already coming in and she was benefiting from it too, things were different.

This was definitely Ye Zhou’s early-stage startup project. She had to seize the opportunity and follow closely behind the money-maker.

Charge ahead, charge towards the career path.

“Thank you, Xiaoling. You’re a good kid.” Mother Ye patted the back of her hand, then pulled a long face and said, “But I know him. What if he loses all my savings?”

“He won’t, Aunt Ye. The little boss will definitely make a lot of money!” Ai Xiaoling comforted her.

Mother Ye lowered her head and eyes. “I don’t expect him to make a lot of money. I just hope he doesn’t get scammed.”

“How could he get scammed?” Ai Xiaoling felt that was impossible.

Mother Ye muttered to herself again, “If he does get scammed, I hope it’s just a small amount.”

“He definitely won’t get scammed. He will make a lot of money.” Ai Xiaoling shook her head, her voice full of excitement and anticipation. “Aunt Ye, I mean it.”

Mother Ye wasn’t convinced by Ai Xiaoling’s few words. She responded weakly, “Thank you for believing in him. You’re truly a good girl.”

Too bad her son didn’t fancy her.

Since she couldn’t persuade Ye Zhou, Mother Ye could only find someone else to make deliveries. But that meant she had to buy another truck. Trucks were expensive.

So much money.

Mother Ye couldn’t bear to spend it.

“Are you really going to start a business?” Mother Ye clutched her chest and asked Ye Zhou, “Remember what happened last time—”

“Mom!” Ye Zhou interrupted immediately when he saw Ai Xiaoling was still around. “The truck is yours. Don’t say anymore.”

“Okay.” Mother Ye changed her expression instantly and agreed on the spot. Then she told Ye Zhou, “If you ever can’t make it out there, you can still come back to deliver goods. Mom will always be your strongest support.”

Ye Zhou clenched his jaw. His gaze swept over to Ai Xiaoling and he spoke firmly, “This time, I will definitely succeed.”

“Right!” Ai Xiaoling cheered him on. “The little boss will definitely succeed in business and achieve financial freedom!”

And take her along with him.

The confidence Ye Zhou had lost from Mother Ye’s doubt was instantly restored.

That’s right, get rich and achieve financial freedom.

He bought a second-hand car that had been used for several years and continued running between construction sites.

Ye Zhou had originally just wanted to buy an electric scooter, but if the construction site was too far, it wouldn’t reach. He had no choice but to grit his teeth and spend three thousand yuan on this old car.

During her free time, Ai Xiaoling became Ye Zhou’s little sidekick and followed him everywhere.

Running around all over was tiring. She definitely didn’t want to do it just for fun.

The main reason was, Ye Zhou paid her.

Each trip earned her at least fifty yuan, and she could take on side jobs. She couldn’t resist the high pay, which also proved Ye Zhou was indeed making good money.

Over time, Ai Xiaoling figured out the whole process for running various errands and even helped deliver documents in her spare time.

Since she held multiple roles, Ai Xiaoling not only quickly paid off the money she owed Ye Zhou, she even managed to save up a small sum.

Ai Xiaofen was also doing well at the restaurant. She was extremely frugal. The restaurant provided food and lodging, so she saved almost all of her salary.

Two months ago, she had wanted to give all her salary to Ai Xiaoling, but the latter refused to take it.

Ai Xiaofen worried that Ai Xiaoling was having a hard time. Every time they met, she would tell her, “I has saved a few thousand yuan. If you need money, just let me know and I’ll give it to you.”

“I don’t want it.”

“I won’t make you pay it back. The restaurant provides food and lodging. I’m doing really well. Every meal has meat and vegetables.” To Ai Xiaofen, it was better than eating at home and easier than doing farm work, plus she got paid.

“You keep it for yourself.”

Ai Xiaoling had never planned to touch Ai Xiaofen’s money. However, after returning, she thought about it. Working odd jobs forever wasn’t a long-term solution.

Working was no match for starting a business.

That’s right.

Start a business.

Ai Xiaoling even went around to gather information and deliberately observed the supermarket across from their store. She seriously conducted a data analysis.

Then she went to find Ai Xiaofen.

“Open a supermarket?” Ai Xiaofen had never been in that line of work and instinctively refused. “I can’t do it.”

She didn’t know anything. Ai Xiaoling at least finished junior high school. She didn’t even finish it.

“You can’t work for others forever. How do you know if you don’t try? I’ll invest half, or even the whole amount. You’ll just need to manage the shop.” Ai Xiaoling believed that being young meant they had the capital to make mistakes.

If the investment failed, they could just earn the money back. She had the ability to earn now anyway.

Ai Xiaofen lacked confidence in herself, but since Ai Xiaoling insisted on investing, she couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. So she agreed.

Ai Xiaoling acted right away and immediately started looking for a storefront.

To save money, she even picked up renovation skills. Seeing her work like a busy little bee every day, Ye Zhou couldn’t bear it and offered to help paint the walls.

“Do you know how?” Ai Xiaoling asked.

Doing it themselves would definitely save money since they only had to buy materials.

Ye Zhou replied, “When I started my previous business, I painted the office myself.”

Mother Ye had repeatedly warned him never to mention that startup experience.

She said it was too embarrassing.

Ai Xiaoling didn’t question further and instead sounded pleasantly surprised. “Then you really know how?”

“Yeah.”

“Little boss, you truly are my lucky star!” Ai Xiaoling began her flurry of exaggerated praise again.

Just helping with a task, and suddenly he was a lucky star.

Ye Zhou knew she was buttering him up again. That’s what he thought, but he couldn’t stop the corners of his mouth from lifting. He even looked around and took her to buy paint at wholesale prices.

They both had to work during the day, so they painted the supermarket at night.

Ye Zhou handled the job skillfully. Ai Xiaoling asked again, “You’re not wearing a mask?”

“I won’t wear it today.”

“No, you must wear a mask.” After saying this, Ai Xiaoling added, “Wait for me.”

There happened to be a grocery store nearby that was still open. She quickly ran over and bought a high-filtration mask that looked like a gas mask.

Ye Zhou: “…..”

“We must take proper protective measures.” Ai Xiaoling knew that due to poor public awareness, many workers like this did not take any precautions. It was extremely harmful to their health and could even cause cancer.

“How do I wear it?” Ye Zhou had already started working. His hands were dirty.

“I’ll figure it out.” Ai Xiaoling carefully read the instructions, examined the mask, and then came over to Ye Zhou with it. “Lower your head,” she said.

Ye Zhou obediently lowered his head.

She stood on tiptoe and helped him put on the mask.

Ye Zhou looked at her face so close to his. Her warm breath brushed lightly across his skin like a feather, making him feel ticklish.

“It doesn’t seem to be on quite right.” Ai Xiaoling leaned in closer, her bright eyes full of focus as she studied it carefully.

As she removed the mask, her fingertips accidentally grazed his cheek.

So light.

So soft.

The tingling sensation spread across Ye Zhou’s body like an electric current, numbing him all over.

“How about now?” Ai Xiaoling adjusted the mask.

“Mm.” Ye Zhou was already distracted, his ears turning red and hot, his mind no longer able to think clearly.

Whatever she said, he agreed.

After a while, Ai Xiaoling’s eyes were filled with joy. Her smile was brilliant. “All done!”

“Mm.” Ye Zhou slowly turned around and took a deep breath.

He thought her smile was beautiful. It even brightened his mood.

Next came working hard with all his strength.

Ye Zhou did not want to let Ai Xiaoling down. Whether it was the business or this task, he had to do it well.

By the time they finished, it was nearly midnight.

“Come on, I’ll treat you to dinner.” Ai Xiaoling closed the shop door and turned to ask Ye Zhou, “What do you want to eat?”

“Whatever you want to eat, we’ll go there,” Ye Zhou said softly, walking behind her.

Ai Xiaoling tilted her head and thought aloud, “Barbecue? Skewers? Fried noodles? Or street hotpot?”

“Up to you.”

The two walked one behind the other. The midnight streets were quiet with a light breeze. Occasionally, a car would pass by.

The streetlights glowed dimly, stretching their shadows long.

Ai Xiaoling walked in front, in a good mood, humming a popular song with a cheerful skip in her steps. Ye Zhou deliberately slowed his pace and walked behind her, his gaze on her soft and affectionate.

He thoroughly enjoyed this moment of being together.

“Little Boss——” Ai Xiaoling called out, then turned around.

Many years later, Ye Zhou still remembered that scene. Her eyes curved into crescent moons. A smile bloomed at the corners of her lips. Her voice was clear, “Do you think, if we work this hard at life and work, we’re bound to get rich?”

“Mm.” We will definitely get rich.

Ai Xiaoling said, “When I’m too busy or can’t sleep lately, I start thinking about what I’ll buy when I get rich.”

“What do you want to buy?” Ye Zhou followed up.

“I’ve thought it through!”

“Mm?”

“First, I’ll eat everything I want to eat. Then I’ll buy everything I want to buy and use everything I want to use——”

“Like what?”

Ai Xiaoling walked back and stood beside Ye Zhou. Her tone was filled with longing for the future. “Eat seafood, eat Western food, drink foreign wine. Stay in luxury hotels. Use high-end skincare. Carry brand-name bags. I also want to drive luxury cars and live in a villa!”

She did not hide her materialism and vanity at all.

People always said not to be brainwashed by consumerism. But you had to experience it first to know if it was good.

Ye Zhou looked into her clear black-and-white eyes. “You will have all of that.”

As long as we work hard, we will have it all.

“Of course we will. All of this depends on you, Little Boss!” Ai Xiaoling pinned her hopes on him.

After all, she was following his lead.

Ye Zhou’s eyes shimmered.

Depends on him?

Then the two of them——were tied together? Was that how she saw it? Did she trust him that much?

Ye Zhou felt a greater sense of responsibility on his shoulders. He worked with even more energy. What was originally planned to take half a month to finish, he managed to complete in one week.

The next month, the supermarket renovation was complete and ready to open.

Ai Xiaofen also quit her job at the restaurant and took over the supermarket. Afraid she could not handle it alone, Ai Xiaoling took two days off to help. But Ai Xiaofen quickly adapted. Because of the good location, the supermarket’s income was good.

She sat at the cashier’s desk in a bit of a daze. Her voice trembled slightly as she said to Ai Xiaoling, “We have our own store now. Every time I sit here, I feel like I’m dreaming.”

For many girls from wealthy urban families, perhaps they were born to enjoy life. They had never endured hardship, nor suffered.

But for them, it was different.

Their fates seemed predestined. Unable to rely on themselves, they were meant to support their birth families, only to be drained dry by their in-laws.

Having the ability to support themselves meant they no longer had to look at anyone’s face to survive.

Ai Xiaoling made a promise to Ai Xiaofen. “Sister, once this store gets on track, we’ll open the first, then the second, and start a chain. We’ll earn a lot of money and buy everything we love!”

“We’ll also buy a house. Best if we can buy a whole building. You take one floor, I take one floor, and we can rent out the first floor!”

Ai Xiaofen could not even imagine such dreams. But when she saw the determination in Ai Xiaoling’s eyes, she nodded gently. “Okay!”

In the second half of the year.

Ye Zhou took on more and more projects. He was busy all the time.

Mother Ye had originally thought it was unreliable and wondered when he would return, saying the business failed again and he was in debt.

Since he was her only son, she had even prepared words to comfort him. But after waiting and waiting, there was no bad news from Ye Zhou. Instead, he even introduced a few jobs to her.

Looks like he’s finally showing some promise.

As long as he doesn’t get scammed.

The smile on Mother Ye’s face deepened a little. When she mentioned Ye Zhou to Ai Xiaoling, she let out a sigh of relief and added, “I’m not expecting him to earn much money. It’s good enough that he can support himself out there. Most importantly, he needs to interact more with people.”

“Mm-hmm.” Ai Xiaoling agreed wholeheartedly.

If Ye Zhou stayed in the shop delivering goods all the time, how was she supposed to follow him to make money?

Get rich get rich.

“Interacting more with people is good.” Mother Ye changed her attitude and agreed with Ye Zhou’s entrepreneurship. She even asked Ai Xiaoling, “That broken car he’s been driving isn’t good. I think he needs a new one. What kind of car do you think he should get?”

Ai Xiaoling said, “You’ll have to ask the little boss about that.”

“I’ll ask him when he gets back.”

Mother Ye originally had plans to go out but postponed them just to wait for Ye Zhou to come back and talk about the car purchase.

She waited for a long time but didn’t see him return. Mother Ye went inside and lay down on a soft chair to nap. Later, when she heard a car pull up, she came out smiling, ready to support her son’s business with a car and strengthen their mother-son bond at the same time.

Before she could even speak, she heard Ye Zhou say to Ai Xiaoling, “Don’t stay in the shop selling goods anymore. I already spoke with them. You’re going to the company to be a document controller—”

Ye Zhou hadn’t even finished speaking when Mother Ye’s hair nearly stood on end from rage. She stormed out, her face dark as iron, and shouted, “You unfilial brat, what nonsense are you spouting? I’ll break your legs!”