As they exited the restaurant, Lu Miaomiao still looked at Meng Suihuan with astonished eyes. Just moments ago, she had witnessed her sister-in-law confidently engaging in a discussion with a boss, a scene that had left her utterly stunned. What surprised her even more was hearing Meng Suihuan talk about striking a business deal. Lu Miaomiao had been utterly clueless about her sister-in-law’s plans and had initially watched the situation unfold with a sense of schadenfreude^[1]pleasure or satisfaction derived from someone else’s misfortune or troubles., expecting to see her embarrass herself.

To her amazement, not only did Meng Suihuan handle the situation skillfully, but she also managed to seal the deal with ease. Thinking back on it, Lu Miaomiao still found it unbelievable.

“Are you really planning to do business?” Lu Miaomiao couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes. Do you think I went through all this trouble just for a meal? Do you really think I have that much time on my hands?”

Lu Miaomiao: “…”

After all, that was exactly what she had thought at first. She had even secretly cursed her sister-in-law for it. Of course, she couldn’t admit it now and denied it vehemently.

“No, I’ve just never seen a woman do business before. I’m just curious.”

After all, in their village, men were the ones who went out to work, while the women either stayed home to care for the children or did farm work. It was rare to see someone like Meng Suihuan, who stood out so much.

Meng Suihuan raised her eyebrows, poking Lu Miaomiao’s forehead gently.

“Remember, there’s nothing in this world that men can do that women can’t. The only difference between men and women is their gender. That doesn’t mean women are any less capable. Sometimes, we can do things faster and better than they can!”

“And those who say women are inferior to men are simply scared. They’re afraid that women are stronger and more capable than them but unwilling to accept it. So, they try to limit and weaken us in this way.”

This was the first time Lu Miaomiao had heard such a statement. She found it surprising, even shocking, as if a new world had just opened up to her.

“Remember, no one can define another person’s life. Your life is yours to control.”

Meng Suihuan had no idea at that moment how deeply these words would influence Lu Miaomiao’s future.

—

When Meng Suihuan and Lu Miaomiao were ready to head back, they hitched a ride with Meng Changsheng, who had finished his work but hadn’t left. Instead, he waited for them where he had dropped them off earlier.

Seeing Meng Suihuan, he waved enthusiastically, “Meng girl!”

“Uncle,” Meng Suihuan responded in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to actually wait for them. She thought his earlier offer to wait was just a courtesy and hadn’t taken it seriously.

Noticing the sweat on his forehead, Meng Suihuan couldn’t help but ask, “How long have you been waiting here?”

“Not long, I just finished my work,” Meng Changsheng replied vaguely. But someone quickly exposed him.

“Meng, you’re still here? I’ve been home, taken a bath, and you haven’t even left yet.”

Meng Changsheng laughed sheepishly. “I was waiting for my nieces here. It’s late, and I was worried about their safety.”

The man glanced at Meng Suihuan and Lu Miaomiao, giving a knowing look. “Ah, that explains it.”

—

On the way back, Meng Suihuan remained silent, deep in thought. After a while, she made a decision in her heart. She wanted to collaborate with Meng Changsheng and have him help transport vegetables.

This wasn’t a decision she had made lightly. Meng Suihuan had always been cautious about getting involved with the Meng family. However, today’s events had changed her perspective.

Meng Changsheng was honest, reliable, and had a solid reputation both in town and the village. Most importantly, he was considerate and detail-oriented. For example, instead of leaving after finishing his tasks, he had waited for them for over an hour, simply out of concern for their safety.

This small act touched Meng Suihuan and changed her previous bias.

She was a person of action. Once she made a decision, she didn’t see the point in delaying it. Turning to her uncle, she brought up the subject.

“Uncle, I noticed you often drive to town. I have something to discuss with you.”

“What is it?”

“I’d like to propose a business deal.”

“What kind of deal?” Meng Changsheng was initially surprised but quickly recovered, looking at her with interest and encouragement.

After all, he had watched Meng Suihuan grow up and knew how hard life had been for her, especially with her irresponsible father, who had always treated her like a money-making tool. He often wanted to help her but was afraid she’d take it for granted. Now, seeing her independent and determined, he felt relieved.

“I plan to buy vegetables and sell them in town. I need someone to help with transportation. Do you have time for that?”

Meng Suihuan explained her plan honestly, knowing that trust and transparency were the foundation of any partnership.

Meng Changsheng smiled warmly. “That’s a good idea. But you should know, there are many women selling vegetables in town. Your competition might be tough.”

Meng Suihuan responded with a confident smile, her eyes reassuring. “Don’t worry, Uncle. I’ve got it under control.”

Her confidence was contagious. For reasons he couldn’t explain, Meng Changsheng found himself believing in her.

“Alright, whenever you need help transporting goods, just call me.”

At that moment, Meng Changsheng didn’t realize that this small agreement would change his future.

—

Back at the Lu family home, Lu’s mother paced anxiously, glancing at the door from time to time. Seeing her husband reading a book calmly, she couldn’t hold back.

“It’s so late, and you’re still reading that useless book! Xiaohuan and Miaomiao have been out all day and haven’t returned. What if something happened to them?”

Lu’s father replied calmly, “Don’t worry. You know Miaomiao’s personality. If she’s out, she won’t come back until it’s dark.”

“How is that the same? Besides, the girl was acting weird when she left. She didn’t tell us the truth about why she was going to town. I feel like they’re hiding something.”

Just as she made up her mind to check on them, they heard the rumbling of a vehicle. Moments later, the Vehicle stopped in their yard, and the two girls climbed out.

Lu’s mother looked up at the driver, smiling warmly. “Oh, it’s Brother Meng. You worked hard sending them back so late. Come in and have a cup of tea.”

Meng Changsheng shook his head, his tone hearty. “No need to be so polite, Sister-in-law. We’re all family, no need for formalities. But I’ve been out all day, and Xiao Huan’s aunt is still waiting for me at home. I need to get back quickly.”

Lu’s mother didn’t insist. “Alright then, but whenever you’re free, come by for a simple meal.”

After Meng Changsheng left, the group entered the house. Lu’s mother’s smile immediately disappeared, replaced by a stern expression as she scolded Lu Miaomiao. “Where have you been? It’s already dark, and you’re just getting home!”

Lu Miaomiao was immediately disgruntled. How was this her fault? “It’s not my fault; it’s because of my sister-in-law—”

Before she could finish complaining, Lu’s mother interrupted her with a reprimand. “Oh, you’ve grown bold, haven’t you? Blaming others for your own mistakes!”

Lu Miaomiao was even more upset. “It really was because of my sister-in-law!” She wasn’t shirking responsibility; it truly was her sister-in-law’s fault for moving so slowly and delaying them for a long time! Otherwise, she would have been home much earlier.

Seeing this, Meng Suihuan quickly stepped in to take responsibility. “It’s my fault; it has nothing to do with Miaomiao. Please don’t scold her anymore.”

Lu’s mother clearly didn’t believe her and took the opportunity to lecture Lu Miaomiao further. “Look at your sister-in-law. Even now, she’s standing up for you. And look at you, pushing all the blame onto others.”

Lu Miaomiao: “…”

So, no matter what, it was all her fault. Fine, she decided to stay quiet.

Meng Suihuan couldn’t help but smile wryly. She hadn’t expected Lu’s mother to twist her words this way. “Mom, it really has nothing to do with Miaomiao. I was discussing business with someone, and that’s why we got back late. Miaomiao actually helped me a lot.”

Not only did Meng Suihuan try to explain, but Lu’s father also joined in, trying to calm the situation. “Exactly. You’re always so jumpy. They’re grown-ups; they know how to handle themselves.”

In the past, such comments from Lu’s father would have added fuel to the fire, but today Lu’s mother ignored him. Her focus was on something far more important.

“Xiao Huan, did you just say you were discussing business?” Lu’s mother quickly latched onto the key point, looking at Meng Suihuan in astonishment.

If it had been anyone else, she wouldn’t have reacted so strongly. But since it was her daughter-in-law, Lu’s mother was eager to know every detail.

Meng Suihuan nodded calmly. “Yes, that’s right.”

She had no intention of hiding anything from them. She hadn’t mentioned it earlier simply because she wasn’t fully prepared.

With that, Meng Suihuan explained her ideas and plans to Lu’s parents. At first, they were filled with concerns—after all, running a business could easily lead to losses if not handled carefully. They also worried about her lack of experience.

However, all their doubts vanished when Lu Miaomiao animatedly recounted the day’s events. Instead of worry, they started to feel anticipation.

After all, if this business succeeded, their family’s situation would significantly improve.