Chapter 831: A Fragile and Sensitive Heart....
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Yang Xiao wanted to pick out some pastries, but those were just thoughts. He reminded himself that he was only there to accompany the Su siblings around to give them a tour.
Next, Su Binglan visited the cured meats shop next door to buy some tofu skins and fermented tofu. She prepared to return to the village but noticed a dumpling restaurant nearby.
“There’s a dumpling shop here, too?”
Yang Xiao explained, ‘Yeah, this dumpling restaurant is famous. I heard they import their dumplings from Teng County. Supposedly, the dumplings here are the tastiest around. Many people enjoy eating here.
“The villagers also know how to make dumplings. Although they might not taste as good as the ones sold here, they’re still delicious.” Yang Xiao could not stop smiling when he spoke about dumplings.
His family had eaten some during the New Year, and they enjoyed every piece.
“There’s also a spicy hotpot restaurant nearby.” He looked toward the restaurant next door and could smell the fragrance coming from inside. Still,
he never dared to enter.
Su Binglan looked at the signboard and thought about Su Wenwu.
Su Wenxiu whispered, “Sister, this is Third Brother’s restaurant.”
Su Wenwu and Ye Feiran had arranged many things before leaving for the South. Therefore, Su Wenwu’s restaurants were all over the country. Su
Wenxiu had guessed as much when he looked at the name on the signboard.
The two Su siblings started to miss their second brother and wondered how he was doing. Last time, they had received a letter from Su Wenwu, saying that everything was fine and that there were many fruits to eat in the south.
Su Wenwu even asked his siblings to visit. He told his siblings about the many new and refreshing things in the South, hoping his sister could turn them into delicacies.
Su Binglan said, “Yeah, that should be Wenwu’s restaurant. Since it’s already noon, let’s have some mala hotpot.”
Yang Xiao’s eyes widened in disbelief. “W-We’re going in? You mean…for lunch?! B-But I didn’t bring enough money.”
He felt ashamed and instinctively lowered his head as he spoke. The young man’s heart was fragile and sensitive. At that moment, he felt a profound sense of inferiority.
Su Binglan said, “Since you’re our guide, I must treat you to something to eat, right? If you feel guilty about it, you can always treat my brother and me to a meal when you have enough money.”
She realized Yang Xiao had a little self-esteem issue.
“But… But…” Yang Xiao did not know when he could afford to treat anyone to a meal.
It seemed Su Binglan did not need him to say anything to understand his thoughts. She said, “I plan to make you the manager of the factory when it’s up and running.
“I’ll pay you a handsome salary and offer significant bonuses. It’ll be a few silver. You’ll earn one silver at the lowest, so you don’t have to worry.”
Su Binglan’s voice was gentle, and her words calmed Yang Xiao’s uneasy heart.
Yang Xiao was so excited to receive the job opportunity that he almost jumped for joy. He even suspected he had misheard. However, he knew Su Binglan was telling the truth when he noticed her encouraging gaze.
Yang Xiao became teary-eyed and almost cried. After all, he knew how difficult it was to get a decent job in Yang County. It was not because he was not capable or diligent. It was because there were not many jobs in town.
Most could only help out at home. Even if Yang Xiao harvested and planted herbs, he could only sell them for a few coppers because of the conspiring merchants.
Yang Xiao felt powerless when faced with such a terrible reality. However, Su Binglan’s words rekindled his hopes and made his heart surge again.
Su Wenxiu looked at him and thought of his past self. The former felt just as powerless. It was his sister who pointed him in the right direction, making his life more meaningful than ever.
Therefore, Su Wenxiu understood Yang Xiao. He patted Yang Xiao’s shoulder and said, “Everything will get better. Trust us, okay? Come on, let’s eat. We’ll only have the energy to do things when we’re full, right?”
Yang Xiao nodded earnestly and followed the Su siblings into the spicy hotpot restaurant. It was his first time entering the restaurant, so he was surprised by everything inside.
Yang Xiao felt the environment, including the tables and chairs, differed from other restaurants. He saw some customers placing vegetables and meats into small baskets.
Then, the customers would pay the bill while a waiter would cook the food for them. Yang Xiao was observant and even noticed the number tags.
“Yang Xiao, take a basket and grab whatever you like.”
“Huh? But…l don’t know what I like.” Yang Xiao scratched the back of his head embarrassedly.
Su Wenxiu said, “There are noodles, vegetables, meatballs, and other meats. We’ll put them into the hotpot to cook. Then, we’ll add the other ingredients, like the vegetables, before eating. If you’re not picky, you can choose whatever
I do.”
“Umm, oh.” Yang Xiao followed everything Su Wenxiu did and picked the same ingredients.
Although Su Wenxiu was not that hungry, he still picked more food because he wanted Yang Xiao to eat more. After gathering their food items, the trio handed them to the counter to pay the bill.
Afterward, Su Binglan took a number tag and went to take a seat. Yang Xiao felt a sense of novelty as he sat by the window. After all, he had never experienced being in such a restaurant before.
“Miss Su, Young Master Wenxiu, I’d like to thank you.”
“You don’t have to call us that. Although I’m a little older than you, you can just call me Brother Wenxiu.”
“I’m older than you, too, but you can call me Sister Binglan.”
The siblings could tell he was of good character. If they gave him a chance, he would undoubtedly make a name for himself. Therefore, Su Binglan and Su Wenxiu treated him as their little brother.
“I will, Brother Wenxiu and Sister Binglan.” Yang Xiao felt warm inside as he smiled shyly. “Thank you for everything.”
Su Binglan smiled. “You’re welcome. I’ll need your help managing the factory, all right?”
“Don’t worry, Sister Binglan. I will do my best because you gave me a chance..”