Chapter Twenty-Eight: How Can One Manage Without a Man?

Compared to the others, Aunt Niu was not nearly as happy. Though her sweet potato business had picked up today, thanks to their presence, Lin Sangqian still noticed a hint of worry etched across her face. After some thought, Lin spoke up, “Auntie, we’ve known each other for a while now, but I still don’t know your name.”

“Oh, my name hasn’t been called in years. I wouldn’t even answer to it now. My husband’s surname is Niu; just call me Aunt Niu.”

“Aunt Niu, is there something troubling you?” Lin asked gently.

Aunt Niu hadn’t expected someone so young to be so observant. She forced a smile. “Isn’t it always about my husband?”

As Aunt Niu spoke, Lin finally learned the full story. Her husband had once worked at a shop, but after being caught stealing, he was thrown out. Now, he spent his days lazing at home, refusing to work, eating heartily yet unwilling to lift a finger. With two children to feed, all four mouths in the family depended solely on Aunt Niu’s sweet potato sales.

The trouble was, the current batch of sweet potatoes was nearly sold out, and it would be some time before the next crop was ready. Aunt Niu truly didn’t know how they would get by in the days ahead.

“What’s worse,” she continued, “is that not only does he refuse to earn money, but he spends what little we have without restraint, demanding meat and wine every day. The money I’ve made these past few days is nearly gone because of him. The children can’t even have a bit of candy.”

Both Liao Shuxia and Lin Sangqian were indignant at her words.

“With a man like that, why keep him around?” Liao Shuxia spat. “Without him, you and the children would be far better off!”

Aunt Niu was taken aback, stammering, “But how can a family go on without a man? He… he’s the father of my children!”

“You—”

Liao Shuxia wanted to say more, but Lin Sangqian stopped her with a gesture. In this era, such beliefs were deeply ingrained; they would not be changed in a day.

“Aunt Niu, women must think of themselves, too. If not for your own sake, then for your children’s,” Lin said softly. “I live in Shuangji Village. If you ever need help, you can come find me.”

Aunt Niu nodded dazedly, struck by how this little girl before her spoke more like an adult than a child of ten.

Lin Sangqian and Liao Shuxia were about to leave when Aunt Niu noticed they still had two jars left untouched. “Aren’t you going to sell those?” she asked.

Lin Sangqian smiled mysteriously. “Those aren’t meant to be sold here.”

…

Mother and daughter made their way to Wanhua Restaurant, but Lin Sangqian, not wishing to see Bao Mingzhi, circled around to the back entrance.

By chance, just as they arrived, Lin Wenyen emerged to throw out dirty water.

“Big Brother!” Lin Sangqian called out, her voice bright with excitement.

Lin Wenyen looked up and, seeing them, hurriedly set down the bucket and rushed over.

“Mother! Little Sister! You’re here!”

“My good boy! Let your mother give you a hug!” Liao Shuxia exclaimed, sweeping her son into her arms and squeezing him so tightly he could barely breathe.

“Mother, please let go, I can’t breathe…” he gasped.

“If you don’t let go, he’ll suffocate,” Lin Sangqian said, laughing and crying at the same time.

Liao Shuxia quickly released him. Clutching his chest, Lin Wenyen asked, “Where’s Father?”

“He went to help with some construction in the village,” she replied.

Lin Wenyen paused, then nodded.

“Big Brother, I made some food and want to see if I can sell it through the restaurant,” Lin Sangqian explained.

“Is that possible?” he hesitated. After all that had happened, he had no doubt about his sister’s cooking skills, but partnering with a restaurant was another matter. A place like Wanhua surely had its signature dishes and no need to collaborate with outsiders.

“Try some,” Lin Sangqian said with a smile, lifting the lid off one of the jars.

Lin Wenyen took a chicken claw, sniffed it, then took a bite. His eyes lit up immediately.

“This is chicken, but I’ve never tasted anything like this! Little Sister, how did you make it?”

He devoured one claw, lips tingling from the spice, and longed for another. But knowing this was for business, he restrained himself.

“Heh, that’s a secret,” Lin Sangqian teased. “So? Is it good?”

“It’s delicious! If the boss tries it, he’s sure to agree to your proposal!” Lin Wenyen said excitedly.

But Lin Sangqian shook her head. “I’m not planning to sell it through Wanhua Restaurant.”

She had no intention of making money with Bao Mingzhi, that black-hearted owner.

Lin Wenyen was taken aback. “You mean…”

“Isn’t there another restaurant across from Wanhua?” Lin Sangqian smiled. “You’ve worked here a while—do you know anyone at Fortunate Feast?”

He nodded. “That I do.” Though the two restaurants were rivals, it wasn’t so serious among the staff, and there was some interaction. He got along well with a worker named Yang Shi at Fortunate Feast.

He also deeply disliked Bao Mingzhi, and certainly had no desire to help him profit.

After asking Lin Yanbei and Lin Beitao to cover for him if the boss showed up, Lin Wenyen led Lin Sangqian and Liao Shuxia to the back door of Fortunate Feast.

It was not yet meal time and the place was not busy; the staff were idling near the back. Lin Wenyen immediately spotted Yang Shi.

“Wen, what brings you here?” Yang Shi hurried over.

“Yang, this is my mother and my sister.”

Yang Shi, who had been lounging carelessly, straightened at once upon hearing this. “Good day, Auntie!” he said solemnly.

His sudden formality made Lin Sangqian laugh.

Thinking she was just a little girl, Yang Shi rummaged in his pocket and pulled out two copper coins. “Here, little one, this is for you. Buy yourself some sweets.”

“Yang, that’s not necessary. We’re here to ask a favor, not to take your money.”

“What is it? Just say the word! Wen and I—our friendship is solid.”

“My sister has made something and wants to see if your restaurant would be interested in selling it,” Lin Wenyen explained.

Yang Shi’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? That’s impossible! The manager would never agree. We have plenty of signature dishes—he’s never collaborated with outsiders.”

“Yang, please, just introduce us to your manager. If I can speak with him, I’m sure I can convince him,” Lin Sangqian insisted, her tone full of confidence.

Yang Shi hesitated, but finally nodded. “All right, I’ll take you to him!”