"Are you really giving this to me?" Song Nianchu asked again to confirm.
"Of course."
"And you won’t regret it?"
"No regrets."
"..."
Song Nianchu looked at the fifteen yuan in her hand, feeling as sweet as if she had eaten honey.
In her past life, she had been entirely focused on work, with no time for a boyfriend. This was the first time, aside from her father, that a man had willingly entrusted his money to her.
"I already told you before—I have no talent for managing finances. From now on, you’ll handle my money. Besides, Haoxuan and Yongnian are staying here, so we’ll need rent and food expenses," Mu Shi'an added.
"Alright, then I’ll take charge!" Song Nianchu didn’t hesitate.
If her man was willing to give her his money, why should she refuse?
Still, she pulled out five yuan and handed it back to him.
"Consider this your allowance. A man should always have some money on him."
"Allowance?"
Mu Shi'an chuckled but accepted it anyway.
"Then thank you, Comrade Song."
"You’re welcome. Stick with Comrade Song, and you’ll eat nine meals in three days—every one with meat!" Song Nianchu beamed.
"Then it’s settled," Mu Shi'an said, seemingly infected by her cheerfulness.
"Deal!" Song Nianchu extended her hand, and the two sealed the promise with a playful handshake—a childish gesture Mu Shi'an hadn’t done in years.
"Alright, I have things to take care of, so I’ll head out now." After finishing her business with Mu Shi'an, Song Nianchu prepared to visit the village office.
"Sure." Mu Shi'an nodded.
They stepped out together, and the workers in the courtyard discreetly averted their eyes, pretending not to notice. Newlyweds were easily embarrassed, and they didn’t want to make them uncomfortable.
Unaware of the attention, Song Nianchu and Mu Shi'an parted ways—one leaving, the other returning to work—moving in perfect sync.
"..."
When Song Nianchu arrived at the village office, she noticed Aunt Wu and the others seemed downcast, their faces clouded with worry.
"What’s wrong?" Song Nianchu asked as she approached.
"Ah-Chu, you’re here." Aunt Wu quickly greeted her. "Gangzi just delivered the goods and said tomorrow’s order has been cut in half?"
"That’s right." Song Nianchu nodded.
"Why the sudden reduction? Is there something wrong with our quality?" Aunt Wu pressed anxiously.
"Not at all. Our product quality is flawless. Fluctuations in orders are normal—don’t worry. Who knows? In a few days, the orders might double again." Song Nianchu reassured her.
"Really?" Aunt Wu still seemed uneasy.
She had been fretting over whether they had fallen short, leading to canceled orders.
"It’s fine. We’ll make as much as we’re asked to. The current profits are already quite good," Song Nianchu said gently.
Market feedback took time after launching a product.
If her goods had attracted Xiang Tianyi, they could certainly draw other partners.
Her task now was to find reliable collaborators.
"Mm." Aunt Wu’s restless heart settled slightly at Song Nianchu’s words.
"Alright, everyone, let’s get back to work." Song Nianchu clapped her hands, signaling the group to focus.
Only then did the others shake off their concerns.
The four hundred jars for today still needed to be delivered. Once the workshop finished preparing them, Song Nianchu didn’t make the trip herself—instead, she sent Wu Gang and two others.
They had already learned the routine during the morning delivery, so they pushed the cart and set off without hesitation.
While Aunt Wu and the others prepped ingredients for the next day, Song Nianchu took the opportunity to look for Wu Zhenggui.
Unexpectedly, they ran into each other halfway.
"Ah-Chu, where are you headed? I was just looking for you," Wu Zhenggui said first.
"What a coincidence—I was about to find you too," Song Nianchu replied with a smile.
"Is that so? Then let’s talk at my place." Wu Zhenggui led the way cheerfully.
At this hour, most villagers were out working, so his home was empty. They sat on stone stools in the courtyard.
"Uncle Zhenggui, what did you want to discuss?" Song Nianchu asked.
"Well, the group assigned the net-weaving machines has finished their first batch of fishing nets. I was thinking of taking them to the county’s fishing gear factory to see if they’ll buy them." Wu Zhenggui had already inspected the nets—the quality was solid—but since this was their first attempt with the machines, he still felt a little uncertain.
"That fast? I thought it’d take a few more days," Song Nianchu said, surprised.
"Everyone’s fascinated by the machines—once they start weaving, they don’t want to stop," Wu Zhenggui laughed.
Song Nianchu nodded. Novelty always sparked enthusiasm, though she suspected it would wane once the initial excitement faded.
"Then I’ll make another trip to the fishing gear factory later. Gangzi and the others just left for the county to deliver goods." She hadn’t expected such quick progress—otherwise, she would’ve gone with them.
"Bad timing. Or you could have Gangzi deliver them tomorrow morning," Wu Zhenggui suggested.
"No need. I’d like to visit the factory myself anyway." Song Nianchu shook her head.
With tomorrow’s orders halved, the workshop could manage without her help.
"Sounds good." If Song Nianchu didn’t mind the trip, Wu Zhenggui had no objections. "By the way, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Remember the handcart Mu Shi'an made for me? I used it to deliver goods in the county. The manager at the market saw it and thought it was very practical—he ordered three." Song Nianchu explained.
"Really?" Wu Zhenggui was astonished.
"Yes. I agreed and gave him a good price. In return, he promised to refer more customers. If this takes off, our village will have another source of income." Song Nianchu needed to legitimize these four carts, and showing Wu Zhenggui the potential benefits was the first step.
Of course, she genuinely believed the handcarts had market potential. Once orders piled up, Mu Shi'an wouldn’t be able to handle them alone—they’d eventually need the village’s cooperation.
"Excellent! That son-in-law of yours is a real catch!" Wu Zhenggui grinned from ear to ear.
They hadn’t even fully grasped the net-weaving machines, and now handcarts were in the mix.
Mu Shi'an was truly a rare talent.
"Also, a worker at the glass factory ordered one. But for now, these four carts won’t go through the village accounts. Once more orders come in, we’ll distribute the work," Song Nianchu added.
"No problem. I’ll write you a certificate for the market sales—you keep the money." Wu Zhenggui agreed without hesitation.
"Thank you, Uncle Zhenggui." Song Nianchu’s eyes curved with a smile.
Small private transactions like this were still quietly tolerated.
When dealing with collaborations like those in the large market, proper documentation is a must. Given Mu Shi'an's unique status, Song Nianchu decided to take all necessary precautions in advance to avoid any potential trouble down the line—better safe than sorry.
