"No need to count." Manager Li waved generously as he returned to his desk, pulling out a stack of cash from the drawer and handing it to Song Nianchu.
"Go ahead and count it."
Song Nianchu did so, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Manager Li, this amount is off. There’s an extra three yuan and fifty cents here."
"It’s not extra. I’ve included the payment for those five portions of cumin squid at the same price as the crispy fish." Manager Li explained with a chuckle.
Having already witnessed Song Nianchu’s ability to bring in profits, he naturally couldn’t treat her poorly anymore.
"Thank you, Manager Li." Song Nianchu didn’t refuse, smiling as she expressed her gratitude.
She was in dire need of money right now.
"Don’t mention it. But could you double the amount of crispy fish for tomorrow?" Manager Li ventured cautiously.
"Double it? Sixty portions?" Song Nianchu frowned.
"Yes. After we put this dish on the menu yesterday, customers were practically fighting over it. Some even paid in advance to reserve it." Manager Li explained cheerfully.
"Wouldn’t sixty portions be a bit too much?"
"Not at all. Ours is the only state-run restaurant in the entire county, and we’re packed with customers every day." Manager Li waved his hand dismissively.
No matter the era, there would always be those who had money to spare.
Besides, hosting guests at the state-run restaurant had become a status symbol these days.
"I think doubling the quantity all at once might dampen the customers’ enthusiasm. How about adding just ten more portions for now, and then we can gauge the response to the cumin squid?" Song Nianchu suggested after a moment’s thought.
If they wanted to maintain exclusivity, they couldn’t just cater to every demand.
"Alright, we’ll do as you say. Thirty portions tomorrow." Manager Li considered her words and found them reasonable.
The current frenzy was precisely because people knew there were only twenty portions available daily. If they started offering unlimited quantities, the hype would die down quickly.
That wouldn’t do—he was counting on this dish to bring in even more customers.
After all, once people were here, even if they couldn’t get the crispy fish, they’d settle for other dishes.
Yesterday’s revenue had already doubled.
"Good." Song Nianchu quite enjoyed doing business with Manager Li.
As long as you could prove your worth to him, he was easy to work with.
Though he was a bit shrewd, his willingness to listen made her open to a long-term partnership.
With the money safely tucked away, Song Nianchu left the state-run restaurant.
She didn’t go to the hospital empty-handed, stopping by the supply and marketing cooperative to pick up some canned fruit and nutritional supplements before heading over.
As she reached the door of Mu's Father’s hospital room, she overheard voices inside.
"Shi’an… you were your grandfather’s… pride and joy…"
"Our Mu family has been in business for generations… and in all these years, you’re the only scholar we’ve produced…"
"Your grandfather’s dying wish was for you… to abandon commerce for academia… to elevate our family’s standing… How could you… how could you agree to be a live-in son-in-law?!"
Mu's Father’s voice was laced with heartbreak and frustration.
"Dad, you’ve just woken up. The doctor said you’re still very weak and shouldn’t get agitated. Let’s discuss this after you’ve recovered." Mu Shi’an quickly tried to soothe him.
"No… you must resolve this immediately. You cannot become a live-in son-in-law! You’re the hope… of our Mu family…" Mu's Father’s voice cracked with emotion.
Song Nianchu, who had been about to push the door open, withdrew her hand.
She feared her presence might send Mu's Father into another fit of rage.
"Dad, whether I marry into another family or not, I’ll always be your son. Besides… given how far our family has fallen, all that education I received is practically useless now…" Mu Shi’an reasoned gently.
"That doesn’t matter! If your grandfather knew you’d agreed to this… he’d never rest in peace!" Mu's Father gripped Mu Shi’an’s arm tightly.
Mu Shi’an stared at the veins bulging on his father’s hand. After a long pause, he finally lifted his gaze to meet his father’s eyes.
But his expression was chillingly detached, and Mu's Father stiffened under that gaze.
It was the first time he’d ever seen such coldness in his son.
Though Mu Shi’an had always been reserved and distant, he’d never shown anything but respect toward him and his grandfather.
"Shi’an…" Mu's Father murmured weakly.
"Dad, do you really think some abstract ideal is more important than our family’s survival?" Mu Shi’an’s voice was devoid of emotion.
Mu's Father faltered, unable to respond.
"I know you and Grandfather always dreamed of me becoming a renowned scholar. From childhood, I worked tirelessly toward that goal."
"But Dad, our circumstances have changed. While you were ill, did you know we barely had enough to eat? We survived on nothing but thin rice gruel to keep ourselves alive."
"What’s the point of clinging to pride when we’re on the brink of starvation?"
Under Mu Shi’an’s relentless questioning, Mu's Father was at a loss for words.
"I accepted the bride price. I chose this path. And I don’t regret it—because in my eyes, no amount of dignity is worth more than my father’s life."
Mu's Father’s pupils dilated, his eyes reddening as if he’d aged several years in an instant.
"It’s my fault… I’ve burdened you. I’m useless…" Mu's Father clenched his fists.
"Aren’t we family? You raised me for over twenty years. How is repaying you even a fraction of that kindness something you should apologize for?"
"Dad, don’t feel guilty. My wife is a good woman. When you fell ill, she begged the village chief to issue us a permit so the hospital would admit you."
"When I couldn’t pull the cart anymore on the way here, she was the one who dragged you to the hospital. If you met her, you’d like her." Mu Shi’an’s tone softened noticeably as he spoke.
Mu's Father stared at his son in astonishment.
Back in Jing City, he’d arranged countless blind dates for Mu Shi’an. His son had always attended obediently, but none ever led anywhere.
This son of his was exceptionally intelligent, mastering everything he studied with ease.
Perhaps his intellect was so towering that his emotional intelligence suffered in comparison.
He struggled with social interactions, rarely took initiative, and seemed almost devoid of personal desires.
He accepted whatever was given to him, his ambitions frighteningly minimal.
This was the first time Mu's Father had heard him express such strong affection for someone outside the family.
"You… care for her?" Mu's Father ventured hesitantly.
Mu Shi’an froze at the question, momentarily stunned.
Care for her?
Outside the door, Song Nianchu’s ears perked up like antennas, and she unconsciously pressed closer to the door, eager to hear his answer.
