"The young lady has such a good eye—the belt and earrings you paired are the perfect finishing touches."
Jiabao's second cousin-in-law didn’t miss the chance to praise Qingqing.
Qingqing felt a little embarrassed.
"That’s right, Qingqing’s sketches of dresses and skirts are all so lovely. It’d be wonderful if they could be made into real clothes to wear," Jiabao said, then suddenly realized something and grabbed Qingqing’s hand.
"Qingqing, I think you might have a brighter future as a fashion designer than as a teacher. You have a great sense for color coordination, and your clothing designs are beautiful."
Qingqing was taken aback.
"Me? A fashion designer? I just draw for fun."
"Give it a try! We can find an art teacher for you to learn from—it’d be a shame to waste such talent."
Jiabao’s mind was already racing ahead.
"In the future, you can be the fashion designer, and I’ll start a clothing company. We’ll never have to part."
"Being a fashion designer is indeed a wonderful path. Abroad, they hold quite a prestigious position. As the economy grows, people will have more money to spend on dressing well," Jiabao’s second cousin-in-law added gently.
"Do you really think I could do it?"
Qingqing glanced at the outfits displayed in the shop.
"Of course! You’re so clever. We can start small—there’s no harm in trying."
"If Qingqing wants to do it, she should go for it. She’s still young, and as long as it doesn’t interfere with her studies, I’m sure her parents will support her. If she’s serious about fashion design, she’ll need to learn sewing. I’ll buy her a sewing machine."
Lianxiang thought of how she had learned her own skills from a master chef, which had led her to where she was today. Gui Xiang had helped her so much—if Qingqing could also master a craft, it would only benefit her future.
A small seed was planted in that moment.
Qingqing helped pick out two more outfits, both of which Lianxiang bought.
Lianxiang took the two girls shopping and bought quite a few things.
"Lianxiang?"
Gui Xiang almost didn’t recognize her at first, wondering who this strikingly beautiful young woman was from afar—until she spotted Qingqing and Jiabao with her.
"Auntie."
Lianxiang had grown used to the attention by now, though the high heels weren’t practical for biking, so she’d switched back to her own shoes.
"Lianxiang looks just like a celebrity on TV—her spirit’s brighter than ever."
Yang Yufen and Aunt Wang were there too.
"Aunt Yang, Aunt Wang, you’re here too! I saw some knee pads for sale today—the vendor said they’re made of rabbit fur, very soft and warm. I picked out a pair for each of you to protect your knees in winter."
Since the shop was on break, Lianxiang took out the gifts.
"Oh my, this fur is truly soft and thick! You’ve always had a good eye and a thoughtful heart."
Gui Xiang was the first to receive hers. She had never had a daughter of her own, but ever since taking Lianxiang in, she had treated her like one, even preparing a dowry for her wedding without expecting anything in return.
But Lianxiang was grateful. Even after marrying, she often bought things for Gui Xiang—though she never mentioned it to her husband, as it was her own money. This time, however, her husband had specifically given her the funds, making it all the more meaningful.
"Lianxiang, there’s something I’d like to ask your husband for help with," Yang Yufen spoke up.
"Our orchard needs a truck for transporting fertilizer and supplies. Last time, your husband arranged several vehicles to assist us. Since he knows about vehicles and where to buy them, we were hoping he could recommend something."
"I’ll ask him as soon as I get back," Lianxiang promised.
"Don’t worry, Granny Yang, I’ll help out too!" Jiabao chimed in eagerly.
"Good, good. Will you be staying at the orchard again this year?" Yang Yufen asked, fond of the sweet, lively girl.
"I’d love to, but Qingqing and I have new plans this year. I’m not sure how long they’ll keep us busy."
"No matter. Come visit when the fruits ripen or when the orchard blooms next year—it’ll be even more beautiful then."
When Boss Huo heard that Yang Yufen wanted to buy a truck for the orchard, he made some inquiries.
"These two ladies not only have sharp judgment but also more daring than most young folks. With the Agricultural Academy backing their orchard, it might not bring quick profits like high-rises, but it’s a stable investment—no chance of losses."
Lianxiang didn’t fully understand, but she could tell her husband was willing to help.
When the big truck arrived, Little Zhang was over the moon.
"Auntie, you’re really letting me drive this?"
"Afraid to?" Yang Yufen teased.
"Not at all! I just never thought I’d get behind the wheel of something like this."
He couldn’t stop marveling at it, running his hands over the vehicle.
"Quit dawdling and learn properly—don’t waste their time," Yang Yufen urged.
Only then did Little Zhang scramble into the driver’s seat.
Young people pick things up quickly. In just two days, Little Zhang was confidently driving the truck around. Yang Yufen took a couple more days to get the hang of it.
"Auntie, Professor Wang needs two truckloads of aged chicken manure."
Yang Yufen, who was overseeing the manure-turning, nodded when she heard. It suddenly struck her that she hadn’t seen her godson in a while.
"How about we go together? I can drive now—let’s see how my godson’s been doing."
She turned to Aunt Wang.
"Sure. Since he got back from the south this year, he’s been buried in work at the university. He ought to come home more."
Regarding having another child, Aunt Wang had discussed it with her daughter-in-law Fang Fen, who was open to the idea—especially with the security her mother-in-law offered. Waiting for a work-assigned apartment could take years, but the one Aunt Wang promised was in a prime location.
The two women had agreed, but Wang Shuo was always busy, traveling between the north and south for months at a time.
"Professor Wang, the chicken manure’s here. Where should we unload it?"
A student hurried over to report. Wang Shuo stepped out from the fields.
"Mom? Godmother? You two…"
He had meant to direct the driver where to dump the manure, but when he looked up, the first person he saw was his mother—followed by Yang Yufen gripping the steering wheel in the driver’s seat. He was stunned.
"You two drove this thing all the way from the orchard?"
"You’re always too busy to come home. If I don’t come see you, you’d forget where home is!"
"Mom, Godmother’s right here. I’ve just been swamped with work. Godmother, go a little further—there’s an open space over there. That’ll do."
Wang Shuo had noticed that since his father passed, his mother’s temper had grown more like Yang Yufen’s, while Yang Yufen herself had softened somewhat, resembling his mother’s former gentleness.
Spending so much time together had rubbed off on them both.
Aunt Wang had no idea what her son was thinking and reminded him to visit home once he wrapped up his current work.
"Got it, Mom. Just a few more days, and I’ll be less busy. I’ll definitely come back. You and Godmother be careful on the road."
