Chapter 182: The Spring Breeze of the Era

Chapter 182: The Winds of Change

Bai Mengan assumed that Ye Xiaoxiao had been admitted to study through the Lu family's recommendation, believing she knew the truth, so she didn't press further.

"Why are you studying traditional Chinese medicine? I never thought you were into that."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "I suddenly became interested."

Bai Mengan leaned in cautiously. "Tell me more about Lu Hanchuan, will you?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Why are you so curious about him?"

Bai Mengan: "Do you know he has a nickname in the compound, 'Yama,' meaning he's scarier than the King of Hell?"

Ye Xiaoxiao: "It's not that bad. I think he's actually pretty easygoing."

Bai Mengan made an exaggerated expression. "You're just seeing what you want to see. I don't buy it."

Ye Xiaoxiao let it go and didn't explain further.

She really enjoyed meeting with Bai Mengan. After hanging out at the Bai family for a while, Ye Xiaoxiao headed back to school.

Bai Mengan: "Let's catch up again soon."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Sure."

After sorting things out with the Hao family, Ye Xiaoxiao felt a lot more at ease.

...

Meanwhile, Xu Jianwen's internship was almost over.

After that incident, things between him and Hao Yanyan heated up quickly. They were already a public item among their colleagues.

"Yan Yan, why don't you head back to the capital first?"

Xu Jianwen knew Hao Yanyan had come here for him, but with his internship wrapping up, there was no reason for her to stick around.

Hao Yanyan looked at Xu Jianwen affectionately. "Why can't we go back together?"

Xu Jianwen said kindly. "If that's what you want, sure."

Hao Yanyan: "Don't get me wrong, I just want to take better care of you. If I stay, I can help you out with stuff."

Xu Jianwen's daily clothes and essentials were all washed and organized by Hao Yanyan.

Actually, Hao Yanyan had never done housework back at the Ye family; her clothes were always taken care of by Zhang Xue and Miao Cuifang.

But after getting married in her past life, she picked up a lot, including all those tedious chores.

So now, she came off as really domestic around Xu Jianwen.

Xu Jianwen wasn't oblivious to Hao Yanyan's efforts.

"Thanks, Yan Yan. I'll make sure to treat you right."

Hao Yanyan: "I trust you."

The final decision was that Hao Yanyan would return to Beijing first, but she had obtained Xu Jianwen's promise.

He promised that as soon as he graduated, the two would get married immediately.

With the purpose of her trip fulfilled, Hao Yanyan naturally returned to Beijing.

She hadn't forgotten her big plan to strike it rich.

After returning to Beijing, she needed to earn more money. Only by becoming stronger could she secure more happiness.

...

Guangdong Province, Shenzhen.

Through his own hard work, Ye Changning had already opened several clothing stores.

But he wasn't content with the way things were. Although sourcing goods from factories was cheap, it wasn't the cheapest option, and there were too many limitations.

The best solution was to start his own factory.

Although Ye Changning had saved a lot of money, the money he had wasn't enough to start a factory.

Ye Changning decided to get a loan.

Definitely not from loan sharks, but from a reputable bank.

When Yu Gang heard Ye Changning's idea, he got a bit nervous.

"Our current job is pretty good, why do we need to start our own factory?"

Ye Changning patted his friend on the shoulder.

"Of course, it's to make more money. We're not without skills. Are we just content being clothing porters?"

Unlike Yu Gang, Ye Changning is the kind of guy who dares to dream big and take action.

"We not only want to build a factory, but also create our own brand in the future, taking our business nationwide and even global."

Yu Gang got fired up by Ye Changning's words.

"Changning, I'm with you all the way. I'll give you all the money I've saved."

Ye Changning was pleased with his friend's attitude.

Compared to Yu Gang, another friend's reaction left him a bit disappointed.

Wang Sheng and Ye Changning have been friends since childhood.

But upon hearing that Ye Changning wanted to take out a loan to start a factory, he directly criticized, "Look, Changning, I’m not trying to rain on your parade, but your career is doing quite well. Why risk it all?"

Ye Changning: "You in?"

Wang Sheng, with a cigarette in his mouth, said, "Forget it. I don’t have much saved up. Don’t bank on me—I’m no help."

Wang Sheng’s been living it up in the south, but he squandered all his money and didn't send much back home.

A few days ago, Ye Changning received a letter from home, specifically asking about Wang Sheng's situation.

Wang Sheng's parents also said that if things don’t work out, he should come back home.

Having gotten used to the big city life, Wang Sheng had no desire to return to that backwater village.

Ye Changning said kindly, "Shengzi, you're making good money now, remember to send some home. Your parents are waiting for you there."

Wang Sheng retorted, "They’ve got hands and feet; they won’t starve back home. Why should they worry about my money?"

Seeing Wang Sheng’s nonchalant attitude, Ye Changning couldn't help but get angry. He grabbed Wang Sheng by the collar and yanked him up.

"Wang Sheng! Don’t forget why we came all the way down south from home. You're forgetting your roots now."

Wang Sheng's cigarette fell, and he looked scared.

"Changning, Changning, I remember it all. I was just kidding earlier. I'll definitely send money home. I won't forget my parents."

Yu Gang rushed in from outside and saw Ye Changning about to hit someone, but he didn’t dare step in.

Although Ye Changning wasn't as strong as him, he was a tough fighter.

Ye Changning let go of Wang Sheng, his eyes full of disappointment.

"You’re on your own now."

After Ye Changning and Yu Gang left, Wang Sheng spat in their direction.

"Pah! Acting all high and mighty. I might not have as much cash as you, but my work’s a lot easier. Ye Changning thinks he’s gonna be a boss? I’ll see how you go broke. You’ll end up worse off than me."

Wang Sheng used to be close to Ye Changning, as they had grown up together in the village, sharing everything, even clothes and sweet potatoes when they were poor.

But after experiencing the hustle and bustle of the big city, that bond had slowly faded.

Ye Changning was still fuming as he walked out the door.

He felt that Wang Sheng had changed and was no longer his good brother.

Yu Gang scratched his head.

"What’s going on between you and Shengzi?"

Ye Changning said, "Gangzi, don't come looking for Shengzi anymore. He's no longer our brother."

Although Yu Gang didn't understand what had happened between them, he unconditionally supported Ye Changning.

"I'll listen to you."

Ye Changning took a deep breath. "Let's go to the bank and get the loan processed as soon as possible."

Yu Gang followed closely behind Ye Changning, not leaving his side.

...

Ye Xiaoxiao was recently preparing for her final exams.

Although the final exams posed no difficulty for her.

While studying in class, Zhang Kaining came to her, "Can you check where my experimental data might be wrong..."