Chapter 156: My Husband

Chapter 156: My Husband

Lin Dashan, considering himself a proper man, led the way alongside Zhou Ye, another older man, clearing the path. He Guixiang followed two steps behind, while Lin Shu and Lin Xiaopu brought up the rear. Though spaced, the family remained close.

Lin Shu’s whispered words to Lin Xiaopu were caught entirely by Zhou Ye, whose keen ears missed nothing, especially since he was attentively observing A Shu’s every move.

Beside them, Lin Dashan muttered about everyday man talk. Zhou Ye responded verbally, but a faint, subtle smile crept onto his lips.

Since childhood, he had been reserved with his emotions, seldom smiling. Yet, he had lost count of how many times he had smiled since meeting A Shu.

So much joy—being with A Shu brought him endless happiness.

"...I heard from your aunt that A Shu’s Termitomyces sauce will fetch a good sum. A Shu is truly remarkable. Today, let’s splurge a little—have some tea at the teahouse and buy some glutinous rice cakes and sugar pastries. Heh."

Zhou Ye gave an acknowledging hum and replied, "A Shu is indeed capable."

Recalling Lin Dashan’s tendency, like many men, to boast and show off, he thought for a moment and added a word of caution, "Uncle, don’t flash your cash. Let’s not spread word about A Shu’s earnings from the sauce."

Lin Dashan chuckled, "Who am I gonna tell anyway? Besides, Zhao San and Old Man Liao already know about it. It’s only a matter of time before word gets out."

Zhou Ye responded, "We never expected to keep it hidden for long. But if anyone asks, just say A Shu earned a little to help with household expenses—don’t mention the exact amount. Last night, A Shu and I burned the midnight oil preparing the Termitomyces, and she was at it again early this morning. The money didn’t come easy. We don’t want others thinking it’s easy money."

Lin Dashan fell silent, reminded of the argument He Guixiang had with him last night, and finally took the matter more seriously.

Since they split from the family, the villagers had known they received little land and had a frail younger daughter requiring constant medicine. Later, it was discovered that their eldest daughter had been mixed up at birth.

When the Marquis’s carriage took Yao away, they didn’t dare say boo. Their capable eldest daughter, raised for over a decade, was gone, and their biological daughter wasn’t coming back. The tall, sturdy man they had raised as a future son-in-law, though capable, had a big appetite, and it was uncertain whether he would take care of them in the future—after all, there was no blood relation, and he wouldn’t be their son-in-law...

Lin Dashan knew many villagers had once laughed at their misfortune.

So now, as their lives improved, Lin Dashan indeed felt like he could finally hold his head high.

Though the daughter they raised by mistake had left to enjoy a life of luxury in the Marquis’s household—likely never to set foot in Sweetwater Village again—their biological daughter had returned!

Having enjoyed years of privilege in the Marquis’s estate, she was willing to come back to this poor, remote mountain village. Their biological daughter was a truly devoted child!

Not only was she capable, creating food to sell and collaborating with Old Gao on bamboo reclining chairs, but he also heard from the child’s mother that she would soon be selling ice jelly with Zhao Laosan's wife? Their daughter was full of money-making ideas. Once she married A Ye, two capable children would take care of him together. Who in the village could lead a more comfortable life than him?

Having been pushed around for so long, his sudden rise inevitably made him a little proud.

He Guixiang’s reminders alone might not have sufficed, but with Zhou Ye—whom Lin Dashan highly valued as a future son-in-law—adding his voice, Lin Dashan finally took it to heart.

Lin Dashan wasn’t ignorant of human nature. Those who had always been well-off were envied but not resented. However, sudden wealth was most likely to provoke jealousy. From now on, he would watch his tongue and avoid saying too much.

Seeing that Lin Dashan had taken his advice, Zhou Ye changed the subject. "Uncle, when we reach the market, you and Aunt can take Xiao Pu to look around first. I’ll accompany A Shu to deliver the sauce to Lee's Noodle Soup. If the shop wants a long-term supply from A Shu, we should draft and sign a contract."

Lin Dashan had initially thought of joining them, but upon hearing about contracts, he hesitated. Better not—he didn’t understand such matters. "Alright, you two handle the important matters first."

Chatting and laughing along the way, the family found time passing quickly. Before long, they had covered more than half the distance, and Lin Shu didn’t feel the least bit tired.

As expected of the monthly end market, the road was far busier than during the previous market day. Since they had set out later, they no longer encountered farmers carrying baskets of vegetables and fruits—only villagers like themselves, carrying empty baskets and bamboo packs.

The weather was pleasant, with clouds occasionally shielding the sun, sparing them from constant exposure. Still, upon spotting a patch of taro leaves by the roadside, Lin Shu picked three large leaves and gave them to her mother and Xiao Pu. The three women each wore one on their heads.

Lin Shu hadn’t cared about tanning before, but now...

She stole a glance at Zhou Ye walking ahead. She had developed a desire to look pleasing for the one she admired. Better to take some care and avoid becoming a little tanned girl.

Entering the town gate, Lin Shu was even more struck by the market’s bustle. The crowd was dense and bustling; a glance revealed a sea of people. No wonder many chose to visit at different times during the big market.

Lin Dashan led his wife and daughters, looking around and picking out items at roadside stalls, while Lin Shu and Zhou Ye first went to deliver the Termitomyces sauce to Lee's Noodle Soup.

Lee's Noodle Soup was doing excellent business. Even at this hour, many customers filled the shop. Last time, she had wondered why the shop didn’t serve cold noodles, also known as chilled noodles. To her surprise, they had added them this time. Upon entering, she saw a server serving a customer chilled noodles mixed with Termitomyces sauce. The Termitomyces chilled noodles were highly popular—several customers had ordered them.

Lin Shu was a real looker, and Zhou Ye was tall and sturdy. Either alone would leave a lasting impression, let alone together.

The shop’s staff recognized them immediately, and one hurried over to greet them.

"Madam Lin, we’ve been waiting for you!" The attendant ushered them inside.

Lin Shu smiled and asked, "What’s the rush? Just yesterday, I had Old Man Liao from the village deliver ten jars of sauce. Would it have mattered if I came a bit later today?"

The attendant replied with a smile, "Madam Lin, you might not realize how popular your Termitomyces sauce is, especially among our regulars. They’re particularly fond of the new Termitomyces chilled noodles. The ten jars you sent yesterday didn’t last long. The manager has been eagerly awaiting the thirty jars today..."

After some conversation, the attendant led them to the inner part of the shop before returning to his duties.

The manager, in high spirits, greeted Lin Shu and Zhou Ye with beaming enthusiasm.

"...I first used the Termitomyces sauce for Termitomyces soup noodles, then introduced Termitomyces chilled noodles. The customers love them both. Those who come late often miss out, and they’ve been urging me to restock. Madam Lin, let’s make this a long-term partnership!"

The southwest had long summers, so chilled noodles and drinks could sell well for an extended period.

Lin Shu asked curiously, "Earlier, I wondered why your shop didn’t serve chilled noodles, but I didn’t want to be nosy. I’m surprised to see them today. Why did you wait until recently to reintroduce them?"

The manager initially hesitated but, seeing them as future business partners, decided honesty was best and explained with a sigh.

The noodle shop had once sold chilled noodles, but a lazy kitchen worker used unboiled water to prepare them, causing customers to fall ill with diarrhea. One elderly man nearly died. The manager’s negligence nearly ruined the shop’s reputation and could have led to a manslaughter case. The incident left him wary, and he had long avoided selling chilled noodles—once bitten, twice shy.

Now he had reconsidered but remained cautious, visiting the kitchen multiple times daily to supervise personally. He still avoided adding meat to the chilled noodles.

Fortunately, Lin Shu’s Termitomyces sauce contained no meat, so he introduced several vegetarian chilled noodles and Termitomyces chilled noodles.

As expected, the Termitomyces chilled noodles sold rapidly. Each bowl used two large spoonfuls of sauce, and a jar could only yield fifteen to twenty servings. Ten jars would be exhausted in less than two days—no wonder the manager was anxious.

After discussion, they drafted a contract. Lin Shu would deliver the Termitomyces sauce two days before each monthly market and confirm the next order with the noodle shop. Upon each delivery, the shop would settle the previous payment and provide a deposit for the next order—30% of the total. For instance, this time the shop ordered thirty jars, paid in full, and placed an order for fifty jars at the start of next month. This amounted to 1,200 coins plus a 600-coin deposit, totaling 1,800 coins.

The manager deftly calculated twice with an abacus in front of Lin Shu and Zhou Ye. "Madam Lin, if everything is correct, I’ll give you the money now?"

"Sure. I’ll deliver the fifty jars of Termitomyces promptly at the start of next month. Since you’re ordering such a large quantity, would you prefer I deliver it in a jar? Rest assured, the amount will be no less."

Knowing she was honest, the manager agreed immediately. For him, jars were even more convenient.

Lin Shu said a bit embarrassed, "Jars aren’t cheap. When the sauce is delivered, could you please empty the jar and return it to me? Also, the delivery will be made by Old Man Liao, as yesterday. If he’s unavailable, I’ll have my husband deliver it."

Zhou Ye had remained silent, listening as she skillfully negotiated the contract and details with the manager. Suddenly hearing her say "husband," he was taken aback for a second, then couldn’t help breaking into a smile.

Last time at the market, A Shu had called him her husband in front of others, but his feelings then were different from now. Back then, it was like a mirage—beautiful but intangible. Now, it was real and within reach. A Shu’s calling him "husband" warmed his heart.

The manager smiled and added Lin Shu’s requests to the contract.

Once the contract was confirmed, both parties signed. Lin Shu received the 1,800 coins from the manager and left elated.

"A Ye, am I impressive?" Lin Shu skipped ahead, suddenly turning to look at the tall, sturdy man, her face full of smiles.

"Impressive," Zhou Ye gazed at her deeply. "My A Shu is very impressive."

"Hmph, who’s yours? Clearly, you’re marrying into my family. You should say you’re mine."

Zhou Ye smiled, "Mm, I am A Shu’s."

A Shu was so capable; he couldn’t afford to idle anymore. He needed to save up for the bride price quickly.

He wanted to marry A Shu.