Chapter 123 - 124: Made Money
Counting the day’s earnings, Jin Qianqian’s mouth split into a huge grin, and the dimples on her cheeks deepened.
"Look at you, you little money-grubber. Just a few copper coins can make you this happy for so long." Though Ancient Wen Heng’s words were teasing, his hands moved quickly, stringing together 100 copper coins at a time.
"But this is money I earned through my own labor, so of course it means something different. This is my life’s first pot of gold! How could I not be happy?"
These past few days, Ancient Wen Heng had also noticed some subtle changes in Jin Qianqian. She seemed to have a greater sense of belonging now. Before, although she seemed to be earnestly trying to fit into their new life, there was always something missing.
This more down-to-earth Jin Qianqian seemed more vibrant, and even more like the young girl she used to be.
Noticing Ancient Wen Heng’s gaze, Jin Qianqian quickly touched her face. "Is my face smudged with ash?"
Ancient Wen Heng shook his head. "It’s a very clean and pretty little face."
Jin Qianqian glared at him. "Then why are you staring at me? Don’t miscount the copper coins."
"Yes, yes, the lady boss is always right. I’ll recount them right away. Just don’t dock my wages." Ancient Wen Heng pretended to be in a flustered panic, successfully making Jin Qianqian laugh.
"Oh, I’m definitely docking your wages. Don’t forget, what’s yours is mine, and what’s mine is still mine."
Ancient Wen Heng replied, "Of course I’m yours, but you can’t dock all my wages. I still have to support my wife, you know."
Jin Qianqian said, "...Have you finished counting? If we lose money on this, forget supporting a wife, you won’t even be able to support yourself."
Though she said that, her eyes were filled with mirth. Even with the promotions she ran today, they had still made a huge profit.
"Sixty-nine taels and five hundred thirty-two copper coins," Jin Qianqian finally announced the total. "After subtracting the cost of ingredients..."
Jin Qianqian suddenly covered her mouth. "This profit is a bit staggering. I only spent a little over twenty taels on raw materials, and there are still some left in the kitchen. This is a complete windfall!"
Ancient Wen Heng patted her head. "And that’s because you set the prices so low. Otherwise, the profit would be even higher.
"Don’t forget, these are all novel snacks. Once you factor in labor and storefront costs, the profit isn’t as high as you think."
But Jin Qianqian was very satisfied. "This is already great. If I set the prices any higher, I’d probably scare a lot of people away. You know, this kind of business is built up over time. In the long run, it will add up to a considerable sum."
Ancient Wen Heng said, "My little lass really knows her numbers. Since my wife earned money today, shouldn’t you reward your husband?"
Jin Qianqian clapped her hands and stood up. "Of course! I’ll go get Sister-in-law Xiang. It’s my treat today, so order whatever you want."
Ancient Wen Heng, "..."
* * *
The days passed peacefully, one after another. The time for the special imperial examination finally arrived, and Ancient Wen Heng was staying at the academy, fully focused on his final preparations.
Jin Qianqian’s small shop had also settled into a steady rhythm, with a regular stream of customers each day.
"What can I get for you?" Jin Qianqian asked a customer who had just walked in, same as any other day.
"Younger Sister-in-law, I never expected we were fated enough to meet here."
Jin Qianqian looked up at the person before her, who seemed both familiar and strange. "You are?"
The man pushed aside his disheveled hair. "I bummed a meal off you two before. Still recognize me?"
’Although the young lady has filled out a bit, with more flesh on her face, there’s no mistaking her features and bearing.’
"You’re... Brother Guo?" Jin Qianqian simply couldn’t reconcile the tattered man before her with the dashing gentleman she remembered.
"It’s me. I didn’t think we were so fated. I followed the scent here and ended up finding an acquaintance." Guo Yurong relaxed completely, no longer trying to hide his face, but his eyes were glued to the pastries on the counter.
Jin Qianqian didn’t understand why he had fallen into such a state, but seeing his condition, she quickly grabbed a tray from the side and picked out one of each type of pastry. "There’s an empty seat over here where you can rest. Please, have a seat. I’ll get you some water."
"Looks like I’m taking advantage of you again," Guo Yurong said, but his face showed not the slightest hint of embarrassment.
Seeing the plate of delicacies placed before him, he disgustedly wiped his dirty hands on his clothes, then grabbed a sponge cake and stuffed it into his mouth.
His other hand didn’t forget to pick up another type of pastry, and he observed his surroundings as he ate.
Jin Qianqian placed the water on the table and retreated to the counter. ’Whatever we have to talk about can wait until he’s had his fill.’
Guo Yurong nodded repeatedly as he ate. ’It seems this young lady of the Gu family is truly skilled. I’ve never seen these pastries before, and they aren’t cloyingly sweet like those from other shops.’
"Younger Sister-in-law, how did you two end up here?"
Jin Qianqian replied, "As refugees, we were offered settlement. Our entire village transferred their household registration and stayed. We’ve settled in a village under the jurisdiction of this county town. Opening this little shop is a way to make a new life for ourselves. And you, Brother Guo? Where are you headed?"
Guo Yurong sighed. "Hah, don’t get me started. I was just trying to do a good deed, but it caught the wrong person’s attention. Now I’m being watched every day, so I have to travel in disguise.
"By the way, how much for all this?"
Jin Qianqian quickly waved her hands. "Brother Guo, you’re being too formal. We’re acquaintances, after all. This is nothing.
"Besides, what did you think of the pastries? If there were any you particularly liked, I can pack some up for you."
’Putting everything else aside,’ she thought, ’just for trespassing on his territory and making such a mess of that lake, I shouldn’t be charging him.’
Guo Yurong didn’t stand on ceremony and actually pointed out a few. "These pastries are all delicious, but my personal tastes are on the lighter side. These few are just right."
With nimble hands, Jin Qianqian wrapped up a large portion of each in oil paper, tied them together, and placed the bundle on the counter. "They’ll last a few days in this weather, but I’d recommend eating them as soon as possible."
Guo Yurong once again let his hair fall to cover his face. "Thank you so much, Younger Sister-in-law. With these pastries, I can last a few more days.
"I can’t just take these for free. I can see that you are trying to condition your body. I happen to have a fine medicine here that can help improve your frail constitution.
"Your skill is so good, I’d like to be able to drop by and bother you more in the future."
Seeing the small porcelain bottle on the counter, Jin Qianqian quickly waved her hands in refusal. "I can’t accept this! These are just some little things I made myself. How could I take something so valuable from you?"
But Guo Yurong gave her no chance to refuse. He picked up the pastries and vanished from the shop in an instant.
Staring at the small porcelain bottle sitting forlornly on the counter, Jin Qianqian could only reach out and grasp it in her palm.
’The Beast Repellent Medicine he gave me before was so effective,’ she mused. ’The contents of this bottle probably shouldn’t be underestimated either.’
"Are you the owner of this shop?" Seeing two large men suddenly barge in, Jin Qianqian subconsciously tossed the porcelain bottle into her space.