Half shareholder of FuHai

"Have you rested? I had someone bring water up. Finish up and come inside for breakfast," Chengmo came up from below, pushing open the door to the side hall to reveal a table set with breakfast.

"Alright, I'll freshen up and be right there after grabbing some things." Xiangbei went back to her room, picked up the proposal, handed it to Chengmo in the side hall, and started eating with chopsticks. After a night of farm work, seeing this sumptuous breakfast, her mood bubbled with delight. She casually and happily discussed with Chengmo as she ate, "Do you think these ideas are reasonable? If I want to implement and execute this plan, do you think the store managers in different places will understand?"

"Xiaobei, how many surprises do you still have for me? As you said, it's truly a tornado! This plan is very detailed, and the written expression is very clear. However, these various forms you've used are unfamiliar to me. But the strategic vision and the meticulous planning leaped off the paper. In a few days, I'll arrange for several people to learn this planning document thoroughly from you. They will then teach and supervise the opening of each branch!" Several thin sheets of paper stirred up Chengmo's enthusiasm, "Come, Xiaobei, this is the revised contract for the restaurant, and it's already on record at the government office. When you go back today, I won't give you a silver note; I've only prepared some silver coins to give to Tong Chen later. It's not safe for a young girl like you to carry a large amount of silver."

Xiangbei glanced through the contract. Although it was a joint venture, there was no mention of salt or sugar. Listening to Chengmo's thoughtful arrangements, she felt his sincerity and thought about the past few days. Though a bit awkward, he couldn't conceal his genuine feelings as a young man. Alright, she accepted it like this, reciprocity, believing that he would make it worth her while in the future. So, after taking the contract, she spoke again, "Thank you, Young Master Cheng. The salt production requires the autumn and winter seasons, with foundations built on the beach, using tides to evaporate salt. So after summer, I can go with you to the coast to inspect and prepare for the salt fields. As for the sugar method, it requires a few pieces of machinery. After I go back, I'll try to make a sample and hand it to you the next time we meet. You can rest assured, I won't casually sell this method to others. I understand the principle of cherishing a valuable jade."

"Alright, Xiaobei, thank you! Thank you for your trust and understanding. But Xiaobei, can you stop calling me Young Master Cheng? You can call me Chengmo, just like how you call Tong Chen 'Brother Ziqiu.' So, can you call me Brother Mo?"

"Brother Ziqiu is much older than me, mature and elegant. Calling him brother is both friendly and a form of respect. Enough, don't get tangled up here. I'll call you Chengmo."

"But—"

"No 'buts.' I've finished eating. Now, let's go and call Brother Chen to start our journey home. By the way, Brother Ziqiu understands Western numerals and accounting forms. Have the accountants or store managers ask him for guidance. In the future, we'll use the new forms for accounting, and you must learn it."

"Master, the carriage is ready. Young Master Qiao is in the hall, enjoying tea and waiting. Steward Tong is also there," a servant reported. Xiangbei then went back to her room, picked up the medicine basket and luggage, and went downstairs with Chengmo.

"The restaurants and inns don't serve breakfast. In the hall, only Qiao Er and Tong Chen were sitting by the window. It seems they're discussing yesterday's drinking and revelry. Tong Chen looked embarrassed, scratching his head, while Qiao Er teased him with a friendly smile. One in plain clothes, rugged, and the other in fine clothes, humble. The sunlight streaming in cast a glow on two distinct yet equally handsome faces, like the opening poster of a hit drama. Male friendship is a strange thing, regardless of status, attire, or speech; a round of drinks dissolves all external boundaries.

"Brother Ziqiu, you're here so early? Have you had breakfast?"

"Ziqiu has met Renzai. Beibei, you're heading back to the mountains early today. Afraid of delaying your journey, so I had breakfast and came early." Qiao Er, seeing Chengmo joining them, still maintained his way of acknowledging seniority.

"Met Young Master Cheng. I was rude yesterday. I hope you can forgive my impoliteness," Tong Chen, in front of Chengmo, couldn't relax as he did with Qiao Er. His inherent pride and nobility made him cautious and respectful in front of Chengmo.

"We had a great time drinking yesterday. We should gather more often. Your young lady is now the owner of the Fuhai Building. Next time we're in town, let your young lady treat us, and we'll have another round of revelry." Chengmo, as he spoke, couldn't help but glance at Qiao Er, as if finally getting the restaurant's shares out was something worth boasting about."