Jiang Zhou’s statement about having other arrangements was not a mere boast. While cakes were delightful, they weren’t essential. They only had high demand on specific occasions and in specific locations, such as the Autumn Harvest Festival and Fengtai House.

People generally thought about their daily meals and rarely spent money on sweet things. In ordinary households, the desire for such treats was insufficient, as there wasn’t much disposable income.

Although Jiang Zhou could promote sponge cakes to other towns or larger cities, expanding the market, he currently lacked the necessary resources and support. Acting alone, he couldn’t produce the thousands of cakes needed to meet high demand. Convincing others to participate would be a significant challenge since they were accustomed to their existing livelihoods, predominantly related to farming. Suddenly shifting their focus to making cakes was risky for them, and most people were reluctant.

Furthermore, Jiang Zhou was aware that even if he could assemble an efficient production line, the potential profits were minimal. As a low-level manufacturer, the financial returns wouldn’t be much.

For now, Jiang Zhou was content with saving money through the sale of his cakes. By accumulating a considerable sum, he could have the financial resources and freedom to execute his future plans.

He had started with limited resources, some money for the wild boar and most of his earnings from sponge cakes were reinvested in materials.

Even his collaboration with Lu Dalang operated on credit. Although he eventually turned a profit, he spent most of his earnings to cover daily expenses. It wasn’t until the Autumn Harvest Festival that he truly saw his wallet swell, largely due to the “milk tea buyout fee” from Lu Dexing and the promise of a share of the tea house’s profits.

As they left the tea house, Wen Yan cradled Xiao Yi and hesitated for some time before asked, “What are your plans?”

Jiang Zhou was somewhat surprised by Wen Yan’s inquiry since he hadn’t anticipated it.

Wen Yan’s temperament wasn’t as lively as others; he was smart, didn’t like to talk much and intuitive. Over the years, they had developed a deep understanding of each other, so he rarely needed to ask questions.

Nevertheless, their interactions were somewhat unfamiliar because of the changes in Jiang Zhou last year. As a result, Wen Yan felt somewhat confused, so he asked the man.

Jiang Zhou pondered for a moment before responding, “I’ve given it some thought. I plan to continue making sponge cakes but in smaller quantities. I might teach others the method and take a commission. It should be less strenuous than now.”

He hadn’t voiced it, but he was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to properly attend to Wen Yan when he was occupied with work. The act of making food required constant supervision and hands-on attention, which left him with limited time to spend with Wen Yan.

Although they never grew weary of each other’s company, but he just came back after such disaster. He wanted to devote time to strengthen trust and stability in their relationship, so that when Wen Yan could be back with him. Then he could pursue his career with peace of mind.

“I’ll keep running that food stall for now, but I won’t be making cakes. Winter is cold, so I’ll prepare something hot to eat. Cakes don’t have strong demand in the winter, so I’ll try making something else. When the New Year arrives, we can make cakes again.” Jiang Zhou explained, outlining his future intentions.

Wen Yan, slightly confused, “Huh?”

Jiang Zhou chuckled, “Were you planning to buy sponge cakes?”

In fact, uncle Yu had informed him of this, but he enjoyed teasing Wen Yan. When Wen Yan was teased, he would blush shyly and fell silent. Nevertheless, Jiang Zhou adored Wen Yan’s flushed cheeks and occasionally enjoyed playfully teasing him.

Wen Yan, well aware of his behavior and confessed, “Yes, I bought some after you left that day.”

The admission caught Jiang Zhou off guard. He touched his nose and said, “That’s a collaboration between me and uncle Yu. I handle the food, and he’s responsible for sales. uncle Yu is open-minded and enthusiastic. He knows many people in the area and has a wider connection. I’m planning to find him again this time.”

“Do you have any new ideas?”

Jiang Zhou blinked, “Why don’t you come with me to take a look?”

At that moment, he was planning to purchase some materials, but he also wanted to learn more. He wasn’t comfortable leaving Wen Yan on his own, especially with Xiao Yi in his arms. Although Xiao Yi was still a child, he still had some weight, and they would have to carry things later. Wen Yan would likely be tired if he continued to hold Xiao Yi.

Wen Yan contemplated the idea and eventually nodded, saying, “Mother and father are here too. Since you’re going to pick up things, it wouldn’t be convenient for me to have Xiao Yi with me. How about I give Xiao Yi to them, and I’ll accompany you to look around first?”

Jiang Zhou thought it through and agreed. He actually wanted some alone time with Wen Yan.

It would inconvenient with bringing Xiao Yi and the place they were heade would be noisy, making it hard for Xiao Yi to sleep. It seemed more practical to have Wen Yan’s parents take care of him.

So, he agreed.

At the Autumn Harvest Festival, Wen Yan’s parents had also set up stalls. Aside from novel things gathered from various places, mother Wen crafted items herself, particularly small trinkets resembling grains and ears of corn.

These trinkets featured a hollow center and colorful silk threads, making them delicate and cheerful. They carried auspicious meanings, and many people purchased them with the intention of hanging these decorations in their homes, praying for a prosperous harvest in the coming year.

Upon the arrival of Jiang Zhou and Wen Yan at the festival, father Wen and mother Wen were in the process of closing their stall. They greeted Wen Yan with warm smiles, but their expressions changed when they noticed Jiang Zhou’s presence.

Wen Yuanxing, in particular, seemed disapproving and addressed Jiang Zhou with a frown, “What are you doing here?”

Wen Yan quickly intervened, “I’m going to the market with him. We’re planning to shop for some things along the way. It’s not convenient to carry Xiao Yi, so we thought leaving him with you.”

Wen Yuanxing immediately wanted to refuse, “Are you going alone?”

Wen Yan nodded.

Before he could voice his objections, Li Yue intervened. She shook her head and signaled for him to withhold his objections, and so Wen Yuanxing decided to let it be, instructing them to return home early.

After Jiang Zhou and Wen Yan left, Wen Yuanxing couldn’t help but question, “Why did you stop me? I’m really worried about letting Wen Yan go out alone with him.”

Li Yue rolled her eyes at him, “Why do you fret over children’s matters so much? Remember how Wen Yan had suffered before when he first left? Now they seem to be doing better, so it’s best to let the young couple sort things out. I’ve witnessed how dejected Wen Yan was in the past, but lately, his mood seems to have improved. So, let’s not fret so much and give them space to work out their issues.”

Wen Yuanxing persisted, “I don’t care about it. What if something goes wrong?”

Li Yue rolled her eyes again, “What could possibly go wrong? Do you think our son is stupid? He’s intelligent and can’t be easily fooled. So, just relax.”

Wen Yuanxing continued to watch the two figures’ head off, sighing as he said nothing.