Jiang Zhou was contemplating the chicken cake business he had temporarily put on hold.

He had been weighing the pros and cons, and couldn’t help but feel that it would be a shame to completely halt the business. After all, sponge cakes had the potential to be a highly profitable venture.

He had previously considered factors like demand and labor. If he stopped making sponge cakes, the supply would vanish entirely, and the demand would likely increase, especially with Lu Dalang’s support.

Yet, he hadn’t yet decided to discontinue the cake business, not only because of his ongoing partnership with Lu Dalang. His initial idea had been to find someone to assist, and that someone was naturally expected to be from Lu Dalang’s circle. However, as he looked at the earnest and quiet Lu Xiangxi, he had a change of heart.

Thus, he asked, “I have a great opportunity now, would you be interested?”

Lu Xiangxi felt a bit surprised, “What kind of job?”

Jiang Zhou then revealed his idea, “… I want to teach you how to make sponge cakes. You’ll handle the business from now on, and I’ll take some share from the profits. How does that sound?”

Lu Xiangxi had initially thought that Jiang Zhou might be offering him a job, but to his surprise, Jiang Zhou proposed to teach him how to make sponge cakes.

Lu Xiangxi had worked at Master Qiu’s household, and he’d heard his coworkers discuss sponge cakes. Initially, most people believed it was just a passing trend and that it would soon fade away. Little did they know how popular sponge cakes would become later.

Many in the government office were envious and wondered why they couldn’t create something like it themselves. Young Master Qiu had claimed that making sponge cakes required minimal ingredients, mainly flour and eggs.

This sparked interest in trying it out, but no one was able to successfully steam the delicacy.

As for Lu Xiangxi, he’d heard his mother praise Jiang Zhou, the man who had lost everything not long ago and made a comeback through sponge cakes.

His mother had spoken so highly of him and belittled Lu Xiangxi so frequently that it stung occasionally. However, since he was inherently an honest person, he didn’t dwell on it too much. What mattered more was his admiration for Jiang Zhou.

Now, Jiang Zhou was suggesting that he take over the sponge cake business?

Lu Xiangxi was genuinely surprised, “This… how is that possible?”

“There’s nothing that can’t be done, and I’m not giving this to you without conditions. As you can see, I’m involved in other businesses now. If I don’t, it’ll be a shame to shelve this business. I trust you to handle it. Plus, there are still profits to be shared, so why not give it a try?”

Jiang Zhou spoke honestly, “If you take over, I’d feel more at ease, and there are bonuses to be earned. Why not?”

Lu Xiangxi hesitated for a long moment, uncertain of how to respond. He eventually said, “Can you give me some time to think about it? I’ll get back to you with an answer soon.”

Jiang Zhou was in no hurry and understood the need for consideration.

He nodded and said, “Of course, take your time to think it over. Let me know when you’re ready.”

Lu Xiangxi helped move the pot to Jiang Zhou’s house and wiped the sweat from his brow. He asked if there was anything else he could assist with.

Jiang Zhou declined and handed him a bag of dried crabapples as a token of appreciation, instructing him to think carefully about the opportunity he had offered and not rush to reply.

Lu Xiangxi carried the bag of crabapples home, deep in thought about Jiang Zhou’s proposal.

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Upon arriving home, he found his mother, Aunt Lu, peeling soybeans and preparing to water the vegetables in the field. Seeing her son return, apparently distracted, she couldn’t help but scold him, concerned that he was constantly preoccupied with making money.

Lu Xiangxi felt a bit helpless, knowing that his mother’s nagging was more out of worry than anything else.

Two years ago, their family had arranged his marriage with a girl from the neighboring Yanghe Village. The girl’s family was in good financial shape, and the two had known each other since childhood.

However, due to the passing of Lu Xiangxi’s father two years ago, their family’s financial situation had worsened. During the mourning period, the girl’s family had become increasingly hesitant about the marriage, given their financial struggles.

Lu Xiangxi was prepared to marry her this year, but now he had lost his job, which had caused issues in the arrangement. The girl’s family seemed to have gotten wind of the situation and was contemplating canceling the engagement.

Aunt Lu was unhappy with the whole situation. She believed her son was being underestimated, and she was protective of him. It seemed to her that her son was being unfairly treated.

In recent days, she had noticed Lu Xiangxi’s frustration at not being able to secure a job, and he had developed blisters on his lips from constantly worring about the situation.

As Lu Xiangxi looked at his mother, he made up his mind and said, “Mom, I found a job.”

He explained the opportunity Jiang Zhou had presented to him and shared the stories he had heard in the government office and beyond.

He concluded by saying, “Mom, I think it’s feasible. I heard that all the sponge cakes made by Jiang Zhou were exchanged with Lu Dalang. We won’t need to buy eggs; they’ll be provided. We can also avoid going out to sell them. We can make the cakes at home.”

Aunt Lu listened attentively and was moved to tears. She said, “Son, we’ve endured our tough life long enough. Go immediately, confirm this opportunity, and visit Jiang Zhou tomorrow to learn how to make sponge cakes.”

She then went into the house, retrieved a gold bracelet from a rolled cloth bag, and gave it to her son. She told him to offer it to Jiang Zhou.

Lu Xiangxi hesitated but ultimately accepted the bracelet. He was determined to visit Jiang Zhou.

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As Lu Xiangxi approached Jiang Zhou’s house, he saw Jiang Zhou hugging someone from a distance.

They appeared to be leaning on each other and whispering closely. Wen Yan had come to see the ordered pot, but Jiang Zhou and Wen Yan had started to kiss and embrace upon reuniting.

They seemed to be making up for lost intimacy, and their behavior was affectionate and intimate.

After they stopped their display of affection and parted ways, Lu Xiangxi arrived at the door. Wen Yan had seen him from afar and had discreetly signaled Jiang Zhou.

Jiang Zhou released his hold on Wen Yan but whispered to him with a husky voice, “Wait for me, okay?”

Wen Yan blushed and nodded obediently as Jiang Zhou opened the door to greet Lu Xiangxi.