On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Li Yue forbid Wen Yan from touching the spatula upon his return home, so she proceeded to prepare lunch all alone.

Before cooking, she concealed the necklace given by Jiang Zhou under the pillow.

Wen Yan then joined Jiang Zhou and Wen Yuanxing for a conversation.

Wen Yuanxing expressed his concern, saying, “I heard you mention last time that the oden cooking business might slow down after Chinese New Year?”

He wasn’t contemplating Jiang Zhou’s business; rather, he worried about Wen Yan enduring a difficult life.

Jiang Zhou affirmed, “These are seasonal sales. Once the season concludes, the business will decline. However, due to the novelty, the drop won’t be drastic. After others study and follow the trend, there might be a decline.”

Wen Yuanxing frowned, “Is it easy to follow the trend? Didn’t someone try but fail with your sponge cake?”

“There are special methods for making sponge cakes. People in this group haven’t grasped the egg-beating technique, so it’s not replicable. Oden is different; its soup base lacks uniqueness, making it easy to imitate. Although most villagers aren’t driven by wealth, a few with crooked ideas may seize the opportunity.”

Wen Yuanxing was anxious, “What should we do?”

Concerned about Jiang Zhou giving the sponge cake business to Lu Xiangxi, he inquired, “Do you plan to hand over this business as well?”

Jiang Zhou shook his head, “Sponge cake is a monopoly business, so Lu Xiangxi gave me his share. However, without success in oden, expecting a 20% profit is unjustifiable.”

Wen Yuanxing sighed, understanding Jiang Zhou’s perspective on potential fraud if handed to someone else.

“What’s your plan now?”

Jiang Zhou, patient with his father-in-law, explained, “I’m preparing for spring and have found craftsmen. I’ll build a house after the New Year. I have some ideas about the materials for building”

He detailed the ideas and analysis to Wen Yuanxing, who brightened at the prospect.

“I think I can do it for you! What do you think?”

Jiang Zhou pondered, “Liu Erlang mentioned this yesterday. I considered giving it to them along with the sponge cake business. But still undecided; it might be a loss if I don’t get involved.”

With memories of time-travelers in his mind, Jiang Zhou knew real estate was a lucrative industry in later generations.

In this era, speculating on houses was not feasible as they were managed by the government through land deeds. However, manipulating building materials was still within their reach.

Jiang Zhou explained, “Liu Erlang and the others, being craftsmen, focus on combining materials with their craftsmanship, aiming to monopolize the business and attract those in town seeking house repairs. But my perspective is broader.”

Confused, Wen Yuanxing asked, “What do you mean?”

Jiang Zhou clarified, “Building houses in this town is simple. If we done it properly, we can envision building entire cities in the future!”

Surprised, Wen Yuanxing exclaimed, “Isn’t that great?”

Jiang Zhou sighed, “It has its merits, but a few craftsmen can’t build houses for an entire city. They aspire to monopolize, not realizing the challenges of achieving it—mainly, insufficient manpower.”

Understanding, Wen Yuanxing nodded, “You want to separate materials from the craftsmen.”

Jiang Zhou agreed, “Exactly. But this business is tougher than it seems, more challenging than the food business.”

He explained the high costs and difficulties in control, emphasizing the potential for intense competition on a larger scale.

Wen Yuanxing, after pondering, asked, “Liu Erlang wants to be involved?”

Jiang Zhou confirmed, “Their approach isn’t ideal, but it has conveniences. Craftsmen like them have their channels. They know many people, and anyone looking to build a house would think of them.”

Wen Yuanxing suggested, “We could discuss cooperation with them. It might be worthwhile.”

Jiang Zhou’s eyes brightened, “Dad, are you interested in trying this too?”

Wen Yuanxing nodded, revealing, “Truth be told, the goods business isn’t thriving, especially as spring approaches and more people move around. There are fewer places that need our services.”

He expressed his interest, not explicitly mentioning using his father-in-law’s identity to acquire shortcut connection.

Jiang Zhou welcomed the idea, noting, “If we decide to sell these materials, involving you would be a better choice than seeking an outsider.”

But…

“I can’t figure this out yet. If we’re serious about starting a business, we need to consider manpower, cost, and location,” Jiang Zhou expressed his growing uncertainty.

Realizing the gravity of the matter, he acknowledged making more money using this idea comes with increased risks, far more complex than the simplicity of making sponge cakes and oden.

Fortunately, Jiang Zhou wasn’t in a rush, and Wen Yuanxing shared the workload, suggesting, “Let’s take it slow. It’s best to discuss it with Liu Erlang.”

“I plan to see him tomorrow to discuss building a house. Dad, why don’t you come with me?” Jiang Zhou proposed.

Before Wen Yuanxing could respond, Wen Yan interjected, “Dad, I have something to discuss with you.”

Curious, Wen Yuanxing asked, “What is it?”

Wen Yan nervously explained, “I plan to move out after the New Year.”

Confused, Wen Yuanxing said, “Aren’t you already moving out?” Having spent the past few days with Jiang Zhou, he almost forgot.

Wen Yan clarified, “No, it’s about building a house. This is the first time Liu Erlang is building a house according to Zhou-ge’s drawing. There are many things he doesn’t understand. He will definitely ask Zhou-ge. If I go there again, it’ll be inconvenient to sell oden, and I want to help him.”

Although Jiang Zhou had told Wen Yan about this, he hadn’t thought of asking for help—believing he could handle it alone. He shot a glance at Wen Yan.

Wen Yan, holding his hand under the table, continued, “I have nothing to do at home, so I can go help him and ease some of his burden. Plus, if you’re really getting involved, you’ll need to discuss building materials. If I help him, he could have more free time.”

With Li Yue having free time recently, mainly taking care of Xiao Yi at home, it would be no problem for Wen Yan to help.

After some consideration, Wen Yuanxing agreed.

.

They shifted the conversation to domestic matters, with Wen Yuanxing mentioning, “The new official have been making drastic changes lately, and it’s a bit challenging to adapt.”

Jiang Zhou acknowledged this, aware that Lu Dalang had shared similar concerns with him.

Wen Yuanxing continued speaking, expressing his displeasure, “I don’t know what he was thinking. A few days ago, he actually sent people door-to-door to announce that taxes would be collected for all businesses. Even ordinary stalls will have to pay. This is no different from extortion for protection money.”

Jiang Zhou speculated, “Master Liu worked in Qiangzhou before. It’s a bustling place with a lot of business activity. Most of the tax revenue there comes from merchants. Maybe he is used to this approach?”

Wen Yuanxing snorted, “Regardless, it’s wrong for him to do this. Our place isn’t like Qiangzhou. If he can only govern there, why come to our place? He’s probably doing this to make money. Anyway, none of it is good.”

Jiang Zhou remained silent, acknowledging his father-in-law’s candid remarks. Thankfully, it was in the comfort of his own home; otherwise, such words might have caused trouble elsewhere.

Soon, Mother Wen prepared the food, carefully considering dishes that both Wen Yan and Jiang Zhou enjoyed. Li Yue’s cooking skills were excellent, and Wen Yan had inherited her culinary abilities, prompting Jiang Zhou to have an extra bowl of rice.

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After the meal, Father and Mother Wen left them to rest early. However, Jiang Zhou wasn’t sleepy, so he spent time playing with Xiao Yi.

The little one was active and growing, learning to crawl and now attempting to walk. Jiang Zhou had already childproofed the house, covering corners with soft cloth and laying a fur blanket on the floor to prevent any falls or bumps.

Guiding Xiao Yi, Jiang Zhou encouraged, “Come on, take it slow.”

Xiao Yi stumbled, and even with Jiang Zhou’s support, he couldn’t maintain balance after a couple of steps. Sitting on the floor, he looked like he wanted to cry but held back the tears.

Wen Yan advised, “Let him rest for a while. His bones haven’t fully developed. Taking two steps is enough for now.”

Jiang Zhou, with Xiao Yi on his lap, nodded and held Xiao Yi again, asking, “Are you hungry, baby? Shall we have some warm milk?”

Xiao Yi had been attentive to Wen Yan and Li Yue talking about food, and now, upon hearing about milk, he eagerly responded.

Jiang Zhou chuckled, “Neither of us is particularly greedy, but babies seem to love food. They get so excited at the mention of it.”

Wen Yan laughed and said, “He’s just like you, always loving to eat.”

Despite Jiang Zhou’s adventurous younger days, when it came to meals, he was always the first to sit at the table. As he grew older and developed affection for others, the first delightful bite would always be reserved for Wen Yan.

Jiang Zhou teased, “You’re still talking about me. I don’t know who nearly choked on those loquats.”

They had a limited supply of loquats, brought back by Wen Yuanxing when he went out to deliver goods. Both children were young and inexperienced, and Wen Yan almost choked on the loquat pit when he bit into it without knowing how to eat it properly.

This incident from their youth came up unexpectedly, and Wen Yan couldn’t help but give Jiang Zhou a disapproving look.

Jiang Zhou, not bothered, moved closer to Wen Yan, attempting to ease the situation. “Wife, don’t be angry. I just mentioned it. I didn’t mean to make fun of you.”

Despite his words, Wen Yan pinched his waist and shot him another hard glare.

Even when angry, Wen Yan’s eyes remained beautiful and lively, creating a playful atmosphere that made Jiang Zhou feel a sense of excitement.

He closed his eyes and kissed him, ensuring to cover Xiao Yi’s eyes with his hand for privacy.