Chapter 449: Chapter 449: Begging with Tears
Next door’s courtyard hosted a daily drama.
And Yang Peijun, like old times, had Xiao Tong relay the real events to him every day, which he found more thrilling than TV dramas.
He felt life had such a flavor enhancer that it energized his work.
Slowly, Yang Peiying began to take over the tasks he had started, like sourcing stock or serving customers. She knew he couldn’t accompany her indefinitely because she heard from Yang PeiMin that Yang Peijun wanted to carve out his own path. Although she was somewhat regretful, she was mostly happy, so she earnestly followed Yang Peijun’s lead and trained herself to be bolder.
At least now she wasn’t as nervous as before; when she saw strangers, she could speak fluently without stuttering, though she still blushed and wasn’t very good at continuing conversations. However, she had already improved greatly.
But Yang Peijun was impatient and would often stamp his foot and scold her for her hesitations. Yang PeiMin would then step in to mediate, reminding him that Peiying was not like others—that she was his own sister and needed time to learn these things.
Yang Peijun would reluctantly be patient, taking Yang Peiying with him when collecting produce or making deliveries. He didn’t just want her to watch but also gave her opportunities to step forward and negotiate on her own.
Yang Peiying had made significant progress, perhaps because the booming fast-food business had boosted her confidence. More and more people praised her cooking, and she felt an unprecedented courage from their recognition.
Yang PeiMin asked to see the accounts.
Following Yang PeiMin’s advice, Yang Peiying consistently recorded all the transactions. She kept one ledger for household expenses and another for the fast-food business, recording every item clearly—an approach greatly appreciated by Yang PeiMin. Knowing she wasn’t as smart as others, Yang Peiying was especially diligent and devoted in her endeavors, offering several times the effort and support of others. Now, she was quite proficient in managing the accounts herself.
The expenditures and profits in the ledger were clear at a glance. Yang PeiMin flipped to the last page; in just over four months, the fast-food had earned nearly 1500, after factoring out her own dividends and Yang Peijun’s salary.
It was very impressive, enough to match Shen Yiguang’s annual salary. Yang Peiying couldn’t believe it. She was just cooking and pushing it out, collecting money on the side—easier than back home—yet she was earning as much as someone else’s annual income. It felt like a dream.
“Yingzi, did I calculate anything wrong?” she still wasn’t sure.
Yang PeiMin laughed, “You’ve been clearing this day by day, month by month, and everything is clearly recorded. How could it be wrong? Yingzi, you really lack confidence. You should have calculated it yourself. Congratulations, you are truly accomplished now. You have the highest income in our family!” She didn’t include herself in the family home since she was married.
Yang Peiying shyly smiled, “Sister, I really didn’t expect this. I just cooked a few more meals, the same as I did at home. I never thought cooking could make money.”
Yang PeiMin shook her head with a smile, pulled her in, and said, “Don’t dismiss your own capabilities. Yingzi, you can do it. You should also pay attention to others’ comments and evaluations. They only point out some of your flaws, but your strengths far outweigh your weaknesses. Value your strengths, then look at improving your faults. If they can be changed, change them. If not, like your appearance, focus your efforts in other directions.”
“It’s almost the end of the year. With schools and factories soon on holiday, what are your plans? Going back home? Any plans after the New Year?”
Yang Peiying nodded, “The third brother already mentioned it. Just work a few more days, then pause until after New Year’s. I plan to go back. The third brother isn’t going, and if I don’t, our parents will surely miss us.”
Yang PeiMin nodded, “It’s good to have a plan. I’ll have your brother-in-law help you get a ticket. Spend these next few days getting ready with the third brother. You’ve been away for a year. They must miss you. Once you sort out your stuff here, we can go shopping, bring some things back for dad and mom, and buy some gifts for the kids too. Otherwise, after being away for a year, they might not recognize you when you get back.”
Yang Peiying nodded continually with a smile, “I don’t even know what to buy; sister, you should help me. Also, about the money, I heard mom saying she wants to build a house. I have the money, and I want to give it to her.”
Yang PeiMin was surprised. Look at this silly girl, thinking of giving it all to her family? “What about the fast-food business? After the New Year, are you still planning to run the stall?”
Yang Peiying nodded.
“But after the New Year, you’ll be on your own. Can you handle it? Also, financial contributions for the house should not be yours alone. Just give mom a few hundred. It’s not just you in the family; you have siblings too. When it’s time to build the house, I will contribute some money too. There will be plenty. With whatever is left, you could reinvest. I suggest opening a store and hiring a couple of people. You don’t need to work so hard. You can’t do everything alone and if you aren’t doing well, you can learn to delegate.”
Yang Peiying looked a bit stunned.
“Think about it, and tell me if I’m wrong. If you have any doubts, ask.”
Yang Peiying replied, “Sister, holding so much money, I just feel uneasy. Mom and Dad don’t even have as much as I do.”
Yang PeiMin chuckled, “Oh, Yingzi, are you complaining about having too much money? If that’s the case, would you like me to hold onto it for you? You can ask for it whenever you need it.”
It was just a joke, but Yang Peiying seriously agreed, “Sister, please hold onto it for me. I don’t really need money right now.”
Yang PeiMin sighed.
They went to the Department Store that very day, outfitting her from head to toe, though her clothes were usually direct from the factory. But Yang PeiMin insisted on a proper shopping spree for her, not minding Yang Peiying’s objections. They got every type of shoe—leather, boots, cloth—and didn’t skimp on the clothes, buying three or four outfits from inner to outer layers.
When they passed by a barbershop, Yang PeiMin pulled her in for a haircut.
She intended to have her sister try a perm, but Yang Peiying firmly refused.
Seeing her sister so fearful, Yang PeiMin relented and just had the barber trim her hair.
When they left the barbershop, Yang PeiMin asked her how she felt.
Yang Peiying was somewhat embarrassed, her first time in a barbershop, “The curls you mentioned, aren’t they for stars in movies? I didn’t go for it, but just getting a trim feels quite nice.”