Xiao Qi just stuck out his tongue.

"I miss my mother too. I also miss Mr. Loo. I’ll go back after I see our shop opening here." Xiao Qi said earnestly.

Everyone laughed.

"You make it sound like our shop can’t open without you." Lian Manman laughed.

"Oh, by the way, your mother also sent clothes for you guys. I just had Xiao Xi put them away for you." Lian Shouxin added, "Your mother said it’s getting cold, make sure to wear more, keep the kang burning warm, and don’t let the charcoal fire in the house go out."

"Got it." Lian Manman replied.

Busy with affairs of several shops, now autumn has turned to winter, and Lian Manman family has changed into light cotton-padded jackets and pants.

"Oh, Chunzhu’s wife’s nephew, Wang Xiaosan from Wang’s family on our old street, and Wu Dazhu and Wu Erzhu from back street, all came with me. I had Xiao Xi arrange them at the front." Lian Shouxin suddenly said.

Lian’s Department Store and Lian’s Restaurant both need staff. When folks in the village heard, they came to ask Lian Shouxin and Lady Zhang about work. These three are teenagers, and Lian Shouxin looked at them, thought they were nice kids, and agreed to arrange work for them in the shops.

Lian Manman, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi said nothing, as Lian Shouxin still had the authority to arrange some shop assistants. Plus, these arrangements were known beforehand by Lady Zhang.

"I’ve checked these guys too, they’re nice, and close to us. In the shop, they can keep an eye out for us." Wu Lang said, "Chunzhu’s wife’s nephew is quite talkative, Wang Xiaosan is too, so they can be arranged at the department store. Wu family’s brothers, I plan to place at the restaurant, one in the kitchen, one as a hall-runner."

"Alright, brother, you oversee the arrangements." Lian Manman said.

"This time going back, I visited Scholar Wang’s Family too, Scholar Wang promised to come on our opening day." Lian Shouxin added, "Jiaxing and his father will come, as well as Shopkeeper Wu."

"Over here Woo Zhonglian also said he’ll come." Xiao Qi said, remembering a few names from his list.

"I heard Imperial Doctor Wang said he’ll definitely come. That’s quite the honor." Lian Shouxin said.

"That’s settled, he’ll certainly come." Lian Manman nodded.

Imperial Doctor Wang, though kind and genial when treating people, doesn’t like social engagements. It took Wu Lang visiting a few times and Youheng helping to speak for him to agree to come.

"From the Song Family side, only Huahua’s husband is coming?" Lian Shouxin asked.

"Yes."

When their family entered the city, Wu Lang sent an invitation to Imperial Doctor Wang’s home, and on the appointed day, the family of four prepared gifts and visited the Wang Family. Not just due to Youheng, but when Lian Manman got injured, Imperial Doctor Wang treated her, and getting Imperial Doctor Shi later was thanks to Wang’s introduction.

Wang Family’s courtyard wasn’t big, but had many people. On that quick visit, Lian Manman’s impression of Wang Family’s courtyard was the faint medicinal scent, and many well-dressed elderly ladies.

Seeing them arrive in the city, the Song Family immediately sent someone over. The Song Family has lived in Jinyang County Town for generations, starting as merchants. These days, Song Hailong brought people to assist with preparing Lian’s shops.

Lian Huahua even sent an invitation to Lian Manman, but she declined claiming poor health.

But for the shop’s opening, Song Hailong still had to be invited.

"Huahua’s husband seems to be ordinary, but his stewards are genuinely capable." Lian Shouxin pondered aloud.

Lian Shouxin’s words were true, and Lian Manman nodded.

"I hear now Song Family’s businesses everywhere rely on those elders. Old Madam Song particularly values them." Wu Lang said.

Recently Wu Lang heard varied opinions about the Song Family, some dismissive, some very envious.

Lian Manman felt envious.

"In the future, if we can cultivate such a team of elders, that would be ideal." Lian Manman said. Now, with just these few shops, they manage on their own, but as shops increase and business expands, relying on one or even a few sharp individuals can only hold for so long. They need to establish a system to recruit and retain top shopkeepers, stewards, accountants, etc. With these loyal people, even if future generations become inept, as long as the system remains untouched, Lian’s will keep growing.

Soon, it was the opening day for Lian’s Department Store and Lian’s Restaurant. As two tables of ladies were invited, Lian Manman also attended the restaurant banquet, with great excitement and bustle.

For the first three days of opening, Lian’s Department Store and Lian’s Restaurant offered discounted promotions. After three days, both shops closed for accounting, and the profits made the shopkeepers and accountants smile warmly.

Lian Manman reviewed the accounts and was satisfied.

Seeing both shops on track and the rented shop also opening, the family planned to return to the village. However, before that...

"We must visit the Song Family once, if not for anything else, to see Huahua’s mother-in-law. It’s only right." Lian Shouxin said.

Wu Lang and Lian Manman discussed and agreed.

After breakfast that day, the family took a carriage directly to Lion Stone Alley.

******

Sending the second update, continue to ask for pink diamonds.

*****

Ruoyan’s completed farming novel recommendation:

Title: "Rebirth: When Flowers Bloom and the Moon is Full" (Main text and extras complete) (Below is a direct link, click to go straight there)

Description: Transmigrated as a wrongfully accused disgraceful woman, with a little bun, living a sweet life with a practical man. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation.)