Chapter 6: This Old Man Gives You His Blessings

The next day, the sun was shining brightly.

Early in the morning, Jiang Ning was jolted awake by a dream she had.

In the dream, she had successfully built a business empire and was enjoying an emperor-like life in her private estate, indulging in luxury with company on both sides.

But then, it actually spoke.

It said to her, “Sorry, life isn’t just about struggling in the present; there are poetry and distant lands to explore.”

After saying that, it boldly jumped out from under her and rolled away.

Jiang Ning was terrified.

Just as she was about to get up and chase after it, the dream ended…

Upon waking up, the emptiness she felt made her sigh deeply.

Go, go and chase after your poetry and distant lands.

This old man… this old man… this old man gives you his blessings…

Thinking of this, Jiang Ning almost burst into tears.

Her emotions remained unsettled for a long time.

If her mother hadn’t come in later, Jiang Ning felt like she might have just stayed in bed and cried for a while.

——

“Today, I’m going to your uncle’s place. I might be back late tonight. Take care of yourself and don’t run around.”

“Got it…”

“School is starting soon. Make sure to review your first-year textbooks.”

“Got it…”

“I left some money on the table. If you get hungry, go buy something to eat.”

“Got it…”

Three consecutive half-hearted replies nearly made her mother scold her, but seeing Jiang Ning’s low spirits, she only muttered a few more words before closing the door and leaving.

After hearing the front door shut, Jiang Ning finally sat up in bed.

Today was Wednesday.

She recalled that her mother would go to that uncle’s place every Wednesday. Sometimes she’d return the same day, other times she’d stay overnight.

As for what exactly she was doing there, Jiang Ning—now with the memories of two lifetimes—didn’t want to dwell on it too much.

She couldn’t interfere in adult matters. The only thing she could do now was accumulate as much capital as possible, so that when her mother had no way out, she’d have a safe haven to return to.

There were things she had to do—things that couldn’t be avoided.

——

An hour later.

Dressed in sportswear with her long hair tied up in a high ponytail, Jiang Ning pushed a cart to the entrance of Du Meilan’s workshop.

Inside, the rhythmic sound of sewing machines continued as if they had never stopped, running 24/7.

Yesterday, Du Meilan had been washing clothes at the well outside. Now, she was busy working in a makeshift shed.

Seeing this, Jiang Ning walked over.

“Sister Lan.”

She called out.

Hearing her voice, Du Meilan turned around and smiled at the pretty girl.

“Wait a moment, let me finish cooking this dish.”

“Alright, Sister Lan. No rush.”

Jiang Ning strolled around while waiting.

Through the frosted glass panes on the door, she could vaguely make out the scene inside.

Rows of sewing machines were lined up, with seven or eight middle-aged women working busily at them.

On the floor beside them sat a few more middle-aged women, manually stuffing cotton into half-finished plush toys before passing them to the seamstresses to be sewn shut.

They worked quickly.

Each plush toy was completed in no time.

At a cost of about two to three yuan per toy, if sales were steady, their daily revenue could easily reach several thousand yuan.

Tsk tsk, no wonder this Sister Lan would go on to open Pailamila in ten years.

Just as Jiang Ning was sighing over it, Du Meilan’s voice reached her ears.

“Jiang Ning, right? What does your family need these toys for?”

Jiang Ning immediately understood what she meant.

She must have assumed that Jiang Ning was here on behalf of her family.

After thinking it over, Jiang Ning decided not to correct her. After all, she was still a minor. If she admitted she was purchasing the goods herself, they might not even sell them to her.

Better to be honest about it later, once her business had stabilized.

“Our family runs a small shop, and we plan to sell some plush toys along with other items.”

“Oh, I see.”

Hearing this, Du Meilan understood that while the order volume wouldn’t be large, it would likely be consistent.

So, she nodded and said to Jiang Ning, “Go ahead and pick what you want. Let me know when you’re done.”

“Alright, Sister Lan, you go ahead with your work.”

Jiang Ning headed to the storage area and selected about 400 yuan worth of goods based on the plan she had come up with last night. Afterward, she handed the order list to Du Meilan.

Du Meilan glanced at it, took the payment, and called someone over to pack the goods.

With the help of a few older women, a three-wheeled cart packed to the brim soon appeared before Jiang Ning.

Before she left, Du Meilan handed her a business card.

“Next time, just call me directly. I’ll deliver the goods to you—cash on delivery.”

“Alright, thank you, Sister Lan!”

——

By evening.

When Tian Wenhao arrived on his tricycle as promised at his little cousin’s house, a slender silhouette was already waiting downstairs.

Seeing him, Tian Wenhao quickly rode over.

“Sorry, sorry, I’m late.”

“It’s okay, I just came down too early.”

After exchanging a few words, Jiang Ning led him to the garage, where they began loading the pre-packed plush toys onto the tricycle.

At first, Jiang Ning tried to do more of the lifting.

But after almost straining her back carrying a large bundle, she realized that this body was nothing like the muscular physique she had in her past life.

She had no choice but to step back and provide minimal support.

Luckily, the plush toys weren’t very heavy, and Tian Wenhao could handle them on his own.

Before long, all the plush toys were loaded onto the tricycle.

Panting slightly, Tian Wenhao couldn’t help but ask, “Xiao Ning, are you sure these will sell?”

“It’s the middle of summer…”

Jiang Ning knew what he meant. She confidently patted his shoulder.

“Ever heard of this saying?”

“No girl can resist the love for all things fluffy.”

——

Twenty minutes later.

By the time Jiang Ning and her cousin arrived at their destination, a few vendors had already set up stalls.

This was the back gate of Jiangzhou University.

A single road divided the teaching area and the dormitory area, making it the perfect place for what would later become Jiangzhou University’s famous night market.

Of course, the street wasn’t as bustling as it would be in the future.

For now, most of the vendors were locals selling clothes, accessories, and some street food or barbecue.

Taking in the scene, Jiang Ning quickly directed Tian Wenhao to park the tricycle by a spacious spot.

They laid out a mat and unloaded the goods.

Soon, a stall piled high with plush toys appeared before the passersby.

Along with it was a large sign written in red:

“All plush toys—starting from just 10 yuan!”

Of course, the word “starting” was written noticeably smaller than the rest.

(End of Chapter)