Yuan Lihua currently has three young apprentices, all of whom are little girls from the orphanage. Among them, Xiao Cui is nimble and quick to learn, and has become a half-master.
With ample staff and good business from clothing customization in the past six months, Chen Lishu decided that this branch store would target the mid to high-end market, requiring more attention to decoration.
Based on the current available decoration materials, she decided to use plasterboard for the ceiling, warm-colored wallpaper for the walls, and solid wood flooring for the ground.
In addition to the selection and fitting areas, a separate lounge area would be set up with sofas and a coffee table, offering candies and tea for guests to rest.
After Chen Lishu explained her plans to Zhao Xingwang, the renovation matters were fully entrusted to him.
Just as the branch store matters were settled, Chen Lishu suddenly received a call from Nan Haitao, inviting her to a wedding a week later.
Having known each other for so many years, they were not only business partners but also very good friends, so Chen Lishu naturally had to attend his wedding in person.
"...The wedding is in a week. The two children haven't left my side since they were born. Also, I figured Mom has been here for a while and must be missing home. Now that the weather is warmer, why not take the two children back early so we can stay home for a few more days," Chen Lishu discussed with Gu Xingdong in their room that evening.
Gu Xingdong's voice was somewhat muffled, "Then it will just be me and Rui Rui left?" And they would have to leave several days in advance.
Chen Lishu smiled, "There's still Sister Xiaoyue. At least you two won't have to worry about meals."
Gu Xingdong looked up, "So as long as you can eat, you're not worried? What if Rui Rui plays too much, or kicks off his blanket at night and I don't take care of it?"
Chen Lishu found herself somewhat amused and speechless, "If you were talking about Xiaochengzi, I would believe you. Rui Rui has a calm disposition, and besides, I trust you. You will definitely be able to take care of yourself and Rui Rui."
Gu Xingdong paused for a moment, "I'll be back after attending the wedding. I'll pick you up then."
"Okay, I'll be back after the wedding."
After confirming with Gu Xingdong, Chen Lishu went downstairs to inform Li Xiulan about the matter.
Upon hearing that she would be returning to her hometown for a few days, Li Xiulan was overjoyed and immediately began packing clothes, not only for herself but also for the two children.
Chen Lishu also helped. Adults only needed a couple of changes of clothes, but it was the children's things that were the most troublesome.
Milk powder, bottles, diapers, especially for two children, resulted in two large bags of miscellaneous items being packed.
Before leaving, Chen Lishu also bid farewell to Wang Aixiang and Yuan Lihua separately.
After the branch store opened, it would require management, especially for receiving mid to high-end clients. Therefore, she planned to transfer Wang Aixiang and Xiao Cui. The original store, besides Tian Lin, was understaffed and needed to hire another sales assistant. Hiring Wang Aixiang in advance would allow both her and Tian Lin to guide the new hire for a period.
Additionally, preparations for the branch store's opening inventory needed to be made. The goods should be selective rather than abundant, and Yuan Lihua could start preparing them.
After arranging everything, Chen Lishu and Li Xiulan took the two little ones home.
Before returning home, Li Xiulan had called Gu Shoufou, so as soon as the two adults and two children alighted from the train, Gu Shoufou and Zhang Qin were there to greet them.
"Dad, Sister-in-law," Chen Lishu called out. Gu Shoufou and Zhang Qin busied themselves taking the children from Chen Lishu and Li Xiulan.
"It's only been a few months since we last saw them, and the children have grown so much," Gu Shoufou said, looking at the little Bai in his arms. She blinked her big dark eyes, showing no shyness towards her grandfather.
Chen Lishu had dressed her in a blue frock with small floral prints and a white ruffled bib around her neck. Coupled with her well-behaved and cute little expression, Gu Shoufou's embrace of his granddaughter became noticeably gentler.
In contrast, Xiaochengzi, in his paternal aunt's arms, turned around and, looking at the continuous stream of people emerging behind them, excitedly kicked his little feet, occasionally letting out "ah ah" sounds.
Zhang Qin patted Xiaochengzi's back and smiled, "The personalities of these two siblings are really quite different."
Chen Lishu replied, "Indeed. Xiaochengzi's energy is sometimes so overwhelming that I get a headache. He'll probably have a restless personality when he grows up."
As they spoke, the group walked towards the outside and soon spotted the horse-drawn carriage tied not far from the train station.
In May, the crops in the fields had grown about a palm's length, and in the green fields, people were busy weeding.
Looking at the scenery in the distance, the occasional gentle breeze on their faces, and the fresh scent of the soil, made one feel very comfortable.
The horse-drawn carriage had not traveled for long before the two children gradually closed their eyes and fell asleep. They remained asleep until they reached home.
After first sending the two children to their room and blocking the side of the kang with pillows, Chen Lishu began tidying up the house and cleaning.
It wasn't until mid-afternoon that the two little ones finally woke up from their nap. They didn't cry but played by themselves on the kang for a while before slowly rolling over and sitting up.
Upon seeing Chen Lishu standing on the floor, the two little ones immediately grinned, revealing their mouths with only two teeth.
Although the two little ones often drove her to her wit's end, seeing their innocent smiles made Chen Lishu feel that all her efforts were worthwhile.
After dinner that evening, Chen Lishu took the two children to visit her parents' home for a while.
As soon as the two little ones arrived at their maternal grandmother's house, they were surrounded by their aunts.
"Eldest Sister, let Xiaocheng and Xiaobai stay here tonight. I want to sleep with them," Chen Lizi pleaded.
Chen Lifeng flicked her forehead, "You're restless even when you sleep alone. Besides, aren't you afraid they'll wet the bed and soak you?"
Her secret revealed, Chen Lizi nudged her third sister.
Chen Lishu laughed, "Your third sister is right. They still wet the bed. If you can't bear to part with them, I'll bring them over as soon as you finish school tomorrow."
Wu Chunmei, who was nearby, suddenly spoke, "Your paternal uncle and aunt have also gone to the provincial capital."
Chen Lishu asked in confusion, "What are they going to the provincial capital for?"
"After Baozhu passed away, those who owed money haven't given up. They go there to cause trouble every day. The couple had no choice but to sell their house. They originally intended to go to your Sister Limin's place, but her in-laws didn't agree. I don't know what they were thinking, but they probably went to the provincial capital to evade their debts," Chen Mantun said with some melancholy.
Wu Chunmei added, "Did they come to find you?"
Chen Lishu replied, "Why would they look for me? They made their own bed. Even their own daughter doesn't help them; what can I, an outsider, do?"
"Why mention them? It only stirs up unnecessary annoyance."
Chen Lifeng chimed in, "Eldest Sister, the fruit trees on the mountain will bear fruit this year, and we've also planted quite a lot of sea buckthorn berries, probably over 150 mu. I contacted the two medicinal companies we supplied before, and they both said they don't need that much."