Shen Yi and Lu Xinyi hosted the dinner until everyone decided to call it a night. While their friends started to bid goodbye one by one, Madam Shen and Shen Huang waited patiently until they could give the couple their congratulatory gift that Lu Xinyi deserved.
When the couple came back after sending off Kang Wei and Zhao Xi, they heard Shen Huang’s voice calling after him.
“What could it be?” Lu Xinyi asked her husband, but Shen Yi only shrugged his shoulders and led her to the living room where Madam Shen was waiting, seated on a sofa and sipping her tea. They gave the old woman a customary greeting before settling themselves at the opposite seat.
“Xin’er,” Madam Shen started, “I heard what happened yesterday. It must have been tough on you. Fortunately, our Xin’er is smart enough to outsmart any trickery set by that woman. You’ve done well. We’re proud that you represented our family during the examinations. Now, it’s time for us to give you a reward. Here. Take this and have a look. I’m giving this to you and to Yi.”
Lu Xinyi tilted her head on one side and looked at Madam Shen with a puzzled expression. Her bright round eyes reflected the soft light coming from the outside. While looking at Lu Xinyi, Madam Shen realized that her grandson had chosen a good woman to become his wife.
This woman never asked for anything, never demanded to be pampered. The old woman had been horribly worried that her eldest grandson could never find a woman until her last breath. With Lu Xinyi by his side, Madam Shen’s worries had been cast aside. It would only take a matter of time until the young couple starts filling the house with little children running around their estate.
Lu Xinyi took the folder and opened it, with Shen Yi peeking over her shoulder to see what it was. Their eyes widened when they read the content of the first page. A deed for an old restaurant located at one of the largest provinces within the country, The Grace Palace. It was one of the established and well-known for the specialty foods that they served.
Lu Xinyi had heard of this restaurant before, but she also heard that it suddenly closed five years ago and was sold by the owner. How did it end up in Madam Shen’s hands?
She turned her gaze to her husband, only to see him deep in his own thoughts. She was bewildered why the old woman was giving this establishment to her.
“I don’t understand…” She looked back at the older woman with uncertainty.
“This restaurant was owned by one of my closest friends. It was true that it suffered bankruptcy after her youngest son refused to take over the management. This is just wishful thinking, but before she passed away, she wanted to see their family restaurant serving the people again.”
Lu Xinyi’s eyes widened slightly, “You want me to manage it?”
“But Lu Xinyi doesn’t have time to manage this.” Shen Yi countered. Not only Lu Xinyi could not work hands-on at the restaurant, but her time for Silver Leaf would also start in a month.
“That I know, Yi.” The old woman sighed deeply. “But I want to fulfill her wish, too. I haven’t seen the restaurant for ages, and I want the two of you to make time and check it for me.”
“Is that all, Grammie? But what’s the point of giving the restaurant to us?” Lu Xinyi asked.
Madam Shen smiled until her eyes were crescent-shaped. This was something she wanted to teach Shen Yi’s wife. Lu Xinyi had to learn management skills and how to deal with pressure if she intended to stay at her husband’s side.
One might know the consequences of being the wife of a wealthy and influential man within the country. Lu Xinyi should learn how to deal with matters relating to business and finance. Being Shen Yi’s wife would set some expectations on her part.
“This is my only wish to you, Xin’er. I do not care about the profits, but if you can re-establish this restaurant, I’ll be grateful forever. I want the two of you to check and find out what caused the failure of the restaurant and if you can revive it to its previous glory once more.”
Lu Xinyi kept silent while Shen Yi waited for her to make up her mind and come up into a decision.
“And if we fail?”
“Then be assured that I wouldn’t blame you, Xin’er. I’m not expecting anything especially with the limited time you have.” Madam Shen replied.
Lu Xinyi turned to her husband, “Dear, what do you think?”
“We’ll see what we can do, Grammie; but don’t forget that Xinxin only has a month left before her official classes start.” Shen Yi told his grandmother.
“Then it’s settled.” Madam Shen nodded. “I already booked a flight for you. You’ll leave tomorrow morning.”
Shen Yi almost groaned. Did his Grammie anticipate that he and Lu Xinyi wouldn’t decline her wish?
“What about the twins?” he inquired, “Xue will be busy this week. He couldn’t look after them.”
“Do not worry about them,” Shen Huang decided to join their talk, “Your Aunt An has come back from her treatments abroad. The twins will be staying with her.”
Madam Shen set her teacup back at the coffee table and clasped her hands together. “Then it’s settled? Good. You may consider this as your honeymoon, too. I know you haven’t had your real honeymoon. Take your time and enjoy it together.”