Uncle Zhou’s family came too, giving Ye Ge a large bag of fried Cicada Monkey for his journey. Eldest Brother Zhou gave Ye Ge a bag of wild yams he’d dug up from the mountains; Second Brother Zhou gave him a bag of rice; Third Brother Zhou was a bit poorer but still offered Ye Ge a jar of homemade pickles.
Other villagers brought eggs, tea, and wild fruits, covering Ye Ge with their gifts.
Fortunately, the hunter Liu was chivalrous. Knowing that Ye Ge had to leave early in the morning, he had prepared his mule cart to give Ye Ge a lift.
When Ye Ge left the village, the villagers gradually dispersed. Nan Feng was a bit disappointed, and was the last to leave.
Even though her heart was reluctant, she had to respect his decision.
After Nan Feng left, a figure emerged from under the old locust tree. It was Liu Chang.
Ever since the mountain bandits incident, he hadn’t sought Nan Feng.
Shame.
That day, when Wang Dachuan attempted to rape Nan Feng, he did not dare to defend her. If it weren’t for Ye Ge, Nan Feng’s fate would have been uncertain.
If that were the case, had he any right to say he could take care of her in the future?
He felt he didn’t amount to even a single finger of Ye Ge.
…
After Ye Ge left, Nan Feng remained busy.
Sun-drying grains, paying taxes, watering the vegetables, she devoted most of her energy to developing her skincare products.
The best skincare products are enclosed in boxes. The more upscale and attractive the boxes, the better the sales.
Nan Feng went to the town to inquire about a workshop that could make some boxes, but couldn’t find such a place in town. Finally, the owner of the medical hall suggested she go to the city and said that there was a family workshop in the suburbs where they could produce high-end boxes.
Nan Feng promptly rented a carriage and rushed to the workshop in the city.
The boss of the workshop was named Qin Bao. He explained his craftsmanship had been passed down from his ancestors and was particularly effective for storing cosmetics. It preserved both freshness and quality.
Initially, Qin Bao mistook Nan Feng for an apprentice from a shop because of her young age. He bluntly said, “We produce in bulk here. If you want to order, you need to order at least two hundred at a time. Otherwise, we won’t do it.”
However, Nan Feng quickly put down the deposit and told Qin Bao, “For my initial order, I need four hundred, two types, two hundred each. If they are well-made, I’ll order more.”
Seeing Nan Feng’s decisiveness, Qin Bao asked, “Who’s your boss?”
“I am.”
“You?”
“Don’t ask too many questions. Just do a good job. I’ll give you the rest of the silver when you finish.”
“Alright, come back in ten days. I’ll have three hundred boxes ready for you then.”
“Wait a minute, engrave ’Xiangkou Facial Wash’ on the first type of box and ’Xiangkou Whitening Mask’ on the second type of box. Make sure there are no mistakes.”
Nan Feng was not good at naming things, so she took a character each from ’Chanel’ and ’Lancôme’ as her brand name. She was sure it would be popular.
The workshop was in the suburbs. On her way out of Qin Bao’s place, Nan Feng decided to visit the city.
Somehow, she ended up near the Yamen.
The Yamen was conducting a public hearing that day. The common folk could watch from outside, so Nan Feng squeezed in for a better look.
Two prisoners in convict uniforms knelt before the court, arguing something. A clerk stood by, taking notes. Constables holding “Silence” and “Court in Session” signs lined both sides of the hall.
It was just like what she’d seen on TV.
The severe-looking man sitting in the court, as black as charcoal – was he the county magistrate whom Ye Ge had left to protect?