"Really? Sister Lin, are you serious?" Tong Li, whose emotions were all over the place because of Lin Wan, suddenly became excited.
Even Zhang Shuhua, who was usually indifferent, was amused. "Xiao Wan, you’re not teasing us, are you?"
"I’m not teasing. As long as you aren’t afraid of hard work, the money you earn in these next two weeks will be yours. Consider it your year-end bonus." Zhang Shuhua and Tong Li had been diligent for months, never stretching out their hands behind her back.
"Sister Lin, thank you. We will work hard and never let you down," Tong Li stood up excitedly, raising his hand and swearing.
Although Zhang Shuhua wasn’t as excited as Tong Li, she held Lin Wan’s hand tighter and tighter—heaven knows how much she needs the money right now. She wants to carve out her own path.
After agreeing with them, on the night of the twenty-fifth of the lunar year, Lin Wan gave out their salaries and they all had a New Year’s meal together, sharing some leftover meat and vegetables from the store.
Lin Wan also prepared over ten pounds of rice in advance for each of them as a New Year’s benefit.
No one was happier to receive these things than Aunt Wang. Receiving such benefits during the New Year was much better than getting a little extra cash.
After tidying up in the evening and before leaving, Lin Wan handed the keys to Zhang Shuhua, asking them to only do takeaway orders.
Although Liang Hongmei had some objections to Lin Wan letting them do takeaways, she didn’t say anything in the end.
She knew the hardships of the poor and what it was like to have no money. Now that their family was earning money, if they could help others get rich, they would give a helping hand. During these days of working with Shuhua and Tong Li, she also realized that they were good people.
"I wonder if the New Year’s goods we sent to your uncle’s family have been received yet."
"Mom, it’s been nearly a month. They should have received it. We included the address, and if they did receive it, Brother Ah Zhi would definitely write back to them." After a busy half year, it’s a rare day of leisure, and the mother and daughter plan to check out the hot pot restaurant.
They hadn’t even reached the entrance when they saw her brother talking to a girl outside, both laughing and chatting happily. It was unknown what the girl said, but her brother’s face turned red with shyness.
"Little sister, mom."
Lin Yinghui was startled and quickly introduced them, "This is my classmate Mu Qing. Last time, she helped a lot with buying the tricycle."
"Mu Qing, this is my sister Lin Wan, and this is my mom, Liang Hongmei."
"Hello, Aunt Liang, Lin Meimei."
This was the second person to call her Lin Meimei, and both were her brother’s classmates. "Hello, Sister Mu, why not come in and sit down? Why are you standing outside in this cold weather?"
"Yes, Ying Hui, quickly invite your classmate in for a meal before she leaves." Seeing her son bring home a girl made Liang Hongmei very happy.
"No need, Auntie. I just had a meal with Ying Hui’s classmate. Your family’s hot pot is the best I’ve ever had. Sorry for bothering you today. Auntie and Lin Meimei, when you have time, let Ying Hui bring you to visit our school. I have to go now. Goodbye, Aunt Liang, Lin Meimei."
"Alright then, Mu Qing girl, come often in the future. Ying Hui, it’s cold and slippery, walk your classmate over." Liang Hongmei beamed with a big smile.
"Okay," Lin Yinghui gestured for them to enter the shop first and then walked with Mu Qing towards the bus stop.
Lin Wan stood to the side, smiling and waving goodbye to Mu Qing, then pulled Liang Hongmei into the shop.