Huo Yuan chuckled, glancing at the little boy beside him who hurriedly produced a red envelope and handed it over to Master Situ, cheering gleefully, "Our Young Master has noticed Master Situ’s hard work over the past year, pouring his heart and soul into the Huo Family Ginseng Shop. Thus, he has specially enclosed some silver to reward Master Situ. Master Situ, please accept it."
Master Situ pleaded modestly while verbally declining, "It’s my duty to serve my boss faithfully, and it’s my fortune to be able to do so. I dare not accept such a reward!"
The little boy laughed and said, "Elder, please accept it. Even though you don’t lack this amount of silver, it’s still rather dignifying to accept a reward from the Boss."
Only then did Master Situ accept the red envelope, kneeling down to express his gratitude.
Huo Yuan stood up and personally helped him rise, laughing, "Such a tiny kindness and benefit, yet Master Situ is showing such an overwhelming gratitude. What would you do if I announced the next bestowment?"
Master Situ was at a loss for words, unsure of what was being referred to but from the boss’s countenance and words, he knew something good was about to happen!
"Forgive me for being obtuse, but what does the boss mean? Please elaborate!"
Huo Yuan asked with a smile, "Your son will turn twenty-two after the New Year, won’t he?"
"Yes, my son will turn twenty-two after this year. What do you mean, boss..."
Huo Yuan smiled and directed his gaze towards Situ Changge, who was still hanging his head, behaving maturely and steadily. Upon hearing the hint about his impending promotion, he managed to retain a neutral expression, generating a slight admiration within Huo Yuan.
"I wish to open another Ginseng Shop, but unfortunately I don’t have the right person to manage it. I see your son as a reliable and restrained young man, hence I am contemplating promoting him out of order to manage my New Ginseng Shop. I wonder how Master Situ feels about this?"
"Dear boss, I’m truly...I’m so overwhelmed that I don’t know what to say! The honour is too much for us. Changge, quick, come to thank the boss..."
Master Situ was at a complete loss for words, excitedly rambling, attempting to make his son bow down hastily but was stopped by Huo Yuan.
"Empty rituals are unnecessary. As long as you serve the Ginseng Shop with all your heart and effort, it would be the greatest repayment for me."
"Yes, I will dedicate myself utterly, even till death!"
Situ Changge answered solemnly.
Huo Yuan nodded in agreement, signaling them to leave.
After Situ and his son had left, Huo Yuan sat alone for a while, but he couldn’t calm his mind. He rose, strolled around the table to the window, pushed it open and gazed at the blossoming plum trees outside. The white plums were in full bloom, radiating a rosy hue, stunning but not seductive, fragrant yet minimalist, braving the chill, reminding him of her!
It had been the second day of the year and she had mentioned that she might visit after the New Year. Perhaps it was just a casual remark, yet he couldn’t help but anticipate it. The thought made even the New Year more hopeful!
She wished to open a Ginseng Shop, so he granted her one, located right beside his own. From then onwards, they could meet day and night. The idea seemed truly splendid upon thought...
When Cao Jin entered, Huo Yuan was still standing by the window, smiling lightly at the blooming plum blossoms. Cao Jin coughed lightly; it wasn’t his first time witnessing such an expression since coming to Bianzhou Prefecture. It reminded him of a passionate young man, longing for his lover in his dreams!
Upon hearing the cough, Huo Yuan turned his head. He laughed awkwardly and asked in a soft tone, "When did you come in? I didn’t realize."
Cao Jin chuckled, "I came in a while ago, but seeing Ziyou lost in thought, I assumed you were missing some beauty, so I didn’t want to disturb!"
Huo Yuan smiled again without denying it, inviting Cao Jin to sit down.