So, she decided to switch to using paper boxes. Although paper was not a luxury in this era, there wasn’t that kind of stiff cardboard available—if one wanted to make paper boxes, they’d have to process it further.
With this thought, Lin Yuan suddenly had an idea. Further processing of cardboard wasn’t something that required a lot of technical expertise, after all—it was just a matter of applying some glue to stick it together. Moreover, the cardboard could be folded back and forth, allowing any shape of paper box to be created.
In addition to pastry boxes, Lin Yuan also specially prepared two pounds of pork and the remaining buns for the old village chief, Lin Ershuan’s family, and Lan Hua’s family. Today, the house was bustling with thorough preparations. Although she had given away quite a lot, there was still much left over at home.
Lin Changqing’s mind was always on the idea of opening a shop to sell furniture, but he had no experience in this area. Coincidentally, Lin Ershuan did not have to return to town today, so the two men walked arm in arm to Lin Ershuan’s house to continue discussing business.
Remembering that she had matters to discuss with Loudmouth, Lin Yuan made a point of asking her to wait a little longer before leaving.
Lan Hua was the last to leave, as she had been thoroughly chastised by Lin Yuan today for bringing up the matter of male prostitution. Knowing that she was at fault, Lan Hua was somewhat embarrassed to speak to Lin Yuan.
How could Lin Yuan, having been with her for so long, not see through Lan Hua’s thoughts?
Knowing that Lan Hua realized her mistake, Lin Yuan did not bring up the subject again. However, she was still intent on finding the person in the tofu shop who gossiped recklessly.
"Lan Hua, how has the tofu shop been doing lately? Is everyone still working diligently?" With Lan Hua too embarrassed to start the conversation, Lin Yuan had to break the ice first.
Seeing that Lin Yuan did not mention the issue again, Lan Hua secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly waved her hands, saying, "Nothing’s wrong, nothing’s wrong. With Shopkeeper Zhou overseeing the tofu shop, what could happen? Everyone working on the tofu is putting in effort, including Xiao Linzi. He’s in charge of a few kids and, despite their young age, they’re all working efficiently without slacking.
Fearing that Lin Yuan wouldn’t believe her, Lan Hua babbled on for quite a bit.
"Then, among the workers, is there anyone with bad conduct or who likes to cause trouble?" Lin Yuan wasn’t worried about the quality of the tofu; she could tell just by looking at the sales at Fuman Building that the products from her tofu shop were definitely not bad. What concerned her more were the workers themselves.
Lan Hua hadn’t thought that much into it and tilted her head to think, "I don’t think so. I haven’t heard of anyone stealing or slacking off. Besides, everyone gets along well while working, and no one fights. They’re all much easier to get along with than the people in our village."
Lan Hua was a straightforward woman, and Lin Yuan knew immediately she had asked the wrong person.
Rubbing her temples, it seemed she would have to make a personal visit after all.
"Well, as long as there’s nothing, that’s good. These days, I’ve been busy with the Rice Flower Fragrance matter, and also keeping the home fires burning, so I haven’t had time to check on the tofu shop. Once I get a chance, I’ll go take a look," Lin Yuan said as she handed over the pork and buns to Lan Hua, and didn’t forget to softly remind her in her ear, "In the future, don’t speak of things you shouldn’t. You’re a grown girl, and people will gossip if they hear you. How will you get married in the future?"
Lan Hua knew what she was referring to, and she had already regretted saying those words. Although she herself was not worried about getting married, her brother still didn’t have a wife. If others knew that her brother had a sister who spoke without restraint like her, they might indeed be unwilling to marry into the family.
After repeatedly assuring Lin Yuan that she would definitely not speak or listen recklessly in the future, Lan Hua took her things and went home.
When Lin Yuan returned to the kitchen, Loudmouth was sweeping the floor with a broom.
"Seventh Sister, stop sweeping, give it to me," Lin Yuan quickly moved to take the broom from her. Loudmouth had already helped her with a lot today, and it didn’t feel right to let her continue sweeping.