Chapter 223: Finding a Backing for Myself

"Carpentry work? Uncle Dayong is definitely the best in our village. Many families ask him to make things for them," Ye Zi’an said, "Do you think Grandpa Land Officer’s family is rich only because he is a Land Officer? Of course, there are other reasons, including Uncle Dayong."

"Hmm, I know, I heard that Grandpa Land Officer even has a son who’s been doing business outside for a long time and hasn’t come home in a while."

Yang Chuxia thought for a moment and then picked up Ye Zi’an’s brush and ink, took a new piece of paper, and started drawing on it. However, she wasn’t used to painting with a brush and wasted several pieces of paper before she finally drew a rough model.

"How about this, kid? With this, some people who can only lie in bed will be able to move on their own, and they won’t need anyone close to serve them."

Yang Chuxia proudly handed the paper with her drawing to Ye Zi’an. Ye Zi’an’s eyes lit up as he took it, "Xiaxia, you’re amazing! If this really becomes a thing, it will benefit so many people."

Ye Zi’an returned the paper to Yang Chuxia and continued, "Not to mention others, just to my knowledge, Shopkeeper Li might worship you as a bodhisattva."

"Oh? Why do you say that?" She only had business dealings with Shopkeeper Li and didn’t know much about his other matters.

"As far as I know, Shopkeeper Li has a son who’s about my age, but he’s seriously ill and has been bedridden for years. If you can make this thing, his son could sit on it and go outside for a walk, and he wouldn’t have to stay in bed and hire someone to take care of him all the time. Don’t you think he’ll be grateful to you?"

After finishing his sentence, Ye Zi’an immediately added, "I also heard that our County Magistrate’s mother is also paralyzed in bed. This County Magistrate is known for being fair and extremely filial to his mother. If you can make this, you might even catch the County Magistrate’s eye. Xiaxia, although we’re doing business with Shopkeeper Li now, he’s not the ultimate boss. In the future, if you have more and more good ideas, even if Shopkeeper Li is good, there’s no guarantee that the boss behind him won’t have any ill intentions. But if you can catch the County Magistrate’s eye with this opportunity, you might be able to secure an extra layer of protection for yourself. Although it might not be foolproof, it would at least make people more cautious."

Ye Zi’an was thoughtful and insightful when discussing these matters. After he finished speaking, he noticed Yang Chuxia looking at him with a smile in her eyes.

"What’s wrong?" Ye Zi’an asked, confused. Did he say something wrong?

Yang Chuxia shook her head, patted Ye Zi’an’s shoulder, and said, "Brother An, you’re really impressive, knowing even the County Magistrate’s family affairs and thinking of all this. You’re truly the Cultivated Talent at nine years old."

Ye Zi’an scratched his head embarrassedly, "I only found out about these things when I was working at the tavern, overhearing from some guests. I remembered them when you mentioned it today."

"Well, you do have a good memory. But you did remind me that we need to watch our backs in business, and find some support, even if it’s not entirely reliable, at least it can help maintain appearances."

"Right, that’s what I meant."

"Hmm, you make sense. I’m going to find Uncle Dayong now." With that, Yang Chuxia rolled up the paper and walked to the door. Seeing Ye Zi’an still standing there, she asked, "What are you waiting for? Let’s go."

"Alright, let’s go together."

Ye Zi’an smiled and quickly locked the door before following her.

When they reached the village center, they met many people from the village. The two of them greeted everyone, but the villagers kept wondering why they were walking together.