Wonderful Life After Exchanging Fate

Xie Chen stood in the crowd, staring blankly at the three characters on the plaque, ‘Qishanju’. These three big characters! The strength of the brush was not something he can match in his life.

Before, he was worried about his paintings being hung in a restaurant and people would laugh at them. Now looking at it, it must be an honor to hang his paintings with such words.

The restaurant was very lively. Xie Chen turned and left.

Behind the crowd, Qin Yao saw him depart and wanted to catch up with him. Another blush crept up her face again and she stood there stomping her feet.

"Ah Yao, stay away from that restaurant." Lin Yu Bai stood beside her out of nowhere and said with concern.

"Why?" Qin Yao asked.

Lin Yu Bai had been to the capital several times. Once, he was having a drink with his friends in a restaurant when someone suddenly exclaimed, "The Qilin Guard is here!"

The restaurant instantly went into chaos.

Curious, he stood in the restaurant and looked down the street. A group of black riders riding their horses from a distance came into sight.

To dare to ride a horse in the capital, these weren't ordinary people.

Back to that team of black riders. They were heroic and awe-inspiring in spirit. Especially the person at the front. He was like a cold knife, making people dare not look directly at him.

He heard the whispers of the people nearby and realized that that person was Shen Feng Ming, the Commander of the Qilin Guard.

A few days ago, the Lin Family had received news that the emperor promoted Shen Feng Ming to the Left Commissioner-in-chief. Now the capital was like a maelstrom. In this game of life and death, Shen Feng Ming definitely played a key role. Now everyone in the capital wanted to see him; to inquire about his physical condition, and understand his attitude. If possible, they would of course try their best to win him over to their side.

It seemed that his eldest uncle, Grand Tutor Lin had visited Shen's house several times, but had never seen him.

Lin Yu Bai didn't expect that he could find Shen Feng Ming in a small restaurant in Wuling County.

He could hardly believe his eyes. Wasn’t it said that he was injured? Why did he look so well!

Of course, court matters weren’t clear.

Lin Yu Bai thought about telling his eldest uncle or his father about this, so that the Lin Family might get a chance.

But in the end, he gave up.

Shen Feng Ming didn't seem to want his identity revealed. So if he exposes his identity, who knows if it will be self-defeating. Maybe during the extraordinary moment, their Lin Family might die sooner.

Of course he couldn't tell Qin Yao about this. So he embarrassedly dragged his words, "Ah Yao, what's so good about that poor scholar. Come back to Lu Prefecture with me."

Qin Yao said angrily out of embarrassment, "Who said he's good?"

Lin Yu Bai felt helpless.

Qin Yao chased in the direction where Xie Chen left.

Lin Yu Bai wanted to keep up.

Qin Yao turned her head and stated, "Don't follow me. You have so many sisters. Just go to them."

"Ah Yao..."

"Follow me again and see if I won’t be polite to you." Qin Yao gestured.

Lin Yu Bai could only stop there.

Qin Yao continued to walk forward. When she reached an alley, she saw Xie Chen enter a house.

She didn't know what was so good about Xie Chen. Since that day he stood in front of her and scared those two scoundrels away, she just wanted to see him more. Especially his frowning eyebrows. She wanted to smooth them out for him.

Xie Chen entered the yard, but heard a smacking sound.

He looked into the kitchen. His eyes turned red with anger.

"Did I say you can hit? Try and hide now. You put so much salt in the dish. Are you trying to overdose me with salt!" Xie Yong held a wooden stick in his hand and beat down on a basket.

The basket trembled continuously, and there was a whimpering sound from under the basket.

Xie Chen grabbed the stick in Xie Yong's hand and shouted, "What are you doing!"

Xie Yong saw that it was him and furiously uttered, "What? I’m hitting my daughter, you ant to control? If push to it, I will beat you too!"

It wasn’t like he wasn’t hit before. Before thirteen years old, Xie Yong beat and scolded both Xie Chen siblings. Later, Xie Chen made money by copying books by himself and became stronger. Every time Xie Yong tried to beat him, he couldn't win, so he stopped beating him.

"Try it!" Xie Chen gritted his teeth.

Xie Yong looked at him. He was half a head taller than he was now. Although he was thin, he was no longer the kid who was beaten and scolded before.

Xie Yong spat on the ground and berated, "What thing are you? All the books you read enter dog's stomach? You dare to hit me. From what I see you are an unfamiliar white-eyed wolf just like your lowly mother.

After so many years, if it weren't for me, how could the two of you grow up so big? Now the wings are hard, you won't let them touch, eh? "

Not long after Xie Lian was born, Xie Chen's mother ran away with another because she couldn't stand Xie Yong's temper.

From then on, Xie Yong beat and scolded Xie Chen siblings.

Xie Chen glared at him. His eyes were red. He wanted to yell and laugh at the same time. For so many years, besides giving them a bite to eat and not letting them starve to death, how was he a father? If given the choice, he didn't want to be his son at all.

"What we ate from you, I will pay you back in the future. You aren’t allowed to touch Xie Lian again or I will go all out with you!" Xie Chen told the truth. This was the last time he warned him.

"Pay back? What do you want to pay back with? I gave you your life." Xie Yong scolded.

Xie Chen's vision was red. He just glared at him.

Afraid of him, Xie Yong cursed again, stretched out his hand and stated, "Money? This lass puts so much salt in cooking. She wants to kill me. I'll go out to eat."

"No money." Xie Chen said.

"You paint and write every day. You’re telling me that you have no money? Have you read all those books for so many years for nothing!" Xie Yong responded.

"I said there’s none, then there’s none." Xie Chen stated coldly. Studying was a costly matter. For so many years, he had been painting and copying books and could barely maintain his studies. How could he have any spare money?

"You said to pay me back in the future. From what I see, you don’t plan to pay back. Why did I give birth to you two calamity stars." With that said, Xie Yong threw the stick and went out by himself.

Xie Chen bent down to get the basket, and said softly, "He's already gone. Don't be afraid. I'm here."

Suddenly, a petite figure jumped out from behind the basket and threw herself into his arms.

Xie Lian whimpered.

Xie Chen saw that her hands and arms were covered with red marks. He rubbed her head in distress, "I'll take you to the capital with me in April. I won't let him see you again."

The Xia Dynasty held the imperial examination in May every year. Xie Chen was going to set off from home in April. It should be on time.

"Sniff sniff." Xie Lian sobbed.

Xie Chen felt even more sad when he heard her like this. Xie Lian was originally able to speak. But when she was eight years old, she suddenly couldn’t speak for some reason. She can make a sound, but can't speak. He took her to see the doctor several times, but the doctor couldn't do anything. So it could only be like this.

He decided to wait until he entered the capital and then find a famous doctor to treat Xie Lian.

Xie Lian rubbed against his arms before running to the kitchen. She took out a dry biscuit from a broken bowl in the cabinet and handed it to Xie Chen.

"I'm not hungry. You eat." Xie Chen told a white lie.

Xie Lian sensibly shook her head and gave him the dry biscuit. Elder Brother was studying. He can't go hungry. When Elder Brother passes the imperial examination, he would be able to take her away.

The brother and sister ate the dry biscuit. Xie Lian wiped the crumbs from the corner of her mouth for Xie Chen. Through the tears, she smiled.

At this moment, at the entrance of the alley, Xie Yong noticed Qin Yao standing there. His eyes lit up immediately. Such a beautiful girl. Judging by her clothes, she must be the daughter of a rich family.

"This Miss, why are you here? Are you looking for someone? I'm not bragging. There is no one in Wuling County that I don't know and there is no road that I don't know." Xie Yong salivated and spoke to Qin Yao.

When Qin Yao saw him coming out of Xie Chen's house, she guessed that he was Xie Chen's father or relatives. She immediately blushed.

At 1pm, almost all the customers in the store were gone. Jiang Yun Zhu came out from the back kitchen, thanking those who came to support today.

First of all, she must thank Gu Yan Zhou and those scholars as they will attend class soon.

"Thank you." Jiang Yun Zhu turned to Gu Yan Zhou.

"You don't need to say these." Gu Yan Zhou was still ever-so-calm. It was as if he didn't mind Jiang Yun Zhu's polite refusal to the marriage proposal.

Jiang Yun Zhu smiled. This was good.

She gave Gu Yan Zhou and those scholars each a blue membership card with the names of these scholars written on the membership card. With this card, these scholars could enjoy a 5% discount when they come to her restaurant to eat.

Those scholars were overjoyed when they received the cards. They saw others deposit fifty liang silver to the store to get this card. They just came to help and got it.

In the future, when they come here to eat, they will not only save money, but also gain face!

Thinking it this way, they all felt that today wasn't in vain.

"You!" Gu Yan Zhou smiled helplessly at Jiang Yun Zhu. She was always so smart that even if he wanted to try to help her, he couldn't.

Forget it. The group of them left and went to the academy on the opposite side.

Afterward, it was Gu Yong De, Mrs. Liu and others. They too received a blue membership card.

Finally, there were Escort Head Li and the others. The membership card was held up.

Escort Head Li took it and laughed, "It will be much more convenient when I want to eat your food in the future."

Ever since their stay in Changshi Village for a few days before the new year, both he and Li Yan fell in love with the dishes made by Jiang Yun Zhu. Sadly, it was too far away. Now it was fine.

"Then come often." Jiang Yun Zhu cheerfully responded.

"Definitely." Escort Head Li agreed, and then took the men away.

The store became deserted. Only then did the Jiang Family have time to eat. After a quick lunch, Mrs. Chen swept the floor while Jiang Yun Zhu wiped the table. At some point, she sat at a table and fell asleep.

Afraid of disturbing her, Mrs. Chen lightened her movements and went to the backyard to prepare the ingredients for the evening.

Jiang Yun Zhu was the only one left in the restaurant. She laid there quietly. Her breathing was even.

Shen Feng Ming walked into the store, sat opposite her, and watched her.

Her side profile was very beautiful. The light and dark lines were intertwined. Her skin was like cream. Her lips were slightly parted. Following the breathing, it went up and down slightly. Moist and soft. The long eyelashes drooped. Although her eyes were tightly closed, he knew how sparkling and agile they could be when they were opened. Just like her person.

She was exhausted. He didn't want her to be so tired. Actually.

But he knew that she was like the blue luan in the painting at the side. Only when she soars freely in the sky could she sing happily.

One of Jiang Yun Zhu's hands rested on the table. The fingers were clasped together. The partial index finger was sticking out. The fingertip was round and shining with a pink and lustrous luster.

Shen Feng Ming suddenly stretched out his index finger, lightly touched her fingertip, and then slowly connected.

Jiang Yun Zhu slept for half an hour before waking up. She woke up and sat there, dazed for a while before she fully woke up.

Then she felt that it was time for her to recruit people!

Jiang Cheng happened to be going back to the village to get a batch of ingredients. So she asked him to give Xue Jing a message. He had recommended someone before. If it was convenient, please invite that person to come to Qishanju.

Xue Jing had been waiting for her to say this. Hearing this, he immediately got into Jiang Cheng's cart, went around the county, and brought his former partner over.

At this time, Jiang Yun Zhu had finished tidying up the Qishanju and was waiting to open for business for the night.

"Boss, this is the person I was talking about." Xue Jing said excitedly as soon as he entered the door. Qishanju opened today. He wanted to come and see it, but the business at the mine couldn't be dropped. It had him anxious to death.

It was fine now.

Jiang Yun Zhu looked behind him and saw a man in his thirties. The man was tall and chubby. But his face was gentle, especially his eyes. When smiling, it was quite joyous.

At this time, Tan De Bao was also looking at Jiang Yun Zhu. He was taken aback. He had already heard from Xue Jing about Jiang Yun Zhu. For example, she opened a restaurant in the county town within half a year. For example, she was a good cook. Her specialty dishes emerged endlessly. He was curious about her as well as holding some doubts.

Mainly, he couldn't imagine what such a girl was like.

But when he saw Qishanju and Jiang Yun Zhu, he suddenly felt that Xue Jing didn't seem to be exaggerating.

Look at this Qishanju. Even in the city of Lu Prefecture, there may not be such an elegant place. It showed how delicate Jiang Yun Zhu's mind was.

Then it seemed reasonable that she could cook delicious meals.

"Boss Jiang." Tan De Bao said respectfully.

Jiang Yun Zhu was satisfied with his first impression to give five points. At least he looked good.

Then there was the test of cooking skills.

Tan De Bao immediately put on his apron and entered the kitchen. He looked tall and fat, but his movements were extremely agile and flexible. He fried a fried liver in a short time.

This dish was particular about the heat. If the fire was too high, the liver tips will get old easily. If the fire was too low, the liver tips would lack the burnt aroma. This wasn't good.

Although Tan De Bao's skill wasn’t perfect, Jiang Yun Zhu felt that he could score eight points.

She looked at Tan De Bao, then at Xue Jing, and was suddenly a little curious about how the Yunhelou was closed in the first place. With these two cooks, as long as the business wasn't particularly bad, it should be able to continue.

Xue Jing seemed to grasp what she was thinking. He suppressed his excitement, and explained to her, "Boss, be careful of Baofulou. They, aren’t clean."

Jiang Yun Zhu raised her eyebrows. Baofulou was the most famous restaurant in Wuling County. His ‘wasn't clean’...

At the mention of Baofulou, Tan De Bao’s expression changed. He turned to Xue Jing and suddenly gritted his teeth, "Actually, before the mishap happened to the owner of Yunhelou, someone came to me and said that as long as I do a little favor, he will give ten liang silver. I didn’t agree."

"Why didn't you say this earlier!" Xue Jing said.

Tan De Bao was very ashamed. Who would randomly talk about this kind of thing? If something happened, others would doubt him even if it wasn’t him.

Xue Jing thought of this point and didn't blame him anymore. He didn't take the money. Now he was willing to say it. It wasn’t bad.

"Boss Jiang, you have to be careful." Tan De Bao said. He didn't want the restaurant to close down before it started working. Moreover, he felt that it wasn’t easy for a girl like Jiang Yun Zhu to set up such a restaurant.

Baofulou? Jiang Yun Zhu kept it in mind. She didn't mention this again and told Tan De Bao with a smile, "I want to discuss something with you."

Tan De Bao vaguely guessed what she wanted to say and nodded immediately.

The two went outside. Jiang Yun Zhu said, "I don't know what Xue Jing told you. Let me clarify it again and if you think it's okay, let's sign the contract.

I’m hiring you because I want you to take over Xue Jing's work and cook in the village. Monthly pay is just like Xue Jing. One silver liang per month. Contract for ten years.

Most of our family lives in the county town now. There are many vacant rooms, you could choose one to live in.

The monthly pay increases every half every year.

After working for three years and if you do well, I will transfer you to the county city. "Jiang Yun Zhu spoke for a long time. The most important thing was this, to provide employees with a ladder to climb up.

Sure enough, when Tan De Bao heard this sentence, he immediately became excited. He had planned to stay in the village for ten years. What did Jiang Yun Zhu say now? Three years later, she will transfer him to the county city?

Then why would he be afraid, "Boss, I will definitely do a good job!"

He immediately promised.

"Okay, first sign the contract. I’ll get Xue Jing to take you for a few days." Jiang Yun Zhu responded.

After a while, everything was done. Xue Jing immediately took Tan De Bao back to Changshi Village. He couldn't wait to teach him all matters for that side.

Jiang Yun Zhu watched the backs of the two of them and smiled. The employees were very motivated. Not bad!

Afterward, the store need to recruit two waiters and two choremen, so that Mrs. Chen and Jiang Yun Xue can rest.

Jiang Yun Zhu grabbed the red paper and prepared to write a recruitment notice to post it at the door of the store.

At this time, Xie Chen walked in. He was still in the old blue robe. He was frowning and appeared to be full of thoughts.

"Miss, do you want to settle the accounts today?" He asked.

Jiang Yun Zhu was about to take a look at how much money she had made at noon. But in this day and age there was no computer. The accounts kept at noon were messy and gave her a headache.

"Yes." She immediately answered and handed the account book to Xie Chen.

Xie Chen took the account book and sat there with a brush in one hand and an abacus in the other. The sun shone on him, casting a slender shadow.

Jiang Yun Zhu continued to write her recruitment notice.

Xie Chen accidentally looked up and saw what she wrote. Frowning and thinking for a long time, he suddenly uttered, "Miss, are you recruiting?"

"En." Jiang Yun Zhu raised her head. Why? Did he want to be the waiter or work as a choreman?

"Not me. I have to prepare for the exam. I don't have much time. It’s my younger sister. But she may not be able to do it for long. In April, I want to take her to the capital with me." Suddenly, he added, "Sorry, Miss, take it as I said nothing.”

Then he lowered his head and continued to settle accounts.

Jiang Yun Zhu wasn't sure whether he wanted his younger sister to work or not.