A flicker of sourness rose in Shen Yao's heart, but upon looking up at Aunt Zhang, she froze.
A high forehead, broad and flat, a square jaw – these were the makings of someone destined for future blessings. Moreover, judging by her features, she certainly didn't seem like someone who would die without descendants to see her off!
Could it be that Zhang Zhe wasn't dead?
But if he was fine, why was it said that he had sacrificed his life? Back then, they had said no remains were found, and Zhang Zhe was buried in a cenotaph.
That made sense then. Zhang Zhe wasn't dead, but if he wasn't dead, then where had he gone?
Shen Yao shook her head, unsure whether she should voice her discovery.
For those who cultivated immortality, physiognomy was a mandatory course. However, they rarely practiced it, as the Heavenly Dao had its own causes and effects, and cultivators were absolutely forbidden from becoming entangled in them.
"What's wrong, Yaoyao?" Shen Huaisang noticed Shen Yao's unusual behavior. Ever since they entered, Shen Yao had been staring at Aunt Zhang.
"Nothing, I was just thinking." She then turned to Aunt Zhang and said, "Aunt Zhang, I'm sorry, I've been back for so long and haven't visited you."
Aunt Zhang waved her hand dismissively seeing Shen Yao's demeanor. "You young people are busy. Look how successful you are now, contracting land and building greenhouses. No one in our village can compare to your future prospects."
Aunt Zhang genuinely felt Shen Yao was capable. This little girl had always had her own ideas since she was young, and it seemed her greatest fortunes were yet to come.
"I'm glad Aunt Zhang doesn't blame me." Shen Yao continued, "Aunt Zhang, what do you do at home these days?"
Aunt Zhang replied, "Ai, what else can I do? Just manage the household and do chores in the fields."
Aunt Zhang's tone was calm, but Shen Yao detected a hint of indifference, as if she was just living day by day.
"Then, Aunt Zhang, would you like to help me?"
Aunt Zhang asked, "Help with what?"
"Our farm-to-table restaurant is about to open, but we can't find anyone to help. Aunt Zhang, since you're free at home, would you consider helping me? I'll pay you wages."
Shen Yao looked at Aunt Zhang with hopeful eyes, just as she had when asking for treats as a child.
"Oh, it's about that? Then what are you talking about wages for? Just don't look down on me." Aunt Zhang waved her hand.
"Of course, I won't. I'm hoping for it, and I want Uncle Zhang to come too. Then I'll truly believe you." Shen Yao spoke with deep sincerity.
At that moment, Uncle Zhang returned from the backyard, carrying a small bucket for feeding chickens and ducks. "Where do you want me to go?"
"Uncle Zhang." Shen Yao.
"Uncle Zhang." Shen Huaisang.
"Hey, what's up? Do you need me for something?" Uncle Zhang put down his things and scooped a ladle of water from the water缸 in the yard to wash his hands.
"Yes, I do need Uncle Zhang for something. This matter wouldn't be complete without Uncle Zhang." Shen Yao said with a smile.
"You think so highly of Uncle? Then tell me, Uncle will definitely help you."
Shen Yao explained, "Our farm-to-table restaurant is opening soon, and the kitchen needs more staff. I'm afraid we'll be too busy, so I wanted to ask Uncle Zhang to help. Uncle Zhang, the feasts you used to make were delicious. I'm drooling just thinking about them. So, this job really can't be done without Uncle Zhang."
Shen Huaisang thought to himself, "When did my sister become so eloquent? I can't even get a word in, I can only be a supporting actor, constantly saying 'yes, yes, that's right, absolutely.'"
"About this, Uncle hasn't made a big feast in a long time. I don't know if I can still do it well," Uncle Zhang said.
As people became wealthier, they were less inclined to hold large banquets in the countryside, preferring to dine at restaurants.
Later, due to his son's affair, he stopped making feasts altogether.
"You definitely can. I'll pay you a head chef's salary, Uncle."
"What salary? You're talking nonsense, child." Uncle Zhang immediately took offense. Helping out and then taking money? What kind of behavior would that be?
"That won't do. A day or two is fine, but we'll be busy for a long time. How can it be done without payment?"
"It won't be that long," Uncle Zhang said nonchalantly, as he expected the opening day to be the only truly busy one.
"Uncle Zhang, you're underestimating Yaoyao. You don't know, after Yaoyao posted about our farm-to-table restaurant online, we've already booked for the first ten days after opening."
Shen Huaisang recounted Shen Yao's great achievements, causing Uncle and Aunt Zhang to praise her repeatedly.
It was truly convenient nowadays, being able to book rooms online.
"Then it's settled. You must come on the opening day. Aunt Zhang, I'll give you a base salary of 2200 per month, and a commission for each room you clean. Uncle Zhang will get 6000 per month, plus monthly commissions."
Upon hearing the salaries Shen Yao offered, Uncle and Aunt Zhang repeatedly said it was too high. In their county, a salary of over 2000 a month was already considered very high.
Yet Shen Yao was not only offering such high wages but also commissions!
"Then Uncle Zhang and Aunt Zhang, don't forget, we'll be going back now." Shen Yao said.
"Okay, okay, Auntie will see you out." Aunt Zhang stood up.
"No, no, I'll just leave with Third Brother." With that, Shen Yao took Shen Huaisang and left.
Watching Shen Yao's retreating back, Aunt Zhang was filled with mixed emotions. "Yaoyao is such a good child, but ultimately..."
"Ai, let the past be the past. It's just that we don't have the fortune."
...
When Shen Yao and Shen Huaisang returned to the Shen family home, they saw Mo Xuan still hanging from the chandelier.
Shen Yao: ...
If she said she forgot, would he believe her?
Shen Yao quickly took Mo Xuan down from the chandelier. No wonder no one had discovered him; it was daytime, and no one had turned on the lights, so no one had looked up.
As soon as she let go of Mo Xuan, he darted far away and ran back into his room.
"Yaoyao, don't be too harsh on him," Mo Huaisang said, as he was, after all, his nephew.
"Right, where are Mom and Dad?" Shen Yao hadn't seen Shen Jun and Song Qiuwan since she returned.
"They're probably out recruiting people, or they might be next door," Shen Huaisang replied.
Shen Yao and Shen Huaisang went next door and indeed found Shen Jun and Song Qiuwan there.
Several younger-looking wives were also with them.
"These are the new brides from the village, taking care of their children at home. Mom probably found them," Shen Huaisang explained to Shen Yao.
"Oh."
It wasn't surprising she had no recollection; so much time had passed, and they were people of no consequence, so she wouldn't have remembered them anyway.
"Yaoyao, you're back? Come and see, they all say they're willing to work for us." Song Qiuwan quickly called Shen Yao over.
Shen Yao took a general look; most of them seemed kind and capable. "Alright, Mom, have you told them about the working hours?"
"Not yet," Song Qiuwan replied. She didn't understand these details, so she left it for Shen Yao to explain after her return.
"Our base salary here is 2200. Waiters and cleaners have the same pay, with commission for good performance. Waiters work from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, with a two-hour break in between. Cleaners work from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, also with a two-hour break in between. You get two days off per month, but you need to report it in advance to avoid simultaneous leave requests."
A group of young wives all looked up, disbelieving what they had heard.