Lan Yan and Jun Yelan stayed for dinner, thanking Pei Yuan for his hospitality and wishing his business continued prosperity.
Pei Yuan was naturally delighted. Despite having witnessed their affection for too long, Lan Yan's business ideas were more valuable to him. "Then I wish you both a lifelong union."
"Thank you, Young Master Pei. We will take our leave then." Lan Yan had only sent a letter to Lan Chuo after finding Jun Yelan, and it was time to go home.
She rose to bid farewell, leaving the Pei residence with Jun Yelan and heading back to where they had come from.
Jun Yelan purchased a carriage and smiled faintly, "Yan'er, sit comfortably inside. I will drive." He supported Lan Yan's arm, helping her board safely.
Lan Yan sat in the carriage, looking at the refreshments and books prepared within, and laughed, "Yelan, when did you prepare these? I didn't even know." She had been with Jun Yelan the entire time.
"Just now, while you were picking out the carriage, I saw some shops nearby and went to browse," Jun Yelan said, holding the reins, his eyes filled with deep emotion. "Yan'er, you had a difficult journey here. Rest well on the way back."
His Yan'er appeared delicate on the outside, but was actually a stubborn and brave person, always making him worry.
Lan Yan nodded, "Yelan, then I'll listen to you." She held snacks in her left hand and books in her right, lounging comfortably in the carriage. Only with Jun Yelan by her side could she feel this at ease.
Jun Yelan glanced back, seeing Lan Yan relax, a faint arc lifting the corners of his mouth, his eyes filled with adoration. He drove the carriage, occasionally glancing back at the person in the carriage, his face beaming with contentment.
After eating, Lan Yan covered her face with a book and gradually fell asleep. She had a dream where Jun Yelan stood before her, saying something, but she couldn't hear clearly.
She tried to move closer, but Jun Yelan vanished before her eyes. "Yelan."
She woke with a start.
"Yan'er, what's wrong?" Jun Yelan asked from outside the carriage.
Lan Yan looked at the carriage canopy above, shaking her head. "It's nothing. I slept too long and feel a bit disoriented."
Jun Yelan was finally reassured. "Yan'er, we'll be there soon." Seeing Lan Yan tired, he urged the horses onward, heading towards their courtyard.
"Okay," Lan Yan sat up, trying to recall the dream, but it was hazy. She remembered not staying long in the last world, and wondered if this dream was an omen.
She would ask the system about it when she had time.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Jun Yelan extended his hand to her, saying gently, "Yan'er, we're home."
"Mm," Lan Yan's lips curved into a smile as she took Jun Yelan's hand and was helped down from the carriage.
At the entrance of the courtyard, Lan Chuo and Lin Yun were already waiting for them, tears in their eyes. "Sister, you're finally home safe."
"Brother, Sister-in-law, I've made you worry." Lan Yan walked to them and wiped her eyes. "Let's go inside."
The family entered the house and gathered around the dining table.
Lan Yan recounted all that had happened during this time, and seeing their concern, she reassured them, "Brother, Yelan and I are fine. We will be more careful in the future."
"Oh, and I've acquired a transport team. Our business can now reach farther places." She had returned this time to handle this matter and discuss specifics with Lao Liu.
Lan Chuo and Lin Yun were both shocked, never expecting Lan Yan to gain so much from her trip. "Sister, just tell us what to do, and we'll follow your lead."
Lan Yan smiled, "Thank you, Brother and Sister-in-law." These family members were her greatest support. She exchanged a smile with Jun Yelan.
Afterward, she cooked a large meal, and the family ate together cheerfully.
The next morning, Jun Yelan resumed his studies, preparing for the imperial examinations the following spring. He was confident he would pass the provincial exam this time and was preparing early.
Lan Yan returned to the shop and met with Lao Liu to pack the first batch of pastries for transport to the neighboring regions. She went along to set up stalls in those places, testing sales for three days to see the profit.
During these three days, she visited three different locations to identify the most suitable selling spots.
For places where sales were good, she would make notes, considering whether a branch store could be opened there. Opening too many branch stores required management and staff training, which was not yet feasible.
Finally, she selected three locations, setting up long-term stalls there and arranging for Lao Liu to deliver goods. She then purchased three shops in these locations and converted them into pastry shops.
She currently had only one workshop, from which all goods were dispatched and transported to these three points.
After handling all the matters, a month had passed, and she was finally able to rest. Rubbing her arms, she returned home and pushed open the door.
Jun Yelan looked at Lan Yan at the door, put down his book, and invited her to sit down.
He squatted beside Lan Yan and began to gently massage her shoulders and arms, saying with concern, "Let your subordinates handle these matters. Don't wear yourself out."
Lan Yan smiled and shook her head, hugging Jun Yelan's neck. "Yelan, I want to get things settled here as quickly as possible so I can travel with you." She couldn't just abandon everything here.
Jun Yelan was taken aback; Lan Yan was doing all this for him. He held Lan Yan's fingers, massaging her as he spoke, "Yan'er, I will definitely pass this exam and not disappoint you."
Seeing Jun Yelan's sudden determination, Lan Yan cupped his face. "Yelan, just do your best, but I also believe in my husband."
"Yan'er," Jun Yelan embraced Lan Yan, his eyes trembling. He must have done many good deeds in his past life to be able to meet and stay with Lan Yan in this one.
Lan Yan leaned into Jun Yelan's embrace, her eyelids drooping. "Yelan, I'm a little tired."
"Then sleep. I'll stay with you," Jun Yelan carried Lan Yan to the bed, sat by the bedside, holding her hand, his eyes filled with affection.
When Lan Yan woke up, Jun Yelan was no longer there. She walked out and found Jun Yelan packing things. "Yelan, are you leaving so early?" she asked, puzzled.
Jun Yelan smiled. "Yan'er, you've been tired for a long time. If we set off early, you can travel and enjoy the scenery. I've already made a plan." He took out a piece of paper from his embrace, detailing the local customs and delicacies along the route.
Looking at this detailed guide, Lan Yan's fatigue vanished, her eyes lighting up. "Yelan, I've decided. We'll set off today." Thinking of all the delicious food, she turned to pack her luggage.
Jun Yelan smiled wryly, knowing that this paper would attract Lan Yan. His eyes deepened; Lan Yan had worked exceptionally hard recently, and he would take good care of her on the road, ensuring she smiled every day.
He carefully put the paper away and gazed at Lan Yan's retreating figure.
Lan Yan finished packing her belongings, placed them on the carriage, and then quickly slipped into the carriage, excitedly calling out, "Let's go."
Jun Yelan's lips curved as he sat in the driver's seat. "Yan'er, hold on tight."
The carriage slowly moved, heading north.