She subtly pulled A Man behind her and then politely said to Lu Xunguang, "Thank you, Brother Lu, for your chivalrous act. A Man is new here and just a young lad. It's only natural for him to be timid occasionally. I'll surely discipline him carefully in the future."
With a charming smile, she bowed and continued, "Brother Lu is a noble and upright gentleman. If I were to cause you to be slandered by others because of me, it would be my fault. So, please don't mention the matter of being my bodyguard and taking care of me anymore."
Li Ying didn't think that a divorced woman was like a withered flower. However, what Second Yang said today did give her a wake - up call.
This wasn't her era.
The small fishing village was remote and closed - off. It was reasonable for the villagers to be conservative and dogmatic.
Lu Xunguang had helped her several times. She couldn't let her "deviant behavior" drag him into the mire of gossip.
Li Ying thought her diplomatic words were well - said, but Lu Xunguang's handsome face visibly darkened.
Indeed, Li Ying behaved properly and adhered strictly to the rules of gender propriety, handling everything appropriately.
However, the frail Kunlun slave A Man seemed to be an exception for her.
Thinking that "he" lived under the same roof as Li Ying, saw her every day, ate at the same table, with a dim lamp on the bamboo table highlighting her bright eyes and white teeth, Lu Xunguang felt as if he'd been struck hard in the chest, a dull pain spreading through it.
A Man.
In just one day, had Miss Li already addressed "him" so affectionately?
He felt as if his heart was being roasted on a fire like bamboo strips. With great difficulty, he managed to control the changing expressions on his face. Taking a deep breath, he reluctantly said, "Since Miss Li has her own plans, I won't say more. Farewell!"
Li Ying watched his back as he turned around without hesitation. What a moody man! A few words and he got offended.
Several fisherwomen who were on good terms with Sister Li had also noticed the subtle discord between her and Lu Xunguang from afar.
They were all experienced women. Everyone could see clearly what that stubborn young man felt for A Ying. But seeing that she was fully focused on Mianmian and the stir - fry restaurant, they didn't want to bring it up.
Seeing this, they couldn't hold back any longer and gathered around, tentatively asking, "A Ying, what's your relationship with Brother Lu...?"
Li Ying knew the fisherwomen meant no harm. She just waved her hand indifferently and said, "It's nothing. He saved my life. I can't ruin the reputation of my benefactor."
This effectively cut off the topic. The fisherwomen didn't ask further and exchanged glances. It was Li Ying who suddenly had an idea.
"Sisters, do you have some free time now? I have a great job opportunity. I talked to Sister Li about it the other day. Now that I have the chance, I wonder if you're interested?"
The promise of making money excited everyone. The ambiguity between Lu Xunguang and her was instantly forgotten. They all listened intently to Li Ying.
"My stir - fry restaurant has made a lot of silver. I don't need to hide it from you sisters. Today, I'm here to ask if you'd like to make money with me. I've already taught Sister Li the recipes for pepper cakes and oil - fried pancakes. I also have some other recipes to teach you."
The fisherwomen never expected Li Ying to say such a thing. They were all stunned on the spot. It took them a while to come to their senses, and their faces were all beaming with joy.
"A Ying, are you serious?"
"A Ying... We know you mean well, but we don't have much silver at home. We're afraid we can't open a shop in the town like you..."
Li Ying had anticipated their concerns and briefly told them about the county magistrate's approval of setting up a night market.
She had already planned the stalls for the night market.
Although the county magistrate had promised to let her arrange everything for the night market, he was clearly a cautious man who wouldn't invest a single cent. He just wanted to reap the benefits if the "night - market economy" was a success. If it failed, it would be Li Ying who suffered the loss, and he wouldn't lose anything.
Li Ying's stir - fry restaurant was already operating on borrowed space. She certainly couldn't afford to rent an entire street for the night market. However, every household in the fishing village had small fishing boats, which could be a good opportunity.
The fishing boats could serve as restaurants. As long as the small boats were tied together with ropes and anchored, customers could take small sampans and shuttle between the boats freely. They could also sit on the dock, enjoy the sea breeze, the beautiful view of the sea and sky, and delicious food. It would be a unique experience.
Sure enough, the fisherwomen clapped their hands in approval without hesitation when they heard her idea.
"A Ying, don't worry. We can keep our mouths shut. We won't leak a single word without your permission!"
Since they were going to set up a night market, the more stalls, the better.
It wasn't a long - term solution to operate as a take - out service from the storeroom of Deji Hall. Tianxiang Tower was being aggressive, and Li Ying had the idea of opening a restaurant to compete with it. She needed to sell some recipes to earn silver.
Sister Li and these fisherwomen were the "seeds" she had selected from the villagers. They were honest and diligent.
Once their snacks became popular, there would be no shortage of other villagers wanting to buy the recipes.
By then, the dock would be filled with merchants from the small fishing village. The tiny spark would surely turn into a raging fire!
Seeing that everyone had agreed, Li Ying didn't waste any time. She made appointments with each of them, planning to teach them the recipes personally the next day.
She took A Man back to the village. The girl seemed to be deep in thought and remained silent all the way.
When they could faintly see the cooking smoke from the fishing village, A Man quickened her steps and stood firmly in front of Li Ying.
"Boss, thank you for protecting me today! I'm incompetent, but I know how to repay kindness. From now on, you'll be my only master!"
Li Ying saw her small, solemn face smeared with some soot. Her delicate features couldn't hide her childishness, but she was swearing seriously. She couldn't help but burst into laughter.
It was said that Kunlun slaves were sincere and kind - hearted. She saw it for herself today.
She had only slightly protected A Man, and the girl was so touched that she was completely devoted!
She smiled and said, "It's okay. You're still a child. I'm a few years older than you. It's only natural for the elder to protect the younger. If you stop being on guard against me, don't call me boss anymore. Call me sister."
A Man was truly a child at heart. She wasn't shy at all. With a beaming face, she hooked Li Ying's arm and said affectionately, "Sister!"
Li Ying smiled. Unexpectedly, this scene was seen in full by Lu Xunguang, who was coming towards them.