Lan Yan returned to her shop and reopened for business. She arranged all the pastries on shelves for customers to choose from, only needing to pay at her counter.
Fearing customers might not understand the pastries, she also wrote down their names and key ingredients on signs and hung them on the wall.
When customers entered, they first chose their desired items from the signs, then picked them from the shelves, and if they had any questions, they would ask her, the shop owner.
In just one morning, Lan Yan sold a hundred portions. Seeing no more customers in the shop, she went to the small kitchen in the back to prepare a few dishes, packed them in a food box, and closed up shop to head to the academy.
She worried Jun Yelan wouldn't eat properly and might not like the food at the academy.
At that moment, the academy was empty of students, who had all gone out to buy food. Jun Yelan sat alone at his desk, taking out a book to copy. He had inquired and learned that copying a book and delivering it to the academy could earn some money.
He couldn't help at the shop while studying, but he didn't want to burden Lan Yan, so he wanted to do whatever he could. Feeling hungry, he took out the pancakes from that morning and ate them with water.
Some students returned, led by a few expensively dressed individuals who looked at Jun Yelan with disdain. Someone kicked the leg of Jun Yelan's desk, only to be met with his cold gaze.
"What are you looking at? A country bumpkin like you managed to be accepted by Tutor Du and become our classmate. I see you're wearing coarse cloth and eating humble pancakes. Why are you even here to study!"
The others burst into laughter.
Jun Yelan tightened his grip on the brush in his hand, then relaxed, tidied his belongings, and walked towards the door. Some tried to stop him, but a cold glance from him was enough for him to leave indifferently.
Arguing with these people would only be a waste of his time.
The remaining students murmured, "Why does that person's gaze feel so terrifying, as if he wants to eat us."
"What's there to fear? Once Brother Mingyou returns, he'll make sure this fellow can't handle it," someone shouted triumphantly. Mingyou was the eldest son of the prominent Ming family in town, doted on since childhood. He was absent for a few days due to family matters.
The other students agreed, eagerly awaiting Jun Yelan's future misfortunes.
Jun Yelan found a quiet spot again to continue copying his book. Suddenly, he heard someone call his name and saw it was the gatekeeper.
"Ah, there you are. Your fiancée is waiting for you at the entrance," the elder shouted. Before he could finish speaking, Jun Yelan was already running towards the entrance.
Seeing the figure at the entrance, Jun Yelan tidied his clothes, feigned the demeanor of someone casually arriving, and called out, "Lan Yan."
Lan Yan turned and smiled at him, "Have you eaten?"
Jun Yelan paused, inexplicably feeling relaxed upon seeing Lan Yan. "I ate the pancake you gave me."
"That was for you to fill your stomach after class; it wouldn't be enough. This is for you, eat it quickly. I see the other students have finished eating," Lan Yan said, handing over the food box from behind her.
Jun Yelan's eyes deepened. He took Lan Yan's food box, his hand gripping it tightly.
"What's wrong?" Lan Yan asked, seeing Jun Yelan not move, thinking something had happened.
Jun Yelan shook his head, walked forward, took Lan Yan's hand, and pulled her to the side. They sat on the steps and began to eat slowly.
Looking at the two dishes inside, he suppressed the surge of emotion within him, showing no outward sign. "You've made so much again, it must be tiring. You don't need to do this next time."
Lan Yan cupped her face with her hands, sitting beside Jun Yelan. "You're studying harder now and need good nourishment. Don't worry about me; making two dishes is very simple for me."
They were just home-style dishes, and she had to eat herself, so making a bit more was natural. "Besides, if I didn't come, can you guarantee you'd go out and eat properly?"
Jun Yelan hesitated; he indeed planned to eat something simple. "Lan Yan, your business is growing, and I'm not there. You should hire some help."
He took out a small silver ingot from his sleeve, money earned from copying books, and handed it to Lan Yan.
Lan Yan closed his palm over the silver, smiling, "Keep it for yourself. Take good care of yourself at the academy. As for what you said, I will look for someone."
After speaking, she smiled at Jun Yelan.
Jun Yelan's lips curved upwards slightly before falling, and he turned his head aside, not wanting Lan Yan to notice.
But Lan Yan noticed, raised an eyebrow, and didn't pry, continuing to keep him company. After Jun Yelan finished eating, she took the food box and left, waving goodbye.
Watching Jun Yelan still standing at the entrance, she teased, "Jun Yelan, we'll see each other again after your class."
"I wasn't thinking of seeing you," Jun Yelan turned and walked back into the academy, his lips unable to suppress a smile.
Lan Yan muttered, "You're just stubborn." She walked down the street with a smile, her rescue plan finally showing results. She decided to treat herself.
She bought a pile of snacks. On her way back, she saw a girl kneeling by the roadside with a sign that read, "Selling myself to bury my father." She looked at the girl, whose face was kind but sallow, clearly malnourished, and gave her some food.
The girl noticed her and kowtowed, "Thank you, kind lady. I am willing to serve you as a slave or maid."
Lan Yan said, "There's no need for that. My shop is short of a helper. Are you willing to work? This money for burying your father is an advance on your wages, which you will have to repay later."
"Yes," the girl said, tears of gratitude welling up. So many people had passed by, but only this kind person had stopped. She would repay this kindness in the future. "Miss, my name is Lin Yun."
"My name is Lan Yan. After you've handled your affairs, come to the pastry shop on East Street, the second alley," Lan Yan said, giving Lin Yun twenty copper coins before leaving.
If Lin Yun didn't come, she would consider it a donation for the day, but she trusted her judgment of people.
An hour later, Lin Yun arrived at the shop and was surprised by its appearance. She saw many people carrying gift boxes, realizing they were from Lan Yan's shop. How fortunate she was.
She stood respectfully to the side, watching Lan Yan.
Lan Yan smiled, "You don't need to be so formal. I'm quite casual. By the way, change your clothes first, have a meal, and then I'll teach you about the shop's operations."
"Yes, Miss Lan," Lin Yun went to change, then returned and followed Lan Yan's instructions.
Lan Yan shook her head helplessly, thinking it would have to wait for later; Lin Yun would eventually get used to it. She taught Lin Yun the shop's tasks, and Lin Yun picked them up quickly, ready to help immediately.
With Lin Yun there, her afternoon was much more relaxed until Jun Yelan returned.
Jun Yelan saw Lin Yun and knew Lan Yan had taken his advice, which would greatly lighten her burden. He said, "Lan Yan, let's go home."
"Okay," Lan Yan introduced Lin Yun to them and suggested Lin Yun return with them, as there was no place to rest in the shop.
The three walked towards the village. Just as they reached the doorstep of their home, they were stopped by a disheveled person who burst out.
Lan Yan looked for a long time and then exclaimed, "Li Erya?"