Swish—
Packages fell randomly.
Qi Huan picked up the one closest to her, skillfully tore open the tape, and uncovered a three-inch Swiss army knife.
With it, the remaining packages were easy to open.
With a gentle swipe, she opened the second box, revealing several cans of jasmine tea pearls. Unscrewing one, a refreshing fragrance wafted out, soothing the senses.
Humming a tune, Qi Huan swiftly unpacked the third package to find a binocular telescope, complete with a carrying strap, portable bag, warranty card, and more, all included by the seller.
She happily packed the telescope and accessories back into the box, intending to give it to Yan Qinghe tomorrow.
The fourth package contained a TikTok-famous product—a rainbow layered cake, along with some unthawed ice packs in the foam box.
The last two slightly larger packages were a pair of skis and a bicycle.
Stowing away the items she wouldn't need immediately, Qi Huan blew out the candle and went to bed.
All night, her dreams were filled with the graceful swordplay of Li Shuchen.
*
The next day, at Qi's Restaurant.
Yan Qinghe received the telescope and couldn't put it down, standing by the window on the second floor, observing everything around.
"Huan, this treasure of yours is amazing! I can see clearly even a hundred meters away."
Seeing his delight, Qi Huan felt gratified. "When you're riding into battle in the future, it can be your good companion on the battlefield, helping you observe the enemy. You'll surely be invincible and triumphant in all your endeavors."
This struck a chord with Yan Qinghe, and he laughed heartily. "Those who know me, like you, Huan, I won't let your expectations down."
At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and Lu Yueming arrived.
Qi Huan opened the box of layered cake on the table, inviting everyone, "Now that everyone's here, let's have some cake."
She even brought a candle, lighting it next to the cake.
"Yan Qinghe, like me, if you fold your hands together, close your eyes, make a wish, and then blow out the candle in one breath, your wish might just come true." Of course, the last part was merely wishful thinking.
Confused but trusting the little fairy, Yan Qinghe obediently followed her instructions.
He shouted loudly, "My wish at seventeen is to always be with you guys."
After shouting, he blew out the candle in one breath.
Qi Huan taught everyone to sing a birthday song, sunlight streaming through the window, casting a warm glow on each of them, this was their most beautiful youth.
After finishing the cake, Lu Yueming discussed the matter of the mahjong hall with her.
"Huan, my mother's jewelry store isn't doing well and is about to close. I've managed to get it for us. Let's use this space for a mahjong hall. My mother said she can help us find a carpenter to make tables and chairs. The problem now is how to get the mahjong tiles."
"Don't worry about the mahjong tiles, I have twenty sets here."
After she finished speaking, Lu Yueming grabbed her hand excitedly, exclaiming, "That's fantastic, Ah Huan! I can't wait. This is my first time doing business, and if it goes well, my mother said she'll give me a few more shops to practice with.
...Actually, I'm not interested in any of this at all, but I have to muster up the energy now to hold onto my mother's things tightly, lest they be swindled away by those surnamed Lu, especially their wild son."
Mentioning her biological father, Lu Yueming's expression was full of resentment.
As much as she used to admire him, now she despised him equally.
"I wonder which hero crippled him, only for him to turn around and coax my mother, making her spend money on him like water, constantly sending people to the capital to invite renowned doctors.
My mother even scolded me yesterday, saying I shouldn't have written to my maternal grandfather, let alone let my maternal grandfather petition to strip him of his land title... My mother is really naive. If it weren't for his misconduct, how could it be so easy?
Now that he has lost his official position, all they can scheme for is money. So, I must make some achievements to ensure my mother entrusts all the dowry to me, to prevent them from taking it together."
Lu Yueming was full of fighting spirit, brainstorming with Qi Huan.
After a field inspection, Qi Huan had a new proposal.
"Yueming, we can set up a counter at the entrance of the shop, only open for morning and afternoon sessions, with an entry fee of one hundred wen for each session, and strictly prohibit large-scale gambling. After all, a small gamble is enjoyable, but a big gamble is harmful."
Walking into the backyard, Qi Huan inspected it and continued, "We need to keep hot water ready in the kitchen at all times, and provide tea drinks for free. The backyard toilet should also be kept clean."
The next day, she brought jasmine pearls tea and invited Lu Yueming to drink together.
"Ah Huan, what kind of tea is this?... It has a strong aroma, a smooth taste, not bitter or astringent at all. Are we really going to provide such good tea for free?"
Taking a sip of the floral tea, Qi Huan smiled and replied, "We say it's free, but it's actually included in the entry fee."
As the tea ran out, Li Shuchen arrived outside the door to take her home.
Walking in the quiet alley, Qi Huan shared today's progress with him with a smile, and strongly recommended, "Ah Shu, you must taste the flavor of jasmine pearls tea, it's rich and delicious!"
As they glanced at each other, her faint breath carried a hint of jasmine fragrance, tempting Li Shuchen's mind slightly.
With a slightly dry throat, he stopped and looked at her red lips, "I want to taste it now."
"But there's no pot here..."
Before she finished speaking, Li Shuchen lifted her chin and sealed her lips, gently sucking.
Hearing her slightly ragged breath, Li Shuchen reluctantly let go of her, a fleeting smile flickering across his eyebrows and eyes, "Indeed, it's delicious."
Qi Huan blushed slightly, lowered her head, and kicked a dry twig on the ground.
Holding her soft hand in his palm, Li Shuchen led her away from the crowd, walking hand in hand.
Days passed in a sweet and smooth manner, and before we knew it, it was early March.
Crackling firecrackers echoed through the air as the Worry-Free Mahjong Parlor opened its doors.
In Mo County, mahjong wasn't a common pastime, and only a few knew how to play. It was mostly seen as a leisure activity for the wealthy families in Lingzhou and other big cities.
Many curious souls came by, eager to see what the fuss was all about.
Guided by the diagram drawn by Qi Huan, Qi Huan explained the rules of mahjong to the crowd and then announced loudly, "Today marks the grand opening of our little parlor. As per tradition, the first day is on the house, with complimentary tea provided for everyone. Plus, the biggest winner at each table gets a free dessert. Welcome all, and may you have a pleasant time."
As soon as she finished speaking, applause erupted from the crowd.
"Miss Qi is truly kind-hearted. Every time she opens a new shop, she invites us to try it out for free first. Let's go, let's go, let's support her!"
"I'm in too! Maybe I'll even win a free dessert for my child."
"Old Wang, we're short one player. Are you coming?"
Initially, they entered with the intention of enjoying free tea and desserts, but little did they know they would fall into the mahjong pit and couldn't climb out.
After one round, they wanted to play another. They played today and wanted to play again tomorrow.
The Worry-Free Mahjong Parlor was almost always packed with people.
Bound by Qi Huan's rule, the stakes were modest, with the maximum bet being just five copper coins per game. Moreover, most players were from well-off families, so losing a small amount didn't bother them.
Gradually, the crowds at the gambling dens dwindled, as many gambling addicts found a new hobby—playing mahjong.
Previously, a small mistake at the gambling den could cost them several ounces or even tens of ounces of silver. Now, even if their luck was bad in mahjong, they would only lose a few coins, and occasionally, they could even win some money back.
Spending less money but getting the same thrill, the gambling addicts were ecstatic, and their families were overjoyed, chanting prayers for their redemption and faithfully accompanying them to the mahjong parlor every day.
By helping these prodigal sons turn over a new leaf, Qi Huan's reputation grew, and she made a good profit. Every day, her face was filled with a happy smile.
In contrast, under another roof with green tiles and red eaves, there hung a heavy cloud of gloom.
