The inspections of the two restaurants in the provincial capital went smoothly, and all they needed was to have the staff in place to start operations.
For staffing, since the recruitment process would take a long time and be troublesome, Luo Ge and the others went to help Old Liu with his business again.
This time, Old Liu had them choose people for the branch in the provincial capital, and they hired over thirty at once.
After properly assigning staff to the two restaurants, with a few remaining, Luo Ge and the others planned to have them work at the local manor.
However, although the staff assignments were settled, they were all new hires and would need to be trained initially.
So Er Zhu, along with some veteran staff from the town's restaurant, as well as Chef Xu and his two apprentices, were all brought over to the provincial capital to provide training.
After a few days of arrangements, the two restaurants in the provincial capital successfully opened for business.
Thanks to effective prior promotion, the business at both restaurants was quite good on their opening day.
The dishes also received unanimous praise.
They even encountered a few regular customers from the town.
From then on, the reputation of their "Drunken Fragrance Tavern" also became well-known in the provincial capital.
......As for the local manor, Gu Xi and Gu Bei would manage it with the new staff going forward.
Uncle Song, Qiu Niang, Ning Xing, Ze Han, and the others were brought to the manor, and they would also help look after the manor and workshops during the day.
Gu Dong, Gu Nan, and the several middle-aged women previously assigned to the small workshop were also moved to live at the manor.
This arrangement was more convenient.
.........Now, as the year was coming to an end, after settling these matters, they had to start preparing for the New Year festivities.
After staying in the provincial capital for a few days to ensure everything was stable, Luo Ge and the others returned.
At this time, the young couple was taking a break from their busy schedule and relaxing at the manor.
"Time really flies. Half a year has passed in the blink of an eye," Luo Ge said with a feeling of sentiment, recalling that half a year ago, she was still a modern-day widow.
But now, not only did she have a family, her own business and assets, but she also had a baby on the way.
Life felt complete and fulfilling.
"Yes, it passed very quickly. So, Little Auntie, what would you like to eat tonight?" Gu Jinchen smiled and playfully tapped her nose as he looked at her expression.
Upon hearing this, Luo Ge blinked her eyes: "Anything is fine?"
She felt that she wasn't as picky as before, and his cooking skills had greatly improved, truly worthy of praise, as everything he made suited her taste.
Since he had become an accomplished chef, she was naturally happy to be the carefree proprietress and start enjoying the good life.
"Are you sure?"
Hearing her words, Gu Jinchen paused before revealing a smile and raising his eyebrows, seeming to imply something.
"How about you have a taste of your husband?"
Luo Ge was momentarily stunned by the question, and before she could react, Gu Jinchen continued with the next line and even stole a kiss while he was at it.
Seeing her dazed reaction, his heart truly melted.
One kiss was not enough, so he immediately took the opportunity to land another, and then another...
By the time he lost count of how many there had been, Luo Ge's face was completely flushed, and she covered her slightly swollen lips with her hands, giving him an accusing look.
"That's enough." It was broad daylight, and everyone was at home.
Upon hearing this, Gu Jinchen finally restrained himself reluctantly. As he was about to leave to prepare the meal, he couldn't resist adding one last remark while looking at his wife's delicate, reddened lips:
"Remember to make up for it tonight, my wife."
After Qiu Niang moved in, she took over the kitchen, but Gu Jinchen still enjoyed cooking delicious meals for his wife himself.
Gu Jinchen expressed that feeding his wife and seeing her happy and satisfied expression was truly a great sense of achievement!
"Little Auntie, we're back."
Just as Gu Jinchen had left, the two little ones returned from school shortly after.
As usual, they called out to Luo Ge as soon as they entered the door.
"The teacher said our school will be on vacation starting tomorrow until after the New Year."
The two little ones informed Luo Ge while putting down their belongings.
With the New Year approaching, many schools had already begun their vacation.
Upon hearing this, Luo Ge nodded: "How about we go to the provincial capital tomorrow? We can go and buy some New Year goods together."
She suddenly realized that she hadn't taken the two little ones to visit the provincial capital yet.
The farthest place the two had been was the town, so taking advantage of the vacation, it would be good to go out and have some fun together.
The two little ones' eyes lit up at her suggestion, and they nodded eagerly, clearly very excited.
"Okay!"
[........Ahem, a bit short, I've been feeling unwell with a cold these past few days, not much inspiration.]
