CHAPTER 27: CHAPTER 27: WIFE

In the days that followed, He Chen was very busy. Apart from consistently buying whatever Ye Manman needed, going to work, cooking, and doing housework, he spent the rest of his time focused entirely on improving the recipe for braised duck and discussing collaboration opportunities.

Of course, Ye Manman wasn’t just idle either. In this era without smartphones or computers, as an internet-savvy person, she couldn’t just stay at home doing nothing, so she read books.

She asked He Chen to buy a lot of books, including plenty of high school review materials, resources, and test papers.

Yes, Ye Manman was planning to take the college entrance examination.

Although the exam had been reinstated two years ago and this year was reportedly the hardest year yet, she remained confident.

It wasn’t blind confidence. Having been raised with elite education and having studied abroad for two years, Ye Manman truly didn’t think the exam would be a problem for her.

She had received more and deeper education than anyone else, not to mention she had always been a top student, and there was no reason to ignore such an opportunity.

Even a salted fish should be the one with the greatest potential.

As the days passed, He Chen’s business made significant progress. All the investments yielded a good return, and the response to the Sweet and Spicy Duck exceeded all expectations.

He Chen leveraged scarcity marketing, controlled supplies, and offered trials and tasting samples to make the Sweet and Spicy Duck in high demand, and almost everyone who tried it spoke highly of it.

If not for the restrictions on individual business operations, forcing him to supply the ducks to partners and take a commission cut, he could have earned even more.

On the day he received payment, He Chen went to an office building that sold gold and silver jewelry.

He initially planned to choose himself but was overwhelmed by the vast array of gold and silver jewelry upon entering.

"Hello, comrade. Are you looking to buy gold or silver? We have a wide variety of items here."

The sales clerk wasn’t like those in supply and marketing cooperatives or state-owned restaurants, who often looked down on rural folks. Instead, seeing He Chen’s bewildered expression, she proactively approached and greeted him.

Her excellent sales track record wasn’t unearned; rural folks who had no money wouldn’t dare enter their store, so anyone who did must have a good bit of cash on them.

"Are you buying for a family member or a wife? I can recommend some suitable styles for you."

Hearing the word "wife" made He Chen feel quite embarrassed, as he had never called Ye Manman that before...

"I want to buy a bracelet for my wife,"

Though feeling shy and awkward, He Chen continued to act calm and composed.

The sales clerk didn’t mind his reaction; instead, she smiled and asked,

"We have many kinds of bracelets. Would you prefer gold or silver? If you’re unsure about what to buy, you can come over here and look at the styles first."

He Chen followed the clerk to the display counters. The gold and silver jewelry were in separate cases, each illuminated under a bright light, making them shine.

He looked around but couldn’t quite tell the difference between the styles.

"Is a gold bracelet better, or a silver one?"

"Both have their advantages, but gold is more expensive and holds its value better. Gold is generally better for weddings, while silver is more suitable for young women and newborns, also carrying good symbolism."

"But ultimately, it depends on what you like."

Feeling clearer after listening to the sales clerk, He Chen walked directly to the counter displaying gold bracelets.

"I want to buy a gold bracelet for my wife. I didn’t give her anything for our wedding. Is there a design that looks nice and isn’t heavy on the wrist? Her wrists are slender."

Recalling Ye Manman, He Chen’s eyes softened.

Noticing this, the sales clerk smiled and selected several stylish bracelets, and remarked,

"You’re really good to your wife. Look at these styles; they’re some of the latest we have, and the weight is about the same for all of them."

"Will they be heavy on the wrist?"

He Chen picked one up and weighed it in his hand.

The sales clerk chuckled and replied,

"You’re joking, comrade. No one thinks a gold bracelet is too heavy to wear. If it’s too light, it means the weight’s low, which doesn’t look good, and everyone knows it’s not worth much."

He Chen hadn’t considered this point. He paused, his gaze shifting to a particularly thick bracelet in the case.

"Can she wear this?"

He initially noticed that bracelet, but it seemed too heavy and likely tiring on the wrist, so he hadn’t considered it. But given what the sales clerk said, it seemed the best choice.

Seeing this, the sales clerk’s thoughts shifted immediately, and she leaned slightly over the counter towards He Chen, even extending her wrist.

"Comrade, is your wife’s wrist thicker or thinner than mine?"

The sales clerk’s voice noticeably softened and became more charming, but He Chen only glanced at her wrist briefly before decisively saying,

"A bit thinner; her hands are very fair, her fingers slender, very beautiful."

Upon hearing this, the sales clerk awkwardly withdrew her hand, and her initial intentions to showcase her charm due to his apparent wealth disappeared instantly.

Well, there’s no competing with that.

No contest.

"Comrade, her wrist should be among the thinnest, meaning the size should be smaller, or it might slip off. I’d suggest looking at these few options."

"..."

Ultimately, He Chen chose a solid, heaviest-weight design that fit the wrist perfectly from the options available, and left the store amidst envious glances from the sales clerk, filled with excitement.

Returning home, Ye Manman was still engrossed in her books. Though eager to give her the gift, He Chen restrained himself, showing no sign of it as he continued cooking, preparing the marinade needed for supply, and going to work as usual.

It wasn’t until Ye Manman had fallen asleep that night, and the next morning before leaving the house, that he carefully placed a thick wad of cash on the bedside table, with the jewelry box containing the gold bracelet resting on top.

Recently, Ye Manman hadn’t focused her thoughts on He Chen or maintained interest in the Sweet and Spicy Duck.

Not born a prodigy, her temperament was such that once she started reading, she easily became absorbed, unable to think of anything else until she thoroughly mastered all the knowledge points.

So waking up in the morning to find the money and jewelry box at her bedside left Ye Manman momentarily stunned.

"What’s going on?"

Opening the box and seeing the gold bracelet, she realized it must’ve been left by He Chen.

Indeed, a note lay beneath the box.

On it were words written in He Chen’s strong handwriting.

"Wife, I’m sorry, that after marrying me you haven’t lived a good life, and you’ve endured so much hardship. Rest assured, I’ll work hard to earn a good living for you so you won’t suffer anymore."

"I don’t know much about choosing bracelets; I hope you don’t mind. I’ll make sure you won’t have to envy anyone soon."

"Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and not looking down on me. This money is what I’ve earned recently, and you should keep it for now. I’ll earn more returns."

"He Chen."

What he wrote was so plain and unadorned without any fanciful words, yet after reading, Ye Manman couldn’t help but smile slightly.

What a naive man.

He even had to give a gift in such a sneaky manner.

He’d probably be unable to say even these simple words to her face.

Ye Manman tried on the bracelet, and it fit perfectly without slipping off.

Her wrists were slender, and most bracelets often slipped off once worn, but this one was just the right size, with no sign of falling off.

She shook her hand to confirm it wasn’t coming off, kept the bracelet on, and rather started counting the thick stack of money.

"Ninety-nine, one hundred..."

Goodness, in such a short amount of time, He Chen actually earned over a thousand!

Is this even possible?