Wang Qingtong might have been naturally suited for running a shop. His demeanor at Wang Youfu's mill was a world away from how he acted in the schoolhouse. In class, Wang Qingtong was either daydreaming, trying to strike up a conversation with Wang Qingchen, or simply dozing off. The tutor was at his wit's end with this student; no amount of scolding seemed to make a difference. He did whatever he pleased during lessons—who could blame him when he simply couldn't grasp what the tutor was teaching anyway?

But now, everything was different. Ever since Wang Qingtong started working at Wang Youfu's mill, he was like a fish back in water. Even though he was just running errands, it didn't dampen his enthusiasm one bit. Wang Qingtong constantly observed how the business operated and eagerly sought out Wang Qinghua for explanations whenever something confused him. During slower moments, he would even ask Wang Qinghua to teach him accounting.

Wang Qinghua ended up passing off most of his former duties to Wang Qingtong. Once Wang Qingtong was competent enough, everything was handed over. Wang Qinghua’s role in the mill was mostly limited to managing the books and overseeing general operations. This shift was necessary, especially since the accountant recommended by Mrs. Zhang’s elder brother had left to return to the Zhang family. Now, Wang Qinghua had to deliberate and make crucial decisions on his own, leading to rapid personal growth during this period.

Wang Qinghua reviewed the ledger, noting that the income for the first month after the New Year was noticeably lower than the month leading up to it—just over five taels, shy of six. Despite the dip from the holiday rush, Wang Qinghua was quite pleased. This income far surpassed what they could earn from farming, and it spared him the backbreaking labor of rising before dawn to toil in the fields. Thus, this five-plus taels brought him genuine satisfaction, as it meant he would personally clear over two taels in profit.

Wang Qingtong rushed about the shop, busy yet deeply content. This was infinitely more interesting than sitting in the schoolhouse listening to the tutor drone on about tedious, nonsensical things. Furthermore, having recently started learning accounting from Wang Qinghua made him feel one step closer to his goal.

Thinking about the five hundred wen wages he received that day, Wang Qingtong happily calculated in his head how long it would take him to save up enough capital to open his own shop. Then, he remembered that his grandfather had mentioned he would provide financial assistance if the initial capital fell short, which made him even happier.

This sudden delight almost caused Wang Qingtong to misrecord a customer’s order, but Uncle Liu noticed just in time.

“Uncle Liu, I just got paid today, and I was so thrilled. All that excitement made me mix things up. I am truly sorry for causing you trouble,” Wang Qingtong apologized sheepishly.

“Heh heh… It’s alright, it’s alright. When I received my first wages all those years ago, I was just as excited. I haven’t felt that way in ages,” Uncle Liu replied with understanding.

Feeling embarrassed, Wang Qingtong quickly stepped forward to correct the mistake in the ledger.

Wang Qingtong had originally planned to save every coin of his wages. However, as soon as he returned home that evening, his mother, Mrs. Tian, brought up the subject of his pay.

“Qingtong, you’ve been working at your second uncle’s mill for a month now, haven’t you? Did they give you your wages?” Mrs. Tian inquired.

Wang Qingtong had intended to keep quiet, but since his mother had already asked, he found it hard to conceal. “Yes, Mother,” he admitted.

“And how much did your second uncle’s family pay you?” Mrs. Tian asked urgently.

Wang Qingtong paused for a moment before whispering, “Five… five hundred wen…”

“What? Your second uncle only gave you five hundred wen? That’s stingy! They are so wealthy; it might be one thing to pay outsiders that much, but giving so little to their own nephew is truly cheap!” Mrs. Tian exclaimed loudly.

Wang Qingtong was taken aback by his mother’s reaction. He stared blankly for a moment, then frowned slightly. “Mother, how can you speak that way? It’s already incredibly generous that Second Uncle even allowed me to help at the shop. I knew nothing before; it’s a miracle they didn't complain about me causing trouble. Besides, five hundred wen is a substantial wage. If I went to another establishment, they wouldn’t offer nearly that much.”

“What do you know? You are your second uncle’s actual nephew—you’re family! You shouldn’t be treated the same as an outsider!” Mrs. Tian insisted on her viewpoint.

Knowing he couldn't change her mind, Wang Qingtong decided to ignore her.

Seeing her son’s attitude irritated Mrs. Tian greatly. However, recalling the real reason for her inquiry, she immediately shifted her expression to one of warm, benevolent smiles. “Qingtong, it’s good that you’re earning money; your mother is happy for you. But you are still too young. Why don’t you let Mother keep the money for you? Mother will save it. When you need it later, you can just ask Mother for it back, how does that sound?”

Wang Qingtong had already suspected his mother was eyeing his wages, so he wasn't particularly surprised by her words. Yet, after the incident involving the sale of huā last time, Wang Qingtong no longer held high hopes for his parents, especially when money was involved. Therefore, without a second thought, he refused.

“Mother, I know you care for your son, but I am grown up now, and I plan to open a shop later. If I can’t handle something as simple as this, what hope is there for anything else?” Wang Qingtong declined. As if he would ever see that money again if he gave it to his mother.

“I know you want to save for opening a shop, but you are young and lack restraint. If you can’t resist spending it all impulsively, it’s better if I hold onto it. I’ll give it back when you need it—isn’t that better?” Mrs. Tian did not relent.

“Mother, don't worry, I won't waste any money. I must save enough to open my shop,” Wang Qingtong remained firm.

“Why are you so stubborn, child? I am your birth mother! Do you think I would harm you?” Mrs. Tian’s temper flared slightly.

You wouldn’t harm me, Wang Qingtong thought, but you would certainly take my money and never return it. He held his refusal steady.

“Oh, child, even if I didn’t give the money back later, don’t you still have your grandfather? Didn’t Grandpa say he would cover the capital if you fell short?” Mrs. Tian said in exasperation.

Wang Qingtong looked at his mother as if seeing a stranger. He had never imagined his mother harbored such a plan. According to her logic, since his grandfather would certainly find a way to fund his shop opening, why not secure the entire required capital from the old man? But how could he allow that?

Wang Qingtong knew that even if he asked for the full startup cost from his grandfather, the old man wouldn't refuse. But his grandfather was old; the money he had was essentially his burial fund. Wang Qingtong could never conceive of tricking his grandfather out of his death savings—he viewed that as extreme unfilial conduct, and his conscience forbade it. At most, he had considered asking his grandfather for a small shortfall once the shop was established, with the full intention of paying it back once he started earning. Learning his mother’s scheme now was deeply unsettling, and it cemented his resolve never to hand his wages over to her.

“Mother, please never say such a thing again. That money is what Grandpa set aside for his coffin. How can we plot to take that money?” Wang Qingtong said sternly.

Perhaps realizing she had overstepped, Mrs. Tian’s voice became less certain. “I was just speaking casually; I wouldn't actually do such a thing!”

“That’s good then. Mother, I’m going back to my room now,” Wang Qingtong stated before heading to his own quarters.

Watching Wang Qingtong leave without securing the five hundred wen, and having been lectured by her own son, Mrs. Tian was furious enough to shred the handkerchief in her hand. Fortunately, her rationality returned swiftly. Since Wang Qingtong went to the town mill every day, she reasoned she could simply slip into his room while he was out and search for the money then. With that thought, she gave up chasing after him and turned toward the kitchen instead.

Neither Wang Qingtong nor Mrs. Tian realized that their entire exchange had been overheard by the Old Master.

Coincidentally, the Old Master had only stepped out to use the privy. Upon returning, he passed by the corner of the wall at the exact moment he caught the conversation between Mrs. Tian and Wang Qingtong. Initially, the Old Master intended to quickly retreat; eavesdropping felt like a dishonorable act. However, upon hearing the part about saving the wages, he stopped, clearly interested in Wang Qingtong’s intentions.

Wang Qingtong certainly did not disappoint his grandfather’s expectations. He was diligent, honest, and showed no avarice toward the possessions of his elders. This pleased the Old Master immensely; he felt he hadn't misjudged the boy this time. Consequently, even though Mrs. Tian’s words were heartbreaking, he decided not to dwell on them, focusing instead on creating the perfect conditions for this promising seedling to thrive.

Meanwhile, Wang Qingtong returned to his room, intending to secure his monthly pay. But as he looked for a hiding spot, he suddenly worried that since he was away at the mill all day, even if he hid the money well, someone might find it if they searched his room.

After some thought, Wang Qingtong placed his wages and the one tael of silver he earned from selling huā into a small earthenware jar. He then fetched a small trowel and brought it inside. Carrying the trowel, he knelt beneath his bed, dug a small hole, and buried the jar. After securing it, he returned the trowel to its original place.

Wang Qingtong inspected the burial site one last time. Finding it insufficient, he went outside to gather some dry earth and scattered it over the disturbed spot, ensuring the hiding place would be much harder to detect. (To be continued)