Wang Qingyun’s words brought a profound sense of comfort to Wang Qingshan’s heart as an elder brother; his younger brother’s deference made Qingshan feel his efforts were entirely worthwhile. Thus, Qingshan demurred, “Qingyun, perhaps you should go instead. I can manage well enough at Second Uncle’s mill, but you usually stay home with no steady income. This is a chance for you to save a decent sum so that you and your wife and child can live more comfortably in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Qingyun felt even more ashamed, wanting to speak, but Wang Qingshan stopped him again. Qingshan then turned to the Old Master and said, “Grandfather, please entrust the shop to Qingyun. I already have work in town anyway.”

The Old Master nodded, immensely pleased. “Very well, then. The shop will be Qingyun’s responsibility!”

Luo Yin was ecstatic when the Old Master made the final decision; the shop was finally theirs. However, her joy was short-lived as she heard Wang Qingyun immediately protest, “Grandfather, please give it to Big Brother. I fear I’ll manage it poorly and ruin it.”

Luo Yin genuinely wanted to grab Wang Qingyun’s shoulders and shake him fiercely, wanting to ask if he remembered he had a wife and a son.

Evidently, Luo Yin missed her chance to act, as the Old Master continued, “That’s alright; nobody knows everything from the start. Go and study it diligently, watch how others operate. Besides, I will send Qingtong over for a few days to instruct you. What do you say?”

Luo Yin, recalling Qingyun’s previous refusal, worried he might object again. She quickly jumped in before him, answering, “Grandfather, with Uncle’s help, Qingyun should pick it up quickly. Grandfather’s thoughtfulness is truly appreciated.”

Luo Yin’s words flattered the Old Master, though he didn't let it show. After all, he was the elder; he couldn't be as impatient as a young man. He cleared his throat. “Then it is settled. Qingyun, if you wish to visit the shop today, I will speak to Qingtong tonight when he returns.”

Hearing the Old Master’s declaration, Wang Qingyun could only nod and prepare for the trip into town. As it happened, Wang Qingshan was also heading into town, so the two went together.

On the road, Wang Qingshan shared some of his experience working at the mill, hoping to help Wang Qingyun. Qingyun, currently completely in the dark about everything, listened intently, hoping the advice would be useful when he reached the shop.

Soon, however, they reached town. Wang Qingshan had to go to the mill, leaving Wang Qingyun to proceed to the shop alone. Wang Qingyun took a deep breath and then walked in, feigning a composed manner.

On his first day at the shop, Wang Qingyun offered little opinion, mostly observing how the shop assistants conducted their tasks and offering minor help where he could. Fortunately, since the shop primarily sold breakfast items, things eased up slightly after the morning rush.

In the afternoon, Wang Qingyun humbly sought guidance from the person entrusted with overseeing the shop by Wang Youliang regarding its operations. After gaining a general understanding, Wang Qingyun felt a surge of confidence about managing the shop in the future.

In the evening, feeling the day had been productive, Wang Qingyun first stopped by the mill before heading back with Wang Qingshan and Wang Qinghua, where he could ask about any questions still lingering in his mind.

Wang Qinghua, managing the mill and handling the accounts daily, naturally knew more than Wang Qingshan and provided more detailed explanations. Quickly, Wang Qingyun felt he had improved significantly, and he gratefully remembered Wang Qinghua’s assistance, holding that favor in his heart.

For Wang Qinghua, Wang Qingyun was his cousin, a fellow member of the Wang family, and mutual support was expected so that the Wang family could develop and prosper further. Thus, Wang Qinghua answered Wang Qingyun’s questions meticulously, even providing caveats for common pitfalls to prevent his cousin from suffering losses early on.

Upon returning home, the Old Master brought up the matter of Wang Qingtong assisting Wang Qingyun at dinner, as was customary after paying respects to his parents. Wang Qingtong readily agreed, even thinking that having his brother run a shop in town would make mutual support and coordination much more convenient in the future.

Wang Qingyun and Luo Yin were extremely grateful to Wang Qingtong for his immediate acceptance. However, since the couple currently possessed less than Qingtong, they felt awkward expressing their thanks, though Qingtong didn't dwell on it. Thus, the couple resolved that should Qingtong ever need them, they would not hesitate to help.

Back in their room, Luo Yin inquired about Wang Qingyun’s day at the shop. Since it was his first day, Wang Qingyun longed to share his experiences with someone. Luo Yin’s question was exactly what he needed. He happily began recounting his day to her in detail.

Luo Yin didn't grow tired of listening, as she was equally keen to know everything. She even considered how she could listen carefully and then help spot any potential oversights or offer timely reminders. After hearing it all, Luo Yin shared her own thoughts, which Wang Qingyun readily absorbed, as at that moment, he desperately wished for advice and direction from anyone. He humbly accepted Luo Yin’s suggestions, and the couple retired to bed feeling content.

Meanwhile, after returning home, Wang Qinghua greeted his parents as usual before checking on Luo Qing’s belly. Luo Qing’s pregnancy was advanced, and the birth was imminent, so Wang Qinghua made it a point to check on her every day until he felt reassured.

At dinner, Wang Youfu and Yang Shi discussed when to hire someone to slaughter the pig and when to purchase the New Year’s goods, along with specifying what items were needed. They then lamented that their second son, Wang Qingchen, was absent and usually participated in these preparations.

Wang Qinghua and Caiyun also missed Wang Qingchen, wondering how he was managing alone and if he was taking good care of himself. Since Wang Qingchen would return for the New Year, Wang Qinghua reassured them, “Father, Mother, don’t worry. Qingchen will be back for the New Year.”

Wang Youfu and Yang Shi nodded; since their son couldn't return during the year, they could only wait for the New Year, which was thankfully not far off.

On the day Wang Youfu’s household was scheduled to slaughter a pig, Yang Shi and Wu Shi were bustling about. Luo Qing, seeing the activity, wanted to lend a hand, but Yang Shi immediately noticed her distended belly. “Oh dear, you could go into labor any day now. You absolutely cannot be here where you might trip or get bumped. Go back and rest. Aunt Wu and I can manage here.”

Luo Qing understood the danger in Yang Shi’s words and prepared to return to the heated platform to lie down. Unexpectedly, after only a few steps, her stomach began to cramp violently. This instantly threw Yang Shi and Wu Shi into a panic. They quickly sent Wang Youfu, who was helping with the pig slaughter, to fetch the midwife.

The men helping with the slaughter were at a loss; the mistress of the house was going into labor just as they were butchering the animal—should they continue?

Wu Shi, realizing the pressing nature of the situation, quickly rushed back to call Zheng Wu to help organize the pig slaughtering process. She and Yang Shi then focused on managing Luo Qing’s delivery. Wu Shi even went to prepare hot water.

By the time Wang Youfu returned, Yang Shi and Wu Shi had already helped Luo Qing inside. The midwife arrived, quickly washed her hands, and carried the hot water in, followed closely by Yang Shi and Wu Shi.

Wang Youfu figured he was of no use inside, so he went to the Old House and the Third Branch to inform them of the situation. Soon after, relatives from both households arrived.

The Old Master placed great importance on the continuation of the family line, so he waited anxiously. The Old Madam beside him considered saying something soothing, but realizing it would be futile, she remained silent.

In the courtyard, Luo Qing’s cries grew louder and louder, not only worrying the Wang family but also unnerving the men who were butchering the pig. Having just finished slaughtering the animal, hearing such agonizing screams made them uneasy. Indeed, after witnessing this episode at Wang Youfu’s house, these men resolved that they would refuse any job slaughtering a pig for a family whose women were near their due dates—though that was a matter for later.

Consequently, the slaughtering crew worked through their remaining tasks with great haste. After collecting their wages, they quickly departed, leaving Luo Qing still laboring inside the house.

Since there were no other adult men readily available at home, Wang Youfu was reluctant to leave his wife alone to rush into town to summon Wang Qinghua. With the Old Master and Old Madam overseeing things, Wang Youfu decided to ask the elderly couple to manage the house while he rushed to town to call Wang Qinghua back—after all, it was his wife giving birth; how could he, the husband, not be present?

Once the Old Master and Old Madam agreed to stay, Wang Youfu hurried out on the family ox-cart toward town to find Wang Qinghua.

When Wang Qinghua saw his father arrive personally at the mill, looking highly distressed, he immediately suspected Luo Qing was in labor. Indeed, what Wang Youfu said immediately after dismounting the ox-cart confirmed his suspicion.

Wang Qinghua became terribly anxious. Without any delay, he asked Wang Qingshan to mind the shop and quickly followed Wang Youfu back home.