Shen Yunzhi took another bite. “It’s really delicious. Just try a little.”
She urged Liu Lihua insistently.
Unable to refuse, Liu Lihua reluctantly bit down — but only on the flatbread. She avoided the meat entirely.
“That won’t do. You need a big bite.” Shen Yunzhi pushed it toward her mouth.
Liu Lihua shut her eyes. Fine. If she had to die, she’d die. At worst she could spit it out later.
This time she took a large bite.
The braised meat was tender yet chewy — even better than the pork they usually bought.
Especially the flatbread soaked with the rich gravy — the aroma was incredible.
She finished the whole thing and still wanted more.
This stuff was seriously good.
“Big sister-in-law, you’re amazing. You really turned trash into treasure.” Liu Lihua gave her a thumbs-up.
Embarrassed, Shen Yunzhi lowered her head and carried the remaining filled buns inside.
Old Madam Su and Old Master Su were chatting when she entered. The moment they saw her, they stopped talking.
“Father, Mother, I’ve been experimenting with something new. Please try it and tell me if it’s good.”
She handed each of them one.
In their younger days, they had known prosperity and tasted many fine foods. Hearing that she used pork offal didn’t shock them much.
They had once heard that imperial chefs in the palace could transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
They each took a bite.
Their eyes lit up instantly.
Old Madam Su thought: If I can eat something this delicious in this lifetime, even dying would be worth it.
Old Master Su thought: I truly underestimated my eldest daughter-in-law before. Who knew she could make something this flavorful?
“Father, Mother, once the ice jelly business stabilizes, I’d like to try selling these meat buns as well.”
“In business, we should try multiple things. We can’t stake everything on one idea.”
They had seen her recent changes. She wasn’t acting on impulse this time.
“Do whatever you want to do. We support you.”
Her eyes reddened.
The Su family treated her with such kindness and tolerance. In her previous life, how could she have been so blinded, so heartless toward them?
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll lose money?” The ice business had been decent these past few days, but nothing was guaranteed.
“In life, you have to try something,” Old Madam Su said encouragingly. “Go ahead boldly. Even if you lose money, you still have us.”
“Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother.”
“We’re family. No need for thanks.” Old Madam Su held her hand, her expression complicated.
From the doorway, Su Laosan had seen everything clearly. The aroma from the pot drew him closer.
“Father, Mother, I’ve come to see you!” he called as he walked in.
The moment he entered, he grabbed a bun and shoved it into his mouth.
“What are you doing?” Shen Yunzhi snatched it back first.
Su Laosan was even worse than she had been — the ultimate opportunist. If something benefited him, he clung to it; if not, he kicked it aside without hesitation.
Back when the family divided property, his household had caused the biggest scene. For the sake of a larger share, they had nearly come to blows.
The elderly couple had been so angered they couldn’t get out of bed for days.
Later, they would put on a good show — visiting during festivals — but what they brought was always moldy millet, completely inedible.
And before leaving, they would still sweep up whatever they could take.
Su Laosan grew irritated. “That’s something I should be asking you.”
It was perfectly natural for him to eat at home. Who did Shen Yunzhi think she was, trying to manage him?
“I bought this food. I made it. If you want to eat, pay for it.” Shen Yunzhi gathered the food away.
“Heh. Everything you eat, drink, and use — which of it doesn’t belong to the Su family?” he mocked.
“Enough!” Old Master Su barked. “Do you have business here? If not, go back to your own house. We can’t accommodate a grand Buddha like you.”
“Father, what do you mean? You’re driving me away for an outsider?” Su Laosan’s resentment deepened.
“When we divided the household, it was made clear. From then on, your family lives your own life. You have nothing to do with this old residence,” Old Master Su reminded him.
“Fine. I’ll leave. Don’t come begging me later,” Su Laosan snapped.
After he left, Shen Yunzhi returned to her room.
Song Yinuo happened to be present, and Shen Yunzhi chatted with her about the success of the roujiamo.
Song Yinuo was happy for her.
“Oh right, I bought you a hairpin. See if you like it.” Shen Yunzhi sent it through the jade pendant.
Song Yinuo’s eyes lit up. “I love it! You know this is worth a lot where I live?”
“As long as you like it.” Shen Yunzhi smiled genuinely.
“Wait for me. I’ll gather more good things and send them to you later. I’ve almost finished preparing — I’ll give you a big surprise.”
Gradually, the business stabilized. News that Shen Yunzhi was making money spread quickly.
At the Shen household—
“Mother, see? Shen Yunzhi’s heart is with the Su family now. She’s forgotten her own natal home,” Shen Lao’er whispered poison into his mother’s ear.
Last time he’d said this, she hadn’t believed him and even scolded him. Let’s see what she says now.
After several days without news, Mother Shen grew restless.
She finally decided to go herself.
“I’ll go with you,” Shen Lao’er insisted. This time, he was determined to make Shen Yunzhi hand over the remaining money and goods.
When they arrived at the Su house, Shen Yunzhi had just returned from closing her stall.
Mother Shen rushed forward and grabbed her wrist. “What’s going on these past few days?”
“Mother, what are you talking about? I don’t understand.” Shen Yunzhi struggled to pull free.
Mother Shen gave her no chance, dragging her forward. “So you’ve grown capable now? You can earn money, so you don’t want your own mother anymore?”
Her gaze landed on the cash box in the cart. She snatched it.
Shen Yunzhi rushed to grab it back but was shoved to the ground by Shen Lao’er.
“What are you doing? We signed a severance document! If you rob me, I can report you!”
This time, Shen Yunzhi was ready to tear things apart completely.
Mother Shen struck her across the face. “I gave you your name. If I tell you to do something, you do it!”
She seized everything on Shen Yunzhi’s person.
“You’re coming with me. Make another sound and I’ll beat you to death.”