Chapter Sixty-One: The Noodle Shop Reopens!

At six o'clock in the evening, Ye Wushang returned to the small workshop.

"Mr. Ye, President Huang told me that if you ever need a car, you can call me anytime," the driver said. "You saved the young master of the Huang family, so you are their benefactor. We servants are happy to serve you, too. Whatever you need, I'm at your service, twenty-four hours a day." He handed Ye Wushang a business card, then drove away.

Ye Wushang hardly paid attention. The car was a brand-new Audi business sedan, with a market price of several million. If he went out in such a car, it would be ostentatious, not to mention it would draw unwanted attention—something that did not suit his style. He slipped the card into his pocket, and as he turned around, he found An Lan standing right behind him.

"Lanan, why are you behind me? You startled me," Ye Wushang exhaled deeply.

An Lan crossed her arms, gazing at the departing luxury car with playful eyes. "That car’s not bad. Who brought you home?"

"More accurately, where have you been? Someone who can drive that car must have a remarkable identity," she teased.

Ye Wushang didn’t want to elaborate on matters concerning the Huang family. He replied casually, "It’s nothing. I went to treat someone, and they gave me a ride home."

"By the way, you lent me two hundred thousand before. I said I’d pay you back with interest when I had the money. Here’s a card with five hundred thousand in it. I insist you accept it. Borrowing and repaying makes borrowing again easier," he said, handing her the bank card.

He regarded her as a friend. Yet, the closer the friendship, the more boundaries mattered—blurred lines only led to unnecessary misunderstandings.

"Oh?" An Lan raised her brows, teasing, "So you’re casually returning five hundred thousand? It seems the family paid you quite a hefty fee for treatment."

"Not a consultation fee," he replied. "They just gave me some medicinal herbs. The money came from selling medicine."

"Selling medicine?" An Lan’s interest was piqued. "What kind of medicine did you sell? How much did you make?"

"I—"

"Brother!" A voice called from inside before Ye Wushang could answer.

"Look at my outfit! How do I look?" Ye Wuyou stood on the steps, dressed as a waitress with her hair neatly tied, gloves on, and a bucket of water in her hand.

After recuperating, her complexion had improved greatly; her spirit was vibrant, and she seemed to have regained her former energy.

"You look good. But, Wuyou, what are you planning?" Ye Wushang asked, puzzled.

An Lan smiled charmingly. "She’s your sister, yet you care so little about her thoughts? Don’t you know she loves this little workshop? She misses the taste of Auntie’s noodles and wants to reopen the place. We’re planning to clean up and find a time to relaunch."

Ye Wushang was stunned. Was this fate aligning?

He had been wondering how to persuade his sister—she always wanted to dance, to become a dancer. Yet, for his cultivation, he needed the conjunction of Heavenly Fire Water and the well, which required the presence of everyday life. Reopening the noodle shop would sustain that energy and aid his practice.

His sister was the ideal candidate, but she had her own dreams, so he couldn’t insist. Now, she proposed it herself. Truly, she was his sister, their thoughts in perfect harmony.

"What’s wrong, are you not happy the noodle shop is reopening?" An Lan frowned.

Ye Wuyou walked down the steps, nervously biting her lip. "Brother, I have deep feelings for this workshop. She may only be our foster mother, but to me, she’s as important as a birth mother. I remember she once said she had two wishes in life: first, for us to be well; second, for the noodle shop to stay open. Even though she’s gone, I want to carry on her legacy. May I, brother?"

She was afraid of being scolded. Her voice was small, anxious, like a child who feared she had done something wrong, her hands fidgeting.

Hearing this, An Lan frowned, instinctively asking, "Birth mother? What does that mean? Could it be—"

"That’s not the point," Ye Wushang interrupted, quickly shifting the topic. "The point is, I support your decision, Wuyou. You want to reopen the noodle shop; so do I. I even hope you’ll manage it, and it’s wonderful we had the same idea."

Ye Wuyou was overjoyed by her brother’s assurance. She rushed forward and embraced him. "Thank you, brother. I have two dreams: one is to dance, to be a dancer. The other is to run the noodle shop, fulfilling mom’s dream. There’s an order to things; I want to reopen the shop first, then pursue dancing."

It was clear she genuinely wanted to do something for her foster mother.

An Lan, nearby, sensed something unusual but didn’t press. Everyone had secrets; sometimes, knowing too much wasn’t wise.

"And me," An Lan said with a playful smile, slipping the bank card into Ye Wuyou’s hand. "Wuyou, this five hundred thousand was your brother’s repayment to me. Now, I’ll invest it here. Is that alright? Renovations, publicity, supplies—all need funds."

"I have money," Ye Wushang said. He didn’t object to her involvement; he already considered her a reliable friend. But having just repaid her, now she invested again—it made him feel he owed her too much. Friendship should remain simple.

"You having money is your business. My investment isn’t just about believing in your noodle shop's future," An Lan explained. "It’s also because I get along well with Wuyou, and want to help her fulfill her mother’s wish as an elder sister. Your refusal doesn’t matter; it’s up to Wuyou."

She instinctively linked arms with Ye Wuyou.

Ye Wushang was about to decline, but Ye Wuyou leaned close to An Lan and nodded. "About investing, sister Lanan talked to me long ago. I have no objections. She’s full of ideas, and with her help, the noodle shop might be even better. Brother, I’ve never asked you for anything, but this time, please say yes."

Ye Wushang was momentarily speechless, gazing at An Lan in surprise.

This woman was quite skilled. They’d only known each other for a few days, yet she’d prompted his sister to ask for something for the first time. He didn’t know exactly how they got along, but winning his sister’s trust spoke volumes about her abilities.

He suddenly felt a twinge of apprehension. If she were his opponent, who knew what future challenges might arise?

"Alright, since you two insist, I really have no reason to refuse," he sighed, reminding them, "But let’s be clear. I decide the shop’s orientation. Wuyou handles the operations and management. Lanan, you’ll be responsible for publicity and other minor details."

An Lan smiled and nodded. "Understood. You siblings are the bosses; I’ll be the runner and do odd jobs?"

"No, no, sister Lanan, don’t misunderstand. My brother doesn’t mean that—"

"It’s fine. I’m happy to work for you two," An Lan said with a gentle smile, tossing Ye Wushang a flirtatious glance. Seeing he was about to speak, she waved her hand. "I know what you’re about to say. My investment is just this five hundred thousand. Whether we lose or profit, I won’t invest more. Reopening the noodle shop is about feelings and human connections, not commercial operation, right?"

Ye Wushang’s breathing quickened. He realized this woman not only possessed strong personal abilities and social grace, but also keen insight. No wonder she’d turned the An family business into a listed company in just three years, elevating them to a top-tier clan. Such extraordinary talent was likely beyond his reach.

"Alright, it’s settled," he said. "But spoken promises aren’t enough; let’s sign a contract."

He took a deep breath and instructed, "Wuyou, fetch paper and pen from the shop. Lanan and I need to talk."

"Okay, I’ll go get them!" Overjoyed by their agreement, Ye Wuyou nodded and ran back inside. It was clear she was genuinely happy to see the noodle shop reopen, and even more thrilled to have An Lan’s involvement.

Though Ye Wushang wished to maintain boundaries with An Lan, if her presence brought his sister such happiness, perhaps it wasn’t a bad arrangement after all.

"Lanan, I truly have no other motives for investing in the noodle shop," she said. "I want to help Wuyou fulfill her wish, and I believe in your potential. Even with just a noodle shop, I trust you can achieve results quickly and show those who look down on you what you’re capable of."

An Lan offered Ye Wushang reassurance, remembering the wager she’d made with Lan Ruoxue: within half a year, she would demonstrate Ye Wushang’s abilities. Even if she and Ye Wushang never ended up together, she didn’t want anyone to underestimate him.

"It’s alright. As long as Wuyou is happy," Ye Wushang replied, waving his hand. "The reason I asked you to stay isn’t to discuss the noodle shop. I wanted to ask how preparations for the thank-you banquet are coming along."

…