Chapter 87: Anlan’s Well-Intentioned Efforts

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, everyone took up their roles and got to work. As the person in charge of the noodle shop’s publicity, Zhang Long had made preparations well in advance. Before long, a lively crowd arrived to eat noodles. Among them were old customers who had tasted Mother’s noodles before, as well as new patrons brought by loyal guests.

The younger sister was responsible for cooking the noodles, Peach Blossom served the bowls, Zhang Long guided the customers to their seats, while Ye Wushang and An Lan assisted wherever needed. From ten in the evening until the early hours, the small noodle shop entertained at least a hundred patrons. By the time the crowd finally dispersed, everyone was utterly exhausted.

“Whew...” An Lan collapsed onto a bench, exhaling deeply. Gazing at the noodle shop, now a mess yet brimming with the warmth of life, she spoke with satisfaction, “Who would have thought our noodle shop would have such a booming business on its first day? And all the customers praised the noodles highly. They’ll definitely come back.”

“At an average price of ten per bowl, we made nearly two thousand tonight. That’s a pretty good start,” Ye Wushang said gratefully. “And it’s all thanks to you—for finding someone to teach Wuyou to cook, and for bringing in Zhang Long and Peach Blossom. They may be young, but they’re both incredibly capable. Looking at how happy Wuyou is, I’m happy too. Thank you, Lanlan.”

For a moment, as she looked at his earnest expression, she almost thought he was confessing his feelings to her. But she knew well that his heart was still closed, wounded by the past—once bitten, twice shy. After what happened with Lan Ruoxue, it would be difficult for him to accept another woman.

But she wasn’t worried. She had both time and confidence; she could wait.

“If you really want to thank me, then start thinking seriously about the noodle shop’s future.” An Lan laughed softly, her voice full of hope. “The shop may be small now, but as long as our reputation grows, business will only get better. Wushang, you’re a man, and a man should have his own career. I believe this noodle shop should be your future. Don’t you agree?”

There were still six months left on the bet with Lan Ruoxue. She had to seize this time to help Ye Wushang build his values and outlook on life. She had no doubt about his abilities, but without ambition, it was all just empty talk.

She didn’t know why, but every time she saw Lan Ruoxue sneering at him, her heart ached. It felt as if her own man had been deeply insulted, and she was determined to help him reclaim his dignity.

What she looked forward to most was the day Ye Wushang, through his own efforts, made his business flourish—just to see the look of utter disbelief on Lan Ruoxue’s face.

“A career?” Ye Wushang frowned, then let out a wry laugh. “Right now, I only have one goal—to make sure my sister is happy. I haven’t thought about anything else, and I don’t really want to, at least for now.”

That was just on the surface. In truth, he needed to improve his cultivation as quickly as possible, reach the level his father demanded, and then head to the capital to rescue his birth mother. But these were things he could not share with anyone—not even An Lan or his sister.

“Ye Wushang!” To his surprise, his casual response triggered a sudden surge of emotion in An Lan. She stood abruptly, raised her voice, and said sternly, “How can you not think about your own career? Of course I agree with making sure Wuyou has a good life. But you’re a man. You’ll need to start a family, get married, have children—don’t you want your family to live well? I’m not talking about anything grand—even this little noodle shop can be built into something special. The key is whether you have the will.”

Ye Wushang frowned, taken aback by her ‘tough love’ attitude. Why was she getting so worked up? Wasn’t a simple, peaceful life enough? Why was a “career” so necessary? He suddenly realized her tone sounded a little like Lan Ruoxue’s.

“Lanlan, I know you mean well, but I really have no interest in a career, I...” He wanted to explain, grateful for everything she had done for him, and unwilling to be as cold toward her as he was to Lan Ruoxue. But just as he began to speak, her emotions surged again. The wound from the previous assassination attempt at the villa had not fully healed, and the agitation caused her injury to reopen. Blood seeped from her waist, her face turning deathly pale.

She staggered, about to collapse. Ye Wushang rushed forward, wrapped an arm around her slender waist, and helped her sit down. He reached out to check her pulse, but she brushed his hand away, refusing. “No need to check my pulse, I’m fine!”

“Lanlan, what are you doing? Don’t be stubborn. Let me look at your wound...”

“There’s no need.” An Lan’s expression was resolute, her pain barely concealed. “Don’t think I’m like Lan Ruoxue, always focused on profit and pushing you to ‘succeed.’ What I mean is, building your career is about giving Wuyou a better life. She loves the noodle shop; so focus on that. It honors both her wishes and your mother’s legacy. Isn’t that the best of both worlds? If you really think I’m forcing you, then fine, I’ll leave right now.”

With that, she struggled to her feet, preparing to go. But the others were about to come out from the back, and her wound was bleeding—if not treated immediately, it could turn serious.

“All right, I’ll do as you say. Isn’t that enough?” Ye Wushang pulled her back to the bench, helpless. “It’s not that I don’t want to build a career—I just hadn’t thought that far. But your words gave me some ideas. Maybe I could help my sister build a future, even if not for myself. Lan Ruoxue pushes me for her own gain, but you do it for my sister. The two of you are entirely different, don’t misunderstand.”

Hearing this, An Lan’s eyes sparkled with delight, though she hid it well. She sat back down, her tone playful and probing. “So, am I really that different from Lan Ruoxue? Tell me, who’s prettier—her or me? Who’s more important to you?”

Sweat beaded on Ye Wushang’s brow. He hadn’t expected such directness and was momentarily lost for words. Before he could answer, she laughed sweetly, “Relax, I’m teasing you. Now come check my wound—it really hurts.”

She knew that some things couldn’t be rushed. His silence was answer enough; she was afraid that if he answered, it might not be the response she wanted and would only upset her.

Ye Wushang, not wishing to dwell on the topic, gently pulled her closer and examined her injury. Fortunately, it was only a minor aggravation, not a muscle tear. He carefully cleaned the wound and bandaged it.

Though he was as gentle as possible, An Lan couldn’t help but gasp and murmur in a way that made his skin tingle. Especially when his hand brushed her bare skin, she would tremble slightly, making Ye Wushang nervous as well. By the time he finished, he was drenched in sweat.

“Usually, you’re never this nervous treating others. Look how worn out you are...” An Lan’s color had improved, and as she spoke, she used her sleeve to gently wipe the sweat from his brow. The scent of her perfume drifted between them, intoxicating and sweet. Tonight, she wore a dress with a high slit, and as she reached out, a glimpse of white skin and the edge of her undergarment showed through.

Ye Wushang’s breath caught; he quickly averted his eyes. “All done, Lanlan. The wound is re-bandaged. You’ll be fine for now, but remember—don’t get angry or agitated, or else...”

“I know, I know,” An Lan replied coquettishly, inching closer, her chin propped in her hand, eyes bright. “Does your promise still stand? You said you’d do as I say.”

Ye Wushang had no choice but to nod. “Of course. But let me say this first—if I’m to build a career, it’ll be limited to the noodle shop.”

“Of course. I haven’t known Wuyou long, but in my heart, she’s already like a sister to me. Helping her build a future will only make her life better. If she loves the noodle shop, then we’ll focus on making it a success.”

With that, she moved even closer, almost sharing his seat. The brief brush of her body sent a jolt through him. Embarrassed, he asked, “So, do you have any ideas?”

“Me?” An Lan laughed softly, shaking her head. “Your career, your noodle shop—only you can plan it. I’ll give you two days. When the medicinal cuisine competition is over, you need to present a plan for the shop’s future. Put your heart into it. If your plan is good, we’ll follow it. If it’s not...” She grinned mischievously. “Those two rare herbs you want might not be so easy to obtain.”

“You...” Ye Wushang was at a loss. “Lanlan, that’s not fair—you can’t mix the two things together.”

“Wrong. In my eyes, they’re one and the same. I’ve set the terms—do you accept or not?” An Lan’s tone was firm.

She knew Ye Wushang was not only a skilled doctor and martial artist, but also possessed a brilliant mind. He was cautious, strategic, always planning ahead—this would be an easy task for him. She was eager to see what kind of grand vision he could craft for a little noodle shop.

And if the plan was impressive, the first thing she’d do would be to show it to Lan Ruoxue—let her see just what kind of talent and ingenuity the “useless” Ye Wushang possessed.

“All right, I accept.” With the arrow nocked, there was no way to back down. Ye Wushang could only agree. He knew she meant well, and with that in mind, he decided that he truly needed to give some thought to the noodle shop’s future.

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