"Mingyue Tower has some fame in the martial world, but it's still in its early stages of development," Li Yue Shu said with a shallow smile. "Since ancient times, restaurants and brothels have been the fastest places for information to flow. If we can cooperate, the intelligence network we develop will surely double in effectiveness."
Hong Dai did not answer directly.
She knew Li Yue Shu's words made sense, but this would essentially mean relinquishing half of Mingyue Tower's management rights. Yet, she had only met Li Yue Shu twice.
Li Yue Shu understood her reservations and had considered them. "I don't understand intelligence matters, so if the tasks that Liuxian Restaurant needs to undertake, they can be fully arranged by Miss Hong Dai. I will only be responsible for the kitchen and the operation of the restaurant."
Hong Dai was surprised, not expecting her to give up so much. "Madam Shen trusts me this much?"
Li Yue Shu's lips curved slightly. "Since it's a collaboration, trust is naturally the foundation. Moreover, all I want is to make money. Even if I make room for Mingyue Tower to deploy personnel, the income from the restaurant's operation will still be my own."
As long as neither party deliberately acted maliciously, their relationship would be one of mutual benefit.
Although she had not interacted much with Hong Dai, Li Yue Shu knew from her memories of the original book that she was intelligent and trustworthy.
Unless there was an irreconcilable deep-seated hatred between them, Hong Dai would never be foolish enough to oppose her in an opportunity for mutual benefit like this.
Indeed, after a moment of silence, Hong Dai smiled and said, "I am very much looking forward to our future cooperation, Madam Shen."
Upon hearing this, Li Yue Shu knew the deal was struck.
Afterward, they discussed many more details before Li Yue Shu turned to leave.
In the loft, Hong Dai watched her walk directly into the restaurant diagonally opposite, her eyes full of scrutiny.
At that moment, a subordinate knocked and entered. "Master, Mingyue Tower has sent word that they have not found any more information on this Li Yue Shu."
Hong Dai was somewhat surprised by this, yet it was also within her expectations.
She leaned by the window, her posture relaxed. "Investigate slowly. As partners in the future, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn."
The subordinate glanced at her hesitantly. "That... Chiyun Tower is also investigating her."
"What?!" Hong Dai leaped up, all previous ease gone.
The subordinate, aware of his mistress's feud with Chiyun Tower, quickly said, "Someone paid a large sum to have Chiyun Tower investigate this Madam Shen, but Chiyun Tower has not found any results yet."
Hong Dai narrowed her eyes, a hint of determination on her alluring face. "Have everyone in Mingyue Tower investigate. We must beat Chiyun Tower to it!"
The subordinate had anticipated her words and showed no surprise, receiving the order and leaving.
...
After the cooperation with Hong Dai was finalized, Li Yue Shu dedicated herself to the restaurant.
However, Wei Niang's health continued to decline, and Mother Mo's condition was also not good. She spent most of her time at home caring for the two of them.
Despite Li Yue Shu's best efforts to treat her, even bringing Wei Niang into her space every night, Wei Niang ultimately closed her eyes forever on a bright and breezy afternoon.
The only one by her side at that time was Wei Ling, and it was Mother Mo who first discovered that she had stopped breathing.
No one had expected Wei Niang's passing to be so sudden, yet they all understood her condition.
Li Yue Shu handled all of Wei Niang's funeral arrangements alone. Not knowing how to proceed, she had to seek help from Old Man Liu and his wife.
Wei Niang's only surviving relative was Wei Ling. To make the ceremony more lively, Li Yue Shu invited the villagers.
Naturally, everyone was happy to enjoy free food and drink.
However, in private, everyone called Li Yue Shu a fool.
Her adoption of seven orphans to help her medicine shop was understandable. But taking in Mo Lian and her son, treating them, and funding their education was already foolish enough. Now, she was taking in a "little fool" and handling the funeral for her mother.
It was hard to say whether to praise her kindness or mock her for being foolish and having too much money.
Li Yue Shu knew what they were saying behind her back, but she paid it no mind.
These people would later realize what a wise decision she had made.
Shen Wang and Mother Shen also came, but they were no longer arrogant or boastful. They stood in a corner with their heads bowed, occasionally casting resentful glances at Li Yue Shu.
They had found news of their second sister, Shen Can, and had received her message. She would be returning soon.
By then, even with the county magistrate backing Li Yue Shu, she would absolutely not get away with it!
Li Yue Shu sensed their gazes, but today was Wei Niang's funeral. She did not want to cause any trouble and therefore ignored them.
With the help of Old Man Liu and the village head, Wei Niang was laid to rest peacefully, and everyone dispersed.
As it happened to be the academy's holiday, when Old Man Liu went to pick up Shen Yi Min and the other children from school, they were able to pay their respects at Wei Niang's grave.
The children took turns offering incense, and then they left. Li Yue Shu, however, stayed behind with Wei Ling.
Since Wei Niang's passing, the child had remained quietly by her side, never speaking unless asked.
Wei Ling's intellect was not fully developed, and it was unclear if she understood the meaning of today's funeral.
As if sensing her gaze, Wei Ling looked up.
In her clear eyes, there was only confusion. "Aunt Shu, is my mother dead?"
Li Yue Shu's heart skipped a beat. She instinctively turned her head, meeting Wei Ling's eyes, which seemed to know something yet understand nothing.
She hesitated for a moment, opening her mouth several times before slowly saying, "Why does Ling'er ask that?"
Wei Ling turned to look at the tombstone in front of them. "Mother said if one day she falls asleep and never opens her eyes again, and is buried in the ground, then she is dead, and will never be able to see Ling'er again."
Li Yue Shu felt a stab in her heart and instinctively grasped Wei Ling's hand.
She had truly not expected Wei Niang to say such things to her child.
But then again, she seemed to understand Wei Niang's intentions.
Once she was gone, Wei Ling would be an outsider in this household.
The last thing her mother could do was to reduce trouble for her child.
Li Yue Shu sighed silently and gently stroked Wei Ling's head.
She didn't know how Wei Niang had told Wei Ling about her passing or how she had helped Wei Ling accept the fact that she would "never see her mother again."
But she knew that Wei Niang had loved this daughter very, very much.
"Ling'er must grow up well, so that your mother can truly rest in peace when she leaves."
Wei Ling seemed to understand, then nodded firmly. "Ling'er will definitely grow up well! Mother said that Ling'er still has Aunt Shu, Brother Yi Min, and Brother Ting Wen, and Sister Ting Yi..."
Wei Ling counted on her fingers, listing everyone, not even omitting Old Man Liu and his wife.
Not far away, Shen Yi Min, who should have left long ago, had somehow returned and had been listening to their conversation.
He looked at Wei Ling, who seemed to understand nothing yet grasp everything, his expression complex.