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"What does Mr. Meng plan to do in the future?" Having learned that Meng Liangdong was a scholar, Lin Yuan changed how she addressed him.

This was the first time Meng Liangdong had ever been called "Mister," and he felt a burst of excitement. He also felt a newfound closeness to Lin Yuan and spoke without any reservation.

"Meng knows that he is not destined for the grand fortune of passing the imperial examinations, and also lacks the mind for business, so he thought about trying his luck at the school in town. If he could stay there as a teacher, he would feel that his twenty years of study hadn’t gone to waste. It’s just that..."

He didn’t finish his sentence, seeming to find it difficult to broach the subject.

However, Lin Yuan guessed the implication. Wasn’t the school in town the same one attended by Lin Yongcheng and his brother? Riding on the name of The Top School of Zhuma Town, it didn’t actually do what a school should; anyone with silver could enroll. Could the teachers there really be any good?

Meng Liangdong’s reluctance likely stemmed from that; he probably encountered various unofficial fees when he applied for a teaching position. That’s why he reluctantly sold the shop his father had run for over a decade.

Everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, and Lin Yuan didn’t feel it was her place to judge his decision.

However, she was certain of one thing: even if Meng Liangdong truly became a teacher at the school, he probably wouldn’t last long there.

His meticulous and rigid character wouldn’t fit in with such a corrupt environment.

But she kept these thoughts to herself. After all, it was the path he had chosen. Whether he could walk it to the end or not, he had to try it for himself to understand the joys and hardships involved.

"If Mr. Meng is unhappy at the school, he is welcome to join us at Rice Flower Fragrance. We’re in need of a Mr. Accountant. If Mister doesn’t mind, Lin Yuan would be glad to reserve this position for you."

This was the only way Lin Yuan could think of to help him. Honestly, a learned and upstanding person like him was indeed a rare find for an accountant. However, she didn’t know if Meng Liangdong would be interested in the position.

But Meng Liangdong, being a cultured man, stood up and thanked her with a bow even if he didn’t wish to become an accountant: "Miss Lin’s kind offer is deeply appreciated. If such a day comes, I will certainly come back and trouble you."

Admiring Meng Liangdong’s character, Lin Yuan didn’t haggle over the price of the shop, and since Meng was an honest man, he offered a very fair price - so fair that Lin Yuan felt embarrassed to even suggest a lower one.

They exchanged silver on the spot, signed the contract, and the deed of the dry goods shop that had been run for over a decade was now in the name of Lin.

After seeing off Meng Liangdong, Lin Yuan planned to take a good look at the shop herself to come up with a design plan for her cake shop.

However, she still had an important matter at hand - to visit Lao Fan. It was better to treat her little aunt Jeng Ruyue as soon as possible to not miss the optimal treatment period and potentially deprive the young couple of the chance to have children.

Lin Yuan sent Liuzi to accompany Meng Liangdong, and she herself headed straight to Lao Fan’s private room. Before she could knock, she heard the sound of Xia Zheng arguing heatedly with Lao Fan from inside.

Driven by curiosity, Lin Yuan leaned her ear against the door to eavesdrop. She was already accustomed to their verbal sparring, but this time she was genuinely taken aback.

She didn’t catch what Xia Zheng whispered, but suddenly, Lao Fan was on his feet, bellowing with fury, "You good-for-nothing! Scoundrel! Your father asked you to return home to help with the disaster relief because he had his eye on your silver! What does that have to do with me? Ah? I’ve finally got rid of those annoying people from the capital and I’m enjoying my peace!

But no, you just have to drag me along to the south to help with the disaster relief!

Hmph! To those who know, you appear as a noble hero, concerned for the people, but to those who don’t know, it looks like you’re in cahoots with that Little White Rabbit, planning to seize the throne. .. ahem, let go of me!"