Lin Guicheng immediately nodded: “Good. Since we’re going to cooperate, I’ll certainly show my sincerity. My company is called Liangping Lin’s Aquatic Products Company, located in Liangping City. Do you know Liangping City? It’s north of the provincial capital. At the latest by the weekend, I’ll have someone deliver the materials to you. How does that sound?”
Liangping? Why does this name sound so much like the town where my family lived in another world? And why is he also using “Lin’s” to name his company? Lin Fang couldn’t help but ask: “Where is Liangping City? How do you write ‘Liangping’?”
As for the question about “Lin’s,” Lin Fang didn’t ask—after all, his surname is Lin too.
Lin Guicheng explained: “It’s ‘Liang’ as in ‘Liangshan’ and ‘Ping’ as in ‘lawn.'”
“Oh, those characters.” She felt a slight disappointment in her heart.
Technically, Lin Guicheng had given Lin Fang a business card before, which had his company’s name, address, and phone number printed on it. But at the time, Lin Fang had only paid attention to the name and company, barely glancing at the address. Later, the card was blown away by the wind, so she had long forgotten about it.
“Oh, hehe. So, Uncle Cheng, can you now tell me what you wanted to discuss with me?”
Feeling an indescribable strangeness but unable to pinpoint it, Lin Fang simply changed the subject and asked about the purpose of her visit. As for the cooperation, she would decide after reviewing the materials and conducting some research.
Lin Guicheng replied: “Oh, didn’t I mention earlier that I plan to be away for a while? But I don’t want the bookstore to just sit idle. At noon, it suddenly occurred to me—since you love reading so much, why don’t I hire you to manage the store? You can read to your heart’s content, and I’ll have someone to take care of things. How about 200 yuan a month?”
“Huh? Uncle Cheng, are you joking? Given the current situation, the books in your store won’t interest many people because most young folks can’t read traditional characters. Besides, each book only sells for a few yuan. A month’s earnings might not even cover my salary. Not to mention, your store has heating, which costs money, plus rent and utilities. You’re a businessman—would you really take such a loss?”
My dad’s monthly pension is only 108 yuan. You’re offering me 200 yuan right off the bat. It doesn’t sound real.
“Hehe. I told you, I opened this bookstore with a purpose. First, I wanted people to see my family’s book collection. Second, I was waiting for someone destined to come along. I’m not doing this to make money.”
“If that’s the case, then I’ll take this opportunity. But I should clarify—I’m a student and don’t have much time to manage the store. Most of the time, it’ll be closed, so you’ll definitely lose money. Are you really okay with that?”
“No problem. Like I said, I’m not counting on it to make money. And as long as you don’t tear the place down, you can use it however you like. Just let me know beforehand.” I trust you won’t let it go to waste.
“Great! If I make money, I’ll give you a cut.” As for how to use the space, I’ll think about it later.
I have nothing of value, and outwardly, I’m still a sickly person—there’s nothing worth scamming me for. Plus, with a salary and free use of the store, it’s exactly what I need right now.
Since this was an employment arrangement, Lin Fang initially considered drafting a contract but quickly dismissed the idea. She was still a few months shy of sixteen. If they formalized a contract and had it stamped by the government, Lin Guicheng would be guilty of employing child labor—an illegal act. Why invite trouble?
Lin Guicheng paid Lin Fang a month’s salary upfront, agreeing that future payments would be made at the start of each month. He also gave her 200 yuan for utilities, promising to provide more when it ran out. The heating fees for the latter half of the year and the following spring had already been paid in full.
As for the property, Lin Guicheng showed Lin Fang the purchase documents, proving he owned the place outright—no rent required.
The next day, Lin Fang took the bus back home to discuss Lin Guicheng’s proposal with her family. Lin Yuanmin and Dong Huixin were thrilled—who would’ve thought a simple chili oil could lead to a business collaboration? But like Lin Fang, they agreed to investigate first. Better safe than sorry, even though their family had little to lose.
Lin Yong, upon hearing the name “Liangping City,” said: “I’ve heard of Liangping City. One of my army buddies is from there. That guy loves spicy food—even when the mess hall served chili, he’d say it wasn’t hot enough. Every break, he’d hunt down the spiciest restaurants in town and eat his fill. His monthly allowance wasn’t enough—his family had to send him money.”
What a coincidence! Lin Fang asked Lin Yong: “Big Brother, are you still in touch with that buddy? Could you ask him about this Lin’s Aquatic Products Company?”
“Hehe, the day you were discharged from the hospital, I rode his motorcycle home. He’s now the ‘Scrap King’ around here and even runs a company. Just from recycling, he makes a decent income every year. I’ll go see him tomorrow and ask if he knows anything.” Though he said it with a smile, there was an undercurrent of wistfulness and envy in his tone.
Lin Tuo, having worked in business for years, had built up some connections and promised to look into Lin Guicheng’s background.
When Lin Fang mentioned taking the bookstore job and the 200-yuan salary, her family strongly objected. That amount could cover two semesters of her living expenses. While money was tight, her priority was recovering her health. Even her studies were seen as just a hobby—they never expected her to earn money.
“Dad, Mom, Big Brother, Second Brother—don’t worry. I’ll manage. If I get tired, I’ll rest. I won’t push myself. Our family’s about to turn a corner—I want to enjoy the good life, not make things harder for myself.”
After much reassurance and a bit of playful insistence, her parents and brothers reluctantly agreed, repeatedly urging her to quit if it became too much.
While the family debated, Yan Ping hovered nearby, opening her mouth several times but ultimately staying silent. She left in a huff, clutching little Yuanyuan.
Lin Fang guessed Yan Ping wanted the bookstore job herself—200 yuan was practically free money. But with Lin Yong present, she couldn’t speak up. Resentful of how the family coddled Lin Fang, the “useless one,” she stormed off.
Though the store would mostly stay closed, Lin Fang still opened it briefly each day out of obligation. Business was slow. To pass the time, she read or practiced calligraphy—the store had several old dining tables, much roomier than a bicycle seat, perfect for freehand writing. Over three days, she sold only a few new magazines. The traditional-character books were mostly just flipped through and put back.
After dinner each evening, Meatball would escort her to Teacher Gao’s house. There, she’d find excuses to visit Teacher Wang, helping with light chores while Meatball handled the heavy lifting—his bulk was good for something.
On Friday afternoon, Lin Guicheng’s company materials arrived, along with an employee benefit—since Lin Fang worked for him, she was entitled to perks.
Staring at a whole crate of oranges, Lin Fang joked: “Wow! Didn’t expect this. Feels like this ‘freebie’ is made of air—too good to be true.”
Oranges were expensive then, given underdeveloped transportation and limited southern fruit imports.
Lin Guicheng laughed heartily: “Hahaha! Most people wish for freebies from the sky. You’re afraid of being hit by one.”
Jokes aside, Lin Fang scrutinized the materials. That Tuesday, she’d asked Lin Yong how to verify company documents. As a former armed police officer, Lin Yong was skilled at spotting fakes—whether equipment or paperwork. Confident now, Lin Fang cross-checked everything before chatting with Lin Guicheng while waiting for Meatball to take her home.
By the time Lin Fang returned, Lin Yong had confirmed with his buddy: Liangping City did have a Lin’s Aquatic Products Company, legally represented by Lin Guicheng. Coincidentally, Liangping was small, and Lin Guicheng often appeared at promotions—his buddy recognized him.
Lin Guicheng visited Yiping Village the next day. When he arrived, Lin Tuo was out, but Lin Yong’s buddy was there to verify Lin Guicheng’s identity as the company’s chairman. Lin Yong also rechecked Lin Guicheng’s ID and documents, confirming their authenticity. Only then did the family fully relax and discuss cooperation.
Following Lin Guicheng’s request, Dong Huixin and Lin Yuanmin prepared a batch of chili sauce.
“Delicious! I’ve tried all kinds of chili sauces, but yours is the best,” Lin Guicheng said between bites. “But our local chilies aren’t spicy enough. Our company’s spicy products mainly sell in the south. From now on, I’ll supply the chilies—I’ll ship them monthly. You handle the other ingredients. Once ready, I’ll send someone to collect.”
“For processing fees, I’ll pay 1 yuan per 10 jin initially. Feel free to check market rates—we can adjust if needed. I’ll cover ingredient costs upfront and pay 1,000 yuan monthly for your expertise. How’s that?”
A thousand yuan! Just the technical fee alone stunned Lin Yuanmin and Dong Huixin. They never imagined their humble skills could be so valuable.
Mid-daze, Lin Tuo returned from his background check. After Lin Fang summarized the offer, he immediately agreed: “Deal. Let’s start like this. Send the chilies soon, and prepay for our materials so we can prepare.”
Though their family wasn’t wealthy, Lin Tuo had handled sizable sums in business. A mere thousand yuan monthly didn’t faze him.
Lin Fang interjected: “Second Brother, let’s sign a contract first. For safety.”
Back then, contractual awareness was weak—most deals were verbal, fraught with risks. As someone from the future, Lin Fang prioritized protecting her family’s interests. If Lin Guicheng backed out later, they’d suffer.
“Good idea. A contract gives both sides peace of mind,” Lin Guicheng agreed before Lin Tuo could respond. He had similar concerns—if the Lins quit suddenly, it’d be troublesome.
With mutual consent, the contract was swiftly signed under Liangping Lin’s Aquatic Products Company.
Terms were as discussed: 1 yuan per 10 jin processing fee, 1,000 yuan monthly technical fee (adjustable per market rates), Lin Guicheng supplying chilies, the Lins covering other ingredients and equipment (with upfront payments later deducted from fees). The contract lasted one year.
With the deal sealed, everyone relaxed. Lin Guicheng asked Lin Fang for steamed buns and unceremoniously devoured three, slathered in chili sauce, exclaiming how satisfying it was. Hard to believe this was the chairman of a company with millions in registered capital.
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