Chapter 238: Principal

“Dad Lin, Mom Lin, I’m back. Wow, it’s so lively here! Uncle Cheng, Happy New Year! Wishing you a prosperous business. And to all these uncles and big brothers here, may you all thrive in every season. Now that you’re here, don’t hold back—eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves!”

“Little Fatty, the way you’re talking makes it sound like we’re guests in your home!”

Fatty’s timing couldn’t have been better. After his little speech, Lin Guicheng quickly teased him to divert the earlier topic. He was genuinely afraid Lin Fang would keep pressing him with questions.

“Well, of course! Stick’s home is practically my home. Uncle Cheng, if you’re a guest at Stick’s place, you’re a guest at mine. Naturally, I have to play the host.” Fatty’s words were sweet, but his eyes were glued to the pot of dumplings.

“If that’s the case, then you’re practically part of the Lin family. If I give Lin Fang a New Year’s red envelope, shouldn’t I give you one too?” Lin Guicheng was amused and decided to tease Fatty further.

“Absolutely! I’m the third son of the Lin family. Wait—Uncle Cheng, what did you just say? A red envelope? Oh, of course you have to give me one! I’m even a few months younger than Lin Fang. If she gets one, I should too. You can’t play favorites—if she gets one, you can’t forget me!” The little rascal didn’t hold back at all, forgetting about the dumplings entirely. His already narrow eyes squinted so much they practically disappeared as he grinned.

“Hahaha, you little scoundrel. Here you go.” Fatty spent so much time with Lin Fang that Lin Guicheng had grown quite fond of him. He’d already prepared a red envelope for him.

“Thank you, Uncle Cheng! May you find all the coins hidden in the dumplings and be blessed with endless good fortune!”

With the red envelope in hand, Fatty generously wished all his luck onto others. His eyes returned to the pot of dumplings. Lin Tuo smacked him playfully on his round head and teased, “Were you born a hungry wolf? Didn’t you eat enough at your grandma’s place?”

“Ouch, Second Brother! My grandma’s dumplings can’t compare to Mom Lin’s. I rushed over early just because I was craving your family’s dumplings. Hehe, and who knew I’d get a bonus—a red envelope falling right into my lap!” He grinned and waved the red envelope.

“Guo Haopeng, what did you just call me?”

“Stick! Hehe—no, no, I mean Sister. Sister!”

Fatty was too busy gloating to notice the dangerous glint in Lin Fang’s eyes. Only when she called him by his full name in a chilling tone did he realize he’d just blurted out her nickname in front of everyone—a big no-no. He quickly corrected himself.

“Good. Since you called me ‘Sister,’ I’ll take on my sisterly duties and keep your red envelope safe for you. That way, you won’t waste it. Be a good boy and hand it over.” Lin Fang’s attitude did a complete 180.

“Uh… that’s not necessary, right?” I haven’t even warmed this envelope yet!

Fatty was reluctant, but under Lin Fang’s half-smiling gaze, he caved. Based on years of experience, he knew that if he hesitated even a second longer, his New Year would be miserable.

As Fatty tremblingly handed over the red envelope, Lin Fang smiled sweetly. “Good boy. You’re the only grandson in your family, and a boy at that. You must’ve gotten more than just this one red envelope. Hand them all over, and I’ll keep them safe for you.”

“My dear sister, can’t you leave me a little?” Fatty’s heart ached—no, his whole body ached. He’d been planning to buy snacks with that money.

“Fine, you can keep it then.” Lin Fang was surprisingly generous.

“Never mind. Here, take it.”

If Lin Fang had mocked him or argued, Fatty wouldn’t have minded. But whenever she acted generous and polite, he knew trouble was coming. Compromising was his only way out.

Lin Fang praised him. “Good boy. Eat an extra bowl of dumplings later. Consider this red envelope your investment. When I make a profit, I’ll give you a share, and you can eat braised chicken with mushrooms every day until you’re sick of it.” Her tone was like she was talking to a kindergartener, making Fatty grit his teeth in frustration. He had no choice. He didn’t even know how much was in the red envelope Lin Guicheng gave him, but with the other envelopes, it was enough for many, many pots of braised chicken.

Truthfully, Lin Fang wasn’t entirely lying about sharing profits. After Lin Guicheng gifted her the bookstore yesterday, she’d planned to partner with Fatty. She’d expected to need some persuasion, but the little rascal had handed her leverage so quickly—his money hadn’t even had time to leave his hands before it was in hers.

Lin Fang even thought it was a close call. Luckily, Fatty was greedy and came over early. If he’d wandered the streets first, half his money would’ve been gone. Shops were closed for the New Year, but the streets were full of snack vendors. Fatty’s stomach was a bottomless pit, and he didn’t care about prices—if he saw something he liked and had the money, he’d buy it without hesitation.

Thinking of the street snacks, Lin Fang swallowed. She was a foodie too. With enough money, her appetite could rival Fatty’s.

After successfully confiscating Fatty’s red envelopes, Lin Fang happily changed into a bright red sweater in her eldest brother’s room. Red warded off evil and symbolized joy. Her mother in her past life loved seeing her in red, and her family in this life felt the same. She wouldn’t let them down—she’d not only take care of herself but also ensure her family’s happiness.

Due to the Lin family’s history of borrowing money, most relatives and friends had distanced themselves, afraid of being asked for loans. Even during holidays, they avoided visits. Some even checked the Lin family’s movements in advance—if they sensed a loan request coming, they’d make excuses to leave.

The Lin family knew they weren’t welcome, so they stayed home during holidays. This year was no different.

On New Year’s Day, the Lin family, Lin Guicheng’s eight workers, and Fatty spent the day eating, drinking, and chatting. Lin Yuanmin took Lin Fang and her siblings to pay respects at their ancestral home, staying only a few minutes before returning. Like Lin Dalang in her past life, Lin Yuanmin’s branch of the family wasn’t favored by his parents. Lin Fang’s grandparents lived with her youngest uncle, with both sons sharing the financial support.

Lin Fang also had a second uncle in the same village, said to be their parents’ favorite. But for some reason, since Lin Fang could remember, he’d ignored his parents, not even letting them into his home, and barely interacted with his siblings.

On the second day of the New Year, married daughters returned to their parents’ homes. After breakfast, Lin Yong and his wife took Yuanyuan to Yan Ping’s parents’ place. Lin Tuo went out with friends. Lin Guicheng and Sun Siyuan stayed with Lin Yuanmin and Dong Huixin, while the six workers continued making chili sauce—though Lin Guicheng let them work only half a day before giving them free time.

With nothing to do, Lin Fang went to her cousin’s house to visit Guo Hongping, who’d returned with her parents. She discussed having Guo Hongping continue managing the bookstore—this time with a salary, not just as a favor like during winter break.

Guo Hongping had been raised by her stepmother since childhood, and their bond was stronger than most step relationships. Her stepmother fully supported her.

Fatty had stuck around since yesterday, refusing to leave even when his grandparents and uncles came to fetch him. His mother wasn’t back for the New Year, and after much coaxing from his grandma, he’d agreed to visit his maternal grandparents alone today.

But less than an hour later, he was back—probably just made a token appearance. When Lin Yuanmin asked why he didn’t stay longer, he claimed he couldn’t stand being smothered by adults. Talk about not knowing how good he had it.

When Lin Fang and Guo Hongping returned home laughing, Fatty was sprawled in the yard, munching on sugarcane in the sunlight, eyes closed, enjoying himself immensely. Guo Hongping took one look and sneered, “Pig at a trough,” successfully making Fatty open his eyes.

Before Fatty could retort, Lin Fang cut in, “Where’d you get the money for sugarcane?”

“My uncle gave it to me.” Sensing danger, Fatty backed away.

Lin Fang didn’t push. Instead, she sat with Guo Hongping on the bench he’d vacated. “Hongping and I agreed—after school starts, we’ll revamp the bookstore. No more traditional-character books. We’ll sell popular books, magazines, and stationery. I’ll invest some, and the red envelope money you gave me yesterday will count as your share. Profits will be split based on investment. Hongping will manage the store and earn a salary based on sales. Plus, I’ll keep teaching calligraphy on weekends. You’ll both be fairly compensated. What do you think?”

Yesterday, Lin Fang had counted their red envelope money. Even in this era, when prices hadn’t skyrocketed yet and fifty cents could buy a bowl of noodle soup, the total was a small fortune.

Her parents gave her twenty yuan, her eldest brother and sister-in-law five. That was nothing compared to what Lin Guicheng’s group gave. Lin Guicheng gave her five hundred—two and a half months’ salary. Sun Siyuan gave two hundred, and the six workers each gave one hundred. Her total: 1,325 yuan.

Fatty’s haul wasn’t small either. His two uncles worked outside the village and were unmarried. As the only grandson, his family spoiled him. Besides Lin Guicheng’s two hundred, he’d gotten six hundred more—eight hundred total. Combined with Lin Fang’s money, they had 2,125 yuan—more than enough to start a bookstore.

“Wait—I’m part of the bookstore?” Fatty stopped retreating, eyes wide.

Lin Fang nodded. “Want to invest more and earn more?”

Fatty’s beady eyes darted around before he suddenly dashed inside, washed his sticky hands, then returned and pulled two red envelopes from his coat, handing them over with a grin.

Lin Fang didn’t rush to count. She held out a hand. “Where’s the third one?”

Having grown up together, they knew each other’s habits. Fatty’s maternal grandparents and two uncles doted on him. Though they were farmers, their red envelopes were generous by rural standards.

Fatty chuckled and pulled a crumpled handful of change from his pocket. Lin Fang knew he’d already hit up several snack stalls.

Counting the change—20.57 yuan—she returned the fifty-seven cents and took the rest, plus the 150 yuan from the red envelopes. “This counts as your investment too.”

Fatty rubbed his round head and grinned. “Hehe, you’re the boss. Since when have I ever not listened to you?”

Guo Hongping watched enviously. “Can I… invest too?”

“Sure. How much do you have? I’ll calculate your share.” Lin Fang doubted Guo Hongping had much but didn’t want to discourage her.

“About thirty yuan. Is that okay?” Compared to Fatty’s 170, Guo Hongping sounded unsure.

In their village, teens usually stopped getting red envelopes. Lin Fang and Fatty were exceptions. Most kids didn’t carry money either—Guo Hongping’s thirty yuan must’ve taken ages to save.

Lin Fang shot Fatty a warning look before he could say something rude. “Every bit helps. You’ll be a shareholder now, Hongping. You’ll get a cut.”

Lin Fang agreed quickly for another reason: investment would motivate Guo Hongping more. Plus, she was honest but not naive—perfect for managing the store.