She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

The snowstorm had raged for days, finally receding slowly, leaving the small town looking somewhat desolate under a blanket of silver.

Han Lei and her companions stepped out of the inn, greeted by a breath of fresh air. The long-missed warm sun shone on their faces, bright and comforting.

The snow on the street began to melt, and the sound of dripping water carried a sense of vitality.

Children cheered as they ran out of their homes, making snowmen and having snowball fights, their laughter echoing in the air.

After being delayed in Taoyuan County for three days, Zhao Zun and his group hit the road back to the Capital City.

Sitting in the carriage, Zhao Zun wore a gloomy expression. In those three days at Taoyuan County, apart from playing mahjong with them on the first day, Han Lei ventured outside despite the snowstorm for the following two days.

The result was not unexpected—she caught a cold.

Even though Han Lei had taken cold medicine, she was still sniffling continuously along the way. Wrapped in a cloak, she leaned listlessly against Zhao Zun’s shoulder.

Already wearing a melancholy face, Zhao Zun felt even more irritable due to the bumpy, muddy road.

Han Lei cautiously glanced at Zhao Zun’s darkened face, nudging him slightly with her shoulder.

”Alright, don’t be mad! I’ve already taken the medicine, haven’t I? It won’t be long before I get better.” Han Lei’s voice was as feeble as a kitten’s.

”You dare say so?” Zhao Zun felt sorry for her, yet couldn’t help but scold. ”I’m a rough person, without the fussy rules of those scholars. I don’t stop you from playing outside, but you still need to take care of your body, right?”

”Okay, okay! I’ll pay attention next time, alright?” Han Lei coyly snuggled closer to Zhao Zun.

Zhao Zun sighed lightly, ultimately defeated by her coquetry.

He tightened the cloak around Han Lei, asking in a low voice, ”Feeling a bit better now? If not, we can find a place to rest and continue once you’re well.”

Seeing that Zhao Zun was no longer nagging, Han Lei immediately sat up straight, with a mischievous smile on her face. ”Hehe, I’m fine, really fine now. Look, I’m much more spirited.”

”Hmph!” Zhao Zun glanced sideways at her, the words of reproach stuck in his throat, leaving him at a loss as to what to do with her.

”Hehe, alright! Zhao Zun, Brother Zun. Don’t be angry, you don’t look good when you’re angry.” Knowing that her act of coquetry had succeeded, Han Lei giggled and took out a portable karaoke speaker. ”The journey is long; let me play some songs for you! They’re really nice, so it won’t be boring.”

Zhao Zun silently handed over a cup of hot tea, hoping it would ease her discomfort a little. Han Lei took it, sipping lightly, and then pressed the speaker’s button—

Holding an umbrella to catch falling flowers

Watching that west wind ride a lean horse

Who can see through the fleeting beauty at a glance for me

Is it you, young gentleman?

Who lives deep in the mountains ahead

Playing a pipa tune at dusk

I wish to paint a picture for you

Beautiful lady, please accept with a smile

...

As the music played, the carriage was filled with cheerful and melodious tunes. Han Lei had chosen a song she liked, humming softly along with the rhythm.

The beautiful music was truly therapeutic.

Gazing at Han Lei’s slightly flushed face from singing, Zhao Zun’s various worries temporarily vanished. He couldn’t help but lightly tap his thigh to the beat, lost in the music.

The trusted aides riding behind the carriage were also captivated by this sudden burst of song.

They all tightened their reins, slowing down to listen attentively. Some even couldn’t resist humming along with the song, and in a moment, the entire group was immersed in laughter and joy.

The relationship between Han Lei, Zhao Zun, and the trusted aides was also elevated along the way...

On the 26th of December.

The restaurant in Qingshui County was officially opening after all preparations were completed.

Before leaving, Han Lei showed Luo Hai videos on the computer of the restaurant’s opening ribbon-cutting and staff training, as well as some promotional videos.

Thus, under the supervision of Luo Hai, the County Magistrate, the opening ceremony of the Qingshui County restaurant was conducted with utmost grandeur.

The whole street in front of the restaurant was adorned with red lanterns, while the entrance was festooned with decorations. A theater troupe and lion dance team were invited to perform at the entrance.

From afar, one could see the festive atmosphere filled with jubilation and anticipation, adding excitement and expectancy to the quiet little town.

For Qingshui County, the opening of this restaurant was undoubtedly a big event.

Lord County Magistrate was personally present to cut the ribbon, showing his importance and expectation for this restaurant.

In addition, all the political and business elites of Qingshui County, as well as the wealthy families, were invited. They were dressed in splendid clothes, chatting and laughing, witnessing this significant moment together.

On the vacant space in front of the restaurant, tables and chairs were set with tea, and the noble guests surrounded the County Magistrate, sipping tea while enjoying the performance.

Under the restaurant’s signboard stood a row of young women in neat attire, carrying sashes over their shoulders, smiling gracefully, and standing elegantly, truly becoming a beautiful scenery.

At the auspicious hour, the streets were already flooded with onlookers. Luo Hai stepped forward under the signboard, two waitresses holding trays with a red-flowered silk ribbon standing by his sides.

As Lord County Magistrate proceeded, the theater troupe and lion dance ceased their performance, and the scene quieted down instantly. Everyone’s eyes were fixed intently on Lord County Magistrate.

Luo Hai, holding a pair of scissors, stood before the red silk, filled with excitement.

He took a deep breath and said loudly, ”Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for attending the opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of Tongfu Building. Tongfu Building is grandly opening today, with novel dishes, excellent taste, and superb service. Welcome everyone to come and taste, guaranteed to make you full of praise...”

As Luo Hai’s scissors cut the silk, it fluttered down, and after a burst of firecrackers, Tongfu Building officially opened its doors to guests.

The name Tongfu Building was chosen by Han Lei.

She said she wanted everyone following her to share in the good fortune together!

Today, the private rooms on the second floor were set to entertain those distinguished guests, while all customers on the first floor enjoyed a fifty percent discount, mainly for everyone to taste first and spread by word of mouth later.

Among the invited dignitaries and guests, the corpulent figure of Wei Dabao stood out.

He was dressed in splendid attire, with a jade crown on his head, and during the idle time on his way up to the private rooms, he weaved through the crowd with a face full of seriousness and an air of urgency and unease.

Because this Tongfu Building was closely linked to him.

His two servants had been missing for over ten days. He had sent Zhang San and Li Si to follow those farmers to gather some crucial information. However, since going out that night, they never returned.

Wei Dabao dispatched people to search everywhere, but they never found their whereabouts.

Alive or dead, there’s no trace.

The disappearance of two living people seemed inexplicably bizarre to Wei Dabao.

According to his servants, Tongfu Building used to be the resting spot for those farmers every day, so taking advantage of the County Magistrate’s invitation today, he hoped to find some clues here.

Tongfu Building was bustling, and no one noticed him. Wei Dabao began secretly inspecting around, hoping to discover some hints.

He checked the private rooms and the main hall, and he even went to the kitchen. Observing the chefs busy preparing ingredients, he pretended nonchalance, inquiring whether they had seen his two servants. However, the chefs all shook their heads, expressing their ignorance.

Searching every nook and cranny, he concluded this was just an ordinary restaurant. There was nothing suspicious about it.

Wei Dabao’s mind was as tangled as a ball of thread, with no clue where to start.