Her brother cut in, "Why ask about a discount? Just have Sis give you one. After all, this is our sister’s shop, right, Sis?" "But this isn’t my shop..." Xu Xiaoya began. "How can it not be? They all call you Manager and are so respectful to you. Sis, don’t be so modest with us. Give your sister-in-law a gift! She’s never owned a good bag before. Get her one so she can broaden her horizons. Then, when she goes back to our hometown, she can show off to the neighbors just how capable our sister is..." Yan Xixi, who had been listening from the side for some time, finally walked over slowly and said casually, "This bag is 38,000. If you want it, I can give you an internal VIP discount, 10% off." The sister-in-law turned, saw Yan Xixi, and sheepishly put the bag down. "That’s so expensive..." Xu Xiaoya, as if seeing her savior, quickly grabbed Yan Xixi’s arm. "Xixi is the actual boss. I just work for her. I can’t make decisions about discounts without her say-so. Otherwise, I’d have to cover any shortfall from my own pocket, even if it’s just a penny..." Disappointment was evident on the sister-in-law’s face. Yan Xixi glanced around and saw a large pile of local produce by the counter—various fresh vegetables, farm chickens, cured meats, and the like. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ NoveI-Fire.ɴet She maintained her light tone as she spoke, "Xiaoya couldn’t afford one of these bags even with several months of her salary. However, if you truly like it, I’ll make an exception. The shop will cover some of the cost, and I’ll give it to you for half price." When Xu Xiaoya’s mother heard how expensive it was and that they would still have to pay for it themselves, even at 50% off, she dared not accept and hastily waved her hands. "Forget it, forget it. We were just looking. Why would we need such an expensive bag? No need, no need..." Only then did Yan Xixi politely ask, "Uncle, Aunt, what brings you here?" "We heard Xiaoya is doing well at work, so we came to see," Xu Xiaoya’s mother explained. "Xixi, thank you so much for looking after Xiaoya. Please continue to mentor her in the future. Here, we brought you some local specialties; we hope you won’t find them too humble..." "Thank you, Uncle and Aunt," Yan Xixi replied courteously. Yan Xixi remained courteous, but it was clear the family didn’t want to stay any longer. After exchanging a few more polite pleasantries, they prepared to leave. Xu Xiaoya walked them out. As they were leaving, Xu’s mother pulled her daughter aside and whispered, "Xiaoya, look at Yan Xixi. Wasn’t she incredibly poor before? Now she has such a big shop. It really shows that marrying well is better than doing well in your career. You need to learn from her, keep your eyes peeled. Finding a rich man is better than anything else." Xu Xiaoya just smiled. "Xiaoya," her mother continued, "actually, we came to see you about something this time..." Xu Xiaoya hadn’t asked them what it was, but as they were preparing to leave, they couldn’t hold back any longer and decided to bring it up. "It’s ," her mother began, "your brother wants to open a hot pot restaurant in the county town. The location is great, and business is sure to be good. We’re just a bit short on startup capital. Plus, your sister-in-law is preparing to get pregnant, and that also requires money. Daughter, if you have some extra money, could you help him out? We can even give you a share, so we all make money together..." The sister-in-law interjected, "My brother from my side of the family is a condiment chef and just learned the technique for hot pot soup bases. He can provide the technical skill, and we’ll put up the capital. We’re sure to make a fortune..." Her brother also said, "Sis, help us out, please? It’s no fun working for others; being your own boss is the way to a better future..." With a pleasant expression, Xu Xiaoya replied, "I don’t have much money. I’m just an employee for Xixi, and I only get a monthly salary." Xu’s mother then suggested, "Well, how about you ask Xixi to lend you some?"