Three nights later, in the Qingyun Inn.
Yan Yu and Lu Liluo were busy as usual. Ever since Yan Yu renovated the inn, its business had boomed. Merchants and travelers passing by Qingyun Inn flocked to eat and stay there every day.
Tonight, all the customers had left the inn a long time ago, yet Yan Yu and Lu Liluo were still wiping tables and sweeping the floor.
"Liluo, I can't do it anymore. I'm utterly exhausted. We can't possibly earn all the money in the world. Let's close for two days and rest."
It had been almost half a year since the inn's renovation. Yan Yu's mind and body were completely drained daily. Her back ached, and she was truly exhausted.
"Sister Yan Yu, everyone else wishes for good business and more money, yet you're always thinking about closing and resting," Lu Liluo teased with a smile.
Although she also felt tired from the constant work, she found her current life fulfilling. It was unlike her previous life with her unreliable grandfather, constantly moving without a stable home, often going hungry, and surviving only by sheer luck.
"Sister, I really can't work anymore. I just want to lie down and sleep," Yan Yu replied wearily.
"Haha, Sister Yan Yu, if you're too tired, go upstairs and rest. I'll handle things here alone," Lu Liluo said with a smile.
"How can I let you do that? You're tired too! How about we hire two helpers tomorrow? If business continues like this, we sisters will wear ourselves out," Yan Yu frowned.
"Alright, Sister Yan Yu. Liluo will listen to whatever you say," Lu Liluo smiled.
Afterward, Yan Yu and Liluo continued their work in the inn's main hall.
"Sister Yan Yu, how long has it been since Sister Li'er and the others left? Why haven't they returned yet?" Lu Liluo murmured softly.
"Perhaps the matters they went to handle are not yet completed?"
Yan Yu could only offer this reply to Lu Liluo, as she herself was unsure what Leng Ruoli and the others were doing.
"Sister Li'er said they would come back to Qingyun Inn to celebrate with us sisters when they returned to the capital. It's been almost five months, and we still haven't seen them. I'm worried about their safety," Lu Liluo said with a face full of worry.
As they were talking, Lu Liluo's grandfather suddenly ran out from the backyard, clutching a wine pot, clearly drunk. He staggered, unable to stand steadily.
However, Yan Yu and Lu Liluo were accustomed to this. As long as he didn't injure himself, they didn't need to pay him much mind.
"They're back! They're back! Hea, Heaven, they'll be here soon!" Old Man Lu slurred, completely intoxicated.
"Grandpa, who did you say is back?" Lu Liluo asked, confused.
"Those people are back. They'll be here soon."
Upon hearing this, Lu Liluo and Yan Yu remained bewildered.
At that moment, several people walked into the inn.
"Boss, do you still have food?"
"Sorry, we're about..."
Yan Yu blurted out without thinking. But as she was halfway through her sentence, she suddenly realized the voice was familiar. She raised her eyes to look towards the inn's entrance.
She was utterly shocked.
Lu Liluo, however, had already excitedly rushed towards the people at the inn's entrance.
"Sister Li'er, Young Master Mo, Young Master Chu, you've really returned!"
"I waited at the inn every day. Five months have passed, and I haven't seen you return. I've been so worried that I've fallen ill from longing. Today, we finally waited for your return." Lu Liluo said, her hands clasped around Leng Ruoli's, her heart filled with joy.
"Oh, really? You've actually gained quite a bit of weight recently," Leng Ruoli said.
Leng Ruoli playfully pinched Lu Liluo's chubby baby face. It was soft and elastic, with a pleasant feel.
"Not at all, Sister Li'er. Look at my dark circles; they're from missing you so much that I couldn't sleep." Lu Liluo excitedly pointed to her eyes with her fingers.
"Mhm! I see. I was just teasing you," Leng Ruoli smiled, then gently flicked Lu Liluo's forehead with her finger.
"Miss Li'er, Young Master Mo, you haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll ask the kitchen to prepare something for you," Yan Yu interjected suddenly.
"Yan Yu, we overheard your conversation with Liluo outside the inn. We already know about your recent situation. Qingyun Inn has been doing well these past few months, and you've both been very tired. Tonight, there's no need to trouble the chefs. I'll cook a delicious meal for everyone myself. Consider it a celebration gift for our becoming sworn sisters, fulfilling the promise I made to you and Liluo when I left Qingyun Inn," Leng Ruoli said, her voice melodious and soothing, like a spring breeze.
"Goodness, Sister Li'er, I didn't know you could cook," Lu Liluo said with pleasant surprise.
"Your Sister Li'er knows many things. You'll find out more in the future," Chu Mingxuan said mysteriously.
"Oh, for goodness sake! How long are you two going to linger at the entrance? My old stomach is starving!" Old Man Lu, who was leaning on the table, drunk and drowsy, suddenly roared.
"Grandpa, don't interrupt. You drink yourself full every day, and you still know about eating," Lu Liluo said angrily to her grandfather.
But Old Man Lu paid no attention to Lu Liluo.
"Sister Li'er, this old man is my unreliable grandfather. He's always talking nonsense. Please don't mind him," Lu Liluo said with an embarrassed smile.
"It's alright. We're also very hungry. Liluo, please take me to the kitchen to cook."
Subsequently, Lu Liluo led Leng Ruoli into the kitchen. Yan Yu immediately arranged for Jun Mohan and Chu Mingxuan to sit down, then served them tea and some small snacks.
Leng Ruoli surveyed the large kitchen. It was basically stocked with all sorts of vegetables and meats. She decided to use what was available and quickly began preparing ingredients in the kitchen. Fearing that Leng Ruoli might be overwhelmed working alone, Liluo proactively offered her assistance.
Tonight, Leng Ruoli planned to make Spicy Stir-fry Pot and Stewed Lamb Soup for everyone.
Leng Ruoli first placed the stewed lamb soup in a pot to simmer. Then, she and Liluo organized the ingredients for the Spicy Stir-fry Pot. Both worked with great efficiency, and a pile of ingredients was prepared in the time it took to drink a cup of tea. The remaining tasks were left to Leng Ruoli.
Half an hour later, Leng Ruoli and Lu Liluo carried out a large pot of fragrant stewed lamb soup and a big basin of Spicy Stir-fry Pot from the kitchen. Their aromas instantly filled the entire inn hall.
"Delicious! It's truly fragrant. This young girl's cooking skills are exceptionally high. Haha, Old Man Lu will have a feast from now on."
Upon smelling the aromas of the Spicy Stir-fry Pot and the stewed lamb, Old Man Lu, who had been drunk, instantly sobered up. He hurried to the dining table and claimed a seat, fearing he wouldn't get any food.
Everyone: "..."
Seeing her grandfather's ravenous appearance, Lu Liluo managed an embarrassed smile.
However, no one minded Old Man Lu's actions, as they themselves were drooling with anticipation.
Afterward, Leng Ruoli distributed bowls and chopsticks, then asked Yan Yu to call down all the inn's chefs to eat.
Once everyone was seated, they couldn't wait to start eating. In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the two large dishes were completely devoured.