Blossom in Adversity

C196. Partners.

Chapter 196 - Partners

After a night gathering, to outsiders, the two appeared no different from before, but those in the know could see the subtle changes between them. The warmth in their gazes when they met, the absence of the previous polite distance in their conversations.

Gu Yanxi no longer treated himself as a guest when he visited, and Hua Zhi had become more casual in her interactions with him.

But all this was confined to the small courtyard in the front, only when the two were together.

Naturally, Gu Yanxi spent all his spare time at the Hua family, with a perfect excuse - personally teaching Bai Lin and the Sixth Prince the six arts of a martial arts.

Compared to Hua Bai Lin, his demands on the Sixth Prince were higher. He had to be prepared for any eventuality; if he didn't end up in that highest position, he would entrust the Seventh Satrs department to him, giving him a foundation to stand on. But to attain that position, just the six arts of a martial arts wouldn't suffice, ensuring that the Sixth Prince would have a lifestyle of waking earlier than the rooster and sleeping later than the dog.

As April arrived, the grass grew lush and the warblers sang.

During another round of thinning out her clothes, Liu Qi brought news of an appointment from Bai Mingxia, still at the Yunlai Restaurant, still in the private room on the third floor.

"After this, there's no need for the you to supply the restaurant with canned goods anymore."

Hua Zhi was somewhat surprised. She had thought this meeting was about his trip to the Northern Lands, which had already been delayed for several days from the previously agreed-upon date. She had even wondered if Bai Mingxia might not be able to make it.

Those with discerning eyes should know that ceasing this business wouldn't be detrimental to her; her business had already expanded, with demand outstripping supply. Bai Mingxia should be aware of this.

Faced with her questioning gaze, Bai Mingxia's heart felt bitter. "The Bai family's business, I will no longer have a hand in."

Suddenly, Hua Zhi remembered Mr. Lu's words from the first time she had come here to discuss business with Bai Mingxia and was returning home. She hadn't expected them to come true so quickly.

She didn't pry into the affairs of the Bai family, simply saying, "With Mr. Bai's talents, even starting from scratch, he may still achieve success."

"If Miss Hua could show me a bright path, I could achieve twice the results with half the effort."

Hua Zhi was taken aback for a moment. She was just being polite, and Bai Mingxia shouldn't have failed to see that. Could it be that he had been pushed to this point by the Bai family already?

She nodded earnestly, "If Mr. Bai truly intends to do this, I will do everything I can to help."

Exhausted, Bai Mingxia never expected to receive such a commitment. It was ridiculous that even family couldn't compare to a stranger; what was there left for him to hold onto?

Let the family be divided. If they agreed, he would take only his share, and he wanted nothing else.

"With this business, you might consider finding a partner. It's a public trade, with considerable profits, and many may be envious."

Hua Zhi's mind raced, and she quickly made a decision, "If Mr. Bai is interested, I would be very willing to partner with you in this venture."

"The Bai family might not only be unhelpful but could also hold us back."