Courtyard House: Starting by inheriting the tradition and suppressing the barbarians.

In the late autumn of 1963, Qianmen Dashilan was still bustling with people.

The signboard of Xue Ru Silk Shop is still there.

But next to it was a sign with white background and black lettering that read "Joint Public-Private Enterprise".

As the private manager, Chen Xueru also oversees the store's affairs.

But life wasn't as comfortable as it used to be.

The new manager sent by the company is a rigid dogmatist.

He spends all day scrutinizing the account books and finding fault with Chen Xueru's clothes and appearance.

This resulted in the store's business being lukewarm, and many regular customers were lost.

That evening, the shop was still open.

Chen Xueru sat behind the counter, her brow furrowed as she fiddled with the abacus.

"Life is getting more and more boring."

She sighed, looking at the piles of high-end silks on the shelves, feeling worried.

Nowadays, people advocate frugality and simplicity, so these brightly colored and expensive fabrics simply don't sell.

The company manager disagreed with lowering the price, saying it would be a loss of state-owned assets.

This in-and-out approach is a dead end.

"Sister Xue Ru, what's wrong?"

"So worried you could trap a fly between your brows?"

A gentle male voice rang out from the doorway.

Chen Xueru looked up abruptly and saw Li Xuan, wearing a dark gray woolen overcoat, push open the door and walk in.

Years have passed, and Li Xuan has shed his youthful naiveté and become more composed and refined.

Those deep eyes seemed to be able to see into people's hearts.

He is now the youngest professor at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and an authority in the medical field!

Her aura was so powerful that people dared not look directly at her!

"Xiao Xuan! What brings you here?"

Chen Xueru's eyes lit up, and her previous worry vanished instantly.

He quickly came around the counter. "Come on, sit in the back, I'll make you some tea!"

"This year's new Longjing tea!"

Upon arriving at the private reception room in the backyard, Chen Xueru closed the door.

She shed her facade as a strong, independent woman, collapsed onto the sofa, rubbing her temples and complaining.

"That Manager Liao is always contradicting me."

"If this batch of silk from Suzhou and Hangzhou isn't sold soon, it will rot in the warehouse."

"When the year-end accounting shows a loss, he'll start accusing me again."

Li Xuan took the teacup, took a sip, and smiled faintly: "What's so difficult about that?"

"These silks are too brightly colored; no one would dare to wear clothes made from them."

"But you can try a different approach."

"Change your approach?" Chen Xueru leaned closer, the familiar scent of perfume lingering around Li Xuan's nose.

"Make these silks into quilt covers, or embroider them into pillowcases and handkerchiefs."

Li Xuan offered guidance, "Although you wear simple clothes on the outside..."

"But when ordinary people are living their lives behind closed doors, who doesn't like things to be festive?"

"Especially for weddings, these bright red and green bed sheets are a necessity!"

"Furthermore, you could organize a 'trade-in' program or a 'defective product discount' event."

"Clear out the inventory and use the funds to buy a batch of durable work clothes and corduroy."

"That's what's in high demand right now."

"That's right! How come I didn't think of that!"

Chen Xueru slapped her thigh and jumped up excitedly, "Making them into bed sheets! This idea is brilliant!"

"It's inconspicuous yet practical!"

"Xiao Xuan, what's wrong with your brain?"

"It's such a shame they don't run a business!"

She looked at Li Xuan, her eyes almost overflowing with admiration.

Whenever she was at her wit's end, this man always managed to solve everything for her with ease!

"Don't leave tonight, have a couple of drinks with me."

Without waiting for a reply, Chen Xueru grabbed Li Xuan and said, "I'll have Fengzeyuan send over some dishes."

"I just managed to get two bottles of good wine a couple of days ago."

......

After several rounds of drinks and five courses of food,

The lighting inside the room became dim and ambiguous.

Chen Xueru had drunk a bit too much; her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were glazed over.

She took off her coat, revealing a tight-fitting wool sweater underneath that accentuated her full and alluring curves.

She held a wine glass and swayed as she walked up to Li Xuan.

She sat directly on the armrest next to him, with one hand on his shoulder.

"Xiao Xuan, do you know?"

"My sister has had a tough time these past few years."

Chen Xueru's breath was fragrant, her voice carrying a hint of intoxication and a deeper sense of melancholy.

"Sometimes I think, if only I could have been born ten years earlier... or if only you had been born ten years earlier."

"How wonderful that would be."

"I know you have Hua Youlin now."

"She is a well-bred young lady, beautiful, and educated. She and you are a match made in heaven."

As she said this, a hint of melancholy flashed in her eyes, and she gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"My sister is a self-employed businesswoman, and she's divorced..."

"Sister Xue Ru."

Li Xuan put down his wine cup and reached out to support her swaying body.

"In my eyes, you have always been the Chen Xueru who dares to love and hate, and who is shrewd and capable."

"Your worth does not need to be measured by marriage."

"I know... but I'm suffering inside."

Fueled by alcohol, Chen Xueru suddenly leaned down and buried her head in Li Xuan's neck.

Hot tears soaked his collar.

"I don't seek any official title, nor do I want to ruin your relationship with Miss Hua."

"I just... I just want someone to rely on, someone to look forward to."

"Xiao Xuan, I've decided on you for life."

"If you don't mind, I'm willing to be the woman behind you."

"This shop, this money, even me, are all yours whenever you need them."

Even if I can only see you a few times a year, I'll be content.

This is the most humble confession, and also the most affectionate promise.

In this conservative era, how much courage and love does it take for a woman to say such a thing?

Li Xuan sighed inwardly, feeling somewhat moved as well.

He wasn't heartless; he had seen how good Chen Xueru had been to him over the years.

Moreover, in this great era that is about to begin.

He does need someone he can absolutely trust to keep an eye on things for him, both in the business and everyday aspects.

Chen Xueru is undoubtedly the best candidate.

He helped Chen Xueru to the side, saying, "Sister Xueru, I understand your feelings."

I won't give you empty promises.

"But I can promise you that as long as I, Li Xuan, am here, I will never let you suffer any injustice."

No matter how strong the wind and rain, I will bear it for you.

"Our relationship isn't something shady; we're best friends, like family."

"family..."

Chen Xueru murmured these two words, her tears flowing even more fiercely.

But a satisfied smile bloomed on his lips.

She knew that this was Li Xuan's bottom line for her, and also the most enduring confession of love.

enough.

That's more than enough.

That night, the two did not cross any lines; they simply embraced and talked for a long time.

They talked about business and the future, from China to Hong Kong.

Li Xuan subtly revealed some aspects of the future situation to her.

He also advised her to start keeping a low profile and convert some of her assets into hard currency, such as gold.

Then, I entrusted it to myself for safekeeping.

Chen Xueru listened attentively and even offered to use the silk shop's channels to help Li Xuan collect some special materials that were not available on the market.

The next morning, when Li Xuan left.

Chen Xueru stood at the door.

Although her eyes were a little red and swollen, she radiated a newfound glow.

She is no longer that resentful woman who is anxious and insecure.

Instead, she became Li Xuan's most steadfast and alluring hidden pawn in this grand scheme.

"A female confidante is not bad either."

Chen Xueru watched Li Xuan's retreating figure and smoothed her hair.

He turned and walked into the store, his eyes becoming sharp and shrewd.

"Manager Liao, right?"

"It's time to settle our scores!"

......