Chapter 15: Doing Business

Su Yun's heart swelled with a profound sense of emotion as she stood in the kitchen, her hands idly stirring the vegetables. The flickering light from the overhead lamp cast a warm glow, but her thoughts were far from the comforting scene of her home. The corners of her eyes were damp with tears, the weight of her past decisions and the complexities of her present life weighing heavily upon her.

When Su Yun had made the decision to marry Qin Zhonghui, her family's response had been far from enthusiastic. Her parents, who had always been a pillar of support in her life, were visibly displeased. Her three brothers, each with their own distinct personalities and ambitions, had voiced their concerns openly. They all shared a common sentiment: Qin Zhonghui was too honest, perhaps too straightforward, for their liking.

The crux of their discontent lay not in Qin Zhonghui's character alone but in the entire Qin family dynamic. The Qin family, as Su Yun would come to understand in the ensuing years, was a complex web of personalities and power struggles. The patriarch, an imposing figure with a domineering presence, ruled the family with an iron fist. His decisions were often unilateral, and his control over family matters was absolute. The matriarch, while not as authoritarian, was easily swayed by external influences, her judgments often colored by the opinions of those around her. The eldest son's family was notorious for its sycophantic behavior, always eager to curry favor with the patriarch, while the youngest member, Qin Jiqun, was doted upon excessively, receiving preferential treatment that created an imbalance within the family.

In this environment, Qin Zhonghui, the middle child, found himself in a precarious position. He was neither favored by the elders nor particularly influential among his siblings. His straightforward nature, often seen as a liability rather than an asset, further isolated him. Su Yun's family feared that marrying into such a family might bring her more trouble than joy.

Despite their reservations, Su Yun was resolute in her choice. Her marriage to Qin Zhonghui was driven by a deep and genuine affection, an emotion that transcended her family's concerns. However, the early years of their union were fraught with difficulties. The Qin family's initial resistance to her had only intensified when she gave birth to two daughters in quick succession. Traditional biases and societal expectations compounded her struggles, making her position within the family even more tenuous.

The birth of her daughters, whom she cherished dearly, was met with disappointment and criticism from the Qin family. In a society where the birth of a male heir was often prioritized, Su Yun's status within the family suffered. Her mother-in-law's discontent and the cold shoulders from her brothers-in-law added to the strain. Su Yun found herself in a constant battle to prove her worth and secure a place for her daughters in a family that seemed indifferent to their needs.

Yet, amidst these trials, Qin Zhonghui remained a source of steadfast support. His genuine kindness and unwavering affection were the pillars upon which Su Yun leaned. Despite the harsh treatment from his family and the occasional hostility from extended relatives, Qin Zhonghui's love for Su Yun never wavered. He was a constant reminder that, despite the difficulties, there was a silver lining in their shared commitment and mutual respect.

One evening, after a particularly challenging day of shopping for vegetables and returning home, a semblance of normalcy was restored with the arrival of Qin Ju and her family. Qin Ju, known for her helpful nature, immediately immersed herself in the kitchen duties. Her presence was a welcome relief, and her cheerful demeanor contrasted sharply with the earlier strains of the day. She worked alongside Xiao Shi, who, after a day of silence, seemed to come alive in the company of his sister. His previously subdued demeanor brightened, and he followed her around eagerly, a testament to their close bond.

As they worked together, the kitchen filled with the sounds of chopping vegetables, the sizzling of food on the stove, and the occasional laughter. Qin Zhonghui, having been gently nudged out of the kitchen to make space for his family, found himself in the living room with Su Lei. They settled into their seats, the television providing a backdrop of news broadcasts that offered a temporary escape from the ongoing family discussions.

The atmosphere in the kitchen was a blend of warmth and bustling activity. Su Yun, amidst the flurry of preparation, found herself reflecting on the earlier conversation with her family. The suggestions and advice they had offered were being weighed carefully in her mind.

As the meal neared completion, Sun Miaohong, Su Yun's mother, decided it was time to address a matter that had been on her mind for some time. She turned to her husband, Su Lei, with a thoughtful expression. "Su Lei," she began, her voice carrying a tone of contemplation, "tomorrow, could you assist us in finding a suitable house? It would be even more helpful if you could find some work opportunities. By the way, Xiaoyun, what kind of work do you and Zhonghui envision for yourselves?"

Su Yun, who had been considering their options with a pragmatic mindset, responded thoughtfully, "Why don't we focus on cooking? It's the area where we have the most experience and skill."

As Qin Ju served a piece of meat into Xiao Shi's bowl, she glanced at her parents with an air of casual suggestion. "Mom and Dad, have you thought about selling buns near the school in the mornings? There's a county government building not too far from the school, and many people working there might not have time for breakfast. If you make some buns, they should sell well. It's a way to cater to a need that isn't currently being met."

Her suggestion caught Su Yun and Qin Zhonghui by surprise. The idea of starting their own business was a departure from their previous experiences, where they had always worked for others. The concept of entrepreneurship was foreign to them, and they had not considered it as a viable option.

Qin Zhonghui fell into deep contemplation, his mind racing with the possibilities and challenges that came with starting a business. The thought of becoming an entrepreneur, of taking on a new venture, was both exciting and daunting. Su Yun, observing his reaction, offered a nervous laugh and interjected, "Starting a business isn't something that everyone can easily do. Xiaojiu, don't jump to conclusions without considering the full scope."

Su Lei, however, took a more serious approach. "I don't believe Xiao Ju is being unrealistic. There's a genuine need for breakfast options in our area. The canteen isn't open during the early hours, and people often go hungry. Zhonghui, remember how I've always emphasized the importance of a proper breakfast. I once had an old leader who neglected his meals and ended up with severe stomach problems. He had to be taken to a major hospital in the provincial capital for treatment."

Sun Miaohong's encouragement added a sense of validity to the idea. "I think it's a practical suggestion! A small-scale business like this doesn't require a substantial initial investment. It's worth trying out, and if it doesn't work out as planned, you can always explore other options. It's important to have the courage to take risks and try new things."

Su Yun, touched by her family's support and the potential of the idea, turned to Qin Zhonghui with a hopeful gaze. "Zhonghui, what are your thoughts on this?"

Qin Zhonghui, his expression reflecting both sincerity and determination, responded with a smile, "If you're willing to give it a try, then I am too."

With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Su Yun nodded in agreement. "Alright, we'll discuss the details further and plan accordingly."

The decision to embark on this new venture marked a significant turning point for Su Yun and Qin Zhonghui. It symbolized not just a new business opportunity but also a renewed sense of hope and resilience. As they prepared to navigate this uncharted territory, they were buoyed by the support of their family and the shared commitment to overcoming the challenges ahead.

The chapter closed with a sense of cautious optimism, a feeling that despite the uncertainties, they were ready to face whatever came their way with determination and unity. The journey ahead promised to be filled with both challenges and opportunities, but Su Yun and Qin Zhonghui were prepared to embrace it together, fortified by their love and the support of those around them.

(End of this chapter)