Chapter 401 How to Maintain One's Self-Esteem
Chen Tangtang was wearing a long red plaid dress, while Qi Xuan wore jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. They were beautiful, but all three of them had already lost their composure due to eating.
Ye Shengge ate one fish ball after another, fresh and springy. She hadn't eaten such authentic fish balls in a long time.
"Shengge, come quickly, the conch decorations at this shop are beautiful."
"Mm, coming."
In the crowd, a pair of eyes stared intently at the girl's delicate and beautiful face, a smile curling at the corners of his lips.
Zi Yisheng felt a strange sensation, turned his head to look at the people on the street, but saw nothing.
Ye Mama and the others, finding the young girls solely focused on eating, had already separated to shop.
Ye Shengge and a few others strolled all the way to a seaside village where there was a sea market. If they had arrived earlier, they could have bought the freshest seafood at cheap prices.
It was now past ten in the morning. There were small stalls selling freshly cooked seafood, and food stalls set up under awnings. A well-established market had formed by the sea.
Qi Xuan excitedly kicked off her shoes and ran towards the sea.
"Quick, quick, we can dig for seafood along the shore and let the shop owners cook it for us for lunch."
The shop owners here were very business-savvy. As long as you chose to eat at their shop, they would provide tools for digging for seafood. Ye Shengge felt that the people of Mi Province seemed quite business-minded.
Even the most rigid person at the seaside could relax a little at this moment.
Watching the girls dig happily, Asen also asked the shop owner for tools and joined them.
When Ye Shengge had visited the beach near the village before, it was during cold weather, so she couldn't get wet or play barefoot on the sand like this.
Zi Yisheng had been following the little girl closely, digging pits and carrying buckets.
"So many clams, we can definitely stir-fry a dish today."
"And crabs, though they're small."
Seeing the little girl playing happily, Zi Yisheng suddenly felt that coming to Mi Province was quite good, at least the little girl could play to her heart's content.
In less than half an hour, everyone's buckets were more than half full of seafood. Chen Tangtang had even found many small shrimp in the shallow water.
The shop owner smiled as he took the guests' catches. As long as they ate at their establishment, all the seafood the guests found for free would be processed for them.
"Guests, we also have freshly caught seafood today, including large lobsters, sea urchins, abalone, and octopuses, all very plump."
"Shengge, is this shrimp the ancestor of the shrimp I caught? It's so big."
Ye Shengge poked the large lobster with her finger.
"Then let's catch them all today. Boss, bring us a few of your specialty dishes."
These were usually Ouyang's responsibility. With so many people, a few dishes wouldn't be enough, so they also ordered some other substantial dishes like salt-baked chicken and pineapple duck.
The midday sun by the sea was fierce. Mi Province had a large temperature difference between morning and evening. It could be as hot as thirty-six or thirty-seven degrees now, and only in the twenties at night.
"Auntie, the seaside resort is over there. Many people will come to swim around four or five o'clock."
"Is there a charge?"
"No, but you have to buy water tickets to use freshwater."
Ye Shengge nodded. They were utilizing all the available resources by the sea, no wonder Mi Province was so wealthy.
The place where they disembarked yesterday was the port. Countless cargo ships passed through every day, and the import and export trade here was also very prosperous.
"I really hope our country can open up its economy like this. Our territory is much larger than Mi Province's. If business takes off, we can develop rapidly."
Zi Yisheng strongly agreed with the little girl's words. These plans would all be realized sooner or later. The ambition in Zi Yisheng's eyes was unhidden.
Ye Mu'en saw it and smiled wryly. This person's ambition was never concealed.
"The food is here, everyone, try our family's cooking. If you like it, come often."
The large lobsters were all bought out today, only six of them, so some people were bound to miss out. Zi Yisheng, disregarding decorum, quickly scooped one onto the little girl's plate.
Ye Mu'en then gave his sister a steamed sea urchin egg, and even Qi Xuan knew to offer food to her aunt first.
Ye Shengge smiled sweetly, feeling good about being taken care of.
The shrimp meat was springy, and the abalone meat was neither too soft nor too hard. The shop owner used very few seasonings, allowing everyone to taste the original flavor.
Dishes like stir-fried clams and octopuses were spicy and sweet. Northerners might find them a bit too sweet at first.
Having been tormented by the scarcity of domestic resources, no one was picky. Everyone's chopsticks moved very quickly.
Ouyang knew that Little Fatty had very few opportunities to eat out and didn't know how to eat many kinds of seafood. Therefore, Ouyang was very considerate, subtly teaching Little Fatty.
Chen Tonghua saw everything, but following along like this made him feel very uneasy. Before, in the village, he could earn his own food through hard work. When they took refuge in the mountains, he quickly ate with everyone. He understood that he had always relied on his younger sister for free meals.
After escaping to Mi Province, he was provided with food, clothing, housing, and transportation, and he ate and lived for free. Every bite he ate felt difficult to swallow, and he ate without confidence.
Chen Tangtang was a carefree person. Ouyang and Aunt Xia treated her well, and Shengge, the "big golden leg," doted on her. She truly didn't think much about it and even accepted the pocket money given by Young Master Zi.
This was because Ouyang had told her to just accept whatever Young Master Zi gave, as it was his reward and she should show him respect.
In fact, Chen Tangtang accepted all this with a clear conscience, firstly because she was Ouyang's girlfriend, and secondly, she gave the money and tickets her parents sent to Aunt Xia. Although it might not have been enough, she gave it all.
As for her elder brother, she hadn't considered him, just assuming that if she had a share, he would too.
Ouyang was very perceptive. As a seasoned secretary, he had to constantly observe people and pay attention to everyone's expressions.
The meal was eaten quickly. When Ouyang went to pay, Ye Shengge specifically followed to find out how much it would cost for their group of over a dozen people to eat one meal.
"Guest, it's one hundred and seventy yuan in total."
Ye Shengge raised an eyebrow. Six large lobsters, twenty to thirty abalones, and although the rest were cheaper seafood, there were also chicken and duck as main dishes. It was indeed very cheap.
Only Chen Tangtang and Chen Tonghua felt their hearts ache. One hundred and seventy yuan was enough for their family to save for three to four months without eating or drinking.
Ouyang couldn't help but find the little fatty's pained expression amusing and gently patted her head.
"You need to get used to it quickly. We never lack money when we follow Young Master Zi, and Young Master Zi never mistreats his subordinates.
And your big golden leg, she's the real rich one. You're my fiancée, Ouyang's wife, and also Shengge's good friend, so you won't lack money, and I don't fear you spending it, understand?"
Chen Tangtang scratched her face. She had already been shocked by the prices when shopping in Chuncheng, and she never expected to gain a deeper understanding of Ouyang's "never lacking money" statement after arriving in Mi Province.
"But it hurts my heart!"
"Hahahaha, you'll get used to it slowly."
It couldn't be helped that the little fatty chose well. She could only adapt slowly. She hadn't even seen the fighting power of Ye Mama and the Bai family ladies yet, which could make her cry from heartache in just one encounter.
In the afternoon, the group went to the most prosperous street in Mi Province's city center. This truly opened Chen Tangtang's eyes. She had only visited small streets yesterday and gained knowledge today.
Ye Shengge did not go shopping with Chen Tangtang and the others. She and Zi Yisheng took a car to visit Mi Province University. They didn't ask Asen to drive them and considered taking the public bus in Mi Province as sightseeing.
Mi Province University was less than six bus stops from the city center, but it required a transfer from the Western-style house where Ye Shengge was currently staying.
After getting off the bus, Ye Shengge saw the large gate engraved with the words "Mi Province University." The gate itself wasn't very large, but quite a few students were entering and exiting.
She walked around the outside of the university. It wasn't as large as universities in her previous life, but it was considered large on the small land of Mi Province.
"I've already had someone inquire. Mi Province doesn't have pharmaceutical science, but it has pharmacy. It should be similar, right?"
"That depends on the content of the subjects studied."
"Even to audit classes at Mi Province University, you need to pass an exam, or you have to have made contributions to the university to get a special quota."
Ye Shengge understood instantly. Contribution meant spending money, and a lot of it, so there was really no need.
"Let's find some books first. Even if I take the exam, I should know what to study."
"Books will be delivered tonight. Are you really planning to go to school?"
Zi Yisheng was afraid that the little girl wouldn't want to go back when it was time to return home.
Ye Shengge smiled and shook her head. Although she hadn't attended school in her previous life, she never lacked tutors at home. After experiencing high school life in Qi City, she no longer cared about going to school.
"I just want to systematically learn the basics of pharmaceutical manufacturing. If Mi Province University is suitable, I'll audit classes. If not, I'll find more basic books to self-study."
Hearing this, Zi Yisheng breathed a sigh of relief.
"Do you want to go in and take a look?"
"Can we go in?"
"Let's ask first. If not, we'll find someone to make an introduction and then come back."
The two walked to the main entrance of the university and saw that every student entering had to present their student ID.
Ye Shengge didn't want to go through the trouble. It would be the same to take the exam later.
After walking around, it exceeded Ye Shengge's physical capacity, and her feet ached.
Zi Yisheng bent down, letting the little girl climb onto his back. In Mi Province, it was normal for couples to carry each other, and even kiss on the street.
On Zi Yisheng's back, Ye Shengge looked at the scenery of Mi Province. It was truly charming, with flowers and green plants everywhere. Breathing in the fresh air made her feel refreshed.
Zi Yisheng walked slowly to the bus stop without putting Ye Shengge down, and the two chatted in low voices, warm and sweet.
When they got off the bus, Asen was already waiting with the car. Li Cheng had bought a car and a van two months after arriving in Mi Province. With Young Master Zi's arrival, another car was needed for convenience.
Ye Shengge slept all the way back. Ye Mu'en saw his sister being carried back and reached out to take her. He carried her back to her room without waking her.
Ouyang had been waiting for Zi Yisheng. As soon as he saw him enter, he hurried to meet him.
"Young Master Zi, I want to discuss something with you."
Zi Yisheng loosened the top button of his collar. Ouyang handed him a wet towel.
"What is it?"
"It's about my elder brother-in-law."
Zi Yisheng wiped his hands and looked up at Ouyang.
"I noticed today that Chen Tonghua seemed reserved when eating and drinking with us. Perhaps he feels embarrassed about eating and drinking for free. I was thinking, why not let him do something, so he'd feel better?"
Zi Yisheng's lips curled. Finally, someone was like him. Ouyang had said before that he had become without principles, but wasn't he the same now?
"Did he talk to you himself?"
"No, he probably doesn't know how to bring it up yet."
"Then let's wait. What if he already has plans? And will the work you arrange make him feel like he's losing face? It's better not to do good deeds with bad intentions."
Ouyang hesitated. He didn't interact much with Chen Tonghua. They rarely had conversations, so he hadn't really considered if it would hurt his self-esteem.
Ye Mu'en came downstairs and overheard them, looking at the two strangely.
"Nowadays, if you find a partner, you have to take care of their whole family? Why haven't you ever taken care of me?"
Zi Yisheng could only roll his eyes inwardly. Was this person sick? He was capable of anything, so what did he need to take care of?
"Then let the elder brother-in-law speak, so I'll have a chance to show myself."
"Alright, help me find two adjacent shops. I'll let Monkey do some business in Mi Province too."
"A small matter. Should they be next to our antique shop?"
Ye Mu'en nodded. It was good to have someone to boss around.
Ouyang felt a bit depressed. His situation with Young Master Zi and Young Lady Ye was different; their families were considered equals. However, Little Fatty's family had much poorer conditions, and he feared that if he wasn't careful, he might hurt the other person's self-esteem.
Therefore, Ouyang had always treated him with great caution. Fortunately, Little Fatty was carefree. But his elder brother-in-law didn't seem to be, and he really didn't know what to do.
"Ouyang, actually, Zi Yisheng's suggestion is quite good. You don't have any obligation to take care of Chen Tonghua. It's better to wait for him to speak up. Then, when you help, it won't hurt his self-esteem."
Ouyang sighed. In the past, he never considered other people's feelings. He only needed to complete all of Young Master Zi's tasks. Others would fawn over him, and over time, people would become somewhat autocratic.
But with Little Fatty, he really considered many things. He took care of the lives of the Chen siblings, and also the lives of their parents in Qi City. Every so often, he would proactively write letters and send gifts, and even call their parents' workplaces to say hello.
Zi Yisheng patted Ouyang on the shoulder. Many things are learned through experience. He had also changed a lot after meeting the little girl, at least knowing to consider her feelings.
In fact, Chen Tonghua was already trying to find work. He couldn't just eat and drink for free indefinitely. He was already grateful to have come to Mi Province with them, and he felt ashamed to continue pretending to be oblivious.
However, Chen Tonghua had thought too simply. To work in Mi Province, one needed identification papers, and for better jobs, academic qualifications were also required.
He spent half a day searching and found that he could only find jobs involving manual labor. But even for such jobs, he was willing to do them.
When Chen Tonghua mentioned this to his younger sister, Chen Tangtang was stunned but quickly understood her elder brother's thoughts.
It was she who hadn't thought enough and hadn't considered her elder brother's feelings.
"Brother, if doing some work makes you feel better, then do it. If you're unhappy or it's too hard, I can ask Ouyang or Shengge to help you find a suitable job."
Chen Tonghua quickly stopped his sister's idea. He went out to find a job himself precisely to avoid bothering Ouyang and Ye Shengge.
"Tangtang, we don't know how long we'll be in Mi Province, so it's best for me to do some odd jobs. I get paid daily, so I can buy some food and vegetables for home."
Chen Tangtang suddenly felt a pang of sadness. Her choices had put pressure on her elder brother.
"Okay, I'll wait for Brother to buy groceries and bring them home."
When Ouyang returned, he heard Little Fatty mention her elder brother's decision. He had originally wanted Chen Tonghua to learn more from Li Cheng during this opportunity, but now he could only talk to Little Fatty about it.
When Ye Shengge woke up, she saw Chen Tangtang with red eyes, clearly having cried in secret. After listening to Chen Tangtang's words, Ye Shengge highly respected Chen Tonghua's decision.
However, Ye Shengge didn't feel that Chen Tonghua's choice was necessarily right. After all, earning money through one's own labor didn't preclude accepting a helping hand offered by others.
To refuse a good opportunity to earn more money and instead go through hardship to prove oneself was merely forcing self-esteem, and it was only for oneself to see.
Earning money was the true truth, and learning more from good opportunities was what smart people should do. Doing manual labor would only ever make one a laborer.
"Tangtang, just respect your elder brother's decision. Perhaps later, after he hears the experiences of Monkey, Asen, and the others, he might change his mind."
"Mm, I just feel like Big Brother is being silly. Mi Province is such a great opportunity. I even want to go out and gain some experience, which is better than anything."
Ye Shengge smiled and gave Chen Tangtang a thumbs-up. Some people were simply pedantic and stubborn.
Chen Tangtang looked at her friend's funny expression and stopped crying, bursting into laughter. Shengge was always the clearest-headed person when looking at things.
"Fine, if I say too much, Big Brother will be unhappy too. We'll take it slow. Anyway, Ouyang is still thinking of him."
"Now you know how good Ouyang is, right? Careful, considerate, and thoughtful."
Chen Tangtang's face immediately turned red. She covered her face and laughed, her mouth stretched wide.
Ye Shengge received the syllabus and books for the pharmacy department of Mi Province University that evening and quickly took them to her room to study.
Elder Fan and Elder Dang heard about it and also became interested. They hadn't attended university in their youth and had learned traditional Chinese medicine through formal apprenticeship.
They were very interested in modern universities, especially seeing their youngest disciple eager to learn. Regardless of whether their youngest disciple studied traditional Chinese medicine, they were happy.
Ye Shengge directly entered the space and, after reviewing, understood what modern pharmacy encompassed.
It basically involved the production, inspection, circulation, use, and research of Western medicine. This was somewhat different from the pharmaceutical manufacturing she wanted to study.
However, she could still learn about drug clinical trials. But her true love was traditional Chinese medicine, and she planned to apply for the exam.
If she could qualify as an auditing student, she would be willing to learn some basic theoretical knowledge.
Next, Ye Shengge entered a period of seclusion. Due to her learning habits from her previous life, self-study was one of her strengths. With the exam scope, she could easily grasp the key points.
Within a week, with the cheat of the space, Ye Shengge had basically skimmed through the books, and it should be no problem to pass the exam.
Zi Yisheng had also made the necessary arrangements. The exam was scheduled for two days later.
Qi Xuan and Qi Luquan had left home for three days. They had only informed Ye Dad and left without taking anyone with them.