New Venture for Uncle George's Family

Lily Evans looked at the three of them and said, "Here's the thing—I have a job, and I was wondering if your family could help. It's deep in the mountains, completely isolated, and it's all about farming. Not just working the land yourself, but teaching and managing others too. The place is so far from any town, you might only get out once every few months."

The Wang family exchanged glances. Linda Wang said, "Of course we'll do it! Why wouldn't we? David, William, and I were just thinking—we’ve been living in your lovely house, using your servants, eating your food, and you even give us spending money. It’s embarrassing! If there’s something we can help with, we’d love to pitch in and earn our own keep. We can’t keep relying on your generosity forever."

David Wang nodded, "Exactly! We need our own livelihood. Your Fourth Uncle is a real talent, and he and Aunt Charlotte run a business with you. Even Zhang Mu and his wife help you out. But me, your eldest uncle, I’ve felt pretty useless. Now you need someone good at farming, and all three of us are experts. We’re great at working the land!"

William 'Li Dong' Wang nodded, his honest face turning red as he blurted out, "I'll do it! I'll do it!"

Seeing how eager the Wang family was, Lily Evans felt completely at ease. "Great! Then I'll leave this job to your family. We're all family here—of course I won't treat you unfairly."

David Wang scratched his head, embarrassed. "We're family, no need to be so polite."

"Business is business, but with you handling it, Uncle, I can relax—it saves me so much worry! Besides, didn’t you say you want to find William a wife? That takes money. And when Yaya grows up, she’ll need a dowry too. There are plenty of expenses ahead, and I’m not short on silver. How could I possibly shortchange my own uncle!" Lily Evans said cheerfully.

The Wang family was deeply moved. They all knew Lily Evans’s character—if you were loyal to her, she’d treat you with sincere generosity and kindness.

So Lily Evans briefly explained the plantation project to them. For secrecy, she didn’t mention what would be planted just yet. Once the plantation was ready and they went into the mountains, she’d tell them when it was time to transport the seeds.

The Wang family was delighted to finally be able to help, all of them in high spirits.

Lily Evans was also pleased—she’d solved a major problem for the plantation and found her uncle’s family a suitable livelihood.

"This is fantastic news! Come on, let’s go out to eat—my treat!" Lily Evans declared, slapping her chest in a show of generosity.

Linda Wang said happily, "Should I call Third Uncle Su to join us?"

Lily Evans thought for a moment. Since Third Uncle Su was always alone and brooding, it would be good for him to join them. She told Linda Wang to invite him, and instructed the servant boys to help him wash up and change clothes. He looked much better when he finally came out.

Emily 'Yaya' Wang clapped her hands happily, "Great! We're going out to eat! Where are we going, Aunt Lily?"

Lily Evans smiled, taking Emily 'Yaya' Wang's hand, "Of course we're going to the best and most expensive restaurant in the capital—Eight Treasures Bistro!"

Emily 'Yaya' Wang was so happy she couldn't stop smiling, "Yay! We're going to Aunt Lily's restaurant for delicious food!"