Chapter 281
The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains as Luna White rubbed her eyes. It was her first day back at work after the New Year.
"Sis, Ryan, I'm heading to the hospital," she said, fastening the buttons on her white coat. "Finding a storefront is up to you now. Just follow the criteria I wrote down."
Luna's sister and brother-in-law nodded eagerly, clutching the note filled with detailed instructions. They had stayed up late the night before, memorizing every word to avoid any mistakes.
The hospital smelled of disinfectant. Luna carried two jars of honey straight to the director's office.
"Director Zhang, Happy New Year!" She smiled, handing over the gift. "This is raw honey from my hometown—great for digestion."
The elderly director adjusted his glasses, his wrinkles softening with a smile. "Luna, you're always so thoughtful."
After exchanging pleasantries, Luna brought up Samuel's schooling. Without hesitation, Director Zhang agreed, "Leave it to me. I'll have it sorted by the day after tomorrow."
Leaving his office, Luna stopped by her supervisor David Moore's room. He was sipping tea while reading the newspaper but set it aside when she entered.
"Director Moore, Happy New Year." She placed a small bag of walnuts on his desk. "I heard you've been working late. These are good for the brain."
David chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "Luna, you’re such a considerate girl." He tapped the commendation banner on his desk. "That banner from Andrew’s family really brought honor to our department."
At three in the afternoon, Luna’s phone rang. It was Director Zhang. "Luna, it’s done. Just pick up the paperwork from HR tomorrow."
Holding the phone, Luna felt her eyes grow warm. Since her reincarnation, she had met so many kind people.
Meanwhile, Luna’s sister and brother-in-law were scouring the city. Following the map Luna had drawn, they checked storefront after storefront, their legs aching from walking, but nothing seemed right.
On the twentieth day of the lunar month, they finally found a two-story building near the university district. The landlord, a shrewd middle-aged man with a cigarette dangling from his lips, stated, "Three thousand a year. Not a penny less."
Luna’s sister gasped. That was half a year’s salary for her!
That evening, Luna rushed over after work. After inspecting the place, her eyes lit up. "Sis, this is perfect! We can fit over twenty tables upstairs and downstairs."
Ryan rubbed his hands nervously. "But the rent..."
"Worth it!" Luna said firmly. "University students love group meals, and journalists and TV crews are always networking. With good food, business will thrive."
The day after signing the ten-year lease, Ryan rode his new tricycle to the market, followed by sixteen-year-old Ethan, who carried Luna’s shopping list.
"Uncle, pick the lamb with even marbling," the tall teenager advised knowledgeably.
In the kitchen, Luna taught Ethan how to prepare the broth base. The boy learned quickly—by his third attempt, the flavor impressed her.
"Ethan, you're a natural chef!" Luna gave him a thumbs-up.
Ethan smiled shyly, flecks of chili powder on his forehead. Glancing at his parents wiping down tables, he noticed the first strands of gray in their hair.
"Aunt Luna, I’ll make this hotpot restaurant succeed," he said solemnly.
She ruffled his hair. "I believe in you."
By late February, the restaurant was fully renovated. Copper pots, gas tanks, and custom-made tables and chairs were all in place. Standing at the entrance, Luna gazed at the new sign—"White Family Hotpot"—her lips curving into a smile.
Samuel came running from school, his cheeks flushed. "Aunt Luna! My classmates all said they’re coming to try the hotpot!"
Luna crouched to straighten his crooked red scarf. "Then your brother better show off his skills."
As the setting sun cast golden light over the newly laid tiles, the family stood at the doorway, their faces a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Tomorrow, their new venture would officially begin.