Crybaby Transmigrated into a Little Husband Chapter 75

Chapter 75: 黃公子

[Young Master Huang]

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Upon hearing Ji Ling’s inquiry, the young master gave him a subtle, unobtrusive glance before replying with apparent indifference, “Call me Young Master Huang.” His tone was exceedingly humble, yet it failed to conceal an underlying arrogance.

 

Ji Ling observed his friend standing nearby, who had been trying to treat the stranger as an equal. He readily complied, addressing him as, “Young Master Huang.”

 

Seeing Ji Ling’s composed and unassuming demeanor, Young Master Huang felt a certain respect. Yet, knowing this man had been introduced by Lei Ming, he couldn’t help but weigh the implications.

 

Lei Ming stood nearby, observing the two he’d introduced, seeming to hit it off. He didn’t interrupt, but when the time felt right, he cheerfully suggested, “It’s getting late. Let’s order some food and continue our conversation over a meal.” He then beckoned the waiting waiter inside and ordered several of their usual dishes.

 

The seating arrangement was carefully orchestrated. Ji Ling could sense Lei Ming subtly shielding Young Master Huang. Even without knowing the young man’s background, Ji Ling could guess his status from Lei Ming’s actions.

 

Once the dishes arrived, Lei Ming casually inquired, “Brother Ji, that business opportunity you mentioned last time—are you still looking for partners?”

He had mentioned it to Young Master Huang before, and since the young master showed interest, he had brought Ji Ling along.

 

Hearing Lei Ming’s question, Ji Ling readily agreed and answered directly, “This venture involves significant stakes. Without absolute certainty, I wouldn’t proceed lightly.” He had considered Lei Ming a capable candidate, whose background could contribute to their venture. Naturally, Lei Ming would receive his share of the profits. However, as he had stated, this was a major undertaking. Until a final decision was made, he wouldn’t reveal more details.

 

Seeing Ji Ling trail off mid-sentence, Lei Ming glanced at the young master Huang beside him. Noticing the spark of interest in his eyes, he grinned and chimed in, “Go ahead, Brother Ji. Young Master Huang is also quite interested in this matter. If it comes to fruition, he’ll certainly contribute his share.”

 

Ji Ling hesitated briefly, glancing at both Lei Ming and Tang Xiaobao before slowly speaking. “Since Brother Lei brought him, I naturally trust him.” With that, he laid out his plan directly.

 

After Ji Ling finished, Young Master Huang visibly pondered the proposal. Even Lei Ming, hearing it for the second time, found it highly feasible. He merely glanced at Young Master Huang and silently agreed without further comment.

 

Observing Ji Ling sipping tea alone after speaking, Young Master Huang’s tone carried a hint of puzzlement. “With the Ji family’s vast fortune, if you wished to pursue this, you could naturally collaborate with your family. Why seek help from outsiders specifically?”

 

The remark was rather blunt, but Ji Ling paid it no mind. He merely sipped the fine tea in his cup and replied calmly, “Things are a bit chaotic at home. I want to start my own business. As for why I sought Brother Lei’s help, first, he’s a man of integrity. Second, certain aspects of this venture require his expertise. I could manage it alone, but it would likely take much longer.”

 

The young master observed him for a moment, confirming he wasn’t lying—even the mockery in his eyes seemed genuine. Recalling Ji Ling’s earlier proposal, he realized that even if it failed, the losses would be minimal. Yet if it succeeded, the subsequent business opportunities promised substantial profits. Contemplating this, he looked at the confident man before him and couldn’t help but smile. “Young Master Ji, you truly don’t seem cut out for business.”

 

Hearing this, Ji Ling’s interest piqued, though he still remained silent.

 

Seeing that he paid her no mind, Young Master Huang showed no sign of annoyance. They sat there drinking tea for a while before he finally spoke up, “If I were to get involved, how would the profits be divided?”

 

Ji Ling looked at him, seemingly unsurprised. As soon as he finished, he laid out the plan he’d already prepared: “Originally, Brother Lei and I were partners. I put up seven-tenths of the capital, Brother Lei contributed the remaining three-tenths and his connections. I handle the operations afterward, and we split the profits fifty-fifty. But if Young Master Huang wishes to join now, it depends on what you bring to the table.”

 

At first glance, Young Master Huang knew Ji Ling’s terms were exceptionally generous—clearly, he came with sincerity. Considering this, he felt quite satisfied. The potential profits and the required investment seemed well within acceptable limits. He looked at Ji Ling and said, “I’ll put up four-tenths, Brother Lei will contribute three-tenths, and we’ll handle all the complicated paperwork. You’ll manage the day-to-day operations, and we’ll take six-tenths of the profits. What do you think?”

 

Ji Ling pondered briefly before turning to Lei Ming, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry: “Can this Mr. Huang make decisions on your behalf, Brother Lei?”

 

Lei Ming froze, then nodded blankly, offering a sheepish grin. “Of course I follow Mr. Huang’s lead.”

 

Seeing their agreement, Ji Ling nodded in consent.

 

Only then did Young Master Huang speak calmly, “You needn’t hand over the profits directly to us. Simply deposit them into a designated account for us.”

 

Ji Ling nodded, having no objection to this arrangement. However, remembering the matter of the agreement, he spoke up first, “I didn’t prepare a contract for this meeting. When we have time another day, we should sign a formal one.”

 

Young Master Huang nodded. Seeing Ji Ling handle matters so thoroughly, he found it quite impressive. After all, in business, it was best to have things clearly laid out in black and white.

 

After settling these matters, the attentive waiter knocked at the door, inquiring whether to bring in the meal prepared earlier that morning. Seeing the business discussion was nearly concluded, the group waved him in. The restaurant proved remarkably efficient; the waiter responded promptly and soon carried the dishes in. During the meal, they discussed specific issues, each offering their opinions to refine the collaboration.

 

Only after final decisions were made did Ji Ling take a brief rest. Glancing at the sky, he arranged a time for their next meeting before taking Feng Ling and taking his leave.

 

Watching Ji Ling’s retreating figure below, Young Master Huang turned to Lei Ming and asked, “Do you think he guessed my identity?”

 

Lei Ming rubbed his head, clearly puzzled by the question. After a moment’s thought, he replied directly:”I’m afraid I don’t know about that. We didn’t reveal any information just now, so probably not.”

 

Huang Gongzi regarded the towering figure before him with a noncommittal expression. That Ji Ling was far more astute than they had anticipated. Regardless of whether he had guessed correctly, Huang Gongzi only hoped the young master would earn him a tidy profit. Everything else was none of his concern.

 

After leaving the restaurant, Ji Ling didn’t return home once he boarded the carriage. Instead, he instructed Feng Ling to drive it to the shop Tang Xiaobao was renovating. Sure enough, as they stepped inside, they spotted Lü He and Tang Xiaobao standing outside, watching. Beside them lay several items, steam rising from them—they appeared to be food. Dust had settled on Tang Xiaobao’s face at some point, making him look like a dusty little kitten. Anyone seeing him would want to scoop him up, wash him clean, and tuck him into their arms.

 

Perhaps because few people ventured into this alley, Tang Xiaobao and the others spotted Ji Ling as soon as they approached, their eyes lighting up instantly. Like a kitten spotting its owner, Tang Xiaobao bounded over joyfully, standing before Ji Ling and exclaiming, “What are you doing here?”

 

Ji Ling pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve and gently wiped Tang Xiaobao’s face, his tone tinged with amusement. “I just finished some business and thought you might be here, so I came to see.” ”

 

Only upon seeing Ji Ling’s actions did Tang Xiaobao seem to realize the dirt on his face. He obediently tilted his head up, letting Ji Ling wipe his face, looking remarkably well-behaved.

 

Ji Ling carefully wiped his face several times until all the grime was finally gone, restoring that clean, fair complexion. Then, under Tang Xiaobao’s slightly embarrassed gaze, he took his hand and wiped it clean again.

 

Only after finishing all this did she look at him and ask, “Are you done here?”

 

Tang Xiaobao glanced at the nearly finished gate and the workers still diligently at their tasks. He answered honestly, ” “Yeah, almost done. Probably just a few more days. They’re really working fast.”

 

Ji Ling glanced at the guards supervising nearby and at Lühe, now covered in dust herself, and said calmly, “In that case, let’s head back. It’ll be finished in a few days anyway. With someone watching, nothing will happen. It’s getting late anyway. We can head back, take a bath, and have dinner right away.”

 

Hearing this, Tang Xiaobao nodded in agreement. He’d been making frequent trips here these past few days—partly because he genuinely cared about his shop, and partly because staying alone at the Ji residence was unbearably dull. But if Ji Ling were to accompany him back now, things would be different.

 

With that thought, Tang Xiaobao cheerfully exchanged greetings with the guard overseeing the work before leading Lühe and Ji Ling back.

 

Watching them depart, the guard breathed a sigh of relief. While Tang Xiaobao had been present, he’d been on edge, fearing that he might get hurt. Now that he was gone, his worries were lifted. Yet observing the workers before him, striving to complete the shop in the shortest time possible, he understood something others might not. To curry favor with his young master, one needed not only solid skills but, crucially, the ability to win over his young madam.

 

Following Ji Ling onto the carriage, Tang Xiaobao felt every muscle ache, every part of him uncomfortable. He reached to massage himself, only to find his own arms too stiff to lift. He couldn’t help but think how spoiled he’d become lately.

 

Ji Ling, who had been seated there, noticed Tang Xiaobao’s little gesture. He waved someone over to sit beside him, then reached out to massage Tang Xiaobao’s arms himself.

 

As the aching tension in his arms dissolved into relief, Tang Xiaobao let out a long sigh of contentment. “Those craftsmen working on the project must be so exhausted.”

 

Hearing Tang Xiaobao’s voice soften into a languid murmur from the comfort, Ji Ling found it oddly familiar. “Those craftsmen are used to hard labor,” he remarked matter-of-factly. “How could you possibly compare to them?”

 

Tang Xiaobao furrowed his delicate brow, then shook his head. Clearly aware he couldn’t match them, he leaned against Ji Ling’s shoulder, his voice soft and contented from the massage. “Thank goodness the renovation will be finished soon. Just running back and forth a few more times would wear me out.”

 

“You ah ” Ji Ling’s tone was unmistakably doting, though he said no more. This was Tang Xiaobao’s choice, and he naturally supported it.

 

They returned directly to the Ji residence through the back gate. As soon as they entered, Ji Ling instructed the servants to prepare a hot bath. After Tang Xiaobao enjoyed a thoroughly relaxing soak, the two finally sat down.

 

Watching Tang Xiaobao, now soft and supple after his bath, Ji Ling couldn’t resist pinching his cheek. He thought to himself, He really is well-cared for. Only when Tang Xiaobao finally couldn’t take it anymore and playfully swatted his hand away did he stop. Staring at him as he rubbed his cheek, he said earnestly, “Once your shop is renovated, you’ll need more hands. We brought quite a few from home this time, but will you stick with those from home, or buy some new ones?”

 

Hearing the mention of buying people, Tang Xiaobao froze for a moment before looking at Ji Ling, whose expression showed no hint of unease. Suddenly feeling he’d overreacted, he realized he still hadn’t adjusted to the ways here despite his time. Even if he disapproved, it wasn’t his place to interfere. After some thought, he decided to gather staff from the courtyard. Since he’d chosen to run an exclusive private kitchen, few hands were needed. If they fell short later, he’d address it then. With this in mind, Tang Xiaobao shared his plan with Ji Ling.

 

Ji Ling gazed at Tang Xiaobao’s exposed skin beneath his thin clothing and couldn’t resist pulling him into an embrace. As Tang Xiaobao’s cheeks flushed crimson yet remained still and compliant, Ji Ling continued, “I agree. But since you’re opening a restaurant, our household staff isn’t quite sufficient. If things like cooking get overwhelming later, we’ll still need to hire some help. In that case, would you rather hire them then, or get everything ready beforehand?”

 

Tang Xiaobao shifted slightly in Ji Ling’s embrace, finding a comfortable position, completely unaware of Ji Ling’s stiffening body from his movement. He continued, “There’s also a young waiter at the shop. I think he’s got potential. I’ll have him assist me when the time comes. As for the rest, we’ll need two more women to wash vegetables and a few sturdy servants. I plan to run it as a boutique restaurant, so we won’t need many people.”

 

Ji Ling pressed the person in his arms down, calming him with a look that conveyed understanding despite his confusion. He then nodded calmly and said, “Alright, we’ll leave these matters to Lühe to handle.”

 

Tang Xiaobao, who’d been puzzled by Ji Ling’s actions, suddenly felt warmth rising beneath him. Realizing what it meant, he flushed and nodded in agreement. Afterward, he thought to himself how Green Lotus truly was a hardworking and uncomplaining girl.

 

To avoid disturbing the pair, Green Lotus instinctively moved to a corner, positioning herself where she’d be least noticed.

 

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