The Little Cook

[Blurb] Old story x Read at your own risk x Please go easy on me

When Xie Mingyuan and He Shuangjiang first met, they were both at their lowest. One had fled famine in the north, while the other was being bullied by a cruel servant.

The second time they met, one was determined to get rich, and the other was determined to make something of himself.

The third time they met, one had opened a restaurant in Yangzhou, and the other was clad in silver armor, covered in military honors.

Xie Mingyuan was the fake heir to the Earl's household, switched at birth. After the truth came to light, he was sent to a country estate, isolated and powerless, where anyone could bully him.

Until a ray of light pulled him out of the mire.

She said, "You shouldn't have to live like this. If someone bullies you, strike back, openly or behind the scenes. Make them suffer some losses, too."

She said, "You've read so many books. You ought to be capable. So why are you hiding here like a coward?"

She said, "You should have a mind of your own. Look at me: I want to open a grand restaurant someday. Since you don't know what to do, why not come work for me as the bookkeeper?"

He thought she had a point, so he set aside his pride, subdued his temperament, and decided to start over.

He Shuangjiang only thought Xie Mingyuan was handsome and wanted to lure him into being her bookkeeper. After all, she wasn't good at arithmetic and couldn't be bothered to learn.

She figured a few words of encouragement would be enough to get him to go with her, but when she turned around, he was gone.

When he returned, he was already a celebrated great general.

He Shuangjiang told the neighbors with a hint of envy, "See that great general? He nearly became my bookkeeper."

Everyone stared in disbelief.

In the distance, a tall man swung down from his horse and strode toward her.

"After thinking it over for a long time, I've decided being a bookkeeper is still the easier job."

Theme: Only by standing on your own two feet can you shine.