I Built a Business in Ancient Times

Chen Xi transmigrated, and from the start she was saddled with a huge mess:

Her father had died young, and there were elders above and children below all depending on her for food. Her mother was weak-willed and would only cry whenever trouble arose, unable to get a coherent sentence out. After years of living off their savings, the once-comfortable household could barely put food on the table.

Chen Xi stirred the watery "porridge" in her bowl, where she could hardly spot a few grains of rice, and could already foresee the hard times ahead.

But...

Since she was here, she had to keep going.

Chen Xi refused to believe that with two hands and two feet, she could actually starve to death.

If she wanted a better life, there was only one way:

Roll up her sleeves and get to work! Work! Work!

Over the next few years, Chen Xi led her whole family, young and old, from growing crops just to get by to taking jobs, setting up street stalls, and opening shops. They built up one business after another...

Their lives grew better and better!

The only thing she had to worry about was that the business partner she'd chosen after much deliberation had come to propose...

She really, really, really, really didn't want to get married!

Wen Xu: "It's fine. I can marry you instead."

That very night, he showed up with over a dozen chests of "dowry" and refused to leave the Chen household. Whenever he got the chance, he even tried to use his good looks to win Chen Xi over.

Chen Xi: ...

I can't resist. Maybe I should just accept him?

Reader's Guide:

1. This is a fictional setting. The romance is a slow burn, so don't overanalyze the details.

2. The story focuses on village and everyday life. It's about making money and getting by, with ordinary family affairs, not court politics or scheming for power.

3. The male and female leads meet when they're young. At first, they're companions who grow up and work hard together. Their romantic feelings develop later, after they face hardships together as adults.

4. The male lead has little page time early on.

5. That's about it. Hope you enjoy the story!

Theme: Strive to make every day a good one.