A Girl Traveling Through Troubled Times

Chapter 1063 Sally's Husband Takes a Concubine

When I went into the store, I saw that it was still the same goods, but the labels had all been changed to "Made in China" labels. Some of them even had a small square piece of paper with the words "Made in a certain city in mainland China" written on them, but the prices were still the same.

The store was plastered with slogans supporting domestic products and the War of Resistance. Although the goods were not necessities, mostly snuff bottles, pocket watches, and shoes, the atmosphere still attracted many customers to make purchases.

Gui'er thought to herself: I didn't realize that Sha Lili's husband was such a talented person.

Just as she was about to ask the shop assistant to inform him, a female shop assistant who looked to be 27 or 8 years old came over and said, "Miss, what would you like to buy? Our products are all made in China and were transported here with great difficulty from the mainland. Every item you buy is a contribution to the War of Resistance against Japan."

Gui'er had never seen this person before, but seeing her wearing a well-fitting dress and mingling with the other men, she found it strange.

One of the waiters stepped forward and whispered, "That's the young mistress's sister."

The woman's expression changed, and she looked Gui'er up and down and then down and up again. Gui'er could clearly sense that the woman was weighing her own importance and deciding how to treat her.

"Miss." Ah Cheng walked up from behind at this moment.

The woman glanced at A-Cheng, then at the car outside the door, and said with a smile, "So it's my sister-in-law. We don't see each other often, I didn't even recognize her. By the way, my elder sister and mother-in-law have gone out. A-Ping, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and pour some tea."

A girl, about fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed in a coarse cloth gown and standing inconspicuously in the corner, responded and turned to go into the inner room.

"Sister, please sit down."

Gui'er realized that this was probably Shali's husband's new concubine, and a rather capable one at that, who could help manage the family business. Gui'er knew that throughout history, if a man encountered a talented but ordinary woman, he would often marry her as a concubine to help manage the household affairs, thus saving on labor costs.

However, this era is different from ancient times. Judging from the way this woman looked at her and the respectful attitude of the shop assistants towards her, she knows that she has a high status in this family. In addition, now that Shalili no longer has the Marshal's Mansion to rely on, this woman is probably a big threat to her.

Gui'er smiled and said, "Our school printed some air defense manuals, and I've come to give two copies to you, sister. May I ask your name?"

The woman beamed with joy when she heard Gui'er call her "elder sister": "My name is Liang Jindi. I've only been a beginner for a few months and then this happened. Look how busy I am now. It's so much better to be an elder sister. You can play mahjong and go shopping every day. So leisurely."

Gui'er had no intention of getting involved in their power struggle, but since she was nominally still Sha Lili's sister, she could only speak up for her: "My elder sister has been raised in a traditional family and is quite traditional, unlike Sister Jin Di who is decisive and efficient. Now the situation is severe, and I am also struggling to take care of myself. I'm afraid my elder sister and aunt will have to trouble Sister Jin Di to take care of them."

“What are you saying, sister? We’re all family, why be so formal? By the way, sister, I wonder which family you married into? Although you’re dressed simply, you have an extraordinary air about you. You must be from a wealthy family. If you need anything from the shop, I’ll have someone deliver it to your home.”

This Liang Jindi is indeed quite capable; even with her abilities, she can still think about doing business.

"Ah, I am... that..." Gui'er knew this person was not someone to be trifled with, and didn't really want to tell her the truth. However, even if she didn't say it now, she could just ask Sha Lili's husband later and he would know. She was struggling with how to explain.

"Gui'er, you're here? It's been so long. Let's go out for a cup of tea." A hurried sound of footsteps came from the second-floor staircase. Sha Lili spoke as she hurried down the stairs.

"Lily, you're here? I brought you two air defense manuals, printed by our school, you can learn some safety precautions."

"Oh, big sister, when did you get back? I was so busy I didn't even notice," Liang Jindi said with a smile.

"Adi, the shop is so busy right now, don't chat here. Hurry up and get to work. I'm taking my sister out for a drink. Taking good care of the business is more important than anything else." Shali said expressionlessly, then glanced back at the shop's staff, pulled Gui'er, and walked out.

Liang Jindi's expression changed slightly, then she smiled and said, "Okay, take care then, sister. Come over when you have time. Relatives should visit each other often."

Gui'er smiled politely and nodded before following Sha Lili.

After walking more than ten meters out of the store, Shalili looked back and, seeing that no one was looking out, spat in the direction of the store.

"Is this my brother-in-law's third concubine?" Gui'er asked.

"Yes, this vixen was originally the daughter of the manager of your brother-in-law's uncle's house. She learned to manage the shop from her father since she was a child and also went to school for a few days. However, she is not pretty but has high aspirations, so she has been an old maid and still can't get married. Her father fell ill recently, and she took over her uncle's shop. The business is actually very good. Your brother-in-law said he wanted to go and see what tricks she used. Unexpectedly, he was bewitched by her and insisted on marrying her. Now she is managing the shop like this and is already taking advantage of me."

Gui'er didn't know what to say for a moment. The two went to a nearby coffee shop and sat down. They ordered two drinks. Although the coffee shop was still open, there weren't many customers because they never knew when a fight might break out.

Gui'er handed the air defense manual to Sha Lili and said, "We're sisters after all, take care."

Sally took the air defense manual and said with emotion, "My sister is so magnanimous. I know I was too proud and carried away before, thinking that I had found such a good family. But all men are the same."

Gui'er sighed, then noticed that Sha Lili's clothes were much simpler than before, and couldn't help but wonder: "Is the family business that bad?"

Shali glanced down at her homespun cheongsam and said with a smile, "You noticed too. I've never worn clothes like this before. But I can't not wear it. If I don't, people will think I'm rich and will make me pay them. Not a single penny of the money he makes in his shop has reached me, yet he's still eyeing my money. He's dreaming."

Gui'er smiled. As expected of the fourth concubine's daughter, she was still so clever.

"Alright, it's good that you're alright. By the way, now that Liang Jindi has married into the family, you should treat Luhua better. After all, she gave birth to the eldest son in the family, and she might have a place in the future. If you don't win Luhua over, I think Liang Jindi, with her personality, will definitely take her away."