23: Increase favorability, advanced rewards

"I knew something was off about the way you looked when you came back yesterday."

"I knew you were being bullied by this bad guy."

Autumn Chrysanthemum accused him while rushing over, wanting to teach Feng Ming a lesson.

"No, Autumn Chrysanthemum, you've misunderstood."

Lu An'an quickly pulled her hand away, her pretty face turning red as she spoke.

Seeing Autumn Chrysanthemum's 'I don't believe you' expression, Feng Ming felt helpless.

He didn't have any improper thoughts... well, it wasn't that he had none at all.

After all, she was a great beauty.

But at this moment, he really didn't.

"Young Master Feng is helping me comprehend The Way of Commerce."

"Hmph, I don't believe it. He just wanted to take the chance to touch you."

As a loyal Maid protecting her mistress, Autumn Chrysanthemum's combativeness was through the roof right now.

"I..."

Feng Ming fell silent.

"Autumn Chrysanthemum, you don't understand, so don't ask. Go about your business first, and I'll tell you later."

Autumn Chrysanthemum pursed her lips, looking aggrieved. "Young Miss, the Medicinal Pills have all been organized!"

"Then go prepare some snacks and brew a pot of tea."

Autumn Chrysanthemum glanced at the untouched snacks on the table and the full pot of tea, then gave Lu An'an a resentful look.

"Young Miss..."

Lu An'an's face flushed. "I have something to discuss with Young Master Feng. Go and get busy."

The resentment on Autumn Chrysanthemum's face grew even thicker.

"Young Miss, you're trying every way possible to send me away just to be alone with him. Could it be that you've fallen for him?"

Lu An'an's face instantly turned red as blood. "What nonsense are you talking about, you girl? I haven't."

Seeing this scene, Feng Ming almost couldn't keep a straight face.

No way.

Am I really that charming?

It wouldn't be bad to be liked by such a beautiful girl.

But if I make a mistake, how would I explain it to my wife when I go back?

"Hmph hmph, Young Miss, you can't fool me. Just admit it, your heart is moved. You've never talked alone with any man for this long before, and you even let him touch your hand."

Lu An'an's face turned even redder. Seriously, was she never going to let this go?

The more Feng Ming listened, the more he felt something was off.

This Maid is strange; she's like a mouthpiece, how can she say such things?

"Autumn Chrysanthemum, I want to eat Chen's Osmanthus Cake. Go buy some for me."

Autumn Chrysanthemum was dumbfounded. "Wait, Young Miss, even if you're deliberately sending me away, you can't treat me like I'm not human. That stuff is only in Qingyang City, how am I supposed to buy it?"

"Young Miss, I never thought our years of bond as master and servant would turn into this because of a man."

"You've moved your heart and don't want me anymore."

Autumn Chrysanthemum walked out as she spoke, looking deeply sorrowful.

Inside the room, the two people looked at each other, their faces full of embarrassment.

"Autumn Chrysanthemum is good in every way, she's just missing a few screws sometimes. Young Master Feng, please don't take it to heart."

Feng Ming nodded and changed the subject.

"Did you live in Qingyang City before?"

Lu An'an's heart skipped a beat; that girl Autumn Chrysanthemum had just let it slip.

She immediately nodded.

"Sort of. Actually, my home is in Qingyang City!"

"It's just that later, because I wanted to go into business and had a disagreement with my family, I came to Liumian Prefecture."

"There's also another reason: the Huangfu Family monopolized the Medicinal Pill industry in Qingyang City. There was no hope of doing pill business there."

"But I didn't expect their reach to extend all the way to Liumian Prefecture."

Feng Ming nodded. Unless forced by necessity, who would choose to give up developing in a big city?

"Regarding The Way of Commerce, what are your thoughts?"

"And about Madam Hua—since you have the heart and the talent, then go give it a try."

Lu An'an nodded. "I will consider it seriously. Thank you for today, Young Master Feng."

"Whether it's your encouragement or the power you've shown me, I've benefited greatly."

"Anan thanks the Young Master."

Lu An'an bowed deeply to Feng Ming.

"Absolutely not!"

Feng Ming stood up and quickly moved to support Lu An'an.

Their hands met.

Instantly, Autumn Chrysanthemum's words echoed in both their minds.

Their hands quickly pulled apart; one was red-faced, the other incredibly awkward.

Feng Ming even felt the urge to run away.

If this continued, he wouldn't be able to control himself.

After all, with a beauty right in front of him, he was full of youthful vigor.

Even with his extraordinary self-control, he was almost unable to suppress it.

"If Miss Lu is willing, I can guide you through the entry level of The Way of Commerce."

Lu An'an nodded. "Then I thank Young Master Feng."

Feng Ming began to focus on guiding Lu An'an to comprehend The Way of Commerce.

"Young Master, I can feel the power within my body."

Lu An'an's face was full of joy.

Feng Ming nodded. Having achieved his goal for today, he was about to leave.

However, the System's notification sounded in his mind.

[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for successfully pampering his wife. Lu An'an's favorability has increased to: 40℅]

[System Reward: One copy of the Advanced Chapter of the Way of Commerce, 110 Grade 1 Improved Tenfold Pill Formulas, 55 Grade 2 Improved Fivefold Pill Formulas, 22 Grade 3 Improved Threefold Pill Formulas!]

[System Description: Improved Pill Formulas. The quantity of pills produced is based on the formula's label, and the pill effects are increased by three times the original base.]

Hearing the System's notification, Feng Ming was stunned.

The 'Perfect Ten' Pill Formula from last time was already shocking enough.

He didn't expect these formulas to not only have high yields but also have effects three times better than the original.

In other words, an effect that previously required three pills can now be achieved with just one.

Moreover, he had just guided Lu An'an to the entry level of The Way of Commerce.

And now the Advanced Chapter had arrived.

In that case, would she still need to go find Madam Hua?

Combining this with his previous interactions with Jiang Shuwan, Feng Ming instantly understood the System's intention!

"This time it's actually making me give a book?"

"System, you really know how to play!"

But then again.

His guidance just now was indirect; giving this book was a hint from the System.

According to the System's usual patterns...

If he gave the book away, it would definitely trigger a hidden reward.

Thinking of this, Feng Ming didn't hesitate and immediately took the book out from his sleeve.

"Miss Lu, I greatly admire your spirit and persistence. I have a book here that might be able to help you."

After saying this, Feng Ming looked at the cover of the book and was dumbfounded.

What's the situation?

How does this book look exactly like something from my previous world?

In the original Host's memory, books of this era didn't look like this.

Furthermore, the cover actually had the words 'Essential Reading for Business Administration' on it.

Lu An'an was also dazed.

"This is a book?"

The cover could even reflect light, as if coated with a thin film. Was this really a book?

Feng Ming nodded. "It's something I obtained by chance. It came from another province, so it's normal that it's different from what we have in Liang Province."

"But don't worry, the text is fine; it's the script of the Bright Moon Dynasty. You should be able to understand it. It mainly guides one on how to manage and do business. Study it slowly."

"I have other matters to attend to today, so I'll take my leave now."

After Feng Ming finished speaking, he quickly slipped away.

Lu An'an stood there looking at the book in her hand, then glanced at Feng Ming's retreating back, the corners of her mouth unconsciously curving into a smile.

"This Young Master Feng is truly an interesting person. He even gets shy. I just wonder what this book is for?"