Chapter 281: The Morning Sunlight Streamed Through the Gaps in the Curtains

The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains as Elena Ward rubbed her eyes. It was her first day back at work after the New Year.

"Sis, Nolan, I'm heading to the hospital," she said, fastening the buttons on her white coat. "Finding a storefront is up to you now. Just follow the criteria I wrote down."

Elena's sister and brother-in-law nodded eagerly, clutching the note filled with detailed instructions. They had stayed up late the night before, memorizing every word to avoid any mistakes.

The hospital smelled of disinfectant. Elena carried two jars of honey straight to the director's office.

"Director Carter, Happy New Year!" She smiled, handing over the gift. "This is raw honey from my hometown—great for digestion."

The elderly director adjusted his glasses, his wrinkles softening with a smile. "Elena, you're always so thoughtful."

After exchanging pleasantries, Elena brought up Samuel's schooling. Without hesitation, Director Carter agreed, "Leave it to me. I'll have it sorted by the day after tomorrow."

Leaving his office, Elena stopped by her supervisor David Moore's room. He was sipping tea while reading the newspaper but set it aside when she entered.

"Director Moore, Happy New Year." She placed a small bag of walnuts on his desk. "I heard you've been working late. These are good for the brain."

David chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "Elena, you’re such a considerate girl." He tapped the commendation banner on his desk. "That banner from Adrian’s family really brought honor to our department."

At three in the afternoon, Elena’s phone rang. It was Director Carter. "Elena, it’s done. Just pick up the paperwork from HR tomorrow."

Holding the phone, Elena felt her eyes grow warm. Since her reincarnation, she had met so many kind people.

Meanwhile, Elena’s sister and brother-in-law were scouring the city. Following the map Elena had drawn, they checked storefront after storefront, their legs aching from walking, but nothing seemed right.

On the twentieth day of the old-calendar month, they finally found a two-story building near the university district. The landlord, a shrewd middle-aged man with a cigarette dangling from his lips, stated, "Three thousand a year. Not a penny less."

Elena’s sister gasped. That was half a year’s salary for her!

That evening, Elena rushed over after work. After inspecting the place, her eyes lit up. "Sis, this is perfect! We can fit over twenty tables upstairs and downstairs."

Nolan rubbed his hands nervously. "But the rent..."

"Worth it!" Elena said firmly. "University students love group meals, and journalists and TV crews are always networking. With good food, business will thrive."

The day after signing the ten-year lease, Nolan rode his new tricycle to the market, followed by sixteen-year-old Luke, who carried Elena’s shopping list.

"Uncle, pick the lamb with even marbling," the tall teenager advised knowledgeably.

In the kitchen, Elena taught Luke how to prepare the broth base. The boy learned quickly—by his third attempt, the flavor impressed her.

"Luke, you're a natural chef!" Elena gave him a thumbs-up.

Luke smiled shyly, flecks of chili powder on his forehead. Glancing at his parents wiping down tables, he noticed the first strands of gray in their hair.

"Aunt Elena, I’ll make this hotpot restaurant succeed," he said solemnly.

She ruffled his hair. "I believe in you."

By late February, the restaurant was fully renovated. Copper pots, gas tanks, and custom-made tables and chairs were all in place. Standing at the entrance, Elena gazed at the new sign—"Ward family Hotpot"—her lips curving into a smile.

Samuel came running from school, his cheeks flushed. "Aunt Elena! My classmates all said they’re coming to try the hotpot!"

Elena crouched to straighten his crooked red scarf. "Then your brother better show off his skills."

As the setting sun cast golden light over the newly laid tiles, the family stood at the doorway, their faces a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Tomorrow, their new venture would officially begin.