Chapter 329: William Cooper's Eyes Flickered with Disappointment

"Elena, you mean..." William Cooper's eyes flickered with disappointment. He had expected her to echo others' advice—to return to their small town for a stable life.

Setting down her teacup, Elena's eyes sparkled. "The policies have loosened now. People down south are already making fortunes in business."

"Those trendy gadgets from Port Sterling and Southport? They sell like hotcakes here," she whispered, leaning closer. "Dr. Miller's friend makes thousands per trip just by reselling digital watches and bell-bottom jeans from Southport."

William's fingers absently tapped the table as he listened intently.

"There's more," Elena continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "There's this village called Wucheng where every household makes clothes and socks. One guy brought back two sacks of stockings—sold out in two days."

A slow fire kindled in William's gaze.

"You're sharp. Why break your back at construction sites?" Elena met his eyes earnestly. "Small trades are easier and far more profitable."

William flushed, realizing he'd misjudged her. She wasn't looking down on him—she was genuinely plotting his success.

"But..." He rubbed his palms, hesitating.

Elena saw through him instantly. "Worried about capital?"

His head dipped in shame. Penniless and unwilling to burden his brother, the unspoken truth hung heavy.

"I've got you covered." Elena turned to her drawer and produced a passbook. "Two thousand dollars. Use this as seed money."

"I can't!" William recoiled as if burned.

Henry Cooper protested, "Elena, we can't accept this!"

"Consider it an investment, brother-in-law." She pressed the passbook into William's trembling hands. "I believe in you."

The weight in his palm wasn't just currency—it was unshakable trust.

"I..." His throat tightened. "I won't let you down."

Elena smiled. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow I'll introduce you to a friend who knows the southern routes—he'll give you pointers."

Outside, the setting sun stretched their three shadows long across the floor. Gazing at the horizon, William felt something unfamiliar—the future, suddenly within reach.