Chapter 191: Unlocking the Double 100 Achievement
Ning Xiyue and Zhou Yunqing chatted and laughed as they finalized their arrangement, then Ning Xiyue took out a detailed plan.
From now on, Zhou Yunqing would act as the intermediary. Everything on the Hu City side would go through her. Any requests would be sent to Ning Xiyue in letters; Ning Xiyue would consider them and, if possible, fulfill them and send the items back.
Ning Xiyue’s responsibility was only to make skincare products and collect whatever was exchanged in return (money or items). She didn’t have to worry about anything else.
The cover story was simple: this was all among friends and family — give and take, helping each other out.
Given the social environment, both women were sensible and not motivated by profit.
Ning Xiyue simply wanted to test the waters, gather feedback, and lay a foundation for her future business.
Zhou Yunqing just wanted to have access to good skincare products for herself and, when friends needed some, to be able to help them without having to sacrifice her own share.
So they happily decided to convey from the start that these products were rare. Even if friends had a need, it wouldn’t be fulfilled immediately.
There would be a monthly limit — no more than five sets — with the exact number left to Ning Xiyue’s discretion, without a fixed schedule.
The benefits of this approach were threefold:
- It prevented Ning Xiyue from being overworked. Limiting it to five sets kept it small-scale, low-risk.
- It avoided offending anyone with these products. Zhou Yunqing’s social circle was not ordinary; starting with a sense of exclusivity would help maintain the products’ prestige.
- It ensured these skincare items would remain high-end and exclusive — they would never be cheapened. This matched their quality and hand-made nature.
Discounting is easy, but raising value is hard. Ning Xiyue wanted to start with a high-end approach, without disturbing the current scarcity-driven social market. Following the trend of the times was the wisest choice.
Both Ning Xiyue and Zhou Yunqing were clear-headed and financially comfortable, understanding how to survive well within the rules.
“Let’s happily agree on this plan,” Zhou Yunqing said with a beaming smile, extending her hand for a high-five.
“Good, this will be our exclusive secret,” Ning Xiyue said cheerfully, raising her hand and high-fiving Zhou Yunqing.
That afternoon passed quickly in their lively conversation.
Zhou Yunqing and Song Jiayin eventually said goodbye and headed home.
Ning Xiyue accompanied them to the hospital entrance. Zhou Yunqing, who had come in a commanding manner, left reluctantly.
After a few steps, she turned back to say a few words to Ning Xiyue: “Yueyue, come visit auntie at home when you have time. I’ll have Jiayin pick you up.”
Jiayin tugged her mother, saying, “Yueyue, we’re leaving.”
Ning Xiyue smiled and waved. “Alright, take care. I’ll come back to visit when I have time.”
After seeing them off, Ning Xiyue turned to the hospital cafeteria to get some food.
On the way back, her cloth bag had grown a little heavier — it now contained a lunchbox with steamed eggs and another with dumplings, all prepared by the 001 robot butler in her spatial storage.
This not only tasted good but also saved a bit on food expenses.
After dinner, Ning Qingyuan had finished the first draft of an article he had written on a whim.
He shook the paper to dry the ink and handed it to Ning Xiyue, smiling: “Sister, big sis, help me see how it’s written.”
“I’ll take a look first,” Ning Xiyue said, carefully reading each word.
Her second brother wrote about his own experiences — life, reflections, and hopes after being sent to the countryside as an educated youth.
The article was titled “My Glorious Years.”
Just from the title, Ning Xiyue could sense the passionate and optimistic tone. Knowing her brother’s cheerful nature, she was sure it would be full of sunshine and energy.
Indeed, reading further confirmed her expectation.
The writing was delicate, brimming with hope and enthusiasm for the future. The obstacles described were presented as growth opportunities, with no hint of despair.
“Second brother, it seems you’ve studied articles from the newspaper. This has a professional publishing vibe.”
Ning Xiyue finished reading and gave a thumbs-up in praise.
“Well-written. It’s engaging, immersive, and conveys your sincerity and joy. The last paragraph even elevates the piece, guiding those in confusion or difficulty toward a light that illuminates their future.”
The format and content matched the requirements for published articles, proving Ning Qingyuan had planned this carefully rather than writing on a whim.
Scratching his head with a sheepish smile, Ning Qingyuan said, “Hehe, I did have this idea before. Your suggestion gave me the push to write it. And, sister, your praise makes me embarrassed — it’s not as good as you say. Plain and straightforward, too much exposition.”
“Don’t undervalue yourself. I think it’s excellent. A few minor edits and some polishing will make it perfect.”
Ning Xiyue disagreed with the latter half of her brother’s comment.
“Good writing isn’t about fancy words. Anything that brings joy and hope is a good article. Plain words that express genuine emotion are the most moving.”
“Let me see if it’s really as good as sister says,” Ning Qingzhi, curious, reached for the manuscript.
Ning Xiyue handed it over. Both siblings eagerly watched Ning Qingzhi read, awaiting his reaction.
Ning Qingzhi read intently, finishing the manuscript. He then looked up and saw two expectant faces peering at him from either side, their bright eyes full of anticipation.
“How is it?” Ning Qingyuan asked excitedly.
Ning Qingzhi smiled and nodded. “It’s very good, the quality hasn’t declined.”
“Really? That’s great! Do you think a newspaper would accept this level of writing?”
“Only one way to find out. Just try. We have the time and convenience now.” Ning Xiyue encouraged.
“I think it’s doable.” Ning Qingzhi approved. “Second brother, polish it a bit more and submit it tomorrow.”
“Alright, I’ll revise the draft.”
Bolstered by their praise, Ning Qingyuan began revising the manuscript, asking Ning Xiyue and Ning Qingzhi to point out issues for him to fix.
As he worked, he asked, “Help me think of a pen name.”
“That’s tough,” Ning Xiyue said, crouching beside him. “Big brother, you help him.”
Ning Qingzhi, also not great at names, thought hard. “How about Wu Ning? Our family has five members.”
“Second brother, what do you think?”
“This works. Very meaningful.” Ning Qingyuan nodded. “Wu Ning it is.”
Ning Xiyue made a respectful gesture: “Congratulations in advance to Wu Ning for publishing your work successfully.”
“Wu Ning, success in publishing!” Ning Qingzhi joined in.
“Let’s stay low-key.” Ning Qingyuan laughed, lowering his hand.
With the pen name decided, Ning Qingyuan felt at ease and continued revising his draft.
It was getting late, time to sleep.
Originally, Ning Qingyuan was supposed to stay nearby for safety, but the eldest brother insisted he come with Ning Xiyue to the guesthouse, ensuring someone was looking out for her.
“Brother, really? I can handle staying alone. I’ve even fought wild boars; I’m not afraid.”
“That doesn’t matter. Don’t think I don’t know those boars killed themselves. You just got lucky.”
Ning Qingzhi firmly disagreed — it was too dangerous for a young girl to stay alone, especially one so beautiful.
“Qingyuan will help me to the bathroom, so I won’t get up at night. No need to stay with me.”
With that, Ning Xiyue followed her brother’s instructions, and the siblings returned to the guesthouse.
Ning Xiyue and Ning Qingyuan had adjacent rooms, so they could hear any movement, convenient for mutual care.
Before entering, Ning Qingyuan reminded: “Sister, shout if anything happens. I’ll hear you.”
“Okay, brother, got it.”
After washing up, Ning Xiyue went to the simulation room to make medicine for her eldest brother. She decided not to sleep until she made a perfect batch.
Taking a deep breath, she began working. Surprisingly, the Mingmu Pills were perfect after just two attempts.
Holding the perfect batch, Ning Xiyue cried tears of joy. It had been so difficult — she had nearly pulled her hair out to make a 100-point batch.
Riding the momentum, she immediately started on the Mingmu Eye Drops.
Perhaps today was a lucky day for making medicine.
After five attempts, she successfully made a 100-point batch of the eye drops as well.
“Ah, I did it! Wonderful! Big brother will recover faster!” Ning Xiyue exclaimed, holding the two perfect batches, dancing in excitement.
System notifications:
[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have unlocked the “Double 100 in Medicine Making” achievement. Reward: 5 sign-in chances. Note: no time limit, can use anytime.]
[Ding! Reward: 1 system danger-avoidance alert.]
[Ding! Detecting that in 10 minutes, the environment around the host will encounter danger. System automatically activates avoidance alert. Please wear body armor and prepare weapons for defense.]
