Chapter 205

Chapter 205

Serenity nodded in agreement. “I’m just reminding you not to stress too much about finding a job.” Jasmine added, “Take your time and look for a position that suits you. If you really can’t find one, why not help Serenity and me out at the store? I’ll pay you well. Or… would you consider starting your own business, Liberty?” Liberty watched her son play, feeling a bit overwhelmed as she replied, “I don’t have enough capital to start my own business, and I’m unsure what kind of business I should pursue. It’s challenging to operate a brick-and-mortar store these days.” Serenity’s bookstore was conveniently located right in front of Wiltspoon School, ensuring a steady flow of customers. In a different location, it might not have thrived. The small shops near Wiltspoon School had high rent, making them unaffordable for many. Securing a lease there required connections, and Serenity only managed to rent that spot with the help of Jasmine’s family. “Liberty, why don’t I teach you how to make some handicrafts? You could start an online business, allowing you to earn money from home while caring for Sonny. My online business is thriving right now, with most of my products preordered. I have so many orders that I’m kept busy every day.”

This month, her online business earned more than the bookstore. Even with the bookstore ordering multiple sets of study materials for students, its profit couldn’t compare to her online venture. Serenity felt fortunate; her online business had been steady for several years, but it suddenly gained popularity this month, receiving excellent reviews. “I also plan to expand my online business. I don’t want to limit myself to handicrafts; I want to learn how to create some vintage hair accessories as well.” Jasmine agreed with Serenity, recognizing the potential in her business idea.

smirked. Liberty smiled bitterly and said, “Seren, I’m not as creative as you. I get a headache just looking at the raw materials you use for your handicrafts. This isn’t something anyone can easily learn; it requires genuine interest and creativity. Without that, the business won’t thrive if there are no new products.” Serenity was undeniably creative. She had kept her online business running for several years and was adept at crafting. Whenever she had a new product idea, she would dedicate a significant amount of time to designing it and creating prototypes, often facing a few failures before achieving success. Having been in this industry for a while, Serenity understood that her sister’s assessment was accurate. She sighed and replied, “Well, take your time searching for a job. I’m sure you’ll find something. If you can’t land a position at a large company, consider smaller ones. You may earn less, but you’ll likely have fewer responsibilities compared to a bigger corporation.” Serenity had never worked in the corporate sector; she had opened this bookstore with Jasmine after graduating. Her online business began when she was twenty, and it had been five years since. Accustomed to her freedom, Serenity was hesitant to confine herself to the corporate world. “Seren, is Zachary working today?” Liberty inquired about her brother-in-law. “No, he has two days off every weekend. When I left this morning, he was still asleep. He’s probably out with his friends now.” Serenity pulled out her phone and texted her husband. Serenity: [Mr. York, where are you? What are you up to?] After a moment’s reflection, she quickly sent another message for clarification. Serenity: [I’m not checking on you; I’m just responding to my sister’s inquiry about you.] Zachary did not respond to Serenity’s messages for a long time. Meanwhile, he was still seated in Beans and Cream, nursing a cup of black coffee that he had been slowly sipping for hours. Suddenly, he smirked.

Zachary received two messages from Serenity. He read them but chose not to reply, as he wasn’t interested in speaking with her. Serenity had already found a new boyfriend. Zachary was determined to finalize their divorce as soon as their agreement expired, and he vowed to do so without hesitation. “Zachary, who messaged you? Is it your wife?” Josh teased. Zachary’s expression turned somber as he replied coldly, “We are only husband and wife in name, a formality to repay her for saving my grandmother. In truth, I have signed an agreement with her. After six months, we will divorce due to our incompatible personalities.”