Chapter 511: Flirting

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

After Chu Qingzhi finished cleaning the impurities from the seeds, she secretly nourished them with her spiritual energy. Under its influence, the seeds visibly plumped up, becoming round and chubby.

Chu Qingzhi touched the seeds in satisfaction and placed them in the cabinet of the accounting room.

Stepping outside, she headed to the well to clean the pickle jars.

Tang Jinghong asked, “What are you using the pickle jars for?”

“To make fermented tofu and bean paste. Have you ever tried them?” Chu Qingzhi replied as she filled a bucket with water and started cleaning the jars.

“No,” Tang Jinghong answered as he fetched water from the well. “How long will it take to make?”

“More than twenty days. Both fermented tofu and bean paste need to ferment, so it takes a bit longer.”

“Is there anything 1 can help with?”

“Don’t you have official duties to handle?” Chu Qingzhi remarked. Even though Tang Jinghong was at home, he never neglected his responsibilities, with many people coming and going from his house every night.

Tang Jinghong replied gently, “There are duties, but I still want to spend time with you.”

Chu Qingzhi glanced back at Tang Jinghong, the slanting sunlight softening his somewhat angular features, casting a golden glow that made the handsome man look even more attractive, as if filtered through a lens.

Chu Qingzhi thought to herself. Indeed, the unintentional gentleness was more touching.

As Tang Jinghong turned to meet her gaze, his eyes were full of gentleness, and a slight smile spread across his lips, like a gentle breeze, filled with warmth.

Chu Qingzhi felt her heart beat faster. She had the urge to rush over and hug Tang Jinghong to kiss him.

A man both authoritative and gentle was simply irresistible.

Wu Yaqing approached, catching a glimpse of their sweet interaction. She also wished for the day when she could experience such overflowing love even while doing something as mundane as washing jars.

“Qingzhi, Brother Tang.”

Everyone in the yard turned towards Wu Yaqing.

Approaching Tang Jinghong, Wu Yaqing asked softly with a hint of shyness, “Brother Tang, where is he?”

Tang Jinghong placed the full bucket before Chu Qingzhi, “He’s gone.”

“All?” Wu Yaqing’s reaction was strong, her fingers twirling nervously, her lips pouting in dissatisfaction. “When did he leave? Why didn’t he say anything?”

“He left early this morning. It was too early to inform everyone.”

“Oh.” Wu Yaqing looked down, feeling somewhat dejected.

Chu Qingzhi playfully asked, “I thought you didn’t like Third Master Lu. Now that he’s gone, why aren’t you happy?”

Wu Yaqing naively replied, “1 don’t know. When Brother Tang said he was gone, 1 just felt empty inside.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled silently, understanding how some couples start off as bickering enemies, only to develop feelings over time.

Tang Jinghong, after a moment of thought, decided to lend a hand to his friend, “If you need to, you can write a letter, and I’ll have someone deliver it for you.”

Wu Yaqing blurted out “No need,” then hastily waved her hands in denial, “I’ll think about it first.”

“No rush, take your time.”

“Okay.” Wu Yaqing left in low spirits.

Chu Qingzhi and Tang Jinghong exchanged a knowing smile and continued cleaning the jars.

With half an hour left until noon, Chu Qingzhi and Chu Xuhua changed into fresh clothes and headed to the county town’s Hongyan Restaurant for a banquet.

On the way, Chu Xuhua took out a handkerchief Shen Ruyue had given him to wipe the sweat from his palms, “Fifth Sister, I… I’m a bit nervous.”

Chu Qingzhi patted Chu Xuhua’s arm reassuringly, “Big brother, it’s just a meal. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Chu Xuhua, who had never attended such a gathering, couldn’t help but feel anxious, “I…”

Chu Qingzhi smiled at him, “Big brother, you’re now their equal. Just think of it as meeting a few friends.”

Chu Xuhua took a deep breath, “Okay.”

At Hongyan Restaurant.

Tan Mengyang waited at the entrance. His figure resembled a lotus flower blooming at the doorway, attracting the attention of passersby.

He was there specifically for Chu Qingzhi. Suddenly, his gaze sharpened as he noticed a girl in a light green dress approaching. The girl’s elegant demeanor and beautiful face captured everyone’s attention. As she neared, Tan Mengyang greeted her with a smile, “Miss Chu, Manager Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded at Tan Mengyang, her attitude neither too distant nor too close, “Young Master Tan.”

Chu Xuhua bowed, “Young Master Tan.”

Tan Mengyang gestured inside, “Please, everyone’s waiting in the private room.”

Three tables of people were in the private room. Upon Chu Qingzhi’s entrance, they all stood up, their eyes filled with admiration and respect. It was rare for a group of men to show such respect to a young woman. “Miss Chu, Manager

Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi greeted everyone with a warm smile, then formally introduced Chu Xuhua, “This is my elder brother, Chu Xuhua. He will be in charge of Chu’s Trade from now on. If you need cooperation, you can approach him.”

The various shopkeepers bowed to Chu Xuhua, “Manager Chu.”

Suppressing his nervousness, Chu Xuhua returned their greetings, “It’s a pleasure to meet all of you. I look forward to working with you.”

Tan Mengyang led them to the head of the table, “Miss Chu, Manager Chu, please take a seat.”

Chu Qingzhi, without hesitation, sat at the head of the table, with Chu Xuhua beside her and Tan Mengyang on her other side.

Tan Mengyang suggested, “Everyone’s here. Let’s start eating.”

“Let’s all toast to Miss Chu, thanking her for helping us make a profit.”

“Indeed, thanks to Miss Chu. This is the first year I won’t have leftover stock at year’s end, which is rare in my years of doing business.”

“Let’s not say much more, a toast to Miss Chu.”

Everyone raised their glasses to Chu Qingzhi.

Chu Qingzhi drank a full glass of wine.

Tan Mengyang intervened, “Miss Chu is a lady, one glass is enough. Let’s eat.”

“Let’s eat.”

“Miss Chu, please eat more.”

The atmosphere in the private room was relaxed and joyful.

With many tasks waiting at home, Chu Qingzhi left with Chu Xuhua after the meal.

In the Chu Village.

Several people were gathered at the entrance.

Fan Limei said matter-of-factly, “Third Sister, we’ve been taking care of Mother for a few days. You can take care of her for a while.”

Cao Zhilan was afraid that Li Qingyu would not agree, so she quickly said, “Third Sister, she’s our mother. Moreover, your family is rich. You can give Mother better food so that she can recover faster.”

Li Qinghu and Li Qingwu stood behind their wives awkwardly, but they did not stop them.

It turned out that three days ago, Zheng Guixiang accidentally fell. Being elderly, her injury was severe. The two daughters-in-law, tired of caring for her, had brought her to Li Qingyu’s house..

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