Chapter 485: Chapter 472: Increasing Affection

Seeing Fang Hou’s earnestness, Zhuang Qingning finally had no choice but to select a can of tea leaves to keep.

The rest, however, were all taken back by Fang Hou.

Fang Hou tried to decline for a long time, but when he saw that he could not refuse, he accepted the gifts ordered by Zhuang Qingning, thanked her profusely, and then bid her farewell.

Zhuang Qingning sorted through the gifts from Fang Hou, registering each item in a ledger. This would make it easier to repay these favors in the future.

Spices, tea leaves, fabrics, medicine…

Zhuang Qingning found it all a bit overwhelming.

It must be said, Cheng Ruize was too courteous. The variety and quantity of gifts were both considerable.

And these items, besides the spices that she could play with, the rest would take a while to use up.

Zhuang Qingning thought for a bit and began to categorize the items, intending to give some away.

She could send some tea leaves to Zhuang Jingye, Zhuang Yonghe, Zhang Yongchang, and Zhang Xiangrong. She could send some fabric to Mrs. Wen’s house, allowing Aunt Meng to make a winter dress later. She probably wouldn’t need the medicinal herbs, and could send them to Zhuang Wencheng…

Zhuang Qingning sorted the items while mumbling to herself. She attached a small slip of paper to each, to remind herself of what it was.

Chu Jinnian had been leaning against the door, watching the three children recite their text, and watching Zhuang Qingning divvy up the items.

The young girl’s quiet smile seemed to shine under the perfect winter sun, making it even more radiant. Even her mumbling was as pleasant to the ear as the song of the golden oriole…

However, as he listened, Chu Jinnian couldn’t help but frown.

He heard different forms of address for relatives and friends from Zhuang Qingning, but not once did he hear the name “Chu”.

This meant…

Did Zhuang Qingning not plan to give him anything?

The more Chu Jinnian thought about it, the more he furrowed his brows.

He couldn’t stand it anymore and went over to Zhuang Qingning. “Miss Zhuang.”

“These are…”

“These were sent over by Manager Cheng from the county town, as thanks for the help I gave him the other day.”

Zhuang Qingning explained with a smile.

“Hmm…” Chu Jinnian nodded. After looking over the items, he turned to Zhuang Qingning, “These tea leaves seem quite good.”

He had heard the term “tea leaves” repeated numerous times.

“Cheng’s tea shop is arguably one of the best in the county town, and I hear it even sells its products in the capital city.” Zhuang Qingning commented, placing the remaining cans of tea leaves in a bamboo basket.

“While I’ve never heard of Cheng’s Tea Shop in the capital city or seen its products before, I have heard about it here, it’s said to brew a bright and aromatic tea.”

Chu Jinnian eagerly continued, “However, I have never tried it…”

He probably hadn’t.

Being stationed in the capital city and occupying a high-ranking position, Chu Jinnian only drinks high-grade varieties like Longjing and Biluochun. This ordinary tea, which is commonly available in the market, probably never makes its way to his tea table.

Since the items were originally gifts from someone else, it would be inappropriate to give Chu Jinnian something of this caliber.

Zhuang Qingning thought for a moment and then placed the can of tea leaves she had been holding and smoothing in her hand back into the basket.

Chu Jinnian’s bright eyes immediately dimmed.

It appeared she had no intention of giving him any.

Then…

“Sir, I’ve finished writing, could you check it?” Zhuang Mingli called out from inside the house.

“I’m done too.”

Following that, came the voices of Zhuang Qingsui and Chu Jinzhou.

“I’m coming.” Chu Jinnian cleared his throat and said to Zhuang Qingning, “Excuse me.”

He then turned and went back into the house to check their works.

Zhuang Qingning continued to tidy up the items, gradually distributing them. Those that needed to be put away were kept aside for now.

Although Chu Jinnian was inside the house giving a lecture, his mind had already flown out the door, especially his gaze, which kept wandering outside, where Zhuang Qingning was busily moving about.

Eventually, the kitchen began to emanate a fragrant smell.

It seemed she was getting ready to prepare dinner, and still had no intention of sharing anything with him.

A shadow of disappointment immediately hung over Chu Jinnian’s face, making him seem downcast when he had to leave with Chu Jinzhou.

Zhuang Qingning, as always, saw them out of the courtyard. As they were about to leave, she handed Chu Jinnian a food box.

“These are lotus root starch osmanthus cakes I just made. Though not very innovative, they have a very light taste. The osmanthus on top is coated in honey, making it even more delicious.”

“Jinzhou and Mr. Fan like these a lot. Master Chu probably hasn’t tried them before, so I made a special batch for you. I hope you won’t find it off-putting.” Zhuang Qingning said with a smile.

Chu Jinnian’s eyes immediately lit up.

That’s right, she didn’t give him tea leaves because they were gifts from others and wouldn’t be appropriate. Instead, she decided to give him cakes that she made herself to express her feelings.

“What a coincidence.” Chu Jinnian held back his joy, trying to sound as natural as possible, “I must tell you, Miss Zhuang, my favorite cake is actually the lotus root starch osmanthus cake.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Jinzhou gave Chu Jinnian a dubious look but decided not to say anything.

Zhuang Qingning didn’t notice this small interaction. Hearing that Chu Jinnian favored lotus root starch and osmanthus cakes, her smile widened. “In that case, Master Chu should give it a try. If you think the taste is okay, I can make some for you on a regular basis.”

“That would be very kind of you, Miss Zhuang.” Chu Jinnian thanked her profusely.

“I’ve made so many cakes, and Mr. Fan has been very fond of them. Since Mr. Fan didn’t come these past few days, could you bring some back to him, Master Chu?”

Zhuang Qingning advised.

“Rest assured, I will.” Chu Jinnian readily agreed. He put the box inside the carriage and then turned back to Zhuang Qingning to bid farewell.

“Take care.”

Zhuang Qingning watched the carriage drive away, gently shaking her head with a smile.

One thing must be said: Chu Jinnian is truly very approachable.

Even though he occupies a high-ranking position, he travels without even a little servant, driving the carriage himself, and doesn’t care about showing off wealth or status at all.

Zhuang Qingning found that her image of Chu Jinnian had gained two more “like” stars.

The carriage moved forward, bathing in the dying sunlight.

Chu Jinzhou stretched out his small hand to lift the curtain of the carriage, hesitated for a bit, then let it fall.

After a while, the curtain was lifted again, then dropped down…