Transmigrated into Substitute Bride Fu Lang

by Usui Takumii

not mine, knoxt. After cp 37 is from novelhall. 133 Chapters (Completed). From novelhall is mtl...ill wait for the translator to update.

4. 28 to 36

Gu Lang silently stared at the direction Chen Xing had left. His face, which had always been gentle but the moment it did not carry any emotion, still looked somewhat scary.

Qiu Jiu, who was walking behind, saw it. He quietly swallowed his saliva and cautiously called him,"Young master."

Qiu Jiu's call successfully made Gu Lang's eyes move from the direction where Chen Xing had left to Qiu Jiu. He looked closely at Qiu Jiu, and when just the time Qiu Jiu couldn't endure it anymore, Gu Lang said indifferently, "What is Chen Xing trying to do?"

Qiu Jiu raised his eyes and carefully looked at Gu Lang's expression, thinking that although he was not angry, he was not in a very good mood. After doing some calculations in his mind, he bluntly told him what he was most concerned about,"Chen Xing said he wanted to make a dessert as an offer or apology to Young lady Zhao."

Gu Lang's brow furrowed and his tone was somewhat unpleasant, "The Zhao's young lady from last time?"

Qiu Jiu nodded his head, confirming his suspicions.

Since the last time those two came to Chen Xing's stall and stirred up trouble, Gu Lang had asked Qiu Jiu to find out more about them, and naturally he knew their identities. Since they hadn't come back to trouble Chen Xing, he also didn't pay too much attention to them either.

This time when he heard Qiu Jiu mentiothe young lady Zhao's family again, Gu Lang's face instantly turned colder, but he soon returned to his normal self and continued to ask Qiu Jiu,"What did they talk about today?"

Qiu Jiu immediately told him everything.

After listening, Gu Lang's eyebrows relaxed a little, although he was still a bit dissatisfied with Chen Xing for ignoring him just now, it was still much better than just now, and his tone even brought a bit of interest, "That Zhao family is a bit interesting."

After saying this, Gu Lang looked at Qiu Jiu who was standing next to him and said coldly, "You go and help him!"

"Yes." Seeing that he had been spared, Qiu Jiu breathed a slight sigh of relief and turned around to walk quickly towards the kitchen. His family's Gongzi was too frightening when he was cold-faced.

As he watched Qiu Jiu leave, Gu Lang, who was left behind, looked down at the plain clothes he was wearing on his body and pondered in silence whether he should change into a more conspicuous or eye-catching one next time, so that Chen Xing would not ignore his existence.

Chen Xing, who was completely unaware of Gu Lang's little thoughts, was at that moment putting the cleaned pile of bones and pig skins into a large pot and in high spirits, calculating how long it would take for him to make the things that he wanted to make.

Qiu Jiu came in and saw this scene, somewhat puzzled as he asked, "Are we having soup tonight?" Chen Xing's hand that was tending the kitchen fire, paused for a moment, spare some time to look up at Qiu Jiu and replied, "No, I just need to boil something first and then use that to make sweets."

Chen Xing saw how gluttonous the young lady was today, since she was not considered old, the gift that came to his mind was jelly. Although it was a bit more troublesome to make in ancient times, it could still be made, so he bought the raw materials and was prepared to make it when he got back.

Qiu Jiu listened to Chen Xing's words with some confusion, not fully understanding it, but that didn't stop him from helping Chen Xing very diligently and eagerly, because no matter what food Chen Xing would make, he would always get his share in the end. With this in mind, Qiu Jiu did his best.

To make jelly, one had to make gelatine, which was not very easy to cook, especially in ancient times when conditions were difficult. So it took Chen Xing several days to make the jelly, from the raw material to the final shape.

On that day when Chen Xing finally finished making it, Gu Lang and Qiu Jiu came together to the kitchen and stood in a circle to watch the results.

Looking at the rows of different coloured, translucent food, Qiu Jiu felt extraordinarily amazed and couldn't wait to try the flavors. Gu Lang, on the other hand, looked much more calm, but his eyes never left the place of the stuff.

Chen Xing, who was busy filling plates with those jellies, did not see their expressions at this time. He had made three flavors this time: watermelon, grape and peach, so he took two of each and put them on a plate before handing them over to Gu Lang and Qiu Jiu respectively.

Gu Lang took the plate Chen Xing handed over and met Chen Xing's shining gaze.

"Quickly, try this, do you like it?"

Gu Lang picked up a peach-flavored one and ate it, his eyes lit up for a moment as he ate it, then he looked to Chen Xing who was waiting for an answer next to him and nodded reservedly.

Seeing that he liked it, Chen Xing felt that all his hard work over the past few days had not been in vain. Looking at the remaining jelly, he said to Gu Lang with high enthusiasm, "See what flavors you like, I'll leave some more for you, then I'll take out the rest and send it."

Seeing how Chen Xing put himself first in everything, Gu Lang's tone that had risen over the past few days as he watched him work on something for someone else gradually dissipated. He looked at Chen Xing as he revealed a light smile and graciously said, "It's alright, all the food you made is delicious, I can eat whatever the flavor is. Since you are going to give it to someone, I can't let people eat what's left from me."

After hearing this, Chen Xing thought for a moment and felt that Gu Lang had a point or reasonable, "Then I'll take five for each of it and leave the rest for you."

Chen Xing had made almost sixty this time, taking five of each flavor, and there was still quite a lot left.

After Gu Lang heard Chen Xing say this, the smile at the corners of his lips became more and more intense, so much so that Chen Xing, who was staring at him, could not even move his gaze.

Qiu Jiu, who was quietly eating his plate of jelly, watched the interaction between the two of them, shook his head and muttered something in his heart, thinking that Chen Xing was really too pitiful, being led by his family's Gongzi's nose all the time without even knowing it.

After determining the quantity to be given away, Chen Xing went to find a food box needed to fill up the jelly.

Next to him, Gu Lang helped him busy while asking, seemingly unintentionally, "This stuff, how are you going to give it to that person, are you going to send it directly to her residence?"

Chen Xing shook his head, uncertain as he said, "When she came last time, I estimated the time for her to come and get it herself, I don't know if she will come on time, if not I'm afraid the food won't last long."

Looking at Chen Xing's expression, Gu Lang knew that he supposedly did not know the identity of the Zhao family's young lady, otherwise he would not have been so casual. But since Chen Xing did not know, there was no need for him to remind him, Chen Xing just needed to do things that made him feel happy.

Thus, Gu Lang who was next to him went along with him, "According to your description, that young Miss Zhao must be very persistent about food, so she should come over as promised."

Hearing Gu Lang's reassurance, Chen Xing nodded, didn't continue to say something and happily went to prepare other ingredients.

After seeing Chen Xing off, Gu Lang nodded in satisfaction as he looked at those better part of jelly that was left for him.

Chen Xing's business was very good every day, and he didn't even need to do anything more, those customers just kept coming when the time came.

Today was no different, in less than one hour after Chen Xing opened his stall, he had already sold half of the items in his stall.

When Young Master Fu came, he was just in time for the last bowl of brown sugar dumplings (made from glutinous rice flour) ice that was not sold yet and he shouted how lucky he was, while asking for this last bowl.

Chen Xing took over the money he paid him and asked Qiu Jiu, who was next to him, to help him cook the dumplings, and curiously asked the panting Fu Gongzi, "Do you guys still get off of school that late now?"

Fu Gongzi, whose face was bathing in sweat as he ran to get the last bowl of dumplings, began to complain, "That's right ah, the county magistrate said he would come to our school for an inspection, but there is no news so far. But the teachers in our school are worried that if the county magistrate suddenly comes that day, we will make him lose face, so we didn't not dared to relax. What can we do? We can only do as we are told! We also don't know what the County Magistrate will test us on, but I hope it won't be too difficult."

At this point, Fu Gongzi let out a long sigh, his round face was full of depression regarding this matter.

Chen Xing looked at his anxious face, just like those tired of studying students he had seen in his previous life, and comforted him with great understanding, "Don't worry, the county magistrate should not make things difficult for you guys. When the county magistrate has finished his inspection, you will all be relaxed."

After taking the dumplings handed over by Qiu Jiu and taking a bite, Fu Gongzi's frown was re-stretched. Hearing Chen Xing's words, his tone also became a few degrees more pleasant, agreeing as he said, "The others in our academy said the same thing, we are all encouraging each other na."

As Chen Xing listened to what he said, he felt that it was quite interesting between their fellow students, and just when Chen Xing wanted to say something more to him, a female voice suddenly interfered next to him,

"Little boss."

Chen Xing looked at the voice and saw a girl who looked like a maid. He hadn't seen her before and was somewhat puzzled as he asked, "You are?"

The maid, however, smiled thinly at him, and her not very outstanding face had a little more color because of this smile, "Little Boss, my family's young miss made an appointment with you, saying that she would come to pick up the food that Little Boss said she would eat in a few days. The young lady can't go out today, so she ordered me to pick up the food. If it is convenient for you, little boss, please give it to me."

This maid spoke very meticulously thorough, in impeccable way of speaking, and it was after hearing her words that Chen Xing suddenly remembered that the style of clothes this maid was wearing was similar to the one worn by the maid who was following that young lady that day, so he expected that she should be a servant of the house.

Thinking of this, Chen Xing showed her a smile. In a soft voice, he said, "Well then, I will give you the things, and you can take it back and give it to your young lady."

After saying that, Chen Xing took out the prepared food box and handed it over to that little maid.

The little maid took the not-so-exquisite food box, but politely bowed towards Gu Lang, then carried the food box and left.

Chen Xing felt that the maid who came over this time was much more polite than the one who followed her family's young lady out last time.

Just as Chen Xing was about to receive the next guest, he turned his head and saw Fu Gongzi still standing beside him, staring at him with keen and sparkling eyes.

Chen Xing was startled by him and waited until he had calmed down before he looked at him and asked in some confusion, "Fu Gongzi, you…this…?"

When he asked this question to him, Fu Gongzi's face immediately reddened and he looked at Chen Xing with a face of embarrassment and his eyes somehow as if he had something to say.

"There are some things that I don't know if it's appropriate to say it now or not."

Chen Xing looked at him and suddenly had a not-so-good sense of feeling, he always felt that he looked a bit like someone who wanted to confess.

Qiu Jiu next to him also noticed the unusual behavior in Fu Gongzi, and his eyes or the way he looked at him began to be unkind.

Who knew that after a long moment of agitation and embarrassment, Fu Gongzi finally said, as if he had made up his mind, "Look, Little boss, we are already so familiar with each other."

Chen Xing's heart lifted as he stared warily at Young master Fu, his mind whirling quickly, trying to figure out how to reject him nicely.

"That's right, can you give me a share of the food that you gave to that maid just now?"

Chen Xing: …

Chen Xing looked at Fu Gongzi who looked extraordinarily embarrassed after saying this, his raised heart gradually relieved, his expression gradually changed into helplessness, not expecting that the request he made was actually this.

The expression on his face looked more and more embarrassed after he said this request. Seeing that Chen Xing did not say anything, he hurriedly said, "Don't worry, I won't let you do the work for free. I'll pay whatever price she paid for it."

When he heard Fu Gongzi's blunt words, Chen Xing did not know whether to laugh or to cry. The jelly was made because he was grateful to Ms. Zhao, otherwise he would not have made it because it took so much effort to make it once and it could not even be eaten only for a few bites. If not, he wouldn't have made it too.

Chen Xing was about to tell him that he had made it because he wanted to thank someone else. But then he thought of the delight in Gu Lang's flash of eyes when he ate the food, so he must have liked the taste.

In an instant, Chen Xing thought that when he was about to make some for Gu Lang in the next few days, he could also make some for Fu Gongzi. No matter what, Fu Gongzi was also a regular customer of his.

Thinking of this, Chen Xing's mood brightened instantly and he looked at Fu Gongzi and said, "But, it just takes more time to make this, and I don't know how I would set the price for now."

"It's alright, no matter how much it costs and how long it takes, I can afford to wait." Fu Gongzi said boldly, he had just seen it when Chen Xing opened it for the maid to see, those translucent things looked very rare. To spend more time and money on it, what's the matter with it? Anyway, he didn't lack any of it.

Young master Fu and Chen Xing quickly agreed on when to pick up the jelly, after which he happily took his second bowl of liangpi (noodle-like dish) and went to find a place to eat.

Only after Fu Gongzi left did Qiu Jiu come over and ask in Chen Xing's ear since he didn't understand, "Isn't it too time consuming to make that jelly? There's no need to make it especially for this customer, right?"

Chen Xing was cleaning up the dirty stove, after he heard this, he then said without raising his head, "Of course it's not for him ah! Gu Lang likes to eat it, so I plan to conveniently make some for him when I make the new flavor jelly for Gu Lang in the next few days."

Qiu Jiu looked at Chen Xing, who expected it as a matter of course, therefore he didn't know whether to rejoice at his dedication to his family's young master or to pity him for his half-heartedly treatment to Fu Gongzil.

Zhao Residence,

A maid, carrying a food box that did not match the magnificent interior of the house, slowly walked into the lady's boudoir and looked at the young lady who had finished dressing up. She gave her a salute first before saying softly, "Miss, this maid has brought back the things you asked for."

Hearing her words, Zhao Jing stood up from her chair at once and hurriedly went in front of her as she eagerly said, "Quick, let me try it."

That maid, looking at her young lady's eagerness, gently placed the food box in her hand on the table and slowly opened the lid.

Looking at the neatly arranged translucent objects, Zhao Jing's face was full of surprise as she pointed at it and asked in confusion, "What is this?"

The corners of the maid's lips lifted slightly as she softly introduced it, "That little boss said that this is called jelly, something that people of Young miss's age would like. This light red one is peach-flavored, this purple one is grape-flavored, and this deep red one is watermelon-flavored."

As she listened to the maid's introduction, Zhao Jing felt extraordinarily amazed, she couldn't wait to try it then and her eyes lit up at the first bite, and a happy aura radiated from her body.

Zhao Jing then ate nine of them in one go, until her mother's maid came to ask her to eat it, and only then did she manage to stop her movement.

"Miss, Madam is asking you to come over, the county magistrate's wife will be here soon."

Hearing the maid's voice and looking at the six jellies left in the box, Zhao Jing was dumbfounded. She felt that she had just tasted one flavor, but why was it already gone?

But Zhao Jing didn't have time to think, te urging from outside continued. She gritted her teeth and, after a moment's agitation, she said directly, "Put this on a new plate for me, I'll take it with me to my mother's later."

"Yes."

When the maid at her side received the order, she immediately went to find a plate with a gold silk pattern and a painting of a fish leaping over a dragon gate. She also carefully filled it with the remaining jellies, then followed Zhao Jing to the meeting place with it.

Chen Xing promised Fu Gongzi that he would make jelly, but he didn't rush to start. Instead, he estimated how long it would take them to finish the jelly at Gu Lang's there, only then he would start to figure out when to buy the bones and pork skin to make the jelly.

He calculated it like this, Chen Xing found that he could relax for two more days, so he felt relaxed even more.

By the time the stall was closed, Chen Xing looked at Qiu Jiu who was following him and asked happily, "Qiu Jiu, does your young master have any other favorite fruits? I'm going to make another batch of jelly in a few days."

Qiu Jiu listened and looked at the expression on Chen Xing's face; seeing the excitement on his face, he was silent for a moment and thought seriously for a long time before finally shaking his head and saying with some difficulty, "Gongzi's likes and dislikes, he doesn't show much. You can ask him yourself."

Chen Xing was stunned at his words, and felt that there was something strange about his words, what did he mean by not showing much of it?

Seeing the stunned look on Chen Xing's face was too obvious, Qiu Jiu had the rare opportunity to explain, "Due to the accident in his family, he had a very unpleasant time. It was also during that time that he developed the habit of not showing his likes and dislikes easily. How he treat things is also like that and even more so with food."

Chen Xing pursed his lips, somewhat unable to imagine what Gu Lang had gone through during that time to develop 'unable to trust people' kind of habit. Gu Lang's pale and handsome face suddenly popped up in his mind, he then remembered the rumors he had heard about the Gu family in the city, and suddenly felt a little more tender love for him.

Perhaps the expression of heartache on Chen Xing's face was too obvious, and Qiu Jiu at the side could not help but say one more thing, "You are different for Gongzi, you can ask him about his preferences, and he will tell you."

At least before Chen Xing, Qiu Jiu had never met anyone who could move Gu Lang's emotions, and it was even more unlikely to see the always sensible Gongzi behaving as childishly as he did in front of Chen Xing.

Hearing Qiu Jiu's words, Chen Xing's body trembled, soon after that, he looked at Qiu Jiu who was beside him and considerately said thank you, "Thank you, I understand."

When Qiu Jiu heard Chen Xing's words, he gave him a bright smile, revealing a mouth full of white teeth as he said cheerfully, "No need to mention it, if Gongzi is happy, we, these servants, will be able to bask in the light.(fig. to benefit from association with sb or sth.)"

Chen Xing listened to what he said and put it into his heart, he felt more and more pity for Gu Lang. In his mind, he was thinking that he must treat Gu Lang better in the future, after all, Gu Lang was such a good person. If he didn't treat Gu Lang better, it would be too 'undeserved'.

With this kind of thought in his mind, Chen Xing walked on his way to Gu's residence with a heavy heart.

Just after Chen Xing and Qiu Jiu left the stall, a group of men suddenly detached themselves from the corner of the street, with wretched look on their faces, first staring at the direction Chen Xing and Qiu Jiu had left for a while, and then muttering together, before being led by the leader towards Chen Xing's stall that had been tidied up.

It was still early when they returned to the Gu Mansion. Chen Xing took his usual bath before going to the kitchen to prepare for lunch.

Chen Xing was standing in the kitchen, looking at the fresh vegetables on the stove, and was just about to start preparing them, when he remembered what Qiu Jiu had said to him when they were on the way home. He hesitated for a moment, then put down the things in his hands, walked out of the kitchen and went towards Gu Lang's study room.

When he arrived at the study, he saw Gu Lang sitting upright in front of his desk, reading a book in his hand. He stared at Gu Lang's pale face for a while, but did not say any word at all.

Until Gu Lang who was inside noticed his sight, he raised his head to look toward his direction. When he saw him, he smiled at him and then put down the book in his hand, waved at him and said gently, "Why are you standing outside and not coming in?"

Chen Xing looked at Gu Lang, who was smiling thinly at him, and hesitantly walked in and came in front of him. He was hesitant but still asked, "I just wanna ask, what do you want to eat for today's lunch?"

When he heard his question, he felt a bit strange. At the beginning, when they were not familiar with each other, Chen Xing had asked him what he did not eat. However, after Chen Xing got better acquainted with them, he didn't ask this kind of question anymore so he didn't know why he suddenly asked this kind of question again.

Gu Lang was puzzled.

Chen Xing pursed his lips and looked at Gu Lang who was looking at him intently. After hesitating for a while, he said what Qiu Jiu had said to him and finally asked with some apprehension, "Are there some things I cooked that you don't like and out of courtesy, you told me you like it all?"

After Chen Xing finished talking, only to see Gu Lang staring straight at himself and not saying anything, the room was terribly quiet.

A few moments later, Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing and laughed softly, his tone carrying a bit of doting, "You ah."

The Damaged Stall

The few doting tones in Gu Lang's voice made Chen Xing become embarrassed, and he raised his eyes to look at the man sitting behind the desk.

He saw that Gu Lang was looking at him with a forgiving and tolerant face, as if he was a child who was unreasonable; this association made his ears gradually turn a little red and burn hot.

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing with a gentle gaze, and even the tone of his words was extraordinarily gentle, "Why do you have such an idea?"

Chen Xing began to feel a little uncomfortable when he heard Gu Lang ask the question, squeaking for half a day before finally saying what he was thinking, "I just wanted to ask."

As for why he wanted to ask, Chen Xing himself could not say the reason why. Perhaps, in some hidden corner of his heart, he was so persistent in wanting to know the answer, just to see if he was special in Gu Lang's heart, special enough for Gu Lang to ignore his principles.

Chen Xing's heart was thumping wildly as he watched Gu Lang stand up in front of him and, step by step, walk up to him.

"Since you want to know, then I'll tell you." Gu Lang paused for a moment,his tone was incomparably cautious (act with care).

"In the past, I didn't tell people around me my likes and dislikes because it was a very dangerous thing to do." It was so dangerous that he could lose his life if he wasn't careful enough.

"But now, I can tell you without reservation." Because you're special.

"What I've told you, what I like and what I don't like, it's all true." Because I don't have to lie to you about it.

"I never lied to you." Except for some things that you don't need to know.

"So, don't be unhappy." Don't show that kind of look.

Chen Xing's heart missed a beat as he felt the warmth of Gu Lang's hand landing on his head. He raised his eyes and looked towards him, running straight into the tenderness in Gu Lang's eyes.

In that gentle gaze, Chen Xing heard himself respond softly, "Hn."

Soon afterwards, Chen Xing then saw the man in front of him, who was half a head taller than himself, slowly smiling. The smile that gradually appeared on that slightly pale face was like a gorgeous flower that suddenly appeared on the dry desert, which charmed him so much that he couldn't take his eyes off it anymore.

Gu Lang looked at the infatuation that gradually emerged in Chen Xing's eyes, the smile at the corner of his lips grew bigger and bigger, he was very satisfied with Chen Xing's current expression.

"In the future, if you have any questions, just come and ask me directly. As long as the person who asks is you, I will tell you."

These were the last words that Chen Xing remembered in his mind.

It was only when Chen Xing reentered the kitchen and stood by the stove that he came back to his senses, grabbed the radish on the table and shouted, "Ah—"

Chen Xing felt that he must have looked extremely foolish just now, not only did he stare at Gu Lang sillily for half a day, but he even came back without hearing much of what Gu Lang said at the end. He didn't know what he had said afterwards too and how Gu Lang had replied, but he was sure he must have acted thoroughly foolish at that moment.

Chen Xing was so engrossed in his own conscience-stricken that he didn't notice Qiu Jiu at the door who wanted to come in, in an instant when he stepped in, then jerked his foot back when he saw what he was doing.

Qiu Jiu stared at Chen Xing who was inside the door, not knowing what he was doing, watching him scratching his hair frantically, with a very subtle look on his face, not knowing what had happened during the time he had gone to rest.

Qiu Jiu hesitated for a long time, but withdrew his foot that was about to step in, it was still better for him to come back later to help.

Chen Xing was upset for a while before he was finally able to calm down a bit, staring at the fresh vegetables in front of him, forcing himself to forget about the embarrassing incident just now and concentrate on cooking.

However, when Chen Xing saw the large white radish on the table, he still couldn't help thinking of Gu Lang and his face started to blush again.

Although Chen Xing was a little out of form today, it did not delay his cooking speed. An hour later, he had prepared two dishes and one soup that they would eat for lunch today.

Chen Xing saw Gu Lang sitting next to the table, waiting for the meal to start, and thought again of the scene where he had embarrassed himself in front of Gu Lang so Chen Xing's ears reddened quietly.

Luckily, Gu Lang did not show anything special and everything seemed normal, allowing Chen Xing to gradually calm down.

As soon as he sat down, Chen Xing recommended it to Gu Lang, "I made the steamed egg today, try it and see if it's delicious or not."

After Chen Xing finished speaking, he took Gu Lang's bowl and gave him half a bowl.

Gu Lang thanked Chen Xing, took a bite as he raised his eyes and gave him a smile. He praised him genuinely and sincerely, "It's really delicious, not too salty, not too light, the taste is just right."

Chen Xing immediately smiled like a kitten that had stolen a fish, with happiness written all over his face.

Qiu Jiu sat silently on one side, watching Chen Xing keep on giving food into his Gongzi bowl, while his Gongzi sincerely praised Chen Xing's cooking skills after tasting them, and then Chen Xing's face broke into a smile again.

Qiu Jiu felt that there was an unspeakable atmosphere between the two of them and there was absolutely no room for him to interfere.

As the meal went on, several people ate to their heart's content, especially Chen Xing who could not hide the happiness on his face when he saw that Gu Lang really liked the meal he had cooked.

Looking at his happy face, Gu Lang also revealed a gentle smile.

Chen Xing's good mood lasted until the next day when he left to open the stall.

Chen Xing and Qiu Jiu were talking and laughing as they walked to the stall, however, the moment they arrived at the stall and saw the state of the stall, they were immediately stunned and froze in place.

They only saw that the hanging curtains on both sides of the originally built stall looked like they had been cut with a blade and looked tattered and torn. The tables, chairs and benches in the stall were all in a mess, and it was obvious that most of them were missing arms and legs, while the middle of the table had been cut off and left empty.

Chen Xing had never encountered such a thing in a long time since he worked in the stall, so he was a bit overwhelmed for a while.

Qiu Jiu, on the other hand, was not as good-tempered as Chen Xing, and the moment he saw those things being destroyed, his eyes immediately turned cold and a hostile aura emanated from all over his body. Who was (unexpectedly) so bold enough to destroy their stall while they were away?

The Damaged Stall

After freezing for a moment, Chen Xing quickly reacted again, pursed his lips and told Qiu Jiu who was next to him, "Let's tidy up and clean up the place first, and then find a way to investigate what happened when we've finished selling the stuff."

Qiu Jiu, who was originally still angry, also quickly calmed down after hearing Chen Xing's words and nodded towards him as an agreement to his words.

After saying these words, Chen Xing took the lead and walked into the shed that had been trampled beyond recognition and started to clean it up a little bit, and as he was cleaning it up, he even started to be glad that the damage was not too serious and could still be repaired, otherwise he would have to spend a large sum of money again.

Just as Chen Xing was sighing and packing up his things with Qiu Jiu, a group of Yamen officials came over toward their direction not far away.

A wary look subconsciously appeared on Chen Xing's face when he saw this group of uninvited officials.

The leader who was leading the group tried to squeeze out a smile, he tried to look amiable as he looked at Chen Xing and asked, "You are the owner of this stall, right?"

Seeing that he did not look like he was here to pick a fight, Chen Xing nodded his head hesitantly.

When that leader saw that Chen Xing had answered, the smile on his face grew wider and wider. He said with a bit of 'taking credit for someone else's achievements' tone, "When we were patrolling last night, we saw some people ruin your stall, so we arrested those people."

Chen Xing felt it was a little unbelievable as he listened to his words, he was still upset just now as to who had ruined his stall, only to hear now that those people had been arrested.

That leader looked at Chen Xing's shocked look and continued, "Now those people are in jail, do you want to go and take a look?"

Chen Xing felt that this leader seemed a little too eagerly attentive; he was not sure if all the official officers in this ancient time were so utterly devoted to their duties, so he cautiously asked, "Can I go and see?"

When he heard Chen Xing ask this, the team leader clapped his hands, extremely excited as he said, "Of course you can go!"

After saying that, under Chen Xing's eyes was full of doubts, the leader seemed to realize that he was acting a little too attentive, coughed a little and his tone was slightly colder as he said, "You as a victim, are naturally allowed to go and see it."

Chen Xing hesitated for a moment, but still nodded toward the official in front of him, he also wanted to know who actually had a grudge against him to even treat his stall like this.

Waiting until Chen Xing brought Qiu Jiu to follow along with the official to the place where the prisoners were kept, he immediately saw at first glance a man in his early forties standing at the entrance of the large cell.

The head of Yamen official trotted over and muttered something in that man's ear, soon after that, Chen Xing saw the man's gaze sweep over him and Qiu Jiu.

Soon, the man walked over in vigorous strides, looked at Chen Xing and said politely, "I am the Shiye (师爷: fiscal or secretarial duties in a local Yamen; private adviser] here, Xu Ya."

Hearing his position, Chen Xing was surprised and at the same time a bit reserved, and said towards him in a small voice, "Xu Shiye, how are you?"

When Xu Shiye looked at Chen Xing's restrained appearance as he did not know what he was thinking about, he then gave him a kind smile and said, "Gongzi is here to see the prisoners, right? Please come with me."

Chen Xing nodded and followed behind him into that prison door.

As soon as he entered, Chen Xing felt a slight chill and he couldn't help but shiver.

When he followed Shiye to a prison cell, he was even more startled after looking at the four badly mutilated people lying inside.

Looking at Chen Xing's frightened appearance as he widened his eyes, Xu Shiye smiled at him soothingly and softly said, "Young Master, don't be afraid, these injuries only look serious, but they are just surface wounds."

Chen Xing pursed his lips and did not say anything.

That Shiye did not get angry when he did not answer, he then continued, "These four men were caught on the spot when they ruined your stall yesterday. Gongzi, what do you want to do with them?"

Chen Xing hesitated for a moment, looked at him with some hesitation and asked,

"Formerly, how were they dealt with?"

That Xu Shiye stroked his very short beard and said in a profound manner, "In the past, for those who damaged things like this, we would order them to pay for the damages and then lock them up in jail for ten days. But if Gongzi has other ideas, we can also cooperate."

As soon as Chen Xing heard this latter part of his sentence, he subconsciously felt that they wanted him to bribe them. He hurriedly quickly shook his head and said directly, "Just do it according to the rules! They've already been beaten like this, there's no need to pursue relentlessly."

Xu Shiye obviously did not expect him to say this, and after Chen Xing finished speaking, he immediately revealed a dumbfounded appearance on his face, but he quickly returned to normal, only that he still had some doubt in his expression, "Good, since Gongzi wants to do it like this, then we will do it as what Gongzi had said."

Just as Xu Shiye was about to invite Chen Xing out, Chen Xing suddenly thought of something and asked with some hesitation, "Can I ask them a few questions?"

Xu Shiye flashed a smile at him, "Of course you can."

Until Chen Xing came out of the prison, he felt that the people in this government office were too polite, and even promised him that they would send him the compensation money when they got it.

Chen Xing looked back at the tall government office plaque and muttered in a low voice towards Qiu Jiu who was next to him, "Do all the officials here love to love the common people as one's own children (this phrases often used to describe or praise for a virtuous ruler)?"

Hearing Chen Xing ask this, Qiu Jiu turned his head to look at the confused Chen Xing, his heart was flooded with mixed feelings. He finally looked at him and stifled a sentence, "The newly appointed County Magistrate is a good official."

Having heard this, Chen Xing nodded and agreed, "He is indeed a good official since he can teach all the officials under him so well."

But soon, Chen Xing began to get annoyed about another thing, that was, he had just learned from those few rascals who could not even speak, why they had gone to destroy his stall, and he also knew who had instructed them to do it.

It was just that Chen Xing completely had never heard of that person at all, much less knew whether he had any problems with that person, and didn't understand at all why she had done that. And most importantly, now that he knew who had done it, then later it was a question of what to do.

Chen Xing was torn all the way back to the stall, only to see a group of people gathered around the stall as soon as he passed, and among them were a few familiar faces; those customers who often came to his place from time to time during the week.

Looking at them all waiting at the entrance of the stall, Chen Xing quickened his pace to go over there.

When those people saw Chen Xing coming, Aunty Sheng, who lined up in the front, yelled out loud, "Little boss, why are you so late today?"

Hearing this familiar loud voice, Chen Xing knew that the visitor was Aunty Sheng who often came to buy food from him, and he repeatedly said, "Sorry, I was delayed by something just now."

Hearing his words, Aunt Sheng opened her voice and said, "We have been waiting for you for so long, you should give us more later."

Chen Xing felt that although Aunt Sheng usually liked to take advantage of small things, she was not a bad person, so after hearing her words, she replied in a good-natured manner, "Okay, I will give you guys more today."

When she got Chen Xing's promise, a big smile immediately appeared on that Aunt Sheng's face, but soon after she looked at those destroyed tables, chairs and benches behind Chen Xing, she still couldn't help but exclaim, "Boss, what's going on in this shed of yours?"

Chen Xing handed her what Aunt Sheng asked for and said somewhat helplessly, "It was like this as soon as I arrived today, I haven't had time to clean it up yet, so I let you see a joke."

Looking at the good-natured Chen Xing, Aunt Sheng slapped her thigh and complained on his behalf, "Aiyo, someone must have seen your business doing well, so they were jealous and came to cause trouble. Don't worry, there are so many of us, we will definitely catch who did it for you and help you get justice."

Chen Xing looked at Aunt Sheng's righteous indignation at injustice and found her a bit cute at this time, he looked at her, smiled, and said softly, "I haven't been here for long, I don't have your skills, so I can only trouble you."

Hearing Chen Xing's compliment, Aunt Sheng looked as if she had won a fight. She threw out her chest and said in high fighting spirit, "You don't even look at who I am, don't worry boss, I will find out who dares to mess up your stall."

However, Aunt Sheng's generosity only lasted for a few seconds, and she soon showed her usual shrewdness again, looking at Chen Xing and said, "Then I'll help you find the culprit, and when I come to buy something again in the future, you'll have to give me a little more credit!"

Chen Xing looked at her, who did not forget to take advantage after doing a good deed therefore he did not know whether to laugh or to cry, "Don't worry, Aunt! I'll definitely give you a little more the next time you come."

Hearing his words, Aunt Sheng was perfectly content and left with her bowl.

After this stirring by Aunt Sheng, Chen Xing was not as depressed as he was originally. He then quickly adjusted himself and tried to finish selling all the ingredients for the day.

When the last food was sold, Chen Xing closed his stall, after that he looked at Qiu Jiu hesitantly for a moment. In the end, he still made up his mind and said, "Qiu Jiu, we won't go back yet, so please accompany me to go to one place first."

Qiu Jiu somewhat couldn't understand why, but looking at the cautious expression on Chen Xing's face, he still nodded and agreed, "Okay."

A quarter of an hour later, Qiu Jiu looked at the small restaurant across the street where business was dismal, he then had a few guesses in his mind as to what they were doing on this round trip.

As expected, when Qiu Jiu turned his head to look at Chen Xing next to him, he only saw him take a deep breath, then changed his expression to a serious one and took a big step towards that restaurant.

The Damaged Stall

That Boss Qiao, who was still soliciting customers and dressed gorgeously at the entrance of the shop, the moment he saw Chen Xing, her face went cold, and even her eyes became sharp.

"What are you doing by coming here? You are not welcome here."

Faced with Boss Qiao's outburst of sarcasm, Chen Xing did not care very much, and even laughed softly, with a bit of laziness in his tone.

"Yo, since you guys are open for business here so how can you not welcome customers? You don't even have a few customers left here, and you still want to drive people out, do you still want to do business?"

Hearing Chen Xing's sarcasm, Boss Qiao's face became more and more ugly, looking at him as if his eyes were soaked with poison.

However, Chen Xing acted as if he did not see her expression that was as if she was about to eat people, slowly walked up to her, stared at her unsightly face and sneered at her, "Boss Qiao, don't tell me that you don't know the reason why I came over this time?"

Hearing Chen Xing's words, looking at this Ger in front of her, who was not quite the same as she used to perceive. Boss Qiao subconsciously took a step back and braced herself, "What are you talking nonsense about here? I have just said that you are not welcome here, so you get out of here right now."

Chen Xing looked at her as he tilted his head slightly, asking with a bit of innocence in his tone, "Don't you want to know where those four people you called yesterday are now?"

A bit of panic appeared in Boss Qiao's eyes, and the high coolness she had been maintaining on her face broke apart a little, staring at Chen Xing and saying in an unsteady tone, "You, what are you talking about? I have no idea at all."

Chen Xing looked at the panicked woman in front of him and continued, "They are all being held in jail now, when I went to see them, they were being beaten to a bloody pulp there."

After he said this, Chen Xing looked like he had thought of something funny, and a few strange glows even appeared on his face.

When Boss Qiao looked at him, the indifference maintained on her face gradually tensed up as she couldn't help but to question Chen Xing in a stern voice, "What exactly do you want to do?"

Chen Xing looked at her and hooked the corner of his lips, a bit of toughness surfaced on that pretty face as he took a step closer towards Boss Qiao and said in a cold voice, "I came here just to tell you that I know what you have done."

The woman's eyes were full of panic.

Chen Xing continued to said, "I also have the ability to do 'something' to you, especially now since you don't have any backers."

The woman immediately raised her head up and looked at him with eyes full of disbelief.

Chen Xing raised his eyebrows and said in a cold and hard tone, "Believe it or not, there is no next time for this kind of matter. If there is a next time, don't think that I will let you off so easily like that."

Chen Xing also did not wait for her next reaction, turned around and left.

Boss Qiao stared at Chen Xing's back as he left, squeezing the handkerchief in his hand, a look of horror all over her face, how could that she did not know before that Chen Xing had such connections behind him.

Soon afterwards, she remembered that day when she went to see Chen Xing who obediently followed the official and also the hired thugs who were arrested on the spot yesterday, her heart was still a bit frightened. She even began to rejoice that Chen Xing only knew that she had sent someone to ruined her stall, but not something else beside that.

As Boss Qiao stared at the direction Chen Xing had left, she was a little annoyed; since she had provoked Chen Xing out of jealousy, in case he held a grudge against her and came after her later, she wouldn't be able to handle it. No, she had to think of something.

Completely unaware that her words had made Boss Qiao instantly become like an ant on a hot pot, Chen Xing immediately looked like a deflated ball after he walked out of the street with a straight back, his back loosened up all of a sudden as he let out a long breath, "That was a close call just now!"

Qiu Jiu looked at Chen Xing's difference front and behind and asked with some hesitation, "Chen Xing?"

Chen Xing turned his head to look at Qiu Jiu, his face had lost its sharpness just now and he had turned back into the gentle Ger he usually was, he looked at Qiu Jiu with both of his eyes shining brightly and asked, "What do you think my performance just now?"

Qiu Jiu was not quite understand the situation yet he still nodded his head honestly and praised, "Very good, I even got dumbfounded."

Hearing Qiu Jiu's words, Chen Xing rubbed his head with some embarrassment and said shyly, "That was good, I was afraid that I mess up my acting."

Qiu Jiu looked at him and his tone was a little strange, "You just now… "

Chen Xing looked at him, smiling brightly, showing his mouthful of small white teeth, and said excitedly, "I faked it!"

Qiu Jiu's gaze was complicated, not expecting Chen Xing would be this kind of Chen Xing.

Chen Xing seemed to be still immersed in the success he had just achieved. He had been so excited that he could not stop, and only when they were about to reach the Gu Mansion did he suddenly think of something and looked at Qiu Jiu who looked unusual next to him and said,

"When you go back, don't tell Gu Lang about this! He's not well, saying these things will scare him."

Qiu Jiu looked at the innocent expression on Chen Xing's face and after holding back for a long time, he finally managed to hold out one word, "Hn."

The author has something to say:

Qiu Jiu: I often suffocate caused by my internal injuries because I know too much.

It's good that he is happy

Chen Xing went back to Gu's Residence happily, feeling extraordinarily fortunate today.

Although the stall had been ruined, the man was caught immediately and the feudal officials promised to send him the compensation money, apart from a bit of trouble in repairing the damage, basically, there were no more worries.

Besides that, in this blessing in disguise, he uncovered the person who was behind his shenanigans,so after warning her, she didn't dare to do any more damage to him.

Chen Xing was so pleased with himself that he was humming when he entered the door.

Qiu Jiu, who was following behind him, looked at his happy back, his eyes full of complicated emotions, some torn, some doubtful, and some uncertainty. With a sigh, he resigned himself to pushing the wheelbarrow in.

Chen Xing pushed open the door of Gu's mansion and saw Gu Lang in the courtyard, carrying a small bucket to water the flowers.

The courtyard, which was originally overgrown with grass, had been cleaned up, leaving only a bare patch of ground.

Chen Xing was worried that Gu Lang would be bored at home, so he bought a lot of rare flowers and planted seeds for Gu Lang to plant in his spare time. It didn't matter whether he could grow something or not, what matters was that Gu Lang could exercise his body through this kind of exercise.

Chen Xing did not expect that the seeds would survive in Gu Lang's hands and since it sprouted, it has been growing beautifully.

Gu Lang looked up at the door when he heard the commotion so when he saw the cheerful look on Chen Xing's face, he gave a gentle smile and said gently, "What have you encountered today? Why are you so happy?"

Chen Xing covered his face in shock and asked with a little confusion in his voice, "Do I look that happy?"

Gu Lang pointed at his face and said softly, "The look on your face can't fool anyone."

When Gu Lang pointed out his mood in such a casual manner, Chen Xing became more and more embarrassed. He raised his eyes and glanced at Gu Lang, shook his head and said in a slightly perfunctory manner, "It's just a small matter."

After saying this, as if he was worried that Gu Lang would continue to ask questions, he hurriedly said, "That's right, by the way, we came back late today. You should be hungry, right? I'll go to the kitchen and cook now. Wait for me and soon the food will be ready to eat soon."

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing's back as he ran away quickly, pursed his lips and shifted his gaze to Qiu Jiu, who had been acting as a transparent person, and asked indifferently, "Tell me, what happened again today?"

Qiu Jiu was in tears, thinking about what he had just promised Chen Xing and looking at the expressionless Gu Lang in front of him, he hesitated for a moment, still chose to betray Chen Xing, telling Gu Lang everything that had happened today.

"Are you saying that the woman did it because she was jealous?" Gu Lang's voice had a touch of sarcasm in it.

Qiu Jiu also understood why his family's young master despised it so much. After all, because of such a ridiculous reason, that woman commanded someone to ruin Chen Xing's stall.

Qiu Jiu said surely, "Yes, that's what those local ruffians said, and when we went to her shop, the owner obviously knew Chen Xing and had a disgusted look on her face. I also think she did it. Oh that's right, she is the owner of Qiao's restaurant that Gongzi asked me to investigate last time."

Gu Lang's face instantly went cold and his voice even took on a slight chill, "Is it her?"

Qiu Jiu nodded his head.

Gu Lang lowered his eyes to the newly sprouted buds on the ground and asked in a low voice, "What Chen Xing's attitude in this matter?"

Qiu Jiu scratched his head, seemingly finding it difficult to speak, but he still told the whole story in detail, "Chen Xing thought that the person who ruined his stall had already been punished. Moreover that boss was first time breaking the law, so he thought he would just forgive people [得饶人处且饶人: where it is possible to let people off, one should spare them] and not pursue the matter any further."

Gu Lang laughed softly, his words carried a bit of disgust, but his words were a bit of doting in it, "He ah, he's really too soft-hearted."

Qiu Jiu beside him also nodded in agreement, he also felt that Chen Xing was too soft-hearted.

However, Gu Lang soon changed his topic of conversation and said, "But, it's also good like this."

Qiu Jiu looked at his family's young master and didn't quite understand what he meant, but then he heard Gu Lang continue to say, "Let's leave it at that, since he doesn't want to pursue this matter, then let him be happy ba."

"Yes."

Gu Lang glanced at the direction Chen Xing had left, his eyes were deep, he had seen too much mutual deceit and treachery, he still liked Chen Xing's sincere heart, he just hoped that he wouldn't change too fast.

Gu Lang slowly withdrew his eyes, put the ladle back into the bucket, glanced at Qiu Jiu who was standing next to him, and said in an indifferent voice, "Let's go, I have something for you to do."

"Yes."

Qiu Jiu followed Gu Lang to the study room.

Gu Lang took a box off the bookshelf and handed it to Qiu Jiu. If Chen Xing was still here, he would have recognised that the box in front of him was the same one that the old shopkeeper had given to Gu Lang when he and Gu Lang went to the bookstore.

Qiu Jiu took the box and stood still, waiting for Gu Lang's next instruction.

Gu Lang raised his eyes to look at him and said softly, "Tell the innkeeper that I have already written down what to do. Tell him to tell the one above that I have retired to recuperate from my illness and I don't want to be too involved in those matters in the future, so don't send me any more letters."

"Yes." Qiu Jiu's face was solemn as he replied.

After explaining this, Gu Lang looked at Qiu Jiu and seemed to remember something else so he continued, "Oh besides that, the government official, tell them not to do too much in the future, so that Chen Xing won't realize anything."

Qiu Jiu felt that his family's young master was overly worried and that Chen Xing should not find out about it but then he remembered the scene when he came back and was a bit unsure, so he said, "Yes, I understand."

When Gu Lang had explained all those things clearly, he looked a little more relaxed, but his face was still expressionless as before.

It's good that he is happy

Just exactly at this moment, there was the sound of footsteps outside the door, followed by Chen Xing's head poking through the door and a smile spread across his face as he saw them. He smiled then said, "I couldn't find you in the front room, so I wondered if you were here, and I found you! I've made dinner, so if you have anything to say, we'll talk afterwards."

The moment he saw Chen Xing, the indifference on Gu Lang's face was like ice and snow melting away, slowly fading away to reveal his usual gentle and harmless smile as he said softly, "Hn."

Gu Lang took the lead and walked out of the study room, coming to Chen Xing's side and walking with him to the dining room.

Qiu Jiu, who remained in the study room, shook his head helplessly as he watched the change in his family's young master. He knew that Chen Xing was special to his family's young master. Thinking of this, he followed him up as he brought the box in his hand.

On the way to the dining room, Chen Xing was still puzzled by what Gu Lang and Qiu Jiu were doing in the study room, so he asked them frankly, "What were you doing in the study? It was obviously time to eat, why didn't you wait until you had finished eating before saying anything? You were already delayed in your meal time, and if it was any later, it would not be good for your health."

Gu Lang listened to Chen Xing's rambling, not only did he not feel annoyed, on the contrary, he felt a little bit of warmth. He looked at Chen Xing, who was staring at him with concern, and gently lifted the corner of his mouth, "Hn, I know, I won't do it next time. I just asked Qiu Jiu to deliver my letter this afternoon, it won't take much time."

Seeing that Gu Lang was so serious in explaining to himself, Chen Xing himself began to be embarrassed as she said, "I, I don't want to care about you, I'm just worried about your health."

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing who lowered his head out of embarrassment and stared at the tips of his reddened ears. He gently curled his lips and said gently, "It's okay, I don't mind."

Chen Xing raised his eyes to look at him, and his eyes were somewhat helpless.

Gu Lang stared into those beautiful eyes of his and said softly, "I don't mind if you care about me."

Chen Xing's face instantly turned red, thinking that Gu Lang's words were too illegal so he was unable to withstand it.

After hearing this, Chen Xing's face turned red as he walked faster towards the dining room, Gu Lang's face turned somewhat darker.

Only when the three of them arrived at the dining hall, one after the other, did the temperature on Chen Xing's face subside a little and his face returned to normal as he served them with a meal.

After they had all been seated, Chen Xing took a peek at Gu Lang and saw that he did not look that different. He breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time carried a bit of loss that he did not even notice, as if he was expecting Gu Lang to say something even more.

Gu Lang did not notice Chen Xing's complicated state of mind, but after they had finished eating, he mentioned something else to Chen Xing, "Xing Xing, do you want to learn to read with me?"

At first, when Gu Lang called him Xing Xing, Chen Xing would blush, but when he got used to it, he thought it was no big deal.

When he heard Gu Lang ask him if he wanted to learn how to read Chinese characters, Chen Xing's face appeared a bit incomprehensible, wondering why Gu Lang suddenly wanted to teach him how to read Chinese characters.

Chen Xing's emotions were always straightforward on his face. Looking at Chen Xing's expression, Gu Lang understood what he was thinking. He looked at Chen Xing, gently curled his lips and explained,

"Since you have nothing to do this afternoon, it would be a good thing to learn to read with me. Didn't you say last time that you wanted to learn how to read but you never had the chance to do so? Since now, I have time to spare, I can teach you how to do it, what do you think?"

Only then did Chen Xing remember that this was the reason he had told Gu Lang why he knew how to read and write when he had seen those books in his study room last time. He just didn't expect him to remember it so clearly after such a long time.

For a moment, Chen Xing's mood became a little complicated, but when he raised his eyes to meet Gu Lang's intent gaze, he nodded slowly, "Yes, I'll learn how to read from you."

The curvature of Gu Lang's lips became wider and wider as he looked at him and said in satisfaction, "Okay then, take a break for a while for lunch today and we will start on it later."

Chen Xing looked at him and nodded his head seriously.

At the same time in the Zhao family.

Madame Zhao, the head of the family, came to the room of her own daughter, Zhao Jing, with the help of her maid.

The moment she saw her mother, Zhao Jing, who was still eating her sweet osmanthus flower cakes, panicked and hid the cakes in her hands behind her.

However, Zhao's mother glanced at her coldly and said coldly, "Don't hide it. I've seen it all."

As soon as Zhao's mother said this, Zhao Jing stopped moving, stood there and stared blankly as she cautiously looked at Zhao's mother and observed her expression.

However, Zhao's mother slowly walked up to her face and poked her in the head with her nails painted with pretty flower petals, saying with hatred, "You are already a big lady, why are you so reluctant to listen to advice? Didn't I tell you that you'll be discussing marriage in a while, so you should take care of your figure, and if no one likes you, see what will happen to you?"

Hearing her mother belittle her, Zhao Jing unwilling to concede, but she did not dare to show it, so she could only stare at her mother with a red face, not daring to say anything although she was angry.

Looking at her appearance, Zhao's mother poked her in the head again, causing her to take a step backwards, and said in a hateful voice, "Your mother is doing this for your own good, so don't resent it."

Zhao Jing looked at her mother with the red marks on her head and said miserably, "Mother, I know. It's just that I really can't control my mouth, so isn't it worse than killing me if I'm not allowed to eat?"

Zhao's mother gave her a blank and scornful look as she said sternly, "Even if that's the case, you still have to hold back. From tomorrow onwards, I will instruct the servants in your house to watch that you are not allowed to eat too much, and if anyone dares to disobey me, I will have them all sold."

Hearing Zhao's mother's words, Zhao Jing hastily pulled her clothes and begged as she said, "Mother, don't be like this."

However, Zhao's mother ignored her and pulled her hand away, as if it was impossible to negotiate.

When she saw that even when she acted like a spoiled child, it didn't work, she knew that her mother was determined to get rid of her this time, so she silently sighed and decided not to beg her, therefore she would think of a solution later.

When Mother Zhao finished talking about this, she looked at her up and down and then, at Zhao Jing's apprehensive look, she said in a deep voice: "Where did you get the dessert you brought back last time?"

Hearing Mother Zhao mention the pastries Chen Xing gave her last time, Zhao Jing's eyes lit up as she looked at her, "Mother, are you talking about the jelly?"

Zhao's mother didn't know what they were called, so she nodded in acknowledgement at Zhao Jing's words and said in a cold tone, "When you brought them out last time, the county magistrate's wife liked them very much. I wanted to send some more to deepen our friendship, so where did you buy it?"

As she listened to Zhao's mother's words, her face showed some embarrassment, but she finally said truthfully, "I didn't buy it, I got it as a thank-you gift sent by the young boss who said I had done him a favor last time."

Zhao Jing had been thinking about it even after she had finished eating it, but she didn't feel like asking for it again, so she held back.

Hearing that, Zhao's mother was silent for a moment, then her face suddenly sank before then she suddenly said, "Is it the little boss who caused you to be slapped by Chen Ling'er last time?"

Thinking of the slap she received last time, Zhao Jing's face turned a little darker, but she still nodded. She said on behalf of Chen Xing, "It wasn't his fault, it was me who rushed there."

Looking at her daughter's weak and easy to bully appearance, Zhao's mother felt angry, but her daughter had been raised in the old lady's house since she was a child in order to help her strive for favor, so even if she wanted to educate her now, it was too late.

Zhao's mother took a deep breath to calm her anger, and thinking of the purpose of her visit, she continued, "Since he did it, then it's easy to arrange."

Zhao Jing was fully aware of her mother's strong minded nature, and after hearing her say this, she asked with some uneasiness, "Mother, what do you want to do?"

Zhao's mother raised her eyes and said in an arrogant tone, "Naturally, I will send someone to ask him if he is willing to sell this dessert to us. If he is not willing, and if there are any other requests, we will do our best to satisfy him."

As she listened to Zhao's mother's words, she felt that something was wrong, but looking at Zhao's mother's sunken face, she didn't dare to say anything, thinking that if things went wrong, she would have to go to her grandmother in time to help her, not to let the little young boss be bullied.

It's good that he is happy

Gu Residence,

After waking up from his nap, Chen Xing went straight to Gu Lang's study room.

As soon as he entered, he saw Gu Lang laying something in front of the desk; when he got closer, he found that it was a piece of paper that took up a third of the desk.

Noticing the movement of his entrance, Gu Lang turned his head to look at his direction and gave him a smile, saying in a quiet voice, "These are what I prepared for you."

Chen Xing tilted his head, his gaze slightly confused, not quite understanding what this white paper was for, until Gu Lang took another book off the side shelf, spread it out next to him and said to him, "Write one on the top when you knew one by yourself, so you can master it faster."

Chen Xing thought it was too wasteful. He had gone to the bookstore with Gu Lang the other day and knew the price of the paper was not cheap and that Gu Lang had worked hard to earn the money, so he felt that he should not waste it so much as a matter of course.

Looking at the resistance on Chen Xing's face, Gu Lang asked in a soft voice, "What's wrong?"

Chen Xing hesitated for a moment, thinking that although Gu Lang was being kind, he could not accept it as a matter of course on the basis of his kindness, so he said his concerns directly, "This paper is too expensive. I have just started my studies, so it would be a waste for me to use it."

Gu Lang did not expect Chen Xing's concern to be this. He looked at Chen Xing with gentle eyes and an apologetic tone, "I just wanted to give you the best, I didn't think it through. It was all my fault."

The one who had to learn was himself, the one who had contributed was Gu Lang, and now it was also Gu Lang who was apologizing, he was almost too embarrassed to show his face.

Chen Xing looked at Gu Lang, waved his hands repeatedly and said, "No, don't be like that. If you keep doing that, I'll be ashamed and unable to show my face."

Gu Lang looked into his shy eyes and murmured softly, "You don't have to feel burdened, this is what I want to do for you."

After listening to his words, Chen Xing looked at him with an increasingly embarrassed look in his eyes, especially after Gu Lang had said this, he gently stroked his head with his hand, as if he was treating a small child, and coaxed him with gentle words, "You just need to be happy, you don't need to think too much about the rest."

At that moment, Chen Xing felt that something had struck him in the heart.

Literate

Chen Xing felt the force of Gu Lang's touch on the top of his head, and his heart began to beat uncontrollably. In the quiet room, the sound was so obvious.

Chen Xing just stared at Gu Lang foolishly, unexpectedly unable to say anything for a while.

It was only when Gu Lang suddenly let out a soft laugh that Chen Xing suddenly came back to his senses and shyly lowered his head as he began to spit on himself for staring at Gu Lang's naive could he have acted so stupid just now? He was like a silly person who had never seen the world before.

Looking at Chen Xing's secretly upset look, Gu Lang's gaze was full of pampering. She didn't do anything to make him uncomfortable but he just stared at him and said softly, "Alright, let's get ready to start."

Hearing Gu Lang's words, Chen Xing hurriedly responded, "Ah, okay, let us begin."

After saying that, he took the initiative and ran to the writing desk then he stared at the blank white paper on the top with flashing eyes, in a ready to learn position.

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing as he immediately ran away, and inexplicably felt that he was a bit cute, so he put his hand against the corner of his lips to prevent himself from laughing again, otherwise Chen Xing would definitely become annoyed and shy again, so he better stop teasing him.

After adjusting his mood, Gu Lang walked over to Chen Xing with a straight face, picked up the book he had just put on the table and said to him, "Okay, let's start studying."

Chen Xing was still a little embarrassed by Gu Lang, but he was not as embarrassed as he had been earlier. Hearing his words, he nodded gently and waited for him to give his lesson.

Gu Lang picked up the book and put it in front of Chen Xing's face, flipping it open so that Chen Xing could read the text inside, and then pointed to the first one and said, "This book is used by the aristocratic families to enlighten or impart rudimentary knowledge to beginners their children. It is the most suitable teaching material for people like you who do not have much foundation. Later on, I will teach you a word and you will write a word on the paper. Today we will only learn five words, and when you have learnt them all, we will learn more next time."

Gu Lang's voice was like a gentle breeze going against the leaves, which calmed down Chen Xing's originally restless heart. He nodded at Gu Lang and replied softly, "Hn."

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing who was ready and hooked his lips, "Then let's begin ba. Look, this word recognises 'I', this word means…, it is like this because…"

Gu Lang used a gentle tone of voice as he began to explain the meaning of the word to Chen Xing. At first, Chen Xing was a little uncomfortable with the close proximity between them but as Gu Lang's story became more and more exciting, he then became more and more immersed in it, and even listened with great interest.

Waiting until Gu Lang finished the story, Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing who seemed to be a bit lost in the story; since he could not come back to his senses for quite a long time, Gu Lang reached out and flicked his forehead. He said gently the moment Chen Xing's pain expression showed up on his face, "Do you understand now?"

Chen Xing covered his forehead, which was a little painful, and felt that Gu Lang was treating him like a child. He had told him a bedtime story in one word so if he didn't understand, then he would be sorry for Gu Lang's 'good intentions and diligent work".

Thereupon, Chen Xing looked at Gu Lang and nodded his head, saying in a small voice, "I understand."

Gu Lang looked at him with a light smile in his eyes, and when he looked at his puffy face, the smile on his face became even stronger, "Okay, let's write a word."

Chen Xing looked at him and nodded, took a deep breath, picked up the writing brush on the table. He looked solemn and held the writing brush in an upright position.

Chen Xing slowly compared the words he had just learnt and began to write them out on the paper, one by one. However, when he finished writing with confidence, a big 囧 character appeared on his originally solemn face when he looked at the horizontal and vertical writing on the paper.

Gu Lang looked at the words on the paper, which looked as if they were written by a three-year-old child, then he looked at Chen Xing whose face was as if 'nothing left to live for'. He finally couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Hearing that laughter sound, Chen Xing's body stiffened for a moment, and then his ears uncontrollably turned red.

Gu Lang stared at the tips of Chen Xing's ears, which were turning red, and felt the urge to try it out, but he soon restrained himself from doing so, thinking that if he did, Chen Xing's ears would not be the only place that would turn red.

Gu Lang coughed, pretending not to notice as he helped him straighten out his wrong and said, "You are a beginner, and the brush is soft. It's not easy to control, so it's already good that you can write it like this."

Chen Xing listened to Gu Lang's tone as if he was coaxing a child and squinted at him for a moment. His eyes were hidden bitterness with suspicion.

When Gu Lang received his gaze, he shifted his gaze uncomfortably and tried to change the subject, "Besides, it's the first time you started practicing, and the order of your writing is not correct, so it's normal that you can't write well."

Hearing Gu Lang say this, Chen Xing was a little surprised, not expecting that in their era, such things as strokes of writing Chinese characters had already been developed.

Just when Chen Xing wanted to ask him how he could write well, he saw Gu Lang walking behind him slowly as he held his hand extremely naturally.

Chen Xing stiffened for a moment, feeling Gu Lang's warm breath spraying on the back of his neck, a kind of numbness spreading directly from there and then stretching to his whole body, causing his whole body to start burning up.

As if Gu Lang did not notice his stiffness, he tugged his hand to hold the writing brush and said warmly in his ear, "Watch it carefully, how I write the word."

Listening to the voice coming from his ears, Chen Xing, although still a little uncomfortable, reluctantly lifted his spirit up and followed Gu Lang's writing steps, memorizing the steps he had taught him in writing, stroke by stroke.

The afternoon sunlight poured in through the window and shone on the patch of floor in front of them, illuminating the whole room with a warm, warm sunny hue.

By the time Gu Lang let go of Chen Xing's hand, Chen Xing had not even recovered from the warm atmosphere he had just experienced, and he stared at the beautiful calligraphic style fonts that he had written with Gu Lang's cooperation, his whole body was a little numb.

Looking at Chen Xing's appearance, Gu Lang whispered in his ear and asked, "Are you able to write it now?"

Only when he heard this sound did Chen Xing suddenly seem to come back from some kind of dream and nodded somewhat shyly.

"Then you write it again yourself?"

Chen Xing nodded and wrote it again as he had taught him. The result of his writing was indeed much better than what he had just done before.

"You've done it very well."

Chapter 31.2

Gu Lang's gentle voice came as if he was complimenting a child with potential.

Chen Xing was still a little embarrassed, but after the shock just now, he was not so shy anymore and replied softly, "Thank you."

Gu Lang moved his gaze away from Chen Xing, picked up the book again just now, and began to teach the next word.

In the lazy afternoon, Chen Xing's study life was spent in this gentle voice of Gu Lang, accompanied by the gentle breeze that blew in every now and then.

It was not until the next day when Chen Xing went out to set up his stall and recalled the incident with a slightly clearer mind that he suddenly realized something, that is, Gu Lang had explained the meaning of every word yesterday and told him the stories derived from them.

If he did not have enough knowledge, Chen Xing felt that Gu Lang would not have been able to tell so many allusions {classical story behind something or quote from the literature} so how big was Gu Lang's knowledge reserve?

Chen Xing suddenly stopped in his tracks. Qiu Jiu, who had been walking with him, cast a puzzled glance at him and was startled by Chen Xing who suddenly turned his head and stared at him.

"Chen…Chen Xing, what's wrong with you?"

Chen Xing looked at Qiu Jiu who was staring at him with a wary face and directly stated his doubts, "Did your family Gong Zi read a lot of books?"

Qiu Jiu thought that he had encountered some difficult problem, and when Qiu Jiu heard him ask this, he immediately revealed a proud expression, just about breaking his chest to speak, "It's not me the one who saying that, there is no one in the whole nation from top to bottom who is more knowledgeable than my family Gong Zi!"

Chen Xing looked at Qiu Jiu's 'proud of himself' look and hesitantly asked again, "If that's the case, then why didn't he continue the examination?"

Chen Xing thought that with the way Gu Lang was quoting classic chapters and verses to him, it shouldn't be that difficult for Gu Lang to become an official, and if the Chen family had known that he had a scholarly honor or official rank in the first place, they certainly wouldn't have humiliated him as freely as they did back then.

Qiu Jiu's originally smug expression froze for a moment, then there was a moment of discomfort as his mind raced, and finally he reluctantly blurted out an answer, "My Gong Zi's health is not good, he can't overuse his brain!"

Chen Xing looked at Qiu Jiu, who looked unnatural, and felt that there was something strange going on, yet at the same time, he felt that what he said made sense. He had watched documentaries in his previous life, the poor conditions of the imperial examination venue, Gu Lang's body probably would not be able to hold up, so he somehow believed in it.

Qiu Jiu couldn't help but be relieved to see that Chen Xing had stopped asking questions and was obviously believed and convinced in it.

Wait until the two of them arrived at the stall and set up the ingredients, the customers came in one after another.

The tables, chairs and benches at Chen Xing's place had not yet been repaired, but this did not affect the number of customers who came here to eat. It even sells out faster because it's 'take away food'.

Just as Chen Xing's food in his stall was almost sold, a middle-aged man dressed in a brocade came towards his stall with two young male servants.

When the middle-aged man arrived in front of Chen Xing, he first scanned him up and down with his cloudy eyes, then raised his chin slightly. He said with a bit of meanness, "Are you Chen Xing?"

Chen Xing saw that he did not look like he was here to buy anything, and his eyes were on alert, but he still nodded and admitted it.

Seeing that Chen Xing had responded to his words, the middle-aged man's face became more and more arrogant. He then said in an arrogant tone, "I am the butler from the Zhao Residence."

Chen Xing nodded to him, somewhat confused as to what he meant by saying this to him.

When the butler saw Chen Xing's face that had not changed at all after hearing where he was from, unlike others who had come up to him to flatter him upon hearing that he was the butler of the Zhao family, his face, which had already collapsed, became more and more unpleasant and his tone became more and more impolite.

"My family lady bought a dessert from you last time, my madam liked it very much so he sent me to buy some more. "

Chen Xing felt uncomfortable with the tone of his voice, but when he opened his business, he encountered all kinds of customers, so he did not get angry when he heard him say that, and just reasoned things out with him politely.

"I'm sorry! First of all, since you are the housekeeper of Miss Zhao's family, you should know that I did not sell the dessert to Miss Zhao, but gave it to her as a thank-you gift. Secondly, I don't sell desserts to the public, so I'm sorry I don't have anything to sell to you either."

Chen Xing's words made the butler's face look particularly unpleasant, he did not expect that there would still be people in this city who would not give face to the Zhao family.

Thinking of the task the Madam had given to him, the butler looked at the young pretty handsome ger in front of him and quickly calmed down. He felt that the Ger in front of him did not mean to refuse to give face to the Zhao family, however since he knew that they were from the Zhao family and now he knew that he had a favor to ask, so he started to strike a pose to impress people.

As he thought this, the butler looked at Chen Xing with increasing disdain and spoke to him in an increasingly impolite tone, "The dessert is for my family Madam to serve her distinguished guests, so just make it then ask for whatever you want!"

At this point, the steward's eyes roamed around the simple and crude shed and with great disdain, he said:"If you want to change your cooking environment, you can do so. There are many restaurants under the Zhao family, so if you want to work as a chef in one of them, it's better than having to stay here in the sun and wind."

Chen Xing, who originally only thought that this man could not speak, turned unpleasant hearing his words. He felt that although this small stall of his was not that good, it was not so bad that it could be little by others willfully.

Even if he was normally good-tempered, he was still a bit angry at this moment. He looked at the steward of the Zhao House who had been speaking to him with his nose ever since he appeared in front of him and said with a cold face:

"Sorry, since you didn't understand me, I'll say it again. I'm not going to cook for you and I don't need to go to your restaurant as a helper, I'm exactly fine with my own little stall!"

Hearing Chen Xing's merciless refusal, the steward of the Zhao Residence's face darkened and pointed at him, "Don't play that 'loosen the reins only to grasp them better' trick. "

But Chen Xing was furious to the point that it was funny (to be angry about sth but also find it laughable) and said helplessly, "There is no need for me to play games (in order to capture, one must let loose) because I really don't need you guys to do anything for me. Since you guys are not here to buy anything, please don't keep standing in the way, my customers still need to buy something."

The butler was furious at his words and when he gave a tenant notice to leave, he gave him a fierce glare. He turned away bringing his footman and left there.

Chapter 31.3

After the group had left, Qiu Jiu turned his head to look at Chen Xing who was next to him who was staring thoughtfully at the direction they were leaving. His face, which had always been gentle, had some coldness to it.

Qiu Jiu hesitated for a moment, but said comfortingly to Chen Xing, "Don't worry, they won't dare to do anything to you."

The moment Qiu Jiu said it out, Chen Xing turned his head to look at him.

Only then did Qiu Jiu realize that Chen Xing's eyes were not the least bit worried, but full of doubt instead.

Soon after that, Qiu Jiu then heard Chen Xing's confused voice ringing in his ears, "Tell me, why do you think that Miss Zhao's temperament is so good, but the difference with her family's servants is so big?"

The maid who came here with Zhao Young Lady last time was the same, the maid who came to get the dessert was also the same. The butler or housekeeper of the Zhao Family who came this time was the same again.

Hearing what he had said, Qiu Jiu shook his head, saying he wasn't quite sure.

Chen Xing sighed and didn't seem to have any intention of asking further questions, but just looked at the humble straw hut overhead and asked sadly, "Is this shed of mine really very shabby?" Although the steward's words had not hit him, he still felt a little uncomfortable.

Qiu Jiu listened to Chen Xing's question, looked into his inquiring eyes, and after a moment of pondering, he changed to an indirect way of saying things, "This shed is not as bad as he said, it's just a bit too simple."

Qiu Jiu said it euphemistically, but Chen Xing heard the implied meaning, he let out a long sigh and said somewhat helplessly, "Well, I think it's time for me to think about renting a shop."

In fact, with the money Chen Xing was earning now, it was more than enough for him to rent a shop, but he thought that this place still had not fallen due yet for some time being and the money needed for rent was still small, so he thought that he would first work here for a while. Until he had saved enough money, he would pay some of Gu Lang's money back before renting a shop and expanding his business.

However, Chen Xing now thinks that he can also rent a shop to expand his business first, and then go back to save money to pay Gu Lang back. Anyway, according to the current situation of Gu Lang, there should be no shortage of money for a while.

Thinking of this, Chen Xing's heart had a preconceived plan and the matter of Zhao's housekeeper coming to make trouble just now was immediately thrown into the back of his mind. Since it was an unimportant person, there was no need for him to think about it.

Qiu Jiu who was beside him, watched Chen Xing who quickly returned to his usual relaxed state so he let out a slight sigh of relief. If Chen Xing had gone back to the state he was in just now, he would not have known how to explain to his young master.

By the time he returned to the Gu Mansion, Chen Xing had completely forgotten about the incident in which the Zhao Residence butler had come to look for trouble. All he thought about was to calculate how much money he must have to rent a shop.

After eating, Chen Xing went to his room and prepared to rest during his lunch break to count how much money he had made and to calculate where he should rent the shop.

As soon as Chen Xing entered his room, he pulled out the money box he had stored in a hidden space inside his bed, and soon afterward he placed that object on the table and opened the box.

Inside that box, apart from a few pieces of broken silver, there were also a few banknotes with a value in silver, these were all the money that Chen Xing had earned during this period of time, apart from the various successes.

Chen Xing poured those out of the box and then slowly counted them up, and after counting them, he found that he had actually earned twenty taels of silver during this period of time. This money would have been enough to pay half a year's rent if he had rented a less expensive house here.

After calculating the gains and losses, Chen Xing thought that it was better to rent the house first and then earn money to pay Gu Lang back. He then would go to search for Gu Lang later and tell him his idea and he felt that Gu Lang would definitely agree to his request.

Chen Xing put all his little treasures back in the box and went to his bed happily for his lunch break. He thought that when he got up later, he would tell Gu Lang about it when he went to see him to study.

At the same time, at Zhao Residence,

Zhao Mother looked at the second steward who had promised her well before he went out, but had failed to complete his task. A teacup was smashed over and she questioned in a stern voice:"Is this how you do things?"

Negotiation (Discussion)

A loud noise exploded in his ears and the kneeling butler was startled, raising his eyes to look warily at the Zhao family matriarch sitting above him. The face that had looked so arrogant and despotic in front of Chen Xing's face was now covered in beads of sweat. He looked extremely embarrassed.

Mother Zhao's well preserved face was now filled with a mean look. She lifted her hand, which was painted with beautiful petal nails, and pointed it straight at the man on his knees, angrily questioning him: "What did you say to me before? Now, what are you doing? If you hadn't pushed yourself so hard, I wouldn't have let you do it and this is the result of what you've done!"

The steward trembled twice and looked up at the angry head mother of the family and begged for mercy, "Madam, it's not me, it's the vendor who sells things that are ungrateful. I just told him what I wanted and he refused my offer. I tried to trade him for the helper in the kitchen of one of the Zhao family restaurants, but he wouldn't be willing either, and even ridiculed me."

When Mother Zhao heard him say that, her face became more and more ugly. She raised her hand and slapped the table beside her, her face full of anger, "Absurd, that ger is so ungrateful, cannot tell good from bad."

Seeing how angry Mother Zhao was, the housekeeper echoed her words, "That's right ah, madam! Everyone knows that I am the housekeeper of the Zhao family and usually gives me a face, but that ger is the only one who is so arrogant and ungrateful."

After losing her temper, Mother Zhao slowly calmed down, her eyes squinting at the man kneeling on the ground, her expression somewhat enigmatic or unfathomable.

The butler, who had just been so aggressive, gradually became a little more fearful under Mother Zhao's cold gaze, and wanted to shrink into a ball as he hid somewhere out of her sight.

Looking at the cowering housekeeper, Mother Zhao leaned back on a soft pillow and said carelessly, "Since that ger cannot tell good from bad, you should teach him a lesson, so that he knows who he can and cannot offend. I don't believe that he is still so stubborn."

"Yes." Hearing Mother Zhao say it like this, the housekeeper's heart was filled with joy and he felt that his chance had come.

Just as Mother Zhao was about to send the person out to carry out his plan, the curtain was lifted from outside and a slightly chubby figure walked in.

Mother Zhao took a good look at her youngest daughter, Zhao Jing.

Seeing her appearance here, Mother Zhao's face showed obvious displeasure and her voice was still the same cold and bland as before, "What are you doing here at this hour?" Zhao Jing had always been afraid of her mother, and when she heard her question, she pursed her lips, somehow not in ease, but when she thought of what she was going to say, she gathered her courage and said in a small voice, "Just now, this daughter had heard what mother said at the door."

The moment Mother Zhao saw her look of cowardice, she became angry, but at least she is her own child, so she had been holding back, and now when she heard Zhao Jing saying it like this, her eyebrows immediately rose and she said with dissatisfaction, "What actually do you want to say?"

Zhao Jing pursed her lips and carefully glanced at her expressionless mother, but still insisted on speaking her mind, "This daughter didn't mean anything else, it's just that if mother forced that little boss to make the dessert and if this matters reached the county magistrate's wife's ears, I'm afraid she would not like it, right? After all, the county magistrate and the county magistrate's wife are notorious for not liking people who abuse others with their power."

After hearing Zhao Jing's words, Mother Zhao depicted delicate eyebrows furrowed tighter and tighter. She was silent for a while before she faintly said, "Then tell me what should I do?"

When she saw that there was a slight softening in Mother Zhao's words, she knew that her persuasion had had some effect, so she pursed her lips and made her suggestion.

"Why don't we let my daughter go and negotiate with that little boss first, and see if he is willing to continue to make the desserts for us. If he is not willing to do so, it would not be too late for this Mother to think of another way. Since the little boss is willing to give me that as a gift, I'm sure he won't be stingy about making more. Since he did it voluntarily, it won't do any harm to our residence's reputation."

After hearing Zhao Jing's words, Mother Zhao didn't immediately make a sound, instead she placed her gaze on Zhao Jing and sized her up for several times, after Zhao Jing couldn't stand it anymore, only then she said leisurely, "Since you've said that, then let you go ahead and give it a try."

"Yes, thanks a lot mother!" Zhao Jing let out a sigh of relief, not expecting that she would be able to persuade her mom successfully. Besides that, she would be able to make that little boss suffer less.

Zhao Mother, however, looked at her, her face showing little sign of easing as she continued, "Just let's talk about the unpleasant things first, if you can't get that little boss to help, I will do it my own way."

Zhao Jing's round little face tightened for a moment and she softly replied, "Mother, I know."

Hearing her promise, Mother Zhao waved her hand at her and said impatiently, "If there's nothing else, you can go back now."

"Yes."

Negotiation (Discussion)

Only after Zhao Jing obediently left with her maid did Mother Zhao sneered softly and murmur, "It seems that I had underestimated my daughter, she actually has not learnt nothing from the Old Madam."

The housekeeper on the floor looked up at Mother Zhao with an expression of desire to speak, but in the end he did not dare to make a sound.

Instead, Mother Zhao glanced at him gently and said coldly, "I know what you have in mind, but this is not a trivial matter. Let Jing Er try first, and then you can go if she fails. If you dare to act presumptuously or without permission, don't blame me for settling the new scores and old ones together."

His heart was exposed, the butler's whole body stiffened as he knelt down on the flood , gave a salute, and said softly, "Yes, I know."

Mother Zhao waved her hand and told him to go down, waiting until only she and her personal maid were left in the room, only then she stared at the flower arrangement beside her and laughed softly, sneering, "Do you think this daughter of mine is really stupid, or is she faking it?"

Hearing her words, the elderly woman lowered her head and whispered, "Young Lady is just too kind."

Mother Zhao snorted and did not answer.

Chen Xing got up from her nap and changed back into clean clothes before heading towards Gu Lang's study, where the teaching duties had taken place over the past few days, and today was naturally no exception.

Chen Xing's progress was fast, so fast that Gu Lang was amazed, and Gu Lang, who had already praised Chen Xing, would even praise him more whenever he found the opportunity.

At first, Chen Xing blushed at the compliment and came up with excuses he had learned a long time ago, he then asked Gu Lang not to praise him like that all the time. Unfortunately, this had little effect, and even after Gu Lang had praised him in a different way, Chen Xing began to swell up a little.

This day too, thinking that he would be praised by Gu Lang again, Chen Xing's face could not help but appear a bright smile, and even his steps to Gu Lang's study were a little bit lighter, and he even took on a little bit of leap or jump for joy.

Waiting until he arrived at Gu Lang's study room, Chen Xing saw Gu Lang standing in front of the table at a glance. Looking at the man who looked so good looking in a simple green coat, Chen Xing couldn't help but call out his name, "Gu Lang."

Hearing Chen Xing's movement, Gu Lang twisted his head to look in the direction of the doorway and gave him a light smile, that handsome face still carried the same gentleness as always, "You're here."

Chen Xing looked at his appearance and the smile on his face became bigger and bigger. He didn't know why he was so happy about it, but as soon as he saw Gu Lang like this, he felt happy!

Chen Xing jumped and came in front of Gu Lang, looking at him as he smiled and said, "Why are you coming here so early today?"

It was still half an hour before their appointment time, so Gu Lang should still be resting by now.

Gu Lang, however, looked at him before looking down at the table again.

Chen Xing followed his line of sight downwards, only to see that a long sand box had been placed on the tabletop at some point, with a shallow layer of fine sand inside. He glanced at the object, then looked up at Gu Lang and asked with some surprise, "This is?"

Gu Lang smiled up at him and said softly, "Haven't you always had trouble putting your hands on white paper? I then went and requested the carpenter to make this sandbox, but this fine sand was not very good to find, so it took some time. Now that it's done, you can practice on it first, and then write on the paper when you're skilled, so you won't be over cautious."

Chen Xing did not expect that Gu Lang would not only see that he was afraid of wasting, but also afraid that he would be over-cautious. By maintaining his composure; staying calm and collected, Chen Xing also prepared something for him. At this moment his emotions were a little complicated, and the expression on his face when he looked at Gu Lang was a little more touching.

Gu Lang looked at the look in his eyes, reached out and gently rubbed his head, and said in a warm voice, "Okay, don't just look at me, it's time for you to try this thing out."

Chen Xing blushed a little and pulled Gu Lang's hand that was rubbing his head, muttering in a low voice, "I know already so you don't treat me like a child all the time, I'm already an adult."

"Okay." Gu Lang coaxed him with good-natured gentleness, but only he knew whether he had listened or not.

This sound instead made Chen Xing's face turn redder and redder, he moved his gaze away from looking at Gu Lang and stopped looking at him, picked up the branch Gu Lang had prepared for him to act as a pen and started practicing the words he had learnt in the past few days on that sand table.

As soon as he touched the branch, Chen Xing let out a giggle. He stared at the ordinary-looking branch and felt that the feel of it was not quite the same as those branches he had touched before, instead of feeling like the texture of a tree, it felt like the texture of some kind of jade.

Transmigrated into Substitute Bride Fu Lang Chapter 32.3

Gu Lang had been watching his movements from one side, and at that moment, looking at his different expression, he asked softly, "What's wrong?"

Chen Xing turned his head to look at him and spoke his confusion out.

Gu Lang, however, smiled gently, a bright smile. Ignoring a few more things that he couldn't understand yet he answered without asking, "Then do you like it?"

Hearing Gu Lang ask like this, Chen Xing nodded his head extraordinarily sincerely and honestly said, "Yes, I like it ah!"

The corners of Gu Lang's mouth lifted slightly as he looked at the object in his hand, his eyes deepening as he said softly, "I had the carpenter help me make this, but the branch I used as raw material was a random one I picked up on my way back to my hometown. At that time, I didn't expect it could become something that would be so useful."

Chen Xing only found his experience along the way really interesting, and did not continue to ask any further questions, then with great interest, he took the simple pen and began to write on the sand table.

Gu Lang's eyes fell on Chen Xing's body, watching him brush his hair to the side for convenience, revealing his long and white neck. He stared at it for a while, feeling the urge to bite his neck.

"Gu Lang, you quickly take a look!"

It was only when Chen Xing finished writing the words Gu Lang had taught him in the past few days and excitedly tugged at his sleeves to call out his name that he came back to his senses, slowly withdrawing his gaze as if nothing had happened and placing it on top of the sand table, looking at the few words he had written out.

Gu Lang looked at the few words that were much better than the previous days, and slowly nodded at Chen Xing's bright and expectant gaze, complimenting him, "You write very well, you are very talented in this area."

Chen Xing was a little embarrassed by Gu Lang's compliment, and his grip on the pen was a little stronger, and a little shyness appeared on his face, "I think, I actually still have room for improvement. Don't keep praising me, I'll feel embarrassed."

Gu Lang looked at him and laughed silently, he felt that Chen Xing must not have seen his appearance right now, saying that he should not praise him, but his eyes were shining brightly as he looking at him, as if a cat that had caught a big fish and was waiting for its master to praise it but was shy.

Although he was thinking like this, Gu Lang did not say it out loud, but only looked at him and particularly doting as he said "Good."

After saying that, unsurprisingly, he saw Chen Xing's face reddened again.

Chen Xing somewhat embarrassedly turned his head away and pretended to continue practicing, avoiding Gu Lang's gentle gaze.

Soon, as more and more words were written, Chen Xing's excited mood gradually calmed down, and they began the teaching task for the day.

Both of them had their usual cozy time, waiting until Gu Lang had finished his teaching task for the day, Chen Xing suddenly remembered what he had to discuss with Gu Lang today. Taking advantage of the gap when Gu Lang was packing up his things, he said softly, "I have something to discuss with you."

Gu Lang put his books back on the bookshelf and turned his head to look at Chen Xing who was staring at him with a serious face, his face also had a bit more caution as he asked in a low voice, "What is it?"

Chen Xing licked his somewhat dry lips and said softly, "I am going to rent a shop."

Originally seeing Chen Xing's serious expression, he thought he was going to say something important, but he did not expect it to be just this kind of trivial matter. Gu Lang smiled again toward him and said in a warm voice, "This is a good thing ah!"

Chen Xing breathed a little sigh of relief and then said, "It's just that in this case, the money I owe you for the bride price will have to be deferred again before I can pay it back."

Hearing Chen Xing's words, Gu Lang's eyes changed for a moment, he didn't expect that Chen Xing would still be thinking about this matter after such a long time. The eyes that stared at him suddenly darkened for a few moments.

Chen Xing keenly sensed Gu Lang's change and his face became cautious as he looked at him and cautiously asked, "Are you angry?"

Looking at the alert Chen Xing, Gu Lang immediately realized what was wrong just now, his face slowly returned to normal as he changed back to his original gentle jade-like appearance, smiling lightly, "No, why should I be angry?"

Chen Xing looked at Gu Lang's gentle smile and felt that at that very moment just now, Gu Lang was really angry, but he was still not sure what Gu Lang was angry about. He stared at Gu Lang and asked carefully, "Is it because I can't pay you back on time that you're upset?"

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing's overly cautious look and let out a snort of laughter, raising his hand to flick his forehead and said in a warm voice, "How could I be angry with you because of this small matter, I'm just a little surprised why you would have such an idea?"

Chen Xing covered his painful head and blinked for a moment, looking at Gu Lang with a somewhat uncertain look, as if he didn't quite understand what he was talking about.

Gu Lang stared into his beautiful eyes, his tone carrying seven parts of doting as well as three parts of helplessness, "You ah, why do you keep thinking about returning my bride price? {betrothal gifts from the bridegroom's family to the bride's}"

[Desire]

Chen Xing looked at the tenderness that appeared in Gu Lang's eyes and didn't come back to his senses for quite a long time. It was only when Gu Lang repeated what he had just said just now that he asked, "What?" As he asked in a daze.

Looking at Chen Xing's dazed look, Gu Lang smiled more and more helplessly and said in a low voice, "I am asking, why are you so persistent and want to return the money to me?"

Chen Xing didn't expect Gu Lang to ask this question. Moreover, Gu Lang's gaze made him subconsciously feel a little weak. He hurriedly looked away and lowered his head, stuttering, "This, isn't this what we have agreed at the beginning?"

"Hn?"

The breath that came out of his nose sounded particularly sensitive to Chen Xing, and his ears began to redden uncontrollably, he rubbed his neck in embarrassment and said in a small voice, "That, that's what we agreed to do on the day I arrived at Gu Residence ah! You promised me that when I returned the bride price from the Gu family to the Chen family, you would return the deed of sale to me."

After Chen Xing reminded him of this, Gu Lang immediately remembered that he had never taken the deed of sale into consideration. At first, he kept it because he thought he might need Chen Xing in the future, so that he could use it to make a contract with him. Later, Chen Xing's performance made him feel that there was no need for it anymore and that he could use some more moderate ways.

But to Gu Lang's surprise, Chen Xing kept thinking about this matter and wanted to save money in order to pay him back.

Gu Lang narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Chen Xing whose face blushed red from embarrassment in front of him. He suddenly remembered something as he raised the corner of his lips slightly and asked with a bit of coaxing in his voice, "What are you going to do after you get your deed of sale?"

Chen Xing was a bit confused at this question, he had never thought of this question before, he looked up and stared at Gu Lang with a bit of confusion.

What is Chen Xing going to do? He wanted to live well in this era which did not belong to him, and open his own restaurant.

As for the deed of sale, it was only because he had taken over the responsibility that belonged to this original body after he was transmigrated over here, only then he thought that he should get it back.

"I want to open the biggest and most luxurious restaurant in the country!"

Gu Lang looked into both of Chen Xing's shining eyes, reached out and pressed his hand against his head, leaning in close and whispering, "But you don't need a deed of sale to do that! I won't ask you to do anything with the deed of sale, and I won't restrict your freedom in this matter either, so why do you have to take back your own deed of sale?"

"Besides that, I've never taken the deed of sale seriously, and if you hadn't mentioned it, I'd have forgotten that it exists. But if you want it, I can give it to you right now, only you must never speak of returning my bride price again."

Chen Xing felt that Gu Lang's words were a bit strange, but for a moment he didn't know how to refute it, so he could only look at him confusedly and, under his serious gaze, stutter and replied, "Ah, then, that's fine then."

Looking at Chen Xing's silly look, Gu Lang pressed his hand on the top of his head a little more heavily, and moved a little closer to him. Only when he saw his cheeks gradually turn red did he speak without thinking, "But, you are so eager to get your deed of sale, do you want to leave the Gu Residence once you have it and escape to faraway places on your own?"

Chen Xing was still blushing because he was bewitched by his charming approach, only to hear Gu Lang's sudden words, causing his mind to go slightly blank for a moment.

It was only then that Chen Xing suddenly remembered that even though the deed of sale was his obsession, he had never before entertained the thought of taking his things and leaving just like that, and had even vaguely considered this place as his residence or dwelling place.

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing who had started to drift off again as he spoke, somewhat annoyed and at the same time sighing he resigned to his own fate. He moved his hand away that was pressing on Chen Xing's head and slowly moved to his tender white cheek, pinching the soft flesh on that cheek hard as Chen Xing froze, and laughed softly after Chen Xing hissed in pain.

The moment Chen Xing came back to his senses, what he saw was Gu Lang's handsome face smiling brightly, like a cool breeze suddenly blowing into the warm summer sun, blowing straight towards his heart.

"Why are you so fond of being lost in thought?"

Gu Lang's voice came again and pulled Chen Xing's thoughts back, he looked at the handsome face close at hand, he then subconsciously took a step back. He moved his gaze away as he tried to cover up a misdeed but only to make it more conspicuous as he said, "No, no, I haven't thought about that, I think it's quite good to live here."

Gu Lang's eyes wandered between Chen Xing's flustered eyes, his hasty hands and feet, before finally returning to his reddened cheeks, Gu Lang expression darkening.

Noticing that the atmosphere in the room had an indescribable oddity, Chen Xing wondered if he was sick, otherwise why would he blush from time to time when facing Gu Lang. He also liked to stare at Gu Lang's face and be in a daze. Could it be that he was actually having some kind of presumptuous thoughts about Gu Lang?

When he thought of this, Chen Xing's face turned green and white, at one moment he felt that he had a special insight, and at another moment he felt that it was not quite right or proper for him to spy on and covet someone as nice as Gu Lang.

[Desire]

Just as Chen Xing was secretly annoyed and self-reflecting, Gu Lang, who had been staring at him, slowly opened his mouth again and changed the topic, "Since you also think it's very good to live here, then let's live like this in the future ba. Oh yeah, by the way, what kind of shop do you want to rent? Maybe I can help you with a reference."

Seeing that Gu Lang had changed the subject to talk about renting a place; the charming thoughts in Chen Xing's heart dissipated for a few moments, and the unnatural look on his face gradually returned to normal, although he was still vaguely uncomfortable when facing Gu Lang, but it was still much better than the face that kept changing expressions just now.

Chen Xing took a deep breath and spoke out his tentative plan to Gu Lang, "My vision is to rent a two-storey shop. The first floor sells simple food, such as liang pi and cold noodles which do not require much processing and can be bought by customers while the second floor is designed to be slightly more high class, so that you can order food for dining in the place, so the price can also go up."

Hearing Chen Xing's words, Gu Lang nodded, thinking that his idea was very good, and then he asked, "Then do you have the place you want in mind?"

Hearing Gu Lang ask this, Chen Xing's face emerged with a few touches of embarrassment, not even daring to look at his expression as he muttered, "I only have the initial idea right now, I haven't proceeded that far yet."

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing's gradually blushing and shy look because he couldn't answer his question so he gently laughed, his face still wearing the same gentle smile as before, even the tone of his voice seemed like he was afraid of scaring him, "You ah! There's no rush, we still have plenty of time to plan slowly and if you have any ideas, I can help you with advice and counsel."

Chen Xing was hit on the chest because of the intimacy in Gu Lang's sigh, covering his chest which was beating faster and faster, therefore he subconsciously nodded his head.

It was only after Chen Xing returned to his room after finishing eating dinner that he suddenly remembered that he hadn't gone to discuss with Gu Lang about returning the bride price's matter and asking for his deed of sale? How come all of a sudden he was talking about so many irrelevant things?

The most important thing is that Chen Xing's heart was filled with desire for Gu Lang, and he could not restrain himself from thinking about this matter.

Chen Xing lay on the bed and counted Gu Lang's good points with his fingers. He was good looking, gentle, knowledgeable, kind, and apart from his poor health and he was not that rich, he was a good partner .

If they got together, Chen Xing felt that he could work hard to earn money to support him, moreover if Gu Lang didn't mind, he could actually contribute by being on top of him and moving by himself after they got married. Thinking of some sort of obscene material, Chen Xing's face couldn't help but blush.

It wasn't until Chen Xing was about to make himself dizzy and fainted that he came back to his senses. He shook his head and patted his cheeks, forcing himself to wake up a little. Gu Lang was so good to him, therefore he thought that he should not be that lustful toward him and conceive a scheme.

However, after he hit himself twice, Chen Xing rolled over and hugged the quilt, twisting himself into a twist, he still thought that just now, it was a pretty good idea.

With such a tangled and sweet mood, Chen Xing tossed and turned all night and was still in a daze. When he left to open the stall the next day, he was still a bit overwhelmed or couldn't react when he saw Young Master Fu who came to ask for jelly.

"Little boss, you didn't forget what you promised me, did you?" Fu Gongzi stared at Chen Xing, who did not reply to him for half a day, with both round eyes full of accusations.

When Chen Xing met Young Master Fu's condemning gaze, he suddenly got goosebumps and hurriedly replied, "No, I haven't forgotten. It's just that I've been waiting for the fruit to ripen recently, so for now, I can't make it yet."

Fu Gongzi wasn't very angry, he just wanted to express his urgent love for those desserts. At this very moment, hearing his words, he asked curiously, "What are you waiting for the fruit juice for?"

Chen Xing looked at his strong thirst for knowledge and hesitated for a moment but still explained it to him for a while, "Because I want to put all those juices and the fruit pulp into the dessert so that I can make a richer tasting dessert."

Fu Gongzi accepted his argument. He was always extraordinarily forgiving of those who could make good food. At this time when he heard that Chen Xing was waiting for the fruit to ripen and that was why he was not able to start to work, the depression in his chest completely dissipated into nothing.

"Okay, little boss, as long as you can make it, it doesn't matter to me if I have to wait any longer, it's okay, as long as you don't forget my share."

Chen Xing also felt that Young Master Fu was straightforward and easy to talk to. He had a good impression of him, hearing this, he smiled at him and assured him, "Don't worry, I definitely won't forget your share."

Satisfied, Fu Gongzi picked up the cold noodle Qiu Jiu had take it for him and went to find a place to eat, in the midway, he mutter to himself, "I hope I can eat that dessert before the county magistrate comes for the entrance examination, maybe it will also soothe my frightened heart."

Hearing this, Chen Xing could not help but laugh at his words, and when he looked up again he saw Zhao Jing not far away, standing there with a maid at the moment, looking at himself with 'want to say something but then hesitate' expression.

Looking at her face full of apprehension, Chen Xing gave her a smile and said softly, "Xiao Jie, what's the matter?"

Zhao Jing had been prepared be refused at the entrance before she came, after all, she herself knew how unreasonable her family's house manager was, but what she did not expect was that Chen Xing not only did not take into account her family's rudeness, but also smiled at her still as gently as he did in the past.

Zhao Jing took two steps forward and came in front of Chen Xing and looked at him as she slowly spoke, "I have come here with a presumptuous request"

The author has something to say: In fact, Xing Xing used to be a facecon [someone who attaches great importance to good looks (esp. in others)] at first.

Chen Xing looked at the upset Zhao Jing and thought of the arrogant housekeeper who had come a few days ago. He already had a few calculations in his mind, but his face remained calm and collected as he said with a smile, "Miss, but there is no harm in saying what he thinks."

When she saw that Chen Xing's face did not show any rejection, Zhao Jing breathed a sigh of relief and slowly opened her mouth after her nervous time passed , "Little boss, do you still remember the dessert you sent me last time?"

Chen Xing nodded, of course he remembered it, but what the purpose did Zhao Jing meant by saying it right now was totally confusing to him.

The guilt on Zhao Jing's face appears more. She didn't even dare to look Chen Xing in the eyes, she then said softly: "When you gave me that dessert last time, there happened to be guests at my house, therefore I brought the dessert over to enjoy it with the guest. That guest liked those desserts very much."

Chen Xing vaguely guessed the next story, and as expected, Zhao Jing continued, "I didn't expect that my mother would see that the guest liked it, so she wanted to send her some more to build a closer relationship. She then took the initiative to send people to threaten you."

By this time, only then Chen Xing suddenly understood why a housekeeper from a wealthy family would go to such lengths for dessert. He still didn't understand, it's just a dessert, is it that important to go into hurry mode like that?

Chen Xing thought like this and asked the question directly, and then he saw Zhao Jing in front of him as if she had thought of something. Her originally awkward face immediately emerged with a few haloes of light, looking extraordinarily excited.

"Naturally, little boss, you don't know that I've never eaten anything better than that dessert in my life. I've been thinking about it ever since I ate it, and if not because I didn't want to trouble you, actually I'd like to buy some more of it."

Talking to this point, Zhao Jing's face seemed to blush a little, and she looked exceptionally embarrassed.

However, Chen Xing was amused by her innocence. He thought that Zhao Jing was a good girl, otherwise she wouldn't have stood up for her that day and blocked the slap.

Chen Xing turned his mind to the shy girl in front of him and asked bluntly, "So, you came here to ask me to help you make that dessert?"

Zhao Jing did not expect Chen Xing to guess her meaning so immediately, she looked at Chen Xing with some embarrassment and nodded shyly, "Yes, that guest is extremely important to our family, and my mother also desperately wants to make friends, so I have to trouble you."

Chen Xing raised his eyes and looked at Zhao Jing, who had turned completely red after she had said this, looking extraordinarily shy, hate not being able to find a crack in the ground and squeezed into it. Zhao Jing was vaguely anxious and gradually had some thoughts in her mind.

Zhao Jing looked at Chen Xing, who had not said anything after listening to her words, and felt a little anxious. She was not afraid of her mother's scolding, she probably would be lectured for a few words only, but she was afraid that if she did not get what she wanted, her mother would ask the housekeeper to come back again for it, and that would not be easy to settle. Although she was not in charge of the family's affairs, she had heard of the way or the method how the second butler handled matters.

The lucky point was when Zhao Jing was getting anxious and hesitating to tell Chen Xing the whole story, Chen Xing directly opened his mouth first, "Since it is Young Lady's request, I will accept it."

Both of Zhao Jing's eyes lit up and she looked at Chen Xing unbelievably, "Really?"

Chen Xing looked at her and hooked the corner of his lips, saying in a gentle voice, "Naturally, I will not deceive you."

The anxiety that Zhao Jing had just felt was swept away, therefore she looked at Chen Xing with shining eyes and said happily, "That's really great."

Seeing Zhao Jing's happy look, Chen Xing was more and more sure of what he had thought, although he felt that it was none of his business, so he did not pursue the matter any further, but continued to said, "What flavors do you want this time, and how much do you need?"

Hearing Chen Xing's question like this, a bit of confusion gradually appeared in Zhao Jing's eyes, blinking a bit and asking with some uncertainty, "Flavors?"

"Yes!" Chen Xing smiled brightly, showing a bit of his white teeth, "That thing has flavor, so naturally there are flavors to choose from, and since it's a gift, wouldn't it be better to have a custom-made flavor? There are many seasonal fruits at the moment, so miss, you can have whatever you want."

Zhao Jing struggled for a while, but could not come up with an answer.

Originally, Chen Xing did not want to be in so much trouble, but he had a good impression about Miss Zhao, so he was willing to give her a little more thought. Looking at her appearance right now, he said directly, "If you haven't decided yet, why don't you go back and find out what the guest likes. Even if you come back again tomorrow to tell me, it wouldn't be too late either."

Zhao Jing's furrowed brows relaxed, she looked at Chen Xing with a big and wide smile as she said sincerely, "Thank you."

After saying that, she hurriedly greeted the maid and went back, but before she went back, she did not forget to buy a bowl of liang pi and cold noodles from Chen Xing's stall, which could be taken away with her.

Wait until Zhao Jing left, Qiu Jiu, beside him who had been listening to their conversation, came over and whispered in Chen Xing's ear, "Why did you promise her?"

Coming into contact with Qiu Jiu who had been helping him, Chen Xing was more patient with him, so he gently explained, "Didn't Gu Lang like that jelly very much? I originally was going to make it for him, and the others are just supplementary, so it's not a big deal."

Qiu Jiu looked at Chen Xing with a complicated gaze, somewhat touched by the fact that he was so kind to his family young master, only to hear the person in front of him continue talking with his eyes shining brightly:

Chen Xing didn't know what Gu Lang had in mind. He thought Gu Lang had heard his persuasion so he hurriedly added, "Well, we're really busy just now, we'll be able to eat in a little while."

After thinking about it, as if he thought his words were too perfunctory, Chen Xing pointed to a cold stewed meat dish with sauce that was ready to serve not far away and said to Gu Lang as if he was coaxing a child, "How about this, why don't you bring that over first?"

Gu Lang looked at the bowl of stewed meat that smelled, looked and tasted good, nodded his head before he carried it out without changing his face.

Qiu Jiu looked at his young master who obediently carried the dish and left, and then looked at Chen Xing who had been in a good mood since his young master came. He trembled and had goosebumps for some unknown reason.

It took a few days to boil the glue and during these few days, Chen Xing not only bought all the fruits needed to make the jelly this time, but also took back the custom-made molds from the old carpenter.

Looking at the fruits spread all over the courtyard, Gu Lang, who had been watching Chen Xing and Qiu Jiu's work, looked a bit uncomfortable at this time, because he already knew that some of these things were to be given away, and even though he knew that a large part of them were for him. He still felt unhappy since all supposedly was left for him.

Gu Lang was not happy, but he did not say so, he just sat there sullenly, his eyes always kept moving along with Chen Xing who was working.

Qiu Jiu occasionally turned his head to see his family's young master's expressionless face staring at them, and he couldn't help but shiver. He looked at the fruit juice in his hand, and then at his family's young master's expression, he had some doubts that what he had made was not jelly, but something that would kill him, otherwise why would his young master have that kind of expression. Chen Xing looked at the prepared fruit and thought that he could make jelly after squeezing out the juice later, so he couldn't help but be a little happy. Then, as if thinking of something, he turned his head to look at Gu Lang who was sitting next to him and asked with a smile, "Would you like to have a glass of juice later? What flavor do you want? I'll get you a glass."

"I'll have a cup of grape-flavored one."

Chen Xing nodded his head after hearing this and went back to work, while mentally noting down what Gu Lang wanted, thinking that he would put more sugar and honey into Gu Lang's grape juice later.

Qiu Jiu next to him watched the interaction between the two of them. He could have sworn that he saw the instantaneous look of tenderness on his family young master's face the moment Chen Xing turned his head to look at his family Gongzi.

Finally, after Chen Xing squeezed all the juice, he made a glass of watermelon juice for himself and Qiu Jiu, and a glass of blended grape juice for Gu Lang. The three of them had ice in their glasses, only Gu Lang's was given a little less because Chen Xing was worried about his health.

When Gu Lang got his own glass of ordinary juice, there was a little bit of unhappiness on his face that was not too obvious, but Chen Xing quickly noticed it.

Chen Xing spoke carefully to Gu Lang about his concerns and how the ice had affected him many times, before then he watched Gu Lang take a sip with no expression and accepted his offer.

Chen Xing turned his head to look at him from the side; at first, when he was still not that familiar with Gu Lang, he thought he was a very aloof and cold literary man. Only when he gradually became familiar with him did he realize that sometimes he would silently have a little temper like a little kid!

Perhaps Chen Xing's gaze was too focused, Gu Lang, who was drinking grape juice, turned his head to look and asked in some confusion, "What's wrong?"

Chen Xing shook his head, smiling like a cat that had stolen something fishy, "Nothing, just looking."

Gu Lang felt that Chen Xing was hiding something from him, but looking at the fine warm light in his eyes, he did not pursue the matter further.

In the afternoon when the sun was not very hot, the three of them sat under the eaves enjoying a rare peace, Chen Xing looked at the dappled sky and suddenly felt that such a day was not bad.

That afternoon, Chen Xing and Qiu Jiu, who had rested well, began to make jelly, with Gu Lang beside them who helped them occasionally, and the scene was harmonious for a while.

When the jelly was taken out, Qiu Jiu looked at the colorful and variously shaped jelly yet he could not help but exclaim, "Chen Xing, these are too beautiful!"

Compared to Qiu Jiu's astonishment, Chen Xing was not very satisfied. He felt that if there was a better way of managing the ingredients and using a more elaborate mould, the result would probably be better. However soon he also felt that he had too high expectations, after all, it was already very good for him to be able to make it here."

Chen Xing reassured himself, then looked at Gu Lang next to him and said joyfully, "This is the jelly we made, take a look at it and pick the ones you like first and keep it, I'll see how the situation is and how am I going to pack it?"

Hearing Chen Xing's words, Gu Lang's displeasure that had been secretly rising for the past few days instantly and completely dissipated, he turned his head to look at Chen Xing who was staring at him expectantly, and smiled lightly, "Good."

After Gu Lang had chosen the ones he liked, and Chen Xing had left a portion for the family to finish before it went bad, he picked out the portion he wanted to give to Zhao Jing and the ones he had promised to give to Fu Gongzi from the rest.

At this time of the year, the crafts were also slower and he did not have many moulds, so Chen Xing did not make many of them with patterns, the rest were all plain shapes.

Chen Xing filled all the remaining ones with patterns for Zhao Jing, while Fu Gongzi's share would all be plain oval ones. As for the rest of the remaining ones, he was going to see the feedback from Fu Gongzi's side before deciding how to box them up.

The next day, this was also the day when Chen Xing and Miss Zhao had agreed to come and pick up the jelly.

Before Chen Xing even reached the stall, he saw a woman standing in front of his stall, and when he got a little closer, he found out that it was the maid who had come to fetch the jelly for Zhao Jing last time.

When that maid saw Chen Xing coming, she first gave him a salute and a gentle smile before she said in a warm voice, "Little boss, I'm here to pick up what my family young miss has ordered."

Chen Xing still had a good feeling towards her, and after hearing her words, he immediately handed her the basket he was carrying. At the same time, he then said, "Everything is inside."

That maid carried this humble food box in her hand, not expecting that this was what her lady had ordered for a thousand dinglings. Her eyes changed for a moment, only the smile on her face did not diminish in the slightest, "Thank you so much little boss."

Chen Xing didn't notice his expression and unconcernedly,waved his hand, "No need to be polite, I've taken the money this time."

That maid looked at Chen Xing's handsome face, did not say anything anymore, smiled and carried the food box and left.

Only when that maid left with her things did Chen Xing look at Qiu Jiu next to him and muttered, "Should I get her a nice food box to carry back because of that? After all, I've received so much money."

Qiu Jiu next to him shook his head in disbelief and said indifferently, "I don't think it's necessary, after all, you are selling the taste, not the looks." Hearing Qiu Jiu's words, Chen Xing nodded and felt that he was right, then he raised his eyebrows and looked at him, teasing him, "I didn't expect you to know quite a lot."

Qiu Jiu scratched his head and foolishly said, "It's all because of what my young master had taught me."

The two of them started to set up their stall happily while chatting and laughing but what was strange to Chen Xing was that Young Master Fu, who used to come to his stall every day to buy food, was nowhere to be found today, and even the jelly he had brought for him could not be delivered.

Chen Xing thought about it for a while and decided that Fu Gongzi must have some business so he was delayed, so he decided to wait until tomorrow to see what happened. After all, a person who loves food as much as Young Master Fu could not possibly wait calmly after knowing that the food he had always wanted finally could be eaten.

Mother Zhao, who had gone out with father Zhao to socialize, walked straight towards Zhao Jing's courtyard as soon as she returned to the Zhao residence.

When she saw Zhao Jing sitting in the main hall, she directly asked, "Where are the things?"

As soon as she saw her mother, she was terrified. By her mother's order, she did not hesitate to ask the maid at her side to bring over the food box she had retrieved.

At the first sight of the food box, Mother Zhao's eyebrows furrowed and her gaze was filled with disgust. Her voice was full of dissatisfaction, "He's using this only to pack?"

Zhao Jing looked at her mother and knew she was upset again, but she still managed to say stiffly, "Mother, you should look at the things first."

Although Mother Zhao was disgusted, she still knew what was important and asked the helper around her to open the box, only to be shocked by the moment she saw the contents.

There were seven flower-shaped jellies neatly placed inside, each in a different color, and in a transparent state. It looked extremely beautiful.

Seeing this unique item, Mother Zhao knew the value of it and said repeatedly, "Good, good, hurry up and go change the box, while it's still early, I'll go and visit the county magistrate's wife."

After saying that, Zhao Jing's mother didn't say anything else and directly let her servant leave in a hurry with the food box.

Zhao Jing stood by the side and watched her mother. Only after her mother left did she slowly sit down and let out a long breath because she had finally passed her mother's approval.

It was only when the room became quiet again that the maid following beside Zhao Jing muttered, "Miss, how come Madam didn't leave a single compliment? That was something young Miss had worked so hard to get, and you even took so much effort into it."

Zhao Jing didn't look at her but smiled helplessly and said warmly to the maid, "It's good that my mother is happy. Moreover, whatever I have, isn't it all also from the Zhao family, so what's wrong if I only help a little bit? Just don't say such things again in the future, lest word gets to mother's ears and at that time, she will find an opportunity to punish you."

The maid was frightened and immediately covered her mouth.

Seeing that it was almost time, Zhao Jing looked at her and said relaxedly, "Alright, now that mother is gone, you go get me some food to fill my stomach. Be careful."

The maid looked at her somewhat hesitant expression, but in the end, she still went out as she was instructed.

Until the room all became quiet, Zhao Jing sighed softly and murmured alone, "I only hope that mother will not be so greedy and insatiable in the future."

The portion of jelly for Fu Gongzi, which Chen Xing had not sent out on the first day, he hesitated for a while whether to bring it with him on the second day. He thought that if Young Master Fu didn't come for it today, he would eat it by himself, otherwise it would easily go bad if there isn't any ice.

As a result, when Chen Xing arrived at the stall, he saw a familiar chubby figure waiting anxiously there at the moment with just one glance. Even from a distance, Chen Xing immediately recognised that person as Fu Gongzi on the first glance.

After seeing Chen Xing coming, Young Master Fu's eyes immediately lit up and he ran towards him, shoving a small money bag into his hand first, before then he said eagerly, "Where is my food?"

Chen Xing was a little confused by this series of movements, but still handed him the box he was holding in his arms and said hesitatingly, "This is for you."

Young Master Fu held the box with excitement written all over his face, but he did not open it immediately, instead he looked at Chen Xing and said, "I've got it then I'll leave first." After saying that, he couldn't be bothered to say anything anymore and ran away in a hurry with the box in his arms.

As Chen Xing looked at the back of Fu Gongzi who hurriedly ran away, he still could not help but say, "The power of a foodie is indeed great!"

Qiu Jiu next to him somewhat didn't understand, but looking at the admiring face of Chen Xing, he tore for a moment yet he still did not ask more questions, after all, it had nothing to do with him either.

Young Master Fu arrived at the school with the food he had been thinking about for quite a long time. The moment he stepped in, he noticed that something was wrong, the surroundings were a bit too quiet.

Literacy

Noticing that the atmosphere in the school was not right, Young Master Fu subconsciously clutched the box in his arms and quietly walked outside the school hall, stretched out his head to look inside the school hall as he took a look around. He saw that all the classmates, who usually had no proper behavior, were now standing up straight and solemnly in their seats.

When he saw the scene in front of him, Young Master Fu swallowed his saliva and had a bad feeling in his heart. He was just about to ask one of his closest classmates what had happened, when he heard a loud sound from the front.

"Fu An!"

Fu Gongzi was so shocked that he almost dropped the box in his hand, waiting until he was able to protect the box in his arms and rely on his foodie character. When he looked up at the direction of the voice, he saw a grey-clad scholar staring at him with an angry glare.

"What can I do if you are being so sneaky?"

Looking at his master's angry face, Young Master Fu said, "No good," and stood out of the doorway, walking inside and hanging his head dispiritedly as he shouted, "Fu Zi [respectful term of address for a scholar or a teacher or master]."

The old man looked at his appearance and was really furious. He took the ruler in his hand and amidst the prying eyes of the crowd, walked towards him in a fierce manner as he said, "What time is it now? Why are you coming at this hour? What have I been telling you all these days, and this is how you remember it?"

Listening to Fu Zi's questioning, Fu An dared not argue, but he could only honestly admit his mistake to Fu Zi who was half a head shorter than him, "Fu Zi, I was wrong."

But your old man didn't take the bait and said with no expression on his face, "Give me your hand, break the law for the first time and I'll give you three hits today!"

Hearing this number, Fu An's face immediately became distorted, but he hesitated to extend his hand when he looked at the unquestioning master in front of hesitantly and slowly extended his hand.

Seeing how slow Fu An was, the old master became even more furious, and after he had extended his hand, he struck him three times, causing him to scream 'ow ow ow' three times, and the students' stifled laughter sounds were heard around him.

When Fu Zi had finished beating him and his anger had subsided, he extended his hand towards him and said indifferently, "Bring it here!"

Fu An's eyes were red as he stared at his swollen hand, and when he heard Fu Zi's words, he didn't react for a moment, asking stupidly, "What is this?"

"The thing that made you late ah!" Fu Zi touched his beard and glared, fumed with anger and seemingly irritated by this slow to understand and brainless person, "Don't hide it, I saw it as soon as you came in."

Fu An's eyes were red just now, but now his tears were coming out, this was the treasure he had been waiting for. He tried to beg for mercy, "Master."

He tried to beg for mercy, "But the master glared at him and said, "Do you want me to tell your father if you didn't bring it out?"

"No, don't ah! I'm the one in the wrong, okay?" Fu An apologized miserably as he handed over the object in his hand.

Seeing that he was dawdling more slowly than a tortoise, Fu Zi glared at him, disappointed that iron could turn straight into steel and reached out to snatch it from him.

The first time, it didn't move. The second time, it was even tighter. The third time, it retracted.

Fu Zi was so angry but also found it laughable he raised his ruler with his other hand and was about to whip it at Fu An, but then Fu released his hand with a whoosh, causing him to fall to the ground.

He almost fell to the ground. Having stabilized himself, his master became even more furious and raised his hand to hit Fu An.

Fu An dodged and closed his eyes at the same time. He waited for a long time but did not feel the pain in his he opened his eyes, he saw Fu Zi holding something in his arms. He was looking at him with a 'rotten wood can't be carved' expression.

Fu An smiled embarrassedly, dropping his hand that was blocking his face. He smiled apologetically and said, "Fu Zi."

The old man shook his head, "You ah! Your father has specifically told me that if you don't study properly, you won't be given any pocket money in the future, not to mention food in class, so you won't be able to eat anything."

Fu An felt a thunderbolt from the clear sky. The master and his father were old friends, so he did not doubt his words.

As Fu An, wearing a mournful expression, tried to plead his case, Fu Zi in front of him, grunted heavily at him and walked up to the podium with his things.

Looking down at the crowd, Fu Zi said aloud, "These are special times, so you should study harder than ever before, don't slack off."

"Yes!"

He nodded his head in satisfaction as he listened to the neat and unified responses from below. Fu Zi nodded in satisfaction, his eyes sweeping past Fu An, who was staring at him sadly. Fu Zi snatched the box from him and walked straight to the back hall.

When Fu Zi left, the classroom was quiet for a while, and then one of the students at the front of the line sneaked up to the front to take a look and make sure the master had gone away before turning his head just now and making a safety gesture to the people at the back.

Literacy

In just a moment, the originally 'not a crow or sparrow is heard aka—silent or all is quiet' school hall immediately became lively again, a few students close to Fu An even smiled and came over, grabbed his neck and said: "Little fat Fu, the one that you take is what kind of delicious food? For it, you even dared to defy the teacher."

His food is being taken, Fu An's face is now only left with a look of hopelessness (nothing left to live for), hearing the banter of his fellow classmates can not help but cry out, "Fu Zi is too cruel, I waited for it for such a long time but in the end, not a single bite was left for me! I didn't even taste it yet ah!"

Looking at Fu An who was crying miserably, the other people looked at each other face to face for a while, they all put away the flirtatious look on their faces and said in disbelief: "It's just food, isn't it? No big deal, I'll just buy another one."

Waiting until that person finished speaking, Fu An's cries became even louder, causing the others to look at the person who spoke with condemnation, as if he had done something wrong.

Fu An was sad for a while, under the persuasion of other people, he calmed down, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, and began to calculate whether he should take advantage of Fu Zi's inattention to go to his room and steal the box, so that he could secretly taste that food.

Chen Xing, who was completely unaware that Fu Gongzi had such a wonderful day, went back to the Gu Mansion after selling all the food, bathing, eating, taking a lunch break, and learning how to read from Gu Lang as usual.

The sunlight shines through the windows, creating mottled light and shadows inside the house. Occasionally, he can hear cicadas chirping from outside, strung together into a somewhat annoying melody.

In front of the desk, Chen Xing was holding a brush and writing on the paper with a serious expression, the small halos of light were spreading on the side of his handsome face, showing that his skin was getting fairer and clearer.

The young man in front of the table seemed to be very satisfied with his own writing, and after finishing the last stroke, a proud smile appeared on his face. He put the pen down and held up the paper to look at his masterpiece, and then immediately wanted to pick up the paper and pass it to the person next to him.

With a smile full of confidence on his face, Chen Xing turned his head to look at Gu Lang next to him, and saw the man sitting with a straight back, with a gentle brow and an upright pen. The cuffs of his sleeves were rolled up halfway for fear of staining the ink, revealing half of his pale, smooth arms. His hands were as white as white jade with clear joints, and the black pen in his hand was in sharp contrast or clear difference between the black and white color.

Chen Xing stared blankly at the scene in front of him, and suddenly understood the meaning of the phrase 'the beauty in the high places is like a jade, while the handsome young man is peerless in the world'.

[陌上人如玉，公子世無雙 mo shàng/rén rú yù,gongzi shì wushuang : The beauty in the high places is like a jade, while the handsome young man is unmatched in the world .The first phrase refers to a woman with a beautiful face and the next one means that elegant young master is peerless in the world. Putting the two sentences together should mean that the two of them are talented and beautiful, a perfect match made in heaven.]

Seems to be aware of Chen Xing's line of sight, the man who was originally writing seriously, gently finished sketching the last stroke, turned his head to look at Chen Xing beside him. The moment he saw Chen Xing staring blankly at himself, he gently hooked the corner of his mouth and softly said, "What's wrong?"

This call woke Chen Xing up in a flash, he hastily averted his eyes, a few moments of annoyance appeared on his face, feeling that his facecon problem was getting worse.

After adjusting his expression, Chen Xing then looked at Gu Lang again and handed over the paper in his hand with 'taking credit for someone else's achievements' expression, "Look, these are the words that I wrote today."

Looking at the small proudness on Chen Xing's face, Gu Lang's eyes showed somewhat smiling expression, he reached out, took the paper he handed over, looking at the words on it and said as what he wished, "Very good, in such a short period of time, to be able to write like this is already considered as a genius."

Hearing Gu Lang's praise, Chen Xing immediately showed a bright smile on his face. He still wanted to show off some more, but in the end, as soon as he lowered his head, he saw the words that Gu Lang had just written, and the expression on his face immediately froze.

Gu Lang is very sensitive to Chen Xing's emotions, looking at the person who was so happy just now, all of a sudden became a bit dumbfounded, therefore he subconsciously asked, "What's wrong?"

Hearing Gu Lang's words, Chen Xing looked at the words he wrote in his hand, and then looked down at the stuff Gu Lang had just written on the table, his face immediately reddened a few points. He was somewhat awkward as he said, "My writings are so much worse than yours."

If Gu Lang's writings can be comparable to an expert or great master, then his writings are only a little better than a young child's so when put together, one can even see the gap or difference between their writings.

Seeing Chen Xing face depressed look, Gu Lang reached out and touched his head, warmly consoled: "I learnt to read and write since childhood. I wrote for so many years and even relied on this to make a living, naturally my writing is a few points better than the others. You've only been learning for a short time, so it's considered already not bad for you to be able to write like this."

Every time Gu Lang touched his head, Chen Xing felt that Gu Lang was treating him like a cat to smooth his fur. He didn't hate it, but he always felt somehow uncomfortable.

Therefore, Chen Xing pulled down lightly his hand on his head and said in a somewhat awkward manner, "I've told you not to rub my head like this all the time."

Gu Lang, as usual and before, responded to him in a kind manner: "Fine."

Chen Xing somehow wanted to get angry but he felt that even though Gu Lang always answered him nicely every time and he would continue to do like that also the next time, yet once he met Gu Lang's good-looking and always gentle face, he couldn't get angry at all.

Chen Xing secretly spat on himself, in order not to let himself appear too lewd, he quickly changed the topic, "Did you learn the word since you were very young? But I heard that your family always does business ah."

After saying that, Chen Xing suddenly realized that this doesn't seem to be a very good thing, a few points of annoyance appeared on his face, and the expression on his face when he looked at Gu Lang was also a little bit awkward, "That, actually I don't want to ask about this."

Gu Lang looked at the embarrassment on Chen Xing's face, the gentle expression on his face did not change at all, and even appeared a little bit of pampering, "My family used to do business."

Gu Lang, in Chen Xing's somewhat worried gaze, slowly said, "From the time I remember, my family has been very rich, and there is no shortage of anything. I grew up in this mansion since I was a child, and lived a life where I didn't have to stretch out my hands to feed myself, and I didn't even need to do anything, there were countless subordinates to serve me with a single command."

Chen Xing noticed that when Gu Lang said this, his eyes kept looking at the sky outside the window, as if he was caught up in some kind of long ago memories, perhaps those days were really beautiful, so much so that when Gu Lang said this, he always had a shallow smile on his face.

"Moreover, I was the only male in my grandchildren's generation, so naturally I was especially pampered. After discovering my talent for reading and writing, my parents went to great lengths to hire master teachers from all over the world, and even the things they gave me to study were all the best. All of this was in the hope that I would grow up to be able to achieve something and to bring honor to my family, but unfortunately later …"

Gu Lang said here, his voice slowly weakened yet he did not continue his words, after all, the latter we all know. But it is a pity that his family has not waited for him, this immature child to grow up and his family ended up bankrupt and died, leaving him all alone.

Chen Xing looked at Gu Lang's side silent face, hesitated for a few moments, his hand loosened and then tightened. In the end, he put his hand on Gu Lang's hand which was on the handrail.

The sudden rise of warmth in his hand pulled Gu Lang back from his past memories, he turned his head to look at the person squatting beside him, under his worried gaze, he showed him a gentle smile that was different from his usual smile and said softly: "Don't worry, I'm fine. I just suddenly remembered what happened at that time and felt a little emotional, the past has already passed, it's useless to be sad anymore."

Chen Xing raised his eyes and looked at Gu Lang for a while, and after confirming that he was no longer sad, he then let out a little sigh of relief, but Gu Lang's mood was still very low.

Chen Xing was a bit confused and finally, under Gu Lang's puzzled gaze, he pulled his other hand and put it on his forehead, and said in awkward tone, "I'll allow you to rub my head now."

Gu Lang was first stunned by Chen Xing's approach, then looking at Chen Xing's cheeks that were flushed with embarrassment, he suddenly laughed at once, reached out and vigorously rubbed his head, and under Chen Xing's grudging expression, his eyes were gentle, and he said in a warm tone, "Okay ah, thank you."

Chen Xing blushed at Gu Lang's tone, which seemed to carry a hook, and hurriedly lowered his head. He stumbled and said, "No, no need to be polite."

The expression in Gu Lang's eyes grew deeper and deeper as he looked at Chen Xing, flashing with a dark light that no one could see.

Ever since that day when he inadvertently brought up Gu Lang's sad past, Chen Xing has been trying to find ways to make Gu Lang happy. The most common way was to cook something that Gu Lang liked to eat. As a result, the Gu Mansion's already rich cuisine has risen several notches since that day. Qiu Jiu even secretly suspected that he himself had gained weight.

On this day, the moment Chen Xing went out to open the stall, he was thinking about what kind of food he should cook today when he went back home later. The result was that he then heard a grievous voice from a distance, "Little boss!"

Literacy

Chen Xing looked in the direction of the voice and saw that it was Fu Gongzi, whom he had not seen for days. He originally thought that Fu Gongzi didn't like the jelly so he was disappointed then in a fit of anger, he stopped coming to his stall but who knew it would be like this when he saw him again.

Chen Xing looked at Fu Gongzi who was wailing with his fat face. He was somehow puzzled, "Fu Gongzi, what's wrong with you?"

Hearing he questioned him like this, Chen Xing immediately cried out, "Little boss ah~ you don't know that dessert you gave me, I didn't get a single bite of it."

Chen Xing's face appeared a bit stunned and he asked, "What's going on?"

Fu Gongzi told Chen Xing what had happened after he returned and bought the jelly back that day, and at the end he said, "I sneaked into the master's room to have a taste of the desert, but instead of finding the box, I was blocked by the teacher who had returned. I was not only beaten ten times, but I was also punished by the teacher and asked to copy the Four Books and Five Classics twenty times, which I just finished today."

[Four Books (the four major Confucian classics, namely, The Great Learning (《大学》), The Doctrine of the Mean (《中庸》), The Analects of Confucius (《论语》), and The Mencius (《孟子》))]

[The Five Classics of Confucianism, namely: the Book of Songs Shījīng [诗经], the Book of History Shūjīng [书经], the Classic of Rites Lǐjì [礼记], the Book of Changes Yìjīng [易经], and the Spring and Autumn Annals Chūnqiū [春秋]]

Chen Xing looked at Fu Gongzi with a complicated expression, not knowing whether to sympathize with him for being punished so many times or to admire him for his perseverance in order to get a bite to eat.

When Fu Gongzi had finished talking, he looked at Chen Xing and said expectantly, "Little boss, do you still have these desserts?"

Chen Xing's face showed some awkwardness, because that jelly can not be put for a long time, so after a long time waiting for the feedback from Fu Gongzi's side, the rest of it, they directly ate it all.

Looking at Chen Xing's expression, Fu Gongzi also guessed a few points, his face immediately showed a disappointed expression. He felt and guessed that he was not destined to eat that food.

Looking at this little pitiful look on Fu Gongzi's face, Chen Xing suddenly thought of what he was planning this period of time ago, and immediately said, "It's not available right now, but in a few days there will be."

Fu Gongzi's eyes sparked a few points of hope, his eyes brightly staring at Chen Xing, as he excitedly said: "Really?"

Chen Xing looked at his expectant look, nodded without hesitation, said his thoughts, "I plan to sell that dessert in a few days, only the quantity will be a little less and the price will be a little higher."

Hearing that he would have a chance to eat that dessert again, Fu Gongzi immediately said without hesitation, "I will definitely come to the place, I don't believe that I won't be able to eat that thing."

Chen Xing looked at his excited look and also smiled, "I hope that when Fu Gongzi comes over, you can help me bring some guests over. As a reward, I will give you two desserts as a token of appreciation."

Fu Gongzi just wanted to say no need, he didn't lack that little bit of money anyway, but then he turned around after he thought about the small quantity of that thing that Chen Xing had mentioned, so he kept an eye out for it. Just in case it sells out very fast and he can't get it, at least he can get the two portions Chen Xing gives him ah!

Thinking of this, Fu Gongzi with a straight face said to Chen Xing, "Little boss, you can rest assured, I will definitely bring more people here to support you!"

Chen Xing smiled towards Fu Gongzi. He agreed to sell the time, looking at him joyfully carrying a bowl of liangpi and leaving.

Staring at the back of Fu Gongzi, Chen Xing could not help but laugh, he felt that this Fu Gongzi is quite cute. This thought only passed through his mind for a moment, soon afterwards his attention was attracted by the new customers.

Before returning to the Gu Mansion on that day, Chen Xing first went to the vegetable market to buy a large number of bones and pig skins to prepare for the next sale of jelly. Although the jelly can only be eaten on the same day at room temperature, and can only be kept in the ice cellar for two or three days, its raw material gelatin can be kept for a longer period of time, and when it is necessary, he only need to get the gelatin out and use it to make jelly when needed.

Chen Xing had everything planned out. He even went to the old carpenter's place and asked him to help him build a chic cabinet for storing the jelly when the time's come. His current condition is a bit simple, so he can only place it like this for the time being.

After Chen Xing bought the raw materials to make jelly and go back, he saw an old man on the roadside selling chickens. Thinking of the money earned in these few days is considered quite a lot, also not so miserably stingy, choose a lean chicken and buy it back.

On the road, Qiu Jiu looked at that chicken, his mind kept recalling the scenes of eating chicken a few times before, and asked somehow greedily: "What flavor are we going to eat this time? Are we going to eat shredded chicken or spicy chicken?"

Hearing him asking like this, Chen Xing hooked his lips, smiled, and softly said, "None of those, we are eating the Beggar chicken this time!"

Qiu Jiu heard this name, and a few moments of confusion surfaced in his eyes, completely not understanding what Chen Xing was talking about.

Chen Xing, however, save the key and for the time being did not tell him the way to cook the chicken, only said that he would know when he cooked it tonight.

Qiu Jiu, although curious but also obedient, hearing this, he no longer asks more questions, only waiting for the dinner.

Therefore, on this day, in order to eat new and delicious food earlier, Qiu Jiu behaved more and more diligently.

After dinner, Qiu Jiu and Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing, who was squatting on the ground, and saw that he was fiddling with a lump of mud, somewhat curious.

Qiu Jiu couldn't help but ask directly, "Is this that the beggar's chicken (literally flower Chicken) you were talking about?" He was watching Chen Xing make it with lllhis own eyes but now he's not too sure if lit's delicious or not, after all, the outer appearance doesn't look that good.l

Chen Xing nodded his head, using the small hammer in his hand to gently knock it a few times along the edge of the soil, and replied unhurriedly : "That's right ah, this is the beggar's chicken (a whole chicken roasted in caked mud) that I mention before."

After Chen Xing said this, something in his hand that was wrapped in the soil was knocked and broken into pieces, and then revealed the inside was wrapped in the bundle shaped lotus leaves.

Looking at that thing, the look of curiosity in Qiu Jiu and Gu Lang eyes was even more deeper, in their hesitation whether they should ask or not, only to see Chen Xing put that thing on the table, then in front of them, he gently open the outer layer of lotus leaves, immediately there is a mixture of lotus leaves fragrance with the roasted chicken flavor, let a person can not help but start to secrete saliva.

Chen Xing smelled the flavor, seemed to feel quite satisfied, from the side took the knife, cut a few slices of meat down, respectively gave Gu Lang and Qiu Jiu as he warmly said: "You guys quickly try it, see if it suits your taste."

Qiu Jiu who couldn't stand it anymore, busily used his chopsticks to pick up a piece and put it into his mouth, while Gu Lang, who was beside him, was much more refined and gentle. He was not slow in his movements at all.

"Delicious!" Qiu Jiu finished the first piece and quickly ate the second and third piece.

Just when the three of them were eating extremely happily, there was a sudden sound of 'he he he' and rustling sound from the side, as if something was running around in the middle of it.

Kitten

Chen Xing and the three of them ate vigorously, at first there was no reaction, and finally Qiu Jiu found something wrong, gently put down the chicken leg in his hand, his eyes staring sharply at the grass not far from them.

Chen Xing saw Qiu Jiu stopped his action, he was still somewhat puzzled, "Qiu Jiu, what's wrong?"

Qiu Jiu stood up at the moment and walked towards the bushes, made a defensive posture, and said without looking back, "There is something in the bushes, moving quite fast."

Chen Xing immediately frightened, he has heard before that the place with more grass is prone to snakes, although their yard here was cleaned up, but there are still a few yards of wasteland ah! What if it really is a snake, or a poisonous one then what should they do?

Chen Xing thought it like this, his face immediately became nervous. He quickly wiped his hands before he pulled Gu Lang who was sitting steadily beside him. He took several steps backward, as he nervously said: "Let's hide at the back first and see what it is first."

Gu Lang looked at the nervous Chen Xing, and then looked at his own wrists which were pulled by him, without resistance, he was pulled under the eaves.

Qiu Jiu stared at the bushes for a few moments, and found that the place where there was still movement just now had quieted down, and turned his head to the direction of Chen Xing and the others, wanting them to stay away a little while, and he went over to see what it was.

As a result, he turned his head and just happened to see the two of them beside the table. This time has been separated from him a long way. Seeing him looking over, Chen Xing even asked with a nervous face, "What's wrong, is it something scary? I was worried that Gu Lang was scared so I pulled him to avoid it first."

Looking at the innocent expression on Chen Xing's face, and then looking at the cold and indifferent Gu Lang beside him who was not afraid at all, Qiu Jiu swallowed back the sentence 'You guys stay far away' that he wanted to say out of his mouth just now as he turned his head to the direction of the bushes with a bored expression, and at the same time, he picked up the wooden stick beside him and walked in that direction.

Seeing Qiu Jiu's action, Chen Xing at this time has begun to calculate in his mind later if he was bitten, what should he do, but also thought about the case if it's not a snake, if it's something else, should they catch it? Beside that, at the same time, he said to Gu Lang, "You don't be afraid, that must not be a snake! There are three of us, do not be afraid."

Gu Lang's face calmly looked at Chen Xing, whose face was full of nervousness, and his eyes passed over his hand that was tightly gripping his own. He then responded with a cooperative voice, "Hn, I'm not afraid."

Waiting for Qiu Jiu to get closer, the originally static grass suddenly stirred up, even the amplitude was so large that one could imagine that there was something struggling in it. When everyone was waiting, the arc of the grass suddenly became bigger, and then a white shadow suddenly rushed out from inside.

Chen Xing suddenly pinched Gu Lang's arm, and then his face suddenly relaxed and let out a surprise sound.

"Meow~"

Chen Xing and Qiu Jiu wearing the stunned expression as they looked at the kitten that acted spoiled and cute as it came to Qiu Jiu, while only Gu Lang who had the same calm expression on his face as always when he saw the cat.

Chen Xing breathed a sigh of relief, his nervousness also relaxed a lot, and then he felt a gradual warmth coming from his palm, only then he realized that he did not know when he grabbed Gu Lang's hand. As if he was scalded, he quickly let go of his hand, looked at Gu Lang with an embarrassed face, and said with a slightly reddened face, "I, I didn't mean to do it."

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing's embarrassed look as he nodded with a calm face, as if he really understood the situation and said, "Hn, I know you are worried that I am scared."

Chen Xing heard Gu Lang say it like this, his eyes immediately bright, taking one's cue and said everything to please him: "That's right, I am super worried about you, so I accidentally grabbed you, I don't intentionally want to grab you and do not let you go."

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing who appeared to be a little flustered because he tried to cover up a misdeed as he hooked the corner of his lips and said gently, "Hn, I know that you didn't mean it and I don't have any misunderstandings."

Chen Xing felt that Gu Lang was hinting something, but he could not find any evidence from Gu Lang's gentle face.

Just as Chen Xing was annoyed and wanted to explain his earlier intention again, Qiu Jiu had already come over with the cat he was carrying, "Gongzi, I caught it."

Followed by a tender cat's cry, "Meow~"

Chen Xing's attention was once again attracted by that cat, when he turned his head he saw that it was a white, blue-pupilled kitten, which was being held by Qiu Jiu at the back of its neck collar, its tail obediently clamped, and its big eyes staring at them wetly. Judging from its size, the cat should have just been weaned.

"Young Master, what should we do with this cat? Should we throw it out?"

Qiu Jiu asked like this, at the same time, he was also trying to bring the cat closer so that his young master could take a look and make a decision.

Who knew that the originally quiet and well-behaved kitten started to struggle when Gu Lang got closer, and even its voice was full of fear.

"Meow~Meow~~Meow~"

If there were people who didn't know what was going on, they would have thought that someone was torturing the cat.

Gu Lang looked at the struggling kitten, if it wasn't for the fact that Qiu Jiu was carrying it too tightly, he was afraid that the kitty would have run away immediately, he slightly raised his eyebrows, and there was also a flash of helplessness on his gentle face.

Qiu Jiu seemed to be flustered by the change in the cat, and hurriedly carried it farther away, then realized that it had stopped purring again.

Qiu Jiu relooked at the little cat that had become quiet again, then looked at the curious and excited Chen Xing over there, then looked at the indifferent and cold Gu Lang before he hesitantly asked: "Gongzi, what should we do now? Should I throw it out now?"

Gu Lang didn't say anything, but only stared at the kitten that had become docile again, a flash of deep thought in his eyes.

"How did this cat come back here to us?" Chen Xing looked at the less than two palm-sized kitten, staring at its still rounded body, with a little bit of not-so-obvious joy in his voice.

Hearing this, Qiu Jiu shrugged his shoulders as he looked at the kitten in his hand, which had brought them a lot of fright, and said indifferently, "It probably came in through the dog hole and was attracted by our barbecued meat, right?"

Chen Xing nodded and accepted his explanation, then his eyes uncontrollably stared at the kitten, especially at its little round tummy, which looked like it could be kneaded very well, giving him the urge to put his hands on it.

Qiu Jiu lifted the cat in his hand and gently shook it, looking at how it was obediently and coquettishly in his hand, with a look of letting the master to touch it and rub it, he couldn't help but smile, "This cat is quite well-behaved, it's not naughty and noisy."

"Since it is so,then let it stay,ba."

As soon as Gu Lang's words came out, the remaining two people looked at him at the same time, with a bit of incredulity in their eyes.

Qiu Jiu knew that his family Young Master did not like noisy living things, especially something like a cat that purred from time to time, while Chen Xing was surprised that Gu Lang decided it so quickly to let this kitten stay.

Gu Lang, however, looked at Chen Xing alone and said softly, "What, you don't want the cat to stay?" He had just seen that although Chen Xing was trying to hide his joy in his eyes, there was no mistaking the way his eyes sparkled as he stared at the kitten.

Chen Xing did not think that he would say it like this, after a slight daze, from inside his eyes, suddenly a burst of light burst out as he excitedly said: "Can the kitten stay?"

Gu Lang looked at Chen Xing's happy face and felt that he seemed to have made a good decision, he gently swept his eyes over the cat in Qiu Jiu's hand, looking at the way it furs stand for a second, he gently smiled, he only hoped that this cat would be more well-behaved in the future.

Chen Xing, who was already immersed in the fact that he could raise a cat, did not notice the abnormality between Gu Lang and the cat at all and directly began to think excitedly about what to prepare for this little cat. After seeing the cat realized that they wouldn't hurt it, its eyes kept staring straight at the dishes on their table, only then he guessed that the kitten must be hungry.

Chen Xing clapped his hands and joyfully said, "I'll go get some food for the cat, you guys wait here for a while."

After Chen Xing ran to the kitchen energetically, Qiu Jiu carried the cat in his hand and carefully looked at Gu Lang and said, "GongZi, don't you dislike cats?"

Gu Lang stared at the cat whose hair stood up as if it's going to explode every time he looked at it, and said casually, "Xing Xing likes it very much." So he made an exception and allowed it to be kept in the courtyard.

Hearing this reason, Qiu Jiu immediately shut up.

On that day, Chen Xing had a white kitten, and after feeding it well, he even gave it a bath while the temperature was not too low.

The moment Chen Xing gave it a bath, originally stained with a little bit of soil's fur regained its radiance, and even showed a few points of floating, looking like a beautiful kitten now.

Chen Xing looked at this kitten. Simply, the more you look at it, the more you like it. He took the temporary cat teaser, constantly teasing it, watching it jumping one by one, and at the same time asked Gu Lang who was reading a book beside him, "Let's give him a name,ba? What do you think, what should we call it?"

Gu Lang's eyes moved from Chen Xing's face with a bright smile to the cat on his lap that was rolling around happily, and after seeing the cat's body stiffen up after meeting his eyes, he slowly averted his eyes and softly said, "Let's call it Ben Dan (Idiot), ba?"

"Huh?" Chen Xing looked towards Gu Lang in surprise, thinking he had heard wrongly, and his eyes were filled with astonishment.

Gu Lang met Chen Xing's gaze, gently hooked up the corner of his lips, lightly said, "I'm just kidding, call it Xue Qiu (Snowball), ba?"

Hearing this suitable name, Chen Xing was relieved and lifted up the cat's two front paws and said towards it, "From now on, your name is Xue Qiu, do you know that?"

"Meow~" the kitten purred in a soft and glutinous voice, sticking out its tongue to lick him, as if in response to Chen Xing's words.

Gu Lang watched the interaction between one person and one cat, especially when he saw the cat's tongue licking on Chen Xing's tender white fingers without knowing sense of propriety, his eyes darkened, and he even began to doubt whether his decision to let it stay just now was wrong.

Having the cat, Chen Xing, was very happy. That very night, because he played with the cat for too long. He even got up late and last, the cat was the one that couldn't hold out and fell asleep first. Chen Xing only followed and fell asleep too. The next day, he got up later than usual. Waiting until Chen Xing came to the kitchen to see the busy Qiu Jiu. He yawned as he greeted him good morning.

Qiu Jiu looked at Chen Xing's appearance, and then look at his feet followed by the cat, probing the head to look at the outside before looking at the puzzled Chen Xing said: "Chen Xing, in the future, you can not let this cat enter into GongZi's study room."

Chen Xing was a bit puzzled at first and asked in disbelief, "What's wrong?"

Qiu Jiu saw his young master wasn't here so he should not hear their conversation, quietly and Chen Xing said: "My family Gong Zi does not like this kind of fury and noisy small things. Moreover, he used to be injured or scratched by the cat when he went out. Since my Young master has been able to live alone, there have been no more cats living in our place."

Chen Xing heard this and was a bit stunned, but yesterday, when he looked at Gu Lang, Gu Lang didn't look like he didn't like the cat at all. Moreover, he didn't stop him from letting the cat stay behind!

He seemed to be able to see Chen Xing's doubt, Qiu Jiu looked at him with a somewhat complicated look and said in a low voice: "Gong Zi keep it, just because you like it."

Hearing this, Chen Xing's heart can not describe his feelings, only feel that his heart is uncontrollably unfathomable at some speed.

Chen Xing staggered in place for a while, before squatting down and looking at his own kitten said: "Did you hear that? You have to behave well in the future Oo~" At the same time he said this, he also silently added a sentence in his heart, he has to treat Gu Lang a little bit better in the future.

"Little fat Fu, you're not lying to us, are you? You haven't even eaten anything yourself and you're telling us that it's delicious, you're not being cheated by the stall owner, are you? Moreover, he didn't set the price cheaply!"

After Fu An had introduced the desserts that Chen Xing was about to sell to his fellow students and friends, and had asked them to go with him to buy it; they would find an opportunity to tease him from time to time.

Hearing them questioning him, Fu An couldn't help but refute a few words, "No way, the other food made by that stall owner is so delicious, even if I haven't eaten it before, I still believe that it's delicious! If you don't believe me, you'll know when you eat it that day!"

Upon hearing Fu An's resolute and decisive words, the scholar who had just spoken and his companion glanced at each other, and after looking at Fu An's expression, they felt even more that he must have been deceived. After all, he himself has never eaten it yet he will spend a lot of money to buy it. He also said that he will treat his friends to eat it together for the first time.

They knew that some traders would exaggerate their products before selling them, and then trick the uninformed into buying them at a high price. Although they will not buy it again after they have bought it once, the money they made from selling it once is already enough for them to recover their capital and make a lot of money. Even more, because they wouldn't sell in one place; they would make more money instead.

However, they knew Fu An's character well, although he liked to eat but he was a good man who valued personal loyalty or friendship; a soft temper who was absolutely righteous, therefore, after seeing him so stubborn, they did not argue with him stubbornly. They could only wait for the day when they would go to the stall and let him see the real face of the stall owner, so that he would not be deceived and cheated.

Thinking of this, the scholar who just questioned Fu An patted him on the shoulder and said soothingly, "Fine ah, then we'll go with you to eat there, if it's not as delicious as you say it is, then you should go there less next time to eat." So as not to be deceived by those false things.

"I can tell you guys, you will definitely think it is delicious, but I will only treat you guys this once, after that you will have to buy it yourself." Hearing him say that, Fu An's mood got a little better, and at the same time, he confidently said that they would definitely like that food.

Fu An's classmates looked at him looking like this, glanced at each other, their eyes were full of helplessness, before then said: "Good." They won't buy it, not only they won't buy it, they'll have to wait until they finish eating it, then they'll advertise it to the others how bad the food is, so that there won't be more people who were deceived like Fu An.

They are full of confidence, just waiting for the day to come, together with Fu An to expose that liar!

After a few days of preparation, Chen Xing had everything ready and was finally going to start selling jelly. But before he left the house, he looked at Gu Lang and the kitten in the yard. He was very confused at the moment.

That jelly not only can't be kept for a long time, but also needs to be shaken with ice. If it can't be sold out on the same day, it will be a big loss. Moreover, it's still the first day Chen Xing is selling it, the price is also expensive, just think about it, you know, it will not sell very quickly. If he can't come back in time, what will Gu Lang and Xue Qiu eat at lunch time?

Gu Lang who went to see and send them out as if he understood Chen Xing's concerns, glanced at Chen Xing's feet, at that silly and pestered kitten, indifferently said: "You can rest assured, I will heat up the food and I will also prepare food for it."

Hearing Gu Lang's assurance, Chen Xing raised his eyes and looked in his direction, watching him standing there with a shallow smile looking at himself, suddenly having a feeling of a wife sending her husband out the door.

Thinking of this, Chen Xing suddenly shivered, and hastily shook off his head to throw out this horrible imagination, looking at him panickedly: "Can you really? If not, I will hurry back as soon as possible."

Gu Lang looked at him, smiled as he nodded his head, soothingly saying, "Don't worry, I can do it."

After confirming again and again that Gu Lang was really not trying to force himself, Chen Xing said goodbye to the kitten that pestered him, and left the Gu Mansion to head towards the stall.

Looking at the slowly closing door, Gu Lang's eyes shifted to the kitten pawing at the door, wondering with interest if the cat would follow them out.

Unfortunately, after pawing at the door for a while, the cat seemed to realize that it couldn't go out and stopped pawing at the door, turned around and was ready to go back. Then Gu Lang saw its body stiffen the moment it saw him, as well as its tail standing high.

Gu Lang, looking at its stiffness, suddenly snorted a laugh and turned towards the study room.

The sunlight was spreading on him, but he could still feel the cold and indifference that surrounded the owner of that back.

The kitten looked at the man who walked away, and made sure that he would not turn his head back, before his tail gently moved behind him, followed by a small 'meow', and followed him into the house.

After leaving the Gu Mansion, Chen Xing has been worried about whether his jelly today can be sold out successfully. If he can't sell it, what should he do? Shouldn't he think of some marketing strategy?

Qiu Jiu who was beside him and helped push the carriage did not have many problems in his mind, in his opinion if not sold, at most it is to take back to eat themselves, anyway, it would not be wasted.

However, looking at the side of the bitter Chen Xing, Qiu Jiu did not put his own words out, after all, he also knows that this jelly whether from the packaging or preservation, Chen Xing has spent a lot of effort, if not sold, Chen Xing will be very sad.

After a few more glances at the distressed Chen Xing, Qiu Jiu decided that if he really can't sell it, he will use his own official's salary; government salary to rent a few people to buy it, since his money has no place to spend, buying this thing is still enough.

Chen Xing didn't know Qiu Jiu's intention, he now even thought well about later whether to ask how many street peddler or shopkeeper's partner who pretends to be a customer and lures people into buying; , he felt that his jelly although expensive, but at least here is a rare thing, as long as there is the first person who dares to eat crabs, not afraid of the later people do not come to buy.

After he had made his decision, Chen Xing's heart also stabilized by a few points, and so on. To see the newly made booth with cloth wrapped shelves, his last point of worry in his heart also dissipated.

Chen Xing gave himself a boost, came to the front of the booth in front of the face of the guests who have come and gone, lifted the cloth on the shelf, revealing the inside like a long foot steamer shelf, but more than the usual steamer, the whole steamer on the surface there are a few special holes.

Chen Xing then lifted up two more layers, revealing the bottom layer and stuffed the specially sewn cotton into it, then he put it back to the first layer, poured the freshly purchased ice cubes on the top layer, before then put the jelly that he had brought in into the bamboo tube. He finally covered the last layer and put the remaining ones into the holes that could be seen.

"Little boss, what are you selling here? Why did you make it so troublesome?"

Some curious customers looked at Chen Xing. There were clothes and ice, just in order to keep those bamboo tubes of things, so they couldn't help but be a little curious.

Chen Xing, however, looked at them and smiled, "This is the new food I want to buy. It's called jelly."

As he said this, he unveiled the top one, letting them see clearly the things inside.

The guests looked at the transparent dessert that was packed inside the green bamboo tube, showing colorful desserts, and suddenly exclaimed, "Little boss, this dessert of yours is so special ah!"

Chen Xing smiled, and considered accepting their compliments.

People who were curious, directly asked: " Little boss, how do you sell this ah?"

Chen Xing looked at the person who asked, and directly said: "Fifty wen for one."

As soon as his words left his mouth, there were a lot of gasps from the side, as if they felt that he was selling this thing for a price that was a bit too expensive. Although they were close to the Capital and were considered to be a wealthy region, so 50 wen was not out of their reach, but to buy a jar of this dessert was still not worth it, especially when it was sold on a small stall. Therefore, after these people asked, none of them bought it.

Chen Xing was also surprised, after dealing with the curious customers, the jelly price sign hung out, then he began to sell other things.

With the passage of time, other things are sold almost, but this jelly, people only ask, no one to buy. During that time, there was an old man who did not lack money and wanted to buy one, but in the end, he was pulled back by his old partner who disliked the expensive price of the jelly.

Seeing the situation, Chen Xing, from the beginning of calm into the later anxious. The cost of noodles here is not cheap, after all.

Just when Chen Xing is thinking about whether to yell a couple of words, Fu An is in a hurry to bring his slow friend to his booth, look at his unhurried friend, he still can not help but urge: "You guys be faster ah! I won't have anything to eat later if it's sold out!"