Chapter 621 - Chapter 621: Chapter 608: Jealousy (1/2)

Chapter 621: Chapter 608: Jealousy

As if Mrs. He was initially terrified, stuttering every time she spoke to Chu Jinzhou and Fan Wenxuan. But after realizing the two of them had good temperaments and getting to know them better, she gradually loosened up quite a lot.

And once the villagers grew accustomed to her presence, she, in return, became as amiable and natural as she ever was.

Zhuang Qingning breathed a sigh of relief at this.

After all, she still favored the life in the village, along with the diligent, kind-hearted villagers who trusted her unconditionally and backed her staunchly.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning’s serious countenance gradually soften, Zhuang Jingye couldn’t help but break out in a grin, “You should listen to me, I am right.”

No matter what, he was the village chief, his experience was something to be reckoned with.

“Yes, yes, Uncle Village Chief is always right.” Zhuang Qingning couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Hehe, since you think I’m right, Ning’er, could you do me a favor?” Zhuang Jingye scratched his ear, seeming to become a little embarrassed.

“What favor?”

“Could you write some calligraphy for me?” Zhuang Jingye said, “Any characters will do, any size is fine. Just write a few that you find convenient, but remember to sign your name at the end.”

“Calligraphy isn’t something you just write randomly. Even if you do, Uncle Village Chief, you still need to tell me what its purpose is, so I can tailor it to fit.”

“It really can be anything, anything at all, as long as it’s calligraphy.”

Zhuang Jingye became increasingly embarrassed as he explained further, “Not to hide it from you, Ning’er, I plan to have the calligraphy you write for me framed by a professional, before hanging it in our village ancestral hall, as a story for our future generations.”

“I will tell them, ‘Look, this calligraphy was penned by the Lord of Hening County, personally appointed by the Emperor, and she is from our village. From then on, no one should ever feel ashamed of laboring, farming, or running small businesses. Being well-read isn’t the only path to success – the farmer who cultivates his land well can also make something of himself.”

His words made perfect sense, and the strength and enthusiasm in Zhuang Jingye’s speech gave a sense of undeterred determination.

The smile on Zhuang Qingning’s face grew brighter, “With Uncle Village Chief saying so, I will write … umm… ‘Heaven rewards hard work’ then.”

Although perhaps cliched, its meaning was extremely appropriate. The more conformist the writing, the less room there was for criticism.

“Heaven rewards hard work… Hmm, perfect! Those who are honest and diligent will always be rewarded for their efforts by Heaven. Good! Very good!” Zhuang Jingye slapped his thigh in commendation.

“But we don’t have big enough paper and a brush at home. I’ll buy those when I find the time to go into town. I’ll bring it to you as soon as I finish writing,” Zhuang Qingning said with a smile.

“After going through the trouble of asking you to write, I can’t possibly let you pay for it.” Zhuang Jingye hurriedly waved his hand, “Don’t worry about the paper and brush, Ning’er. I will prepare and bring them to your house.”

“Alright, then. Just come see me when you have the time, Uncle Village Chief.” Zhuang Qingning willingly agreed.

After a little more conversation, Zhuang Jingye saw that it was getting late and went back home to eat lunch.

After Zhuang Qingning bid him goodbye, she returned inside where Xiangqiao had already begun preparing lunch. She was making steamed basket noodles, Zhuang Qingning’s favorite dish.

Zhuang Qingning decided to fetch some kimchi from the jar to eat with the steamed basket noodles later.