Chapter 535 - Chapter 535: Chapter 522: Perhaps It Becomes Sweet (1/2)
Chapter 535: Chapter 522: Perhaps It Becomes Sweet
Could he really be planning on wearing a mask and showing himself to the world as a disfigured man?
Does he really think of her as an extraordinary intelligent person?
Something about all this feels a bit off…
“I… I was just joking, Master Chu. Please don’t take it to heart…” Zhuang Qingning explained somewhat awkwardly.
“Miss Zhuang, even your jokes can provide insight to others. It shows your unparalleled wisdom. In the future, please continue to jest with me, I may learn a great deal more,”
A jovial Zhuang Qingning, in contrast with her serious demeanor, was lively, playful and absolutely adorable.
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More importantly, within her jokes, one might catch a hint of something usually unsaid, or take the opportunity to say something he usually couldn’t.
Even if what he hears may not be the absolute truth.
Or, even if what he says is not taken entirely to heart by Zhuang Qingning.
Being able to hear and to speak is undoubtedly better than silence.
They had a long road ahead, they could take their time.
Perhaps this melon, given some time to ripen, may turn out to be sweet after all?
Right?
The corners of Chu Jinnian’s lips tilted upward into a wider smile.
“…”
Being praised yet again, Zhuang Qingning was at a loss as she looked up to the sky.
Well, as long as the handsome man was pleased…
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After a moment of casual conversation, a young servant came with their food.
A few exquisitely prepared dishes: West Lake vinegar fish, crucian carp soup with tofu, and Eight Treasure Rice. The sight of these mouth-watering dishes was an immediate appetizer.
“Miss Zhuang, please enjoy.” Chu Jinnian made a polite gesture, and helped Zhuang Qingning pick up a slice of fish.
Without overthinking, Zhuang Qingning considered it as Chu Jinnian’s hospitality as their host and accepted the food. She thanked him and started eating.
Having conversed all morning, her stomach was growling. The dishes suited her taste perfectly and she wasn’t overly reserved, chatting amicably and eating heartily with Chu Jinnian.
On the other side, in Chu Jinzhou’s courtyard, Fan Wenxuan was having his meal with the three children.
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Having played all morning, they were as hungry as if they had been fasting. They were currently feasting on the table filled with food.
“The shrimp dumplings are here,” Jing Zhao received the dish from the servant’s hand, carefully placed it on the table, and distributed one dumpling to each of the children.
“Eat slowly, be careful not to burn yourself. We have more in the kitchen. They are being brought here slowly so they won’t get cold.”
Originally, there were only four shrimp dumplings, and Zhuang Qingsui, knowing how much Chu Jinzhou liked them, had thought about giving hers to him. But, hearing there were more on the way, she finally took hers without reservations and ate.
Fan Wenxuan slowly popped a shrimp dumpling into his mouth, slanting his eyes to look at Jing Zhao. “Aren’t you supposed to serve the eldest son today?”
Jing Zhao pouted.
He had intended to go and serve the eldest son. However, he feared something might go wrong here, revealing that Chu Jinnian intentionally excluded them from their meal. He decided vigilance on this side was necessary.
“The eldest son is discussing business matters with Miss Zhuang, and to make sure Third Young Master, Miss Sui, and Young Master Mingli don’t feel neglected, he especially assigned me to look after them.”
Jing Zhao answered with a full-faced smile, inwardly congratulating himself.