Chapter 485 - Chapter 485: Chapter 472: Increasing Affection (1/2)
Chapter 485: Chapter 472: Increasing Affection
Seeing Fang Hou’s earnestness, Zhuang Qingning finally had no choice but to select a can of tea leaves to keep.
The rest, however, were all taken back by Fang Hou.
Fang Hou tried to decline for a long time, but when he saw that he could not refuse, he accepted the gifts ordered by Zhuang Qingning, thanked her profusely, and then bid her farewell.
Zhuang Qingning sorted through the gifts from Fang Hou, registering each item in a ledger. This would make it easier to repay these favors in the future.
Spices, tea leaves, fabrics, medicine…
Zhuang Qingning found it all a bit overwhelming.
It must be said, Cheng Ruize was too courteous. The variety and quantity of gifts were both considerable.
And these items, besides the spices that she could play with, the rest would take a while to use up.
Zhuang Qingning thought for a bit and began to categorize the items, intending to give some away.
She could send some tea leaves to Zhuang Jingye, Zhuang Yonghe, Zhang Yongchang, and Zhang Xiangrong. She could send some fabric to Mrs. Wen’s house, allowing Aunt Meng to make a winter dress later. She probably wouldn’t need the medicinal herbs, and could send them to Zhuang Wencheng…
Zhuang Qingning sorted the items while mumbling to herself. She attached a small slip of paper to each, to remind herself of what it was.
Chu Jinnian had been leaning against the door, watching the three children recite their text, and watching Zhuang Qingning divvy up the items.
The young girl’s quiet smile seemed to shine under the perfect winter sun, making it even more radiant. Even her mumbling was as pleasant to the ear as the song of the golden oriole…
However, as he listened, Chu Jinnian couldn’t help but frown.
He heard different forms of address for relatives and friends from Zhuang Qingning, but not once did he hear the name “Chu”.
This meant…
Did Zhuang Qingning not plan to give him anything?
The more Chu Jinnian thought about it, the more he furrowed his brows.
He couldn’t stand it anymore and went over to Zhuang Qingning. “Miss Zhuang.”
“These are…”
“These were sent over by Manager Cheng from the county town, as thanks for the help I gave him the other day.”
Zhuang Qingning explained with a smile.
“Hmm…” Chu Jinnian nodded. After looking over the items, he turned to Zhuang Qingning, “These tea leaves seem quite good.”
He had heard the term “tea leaves” repeated numerous times.
“Cheng’s tea shop is arguably one of the best in the county town, and I hear it even sells its products in the capital city.” Zhuang Qingning commented, placing the remaining cans of tea leaves in a bamboo basket.
“While I’ve never heard of Cheng’s Tea Shop in the capital city or seen its products before, I have heard about it here, it’s said to brew a bright and aromatic tea.”
Chu Jinnian eagerly continued, “However, I have never tried it…”
He probably hadn’t.
Being stationed in the capital city and occupying a high-ranking position, Chu Jinnian only drinks high-grade varieties like Longjing and Biluochun. This ordinary tea, which is commonly available in the market, probably never makes its way to his tea table.
Since the items were originally gifts from someone else, it would be inappropriate to give Chu Jinnian something of this caliber.
Zhuang Qingning thought for a moment and then placed the can of tea leaves she had been holding and smoothing in her hand back into the basket.
Chu Jinnian’s bright eyes immediately dimmed.