Chapter 307 - Chapter 307: Chapter 294: Professionals, Theyre Just Different (1/2)
Chapter 307: Chapter 294: Professionals, They’re Just Different
Translator: 549690339
Despite the task she had accomplished that day, for Mr. Fan, it was nothing more than her casually offering him a cup of tea, letting him rest at her house for a short while, and helping him find a carriage home. She hadn’t even offered to pay for his fare. All in all, it was like jellyfish drifting with the current – a trifling favor she had both the time and capability to carry out.
Yet Mr. Fan regarded it as something extremely significant. Because Zhuang Qingning had casually mentioned that Zhuang Qingsui was learning to read and wanted to attend a women’s academy, Mr. Fan remembered it clearly and genuinely took action on it.
Mr. Fan was indeed a man of deep affection and sincerity, valuing friendships highly.
Such a person was most worthy of making friends with.
Zhuang Qingning developed greater respect and admiration for Fan Wenxuan.
“I am grateful for your mindfulness, Mr. Fan, and for the effort you went to.” Zhuang Qingning rose to collect the books, bowing once more in thanks.
“You are overly polite, Miss Zhuang. It was merely a trifling service.” Fan Wenxuan stroked his beard and chuckled. “Please, do not dwell upon it.”
“I commend your character, Miss Zhuang, as you’re kind-hearted, and your youngest sister surely takes after you in that regard. She is a person of good conduct. Education and talent are one thing, but character and temperament are of the utmost importance. If a person is eager to learn and of good character, they should be properly nurtured. Otherwise, it would be a pity.”
“Furthermore, I am very fond of your courtyard and highly regard your intelligence, Miss Zhuang. I find we have much in common. It has been many years since I last had such a friend. I merely wanted to have a more in-depth chat with you.”
Of course, his intention to see more of Zhuang Qingning and think of how he could make a match for her remained unsaid.
“Mr. Fan’s warm generosity is truly our good fortune,” Zhuang Qingning said with a bright smile. “Mr Fan, since you came here early this morning, I assume you haven’t had breakfast yet? I was about to prepare breakfast. If you don’t mind, why don’t you join us?”
“Although my cooking skills are not great, my dishes are passable.”
“I would be honored, Miss Zhuang,” Fan Wenxuan replied without hesitation.
“Please wait a moment, Mr. Fan.”
Zhuang Qingning washed her hands, put on her apron, and headed to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Zhuang Qingsui played her part by setting the table.
A short while later, breakfast was served.
The table was adorned with fragrant steamed eggs garnished with river shrimp, mushrooms, diced radish, and corn kernels. There was golden yellow, tantalizing gruel made from cornmeal with a soft and crispy texture. Zhuang Qingning introduced a pancake made with various grains. There were also two or three appetising cold dishes: celery with dried tofu, cucumber with peanuts, and a cold salad of white jade mushrooms.
All had a pleasing combination of color, aroma, and flavor. Even Fan Wenxuan, who was accustomed to the gourmet foods of the capital city, could not help but sing praises.
While it was not out of this world or comparable to delicacies from land and sea, the most important thing was that it was packed full of fresh flavors and tasted really good. It was much more enjoyable than any of the exotic delicacies prepared with expensive ingredients.
The cooking was superb.
Satisfied, Fan Wenxuan burped heartily, marking yet another point in her favor.
“Miss Zhuang, your cooking skills are excellent,” Fan Wenxuan praised once more.
“As long as Mr. Fan finds it palatable, that’s all that matters. It might not be great, but it’s bearable,” Zhuang Qingning said with a smirk of a smile. Zhuang Qingsui and Zhuang Qingning cleared away the dishes, fed Snowball, and prepared for Qingsui’s calligraphy practice.
Fan Wenxuan asked to see the characters that Zhuang Qingsui had practiced writing.