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墨書 Inktalez
Xia Muxin fell silent; this grateful hug could truly spark a bloodbath.
She awkwardly smiled at Uncle Bingzi, sticking out her tongue in a playful grimace before rushing inside to move the jars.
Seeing this, Uncle Bingzi shook his head and chuckled. This girl was so meticulous in the kitchen, yet once she stepped out, she became carefree and reckless. However, it was rare to find someone with such genuine goodness and clarity of heart in this murky world.
Watching her curiously inspect the jars, frowning and talking to herself from time to time, he turned and left.
Xia Muxin was quite enthusiastic about the jars, but the headache was how to move so many of them by herself. Just as she was frowning in distress, a group of about ten young boys approached. The leader saw Xia Muxin and respectfully bent down, saying:
"The Little Ones are here to help you move the jars, Miss."
Upon hearing this, Xia Muxin's eyes brightened. She silently thanked Uncle Bingzi in her heart, then picked up two jars and walked to the door, politely saying:
"Thank you for your help, brothers. My cart is just outside the back door."
With that, she left carrying the jars.
"Dear guests, today our establishment is offering two new dishes: Chopped Chili Snail Meat and Ginger-flavored Snails. Supplies are limited; first come, first served. Twenty taels per plate, with options for extra spicy or mild flavors, perfect for those enjoying wine and conversation."
As Xia Muxin rounded the corner towards the kitchen with her two jars, she heard Uncle Bingzi's booming voice advertising. He had picked it up quickly and was doing quite well; it was worth all her efforts in teaching him.
Earlier, when he had been struggling to learn how to cook, he expressed frustration that they often introduced new dishes but rarely received orders until one or two months later when they finally became popular. Xia Muxin couldn't help but smile at this; she had indeed taught him a thing or two.
"Let's have a plate of Spicy Chopped Pepper Snail Meat for the Third Floor South Side Private Room."
"And a plate of Ginger-flavored Snails for us."
"......"
Sure enough, with Uncle Bingzi's shout, the guests eagerly began to order this fresh dish. Uncle Bingzi had someone jot down each order, grinning from ear to ear.
Watching the lively scene, Xia Muxin hugged the Jar in her arms tightly, a gentle smile spreading across her lips. How fortunate she was to have encountered such a group of people.
Life is meant to be filled with gratitude, isn't it?
The harder you work, the luckier you become.
Just as she turned her head, she noticed Shen Muhan and Su Yan-Chu standing nearby, quietly watching her.
Feeling their strange gazes, Xia Muxin shifted her eyes and walked over to them.
"Are you all done?"
As she approached, Shen Muhan took the Jar from her arms first and asked casually.
"Oh... um... yes, I'm done!"
Xia Muxin was still a bit dazed, taking a moment before responding. Then she mischievously turned to Su Yan-Chu and said:
"Boss Su, considering how much you've contributed to the Jar, let me give you a suggestion. You should name your private rooms something nice, like 'All Things Auspicious' for prosperity, or 'Wang's Restaurant.' This way, even if you raise the prices, customers will rush to make reservations. It makes things easier for everyone involved. After all, wealthy people seek enjoyment and ambiance, not just a meal and a show."
Upon hearing this, Su Yan-Chu's eyes lit up with excitement as he looked at Xia Muxin. He initially wanted to pat her head, but Shen Muhan's gaze was too cold. In the end, he could only tease her:
"Miss Muxin, if you ever come to Town to open a restaurant, let me know in advance so I can prepare to close early."
He never expected to meet such an extraordinary woman. No matter what happened, as long as she offered an idea, everything would seem manageable. Moreover, she always gave people a sense of stability, much like her sunny smile...
"Hehe, you'd better be careful then!"
Xia Muxin replied playfully. Seeing the boys bringing out the Jar, she happily skipped over to direct them.
"You are truly wise and very fortunate!"
Watching her boundless energy, Shen Muhan and Su Yan-Chu stood there for quite a while. Finally, Su Yan-Chu said with a hint of self-mockery.
If only he had taken the initiative at the moment they met, would the outcome have been different...
"Fortunate or wise, it’s all because of her!"
Between men, sometimes there’s no need for conflict; just a glance or a few words can determine everything.
He and Su Yan-Chu grew up as life-and-death brothers, one reserved and the other sunny. Their mutual understanding surpassed everything. Before meeting Xia Muxin, he might have thought that the most important things in life were these brothers who had weathered storms together and family. But after meeting her, she became his sole focus.
"Uncle, aren't you leaving?"
Over there, Xia Muxin finished her tasks and, seeing Shen Muhan and Su Yan-Chu still standing in a daze, she smiled and waved at them.
Shen Muhan stood tall like a straight jade tree, but his gaze fell upon Su Yan-Chu's dim black eyes as he softly said, "I'm leaving first."
Su Yan-Chu remained silent, merely watching his figure stride away until the carriage disappeared from view, along with Xia Muxin happily chatting with him...
The remaining two jars of Wine-Pickled Fish sold quickly. Most people in the Town recognized her and genuinely liked this articulate young girl who always wore a perfectly timed smile. She greeted everyone warmly and even gave some spare change to beggars.
"Boss, I heard that Fushou Tower has a new dish. Should I pack one for you to take home?"
Ye Feng looked at Xia Muxin, surrounded by people, and seemed to see another scene altogether. He appeared to ignore the words of his attendant.
At the same time, he recalled his grandfather's dying wish to find his aunt. In the only remaining portrait, his aunt's eyes shone just like hers, and her smile resembled the crescent moon in the sky...
Mei Tower, Plum Courtyard!
In the intricately carved pavilion, Liang Yi tightly clutched a piece of paper in his palm, bloodthirsty light flickering in his eyes. It wasn't until he heard the sound of a cane that he tucked the paper into his sleeve, took a deep breath, turned around, and wore a composed smile.
"Grandma Jiang, what brings you here?"
The elderly woman with the cane was dressed appropriately. Though she was over seventy, she appeared sprightly and her eyes sparkled. Upon seeing Liang Yi, she revealed a loving smile.
"I haven't been to Plum Courtyard in quite some time. Perhaps there will be a heavy snowfall this year; that would be when the plum blossoms bloom."
The smile was kind, but the deep sadness in her eyes could not be concealed.
Grandma Jiang is Ye Feng's grandmother. It is said that she lives in Kyoto, and recently she has not been feeling well, so Ye Feng brought her here with the intention of taking her to see Sister Tang.
This Plum Courtyard was named by Ye Feng on the day Mei Tower was first built. After it was constructed, he planted many plum trees here and built a rockery and a pond. He often stood under the plum trees, lost in thought.
Everyone has their own secrets, but Ye Feng is luckier than most; at least he has family. However, his family has never remembered him...
Perhaps, in their hearts, he does not deserve to be their family.
"Child, in this life, there will be many things beyond our control. Often, hatred can blind a person's heart. When will one see clearly enough to let go of all burdens? Life is but a few short decades, yet we are often deceived by these years. In the end, we hurt others and ourselves, gaining nothing but loss. Many things should not be regretted only after they are lost; it may be too late then. Living a life filled with guilt is the greatest torment and pain."
In her life, she bore too much: a broken marriage, scattered children, and a destroyed family. She wandered aimlessly for decades. To outsiders, she seemed to enjoy wealth and honor, but only her heart could understand the pain of sleepless nights.
Liang Yi felt at first glance that this child was extraordinary; no matter how strong the disguise, occasional weakness would betray it.
Watching that unsteady figure, Liang Yi clenched his fists tightly.
"Third Brother, Ling'er doesn't want to marry anyone. When will you come back? Ling'er will only marry Third Brother..."
Looking at the note in his palm, each word felt like the sharpest weapon, piercing his heart deeply.
"Ling'er..."
Suddenly, he looked up and let out a mournful cry as the note was blown away by the wind and fell into the pond.
She held onto the bracelet you gave her when she was young until her dying breath, murmuring, "Ling'er will only marry Third Brother in this lifetime."
In her line of sight, a note boldly displayed those words.
*
Xia Muxin had a fruitful day and was in a great mood, which Shen Muhan couldn't help but catch onto, his lips curling into a charming smile.
As they entered Daimiao Mountain, distant shouts reached their ears.
Xia Muxin's thoughts were interrupted, and she lifted the curtain of the carriage to look outside.
She saw a crowd gathered by the Lotus Root Pond, each person pointing inside and seemingly discussing something. Faintly, she could hear heart-wrenching cries.
"Uncle, I'm going to check it out."
Thinking of Ming Yi and Ming Peng who had gone to dig for lotus roots, Xia Muxin felt a tightness in her chest at the sight of so many people there. She jumped down from the carriage and ran toward the scene.
- End of Chapter -
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