Chapter 503 - Chapter 503: Chapter 490: Playing Matchmaker

Chapter 503: Chapter 490: Playing Matchmaker

“The fox fur looks pretty good. We thought it might keep you ladies warm in the winter. Although the fur might not be enough for a full coat, it could be enough for a couple of scarves, muffs, or hats. It just so happens there are two of you, Miss Zhuang and Miss Sui, so each of you can have one to fend off the winter chill.”

“Thank you so much.”

The fact that these three burly fellows remembered such small details filled Zhuang Qingning with deep appreciation. She went inside and brought out two cans of tea leaves for Hu Da, “I don’t have much to gift in return, but I recently received some tea from Cheng’s tea shop in the county town, and I find it quite good. You guys travel a lot for work, so a hot cup of tea on the road will keep you warm and alert.”

Zhuang Qingning’s gift surprised Hu Da, as he accepted it, “Honestly, Manager Zhuang, we were just thinking that we should bring some tea leaves with us when we head out tomorrow. It’s such a coincidence that you offered it to us. This saved us a trip to purchase it ourselves.”

“We won’t stand on ceremony then and will accept this.”

“Go ahead, compared to this fox fur, I feel like I’ve got the better deal.” Zhuang Qingning laughed, “Please don’t mention politeness.”

Hearing Zhuang Qingning say this, Hu Da scratched his ears and laughed.

Since it was late, it wasn’t appropriate for them to linger around. After a few more words and enjoying the warm tea they had been served, Hu Da, along with Hu Er and Hu San, bid Zhuang Qingning farewell.

They certainly had to get back home in the evening. The later they got on the road, the more difficult their journey would be. So, without further delay, Zhuang Qingning saw them out of the shop.

As they were leaving, she stuffed some white sugar cake into their hands, and into the woven basket she carried, she placed a clay pot filled with hot tea.

“Eat the white sugar cake when you’re hungry. The clay pot keeps the tea warm for a while, and the woven basket should help insulate it. Even if it’s cold outside, it should stay warm for a bit. Drink some whenever you’re thirsty, it’ll help keep you cozy.” Zhuang Qingning reminded.

“Thank you, Manager Zhuang.”

The three brothers each thanked Zhuang Qingning in turn and stepped out of the shop.

Hu Da and Hu Er walked briskly, one holding the white sugar cake, and the other holding the clay pot.

However, Hu San, who was initially following them, lagged behind. When his brothers weren’t paying attention, he turned back and trotted over to where Zhuang Qingning was standing.

“Manager Zhuang.” Hu San said with a smile on his face, “Don’t listen to my older brother when he says no one’s interested in us. More accurately, it’s just him… ”

“I’m not boasting, but I’m definitely better looking than both my brothers. The fact that they can’t find wives is their business, I for sure can.”

“But because we are often on the road for our courier work, we rarely come across suitable young women… so I was wondering, if you happen to know any suitable young woman, could you perhaps put in a good word for us?”

“When the time comes, I will certainly give you a pair of conferrable satin shoes as a gift…”

If a match is arranged, this would be the equivalent of her being a matchmaker. In contrast to professional matchmakers who require matchmaking fees, casual matchmaking like this only requires a pair of shoes as a token of gratitude for the matchmaker’s efforts.

Zhuang Qingning didn’t anticipate that Hu San would double back to ask her to help him find a wife, which caught her by surprise.

But since Hu San had presented this matter so seriously, she nodded, “If an appropriate girl comes up, I will mention it. But if not… ”

Throughout her two lifetimes, this would be her first time acting as a matchmaker, and she had no idea what she was supposed to do.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. Don’t worry too much about it, Manager Zhuang. It’s not a big deal. If there’s an opportunity, great; if not, that’s fine too. This isn’t something you can force. As long as you keep me in mind, that’s enough.”

Hu San grinned, showing his teeth, and made a series of bows to Zhuang Qingning, “Thank you for your help, Manager Zhuang. I must be going now. Goodbye.”

With that, he quickly trotted off to catch up with Hu Da and Hu Er.

Hu Da and Hu Er were a bit annoyed with Hu San’s tardiness, “What were you up to, dawdling around like that?”

“I just hadn’t seen Manager Zhuang in a while, and we had a lot to catch up on.” Hu San quickly made up a lie.

“You’re definitely not telling the truth. Look at the smile on your face, it’s almost reaching your ears. Did you ask Manager Zhuang to find you a wife?” Hu Er looked Hu San up and down and asked while tugging on Hu San’s ear.

“What are you talking about? No, I didn’t!” Hu San tried to defend himself.

“If that’s not true, why are you blushing?” Hu Er was relentless, “Oh, so this is your secret plan, doing this behind our backs. What if Manager Zhuang only pays attention to you, then what?”

“What about you, elder brother?”

Hu Er noticed that Hu Da had been silent throughout their entire exchange, so he tugged at his sleeve.

“I’ve been thinking…”

Hu Da started to speak, “What if the girl that Manager Zhuang introduces is as capable as she is?”

The kind who always ends up giving you painful bumps on your head?

After hearing Hu Da say this, a chill ran down Hu Er’s spine. The memory of being whacked with a measuring pole was still fresh in his mind. The headache was still bothering him every now and then. If such incidents were a regular occurrence in his life, life might not be that comfortable.

Forget it, forget it, let whoever wants this good fortune have it. As for him, he was not interested.

With that thought, Hu Er lost interest in arguing with Hu San and just continued on his way.

Having been released by Hu Er, Hu San watched as Hu Er strolled away confidently and Hu Da remained pensive. He couldn’t help but chuckle dismissively.

These two fools really don’t understand anything.

What’s wrong with being capable? And what’s wrong with getting whacked?

Doesn’t their comfortable life now owe to the beating they received back then?

If getting a good beating guaranteed a good life, he certainly wouldn’t mind getting beaten every day.

Furthermore, the girl that Manager Zhuang would recommend wouldn’t hit people for no reason. At the very least, she would have a reason to do so, she wouldn’t be like what these two are presuming…

With their shallow understanding, they really don’t know what to say.

Hu San couldn’t be bothered to argue about this with them. He just happily continued on his way. With his spirits lifted, he picked up the pace.

—

After sending off the Hu brothers, Zhuang Qingning and Zhuang Qingsui tidied up and went to sleep early.

Early the next day, Shi Bao and Shen Quan, with their carriage, were already waiting at Zhuang Qingning’s doorstep.

“You’ve come so early. Have you had breakfast? Would you like to eat something?” Zhuang Qingning inquired warmly. “The tofu shop makes fresh tofu pudding in the morning, both sweet and salty flavours are available.”

“I also made some fried cakes this morning, they go well with the tofu pudding.”