Chapter 535 - Chapter 535: Chapter 522: Perhaps It Becomes Sweet

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.

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He had to admit, his ability to smooth over delicate situations had improved recently.

He had successfully turned Chu Jinnian’s brusque action into a considerate, unavoidable step. With this, Chu Jinnian and Zhuang Qingning could be alone, without making Chu Jinzhou and the others feel left out.

This wasn’t easy for him.

“The eldest son has also asked me to apologize to Third Young Master, Miss Sui, and Young Master Mingli. When he has some free time, he will come over and chat with you all.”

“No problem.”

Chu Jinzhou and Zhuang Qingsui both waved their hands dismissively.

“Since eldest brother has to discuss important matters with Big Sister Ning, we don’t want to disturb them. Let eldest brother discuss business with Big Sister Ning in peace.” Chu Jinzhou said.

“Yes, we are here studying with Mr. Fan, so Big Sister and Master Chu don’t need to worry about us.” Zhuang Qingsui chimed in agreeably.

“Third Young Master and Miss Sui are absolutely considerate. The eldest son and Miss Zhuang must feel very relieved,” Jing Zhao felt a warm sensation in his heart.

Part of it was due to the considerate understanding of Chu Jinzhou and Zhuang Qingsui.

The other part was from his own sense of accomplishment of having successfully diverted the matter.

He had smoothly turned the tables, causing no suspicion, and only eliciting concern; this surely could be credited to him.

Feeling pleased, Jing Zhao served the freshly arrived Eight Treasure Rice to everyone.

“Doing business?” Fan Wenxuan’s eyes flashed, “I didn’t know the eldest son was in need of money.”

As the crown prince, Chu Jinnian had substantial assets from the King’s estate; not to mention the extravagant dowry he received from Mrs. Xiao Qiao when they married, which ended up in Chu Jinnian’s hands.

The Qiao family was wealthy with a large business, and due to Mr. Qiao’s affection for his grandson, Chu Jinnian had gained countless properties and treasures under his name during his time with the Qiao family.

Furthermore, after Chu Jinnian returned to the capital city, the Empress showered him with love and the royal amnesties from the Emperor added to his wealth…

Fan Wenxuan was convinced that Chu Jinnian probably didn’t even know how many valuables and assets he owned.

This type of a man, interested in doing business?

Who would buy that!

It was rather clear that he was interested in the person, Zhuang Qingning!

The thought of Chu Jinnian potentially considering hiring Zhuang Qingning as his staff irked Fan Wenxuan.

Jing Zhao, sensing Fan Wenxuan’s hostility, offered a sheepish smile, “Mr. Fan, you must be joking. Who in the world would ever think they had too much money?”

“Besides, this business sounds very promising. Not just the eldest son, even I am tempted to join after hearing about it.”

“If I’m being honest with Mr. Fan, I believe this business venture is bound to bring a lot of profit. It’s just a pity that the eldest son doesn’t lack money and probably doesn’t need us to chip in with our silver stocks.”

“Ah, it truly is pitiful…”

“Your words have sparked my curiosity – what kind of business venture could be so promising?” Hearing Jing Zhao’s words, Fan Wenxuan seemed intrigued.

Seeing he had successfully diverted the conversation, Jing Zhao sighed in relief and replied, “It’s about the soap business.”

“The soap I just used?”

Fan Wenxuan unconsciously looked at his sleeve and his now clean arm.

Truth be told, the soap had managed to scrub off the ink stains, making it a very handy item.

However, this commodity… how to put this…

Though it’s useful, it’s ultimately just a toiletry product, something confined to household use and not exactly suited for public consumption. This kind of venture, even if it were to be established in the capital, might not make much of a mark.

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