Gu Nanjiao demonstrated the method of making ice with saltpeter.

Bai Luochen was shocked: "I never expected this, I really never expected this!"

Gu Nanjiao smiled and said, "There are many things you wouldn't expect. Working with me will bring you surprises at every turn!"

Bai Luochen repeatedly agreed, his heart filled with astonishment. Gu Nanjiao had already amazed him with her discovery of kudzu root and her creation of various snacks, but he never expected her to surprise him with even more delightful surprises.

The ice-making process may seem insignificant, but he saw the immense wealth behind it. Mastering this ice-making skill would be equivalent to owning a new industrial chain.

Although it would affect the interests of many people, the Bai family had a deep foundation and a solid base, and could not be shaken overnight. Even if the Empress and the Crown Prince fell from power, the Bai family would remain unaffected.

Unable to contain his excitement, Bai Luochen asked Gu Nanjiao, "Can these saltpeter stones be reused?"

Gu Nanjiao nodded and mentioned some things to be careful about, such as not eating ice.

Bai Luochen was shocked for a long time before he calmed down, walked up to Gu Nanjiao with a grin, and said confidently, "Let's cooperate! I'll set up the ice-making workshop, you get 20% and I'll get 80%, you just sit back and collect the money."

Gu Nanjiao didn't answer directly, but teased, "Bai Luochen, you have quite the appetite, even thinking about making ice. Aren't you afraid of overeating yourself?"

Bai Luochen didn't care and shook the jade fan in his hand: "Who would complain about having too much money? You can't go wrong cooperating with me. I have money and power. You can just sit back and collect your money."

"That's definitely a good idea. Let's cooperate. My ice-making technology is unique, so you'll give me 20% of the profits?"

Bai Luochen closed his jade fan, rested his chin on it, and pondered for a while: "Three to seven, that's the most I can do."

Seeing that Gu Nanjiao remained silent, Bai Luochen continued, "I learned most of what you just did in your ice-making demonstration. If I go back and study it, I might be able to make it myself. Then I can enjoy it all by myself."

Gu Nanjiao gritted her teeth: "Fine, three-seven it is. But I'm going to deliver ice to Nanxiang Academy tomorrow under the guise of a donation. You have to pay for my ice, and you can't reveal your name."

Gu Nanjiao thought to herself, the summer heat is unbearable, I wonder how Lu Yanzhao is doing at the academy. The autumn exams are approaching, can he concentrate on studying in this heat? I might as well take this opportunity to donate some ice to the academy to help him cool off.

Since they couldn't give it to him openly, they had to set their sights on Bai Luochen.

Bai Luochen narrowed his eyes at her: "You want to do a good deed, but you want me to pay for it?"

Gu Nanjiao chuckled softly, "I'm doing this to help you. Your grandfather is suffering from the heat. The academy is a prestigious place, and extravagance is taboo. But to encourage students to have a good learning environment, someone donated ice free of charge, doing good deeds anonymously. That way, your grandfather doesn't have to work so hard, and his heatstroke can be relieved."

Bai Luochen almost laughed in anger: "That sounds nice, but it's really for your husband who's studying at Nanxiang Academy, isn't it!"

Gu Nanjiao covered her mouth, feigning surprise: "Oh dear, you guessed it. Look, isn't this killing two birds with one stone? You not only fulfilled your filial duty but also did a good deed. It will also increase the visibility of your future ice-making workshop."

Bai Luochen felt a slight tightness in his chest, and his tone was sour: "It's clearly all for your cheap husband, didn't you say that good deeds shouldn't be left anonymously?"

Gu Nanjiao looked at Bai Luochen with a grin, walked up to him, and patted his shoulder: "There's a saying, 'Trying to cover up only makes things more obvious.' The more anonymous you are, the more curious people will be, and they will keep digging to find out who is so kind-hearted."

"Think about it, one day, when everyone knows about Bai's Ice Workshop and associates it with the ice donor, won't the brand awareness increase? Sales will naturally open up."

Bai Luochen looked up at Gu Nanjiao and said thoughtfully, "I think you're more suited to business!"

Gu Nanjiao asked, "Why do you say that!"

Bai Luochen uttered a single word: "Traitor!"

Gu Nanjiao laughed instead of getting angry: "You can't say that. I haven't reached a certain level yet. If I were rich and became the richest person, I would naturally help more people selflessly."

Gu Nanjiao paused, then raised an eyebrow at Bai Luochen: "Besides, I was giving you advice, and you're criticizing me? That's really rude!"

Bai Luochen quickly looked away: "My words may be rough, but the reasoning is sound."

Gu Nanjiao scoffed, not wanting to continue the discussion.

She asked, "Hurry up and sign the documents. I'm very busy and don't have time to chat with you!"

After the two signed the transfer agreement for the back mountain, Bai Luochen took out a bronze plaque from his pocket and handed it to Gu Nanjiao.

"What is this?" Gu Nanjiao asked, taking it and stroking the patterns on it.

"This is a receipt for depositing and withdrawing silver from the bank. Five thousand taels of silver is a huge amount, and I'm worried it's not safe for a woman like you to carry it around. It's best not to flaunt your wealth. Here, take this copper receipt. You can withdraw it from the Bai family's bank whenever you need it."

Gu Nanjiao held the bronze plaque above her head, examining it closely. This was practically a modern bank card—so convenient! Before, she'd been wondering whether the five thousand taels of silver should be in banknotes or silver coins.

Gu Nanjiao nodded in satisfaction and praised with a smile, "Young Master Bai, I didn't expect you to be so thoughtful."

Looking at the smiling face of the woman in front of him, Bai Luochen's breath hitched. He took two steps forward, suddenly leaned closer, and asked with narrowed eyes, "Between me and your husband, who is more attentive?"

He suddenly really wanted to know!

Gu Nanjiao was stunned. Why was Bai Luochen asking this question out of the blue?

However, what was it about Lu Yanzhao that made him so thoughtful? After thinking for a while, Gu Nanjiao couldn't remember.

That's just how she is; when it comes to crucial moments, the more important things are, the less she can remember them.

Although she and Lu Yanzhao seemed estranged and their marriage wasn't particularly loving, family matters shouldn't be aired in public. Gu Nanjiao smiled and said, "Of course he's my husband!"

Bai Luochen pressed his chest, feeling a little uncomfortable. He regretted asking the question. He thought back to the last time Gu Nanjiao praised Lu Yanzhao in front of Wang Fu, belittling him completely.

His heart felt even more heavy!

Gu Nanjiao chuckled dryly and patted Bai Luochen: "Hey, you're pretty good too, don't be upset. It's noon, I'll treat you to lunch."

Receiving comfort from Gu Nanjiao, Bai Luochen seized the opportunity and smiled with his peach blossom eyes narrowed, "The sun is too strong outside, I don't want to go out to eat. I see that Jiaoniang Pavilion has a small kitchen, why don't you make a few dishes?"

"Alright then!" Gu Nanjiao readily agreed.

She received five thousand taels of silver today, and she was in a good mood. When you're in a good mood, you naturally want to cook.

It was midday, and Jiaoniang Pavilion was nearly empty. Gu Nanjiao went downstairs to call Ju Zi to help out, while Cui Hong was in charge of watching the shop.

I made four dishes and a soup for lunch: garlic eggplant, hot and sour kelp, cold mustard greens with soft-boiled eggs, Kung Pao chicken, and a tomato and meatball soup.

Each dish was generously portioned. When it was served, Gu Nanjiao called Cuihong and Juzi over to eat together.