Meanwhile, Madam Jia and the others took a liking to the private room with a low kang (heated brick bed) and a tea table. Leaning against the window and enjoying the scenery was a rare moment of relaxation.
The lower half of the window frame was covered with a layer of fine gauze, allowing a clear view of the street outside from inside, while those outside could not see inside. This was perfect for a woman to take a short rest.
At this moment, Tao Hongying and Madam Wen also came up to keep the guests company.
When everyone met, there was naturally another round of laughter and lively conversation.
Madam Jia and the others praised the shop highly.
Of course, they weren't exaggerating; everything in Baiyun was indeed novel and comfortable.
Madam Jia asked with a smile, "Whose ingenious idea was it to put this low kang (heated brick bed) in front of the window? Two or three young ladies can come over and sit down when they get tired from shopping. How comfortable that would be!"
"It's a pity I didn't have such a nice place when I was young, otherwise I would come here every day!"
Tao Hongying said, "It's not too late now. In the future, when you go out with your daughter-in-law and daughter, feel free to come and sit down when you're tired. The shop often launches new products, so you can also help us try them out."
Just then, Shui Ling and Shui Yun delivered some things.
They took a portion of almost every food item from the first-floor display case, accompanied by exquisite plates and silver hairpins—delicate and beautiful.
There were also milk teas and fruit drinks served in mugs of various shapes, which were completely different from any tea snacks anyone had ever seen before.
The other ladies had only come to the Li family because Jiayin had taught them how to save people at the Jia family, and they felt obliged to do so, as a way of currying favor with the Li family.
Who would have thought that socializing could be so relaxing!
There were no men in the private room, so they could take off their shoes and sit and chat as they pleased.
Sipping a hot milk tea and taking a bite of a soft and sweet little cake is more blissful than being in heaven.
Meanwhile, in the private room next door, the girls were having a blast.
Hold a soft and adorable plush toy in your arms or lean against it.
They chattered away, ate snacks, drank milk tea, and played various brain-teasing games, competing with each other – it was incredibly lively!
Jia Baozhu hugged Jiayin and complained, "Jiayin, I just choked, but my mother forced me to stay in bed for two days. If I hadn't begged my grandmother, my mother wouldn't have let me out today!"
"However, my grandma and my mom said they're going to visit you the day after tomorrow to thank you for saving my life."
"No need to thank me. I only lent a hand the other day. We get along so well, how could I just watch you get stuck!"
Jiayin, worried that Baozhu would choke again, snatched the peanuts from her hand and replaced them with rice crackers.
She continued, "There are still quite a few fruits on my mountain that haven't been picked yet. When you come, I'll take you to sit on a tree, and we can eat and pick them at the same time."
"My brother also found me a lot of nice flowers and interesting things from the south. I'll take you to see them all!"
"Really?" Baozhu's eyes lit up when she heard this, and she nodded repeatedly. "Then you have to come quickly the day after tomorrow, I can't sleep because I'm looking forward to it."
The other girls listened with envy, but they didn't dare to speak up and could only watch longingly.
Actually, even if Jiayin invited them, they might not be able to go, because their families are very strict, and they are always talking about rules and etiquette...
Jiayin noticed their disappointment and said, "Let's forget about this year. My princess's mansion should be completed by May next year."
"I live alone and it's very quiet. I'll invite you all to come and visit sometime. We can go up the mountain to admire the sea of flowers, have hot pot, and soak in the hot springs together!"
"Oh, really? That's wonderful, Princess!"
"Waaah, I really hope the New Year comes soon, and spring arrives soon."
"My mother will definitely agree to a princess's residence!"
"Me too. My mother says that women shouldn't show their faces in public so easily, and my uncle's family won't let me go there too often."
"Me too. My cousin brought me snacks from the backyard, and my grandma wasn't happy about it."
The girls were overjoyed and whispered complaints about their families' discipline.
As they talked, it was as if they had a shared little secret, which made them even closer.
It was a shop, and there were people coming and going downstairs.
Madam Jia the Second and several other ladies only stayed for about half an hour before taking their leave with the young girls.
Inevitably, Jiayin had to bring a gift for each of the little girls.
That was a straw basket that she had specially asked the villagers to help her weave. The basket also had compartments inside. After filling it with snacks, it was placed on the lid, which was decorated with small flowers.
To the uninformed, the little girls might think they were carrying flower baskets, but they were actually filled with delicious treats.
The little girls were overjoyed and sincerely thanked Jiayin, inviting her to visit them often.
Madam Wen and Tao Hongying were beaming with joy. Their chubby little girl had finally made friends—what a wonderful thing!
As they were leaving, they happened to run into a girl wearing a veiled hat who was entering the shop with a maid. The two groups walked towards each other at the entrance.
Baozhu, with her sharp eyes, suddenly called out, "Cousin Wan'er?"
Hearing the voice, Madam Jia looked over and recognized her, asking, "It really is Wan'er. Why are you out today?"
The girl was slender and graceful. She stepped forward, bowed, and said gently, "Auntie, I never expected to meet you here."
“We were short of our usual drawing paper at home, so I went out to buy some. I heard there was a newly opened pastry shop, so I thought I'd buy some for my younger brother to try something new.”
Madam Jia said with a smile, "The owner of this shop is a close friend of our family. Baozhu and I are here today to offer our congratulations. There are many people inside, so you can go home first. I will have someone deliver it to you in a while."
The girl obediently agreed and nodded to the ladies. Just as she turned to go down the steps, a carriage suddenly came rushing by. The driver was a little slow in pulling the reins and almost bumped into Wan'er's maid.
The maid was young and cried out in surprise, trying to back away, which bumped into Miss Wan'er and even tore off her veil.
The incident happened so suddenly that everyone was stunned and did not rush to help immediately.
The carriage door was quickly opened, and a young gentleman jumped out. He wore a brocade robe with bamboo patterns, his hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, and he was gentle and handsome, but there was a hint of urgency in his eyes.
He hesitated for a moment, wrapped his hands with his sleeve, helped up the still somewhat dazed Wan'er, and sincerely apologized, "Miss, I'm really sorry. Something came up at home, and I was in a hurry to urge the driver to hurry on the way. I accidentally injured you."
"Take a look, are you injured anywhere? Do you need to see a doctor immediately?"
Miss Wan'er glanced at the young man, her face flushed with embarrassment, and quickly put on her veil, saying, "It's alright, I'm not hurt. But don't be so reckless next time, there are many people on the commercial street, it's easy to make a big mistake."
The young man quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your kindness, young lady. I will definitely be more careful next time."
At this moment, Madam Jia the Second and Baozhu had arrived and were protecting Miss Wan'er. Madam Jia the Second asked, "Are you really alright? Are you not hurt?"
Miss Wan'er waved her hand and lowered her head even further...
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