It was already noon. Yan Xia was drinking thick lean meat and egg porridge and eating stir-fried vegetables, a rather incongruous meal, and it was unclear whether she was eating breakfast or lunch.
But she ate all the food on the table.
She worked all night doing manual labor yesterday and was starving.
"Manager Yan, are you eating? It seems I'm a bit late. I was going to invite you to lunch, but how about this, I'll treat you to dinner tonight. Please do me the honor of joining us."
Just as I put down my empty bowl and chopsticks, Deng Qiuzhi arrived.
"Oh dear, I was so tired the past few days, so I finally had a good night's sleep last night. By the way, where's Bizhong? I haven't seen him since I woke up. Baodong, is Bizhong up yet?"
Yan Xia only remembered that Deng Bizhong was still staying at her house when she saw Deng Qiuzhi; she must have been sleeping too long.
"Master, I forgot to tell you that Young Master Deng left early this morning, saying he was going back to school. He asked me to say goodbye and that he would come back before the New Year to pay his respects to you."
Bao Dong's face turned pale.
In the morning, when her master wanted to take a bath, she boiled water and went upstairs to serve him. However, she was startled by Baoqiu's actions and completely forgot about the matter.
"What? Brother Deng, what's going on? Why is my nephew leaving so soon after returning?"
Yan Xia looked at Deng Qiuzhi with a puzzled expression.
"It's alright, hiss—I'm the one who sent him back early. You know, those people from the Wang family are like mad dogs. I've only tolerated them in the past because of Bizhong. It's better for Bizhong to go back early, so that the Wang family won't cause trouble in front of him. He's going to take the exam early next year anyway, and he can't concentrate on his studies here. Hiss—I just sent him away. Don't worry about him. Please give me face tonight so I can thank you properly."
Deng Qiuzhi still had injuries on his face, with bruises on his cheekbones. When he spoke, his cheeks pulled at the injuries, causing him to gasp in pain.
“Alright, I’m not going back until the day after tomorrow anyway, so I have plenty of time these next few days. What are you planning to do with the Wang family? My daughter-in-law is about to give birth, and if they cause any more trouble like this, I’m afraid I won’t have time to come all this way to save you. I won’t be able to come back for at least two months after I go back this time. My daughter-in-law needs me right now, and I can’t travel far in the short term.”
Yan Xia didn't want to pry into his private affairs.
If it happens once, twice, and three times, that's not being soft-hearted, that's being stupid.
If Deng Qiuzhi is to forgive the Wang family, and similar incidents occur again in the future that affect the shop's reputation, she will consider terminating her cooperation with Deng Qiuzhi.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of them and won't affect you anymore. I'm really grateful this time. I already know about the gift you gave to Madam Xu. I'm sorry you had to spend so much. Please accept these two silver notes. I know they're not enough. Once I've earned enough money, I'll give you another thousand taels. You saved me, and I already have no way to repay you. If I make you spend money again, I won't know where to put my face."
Deng Qiuzhi took out two brand-new silver notes from his pocket.
It was obvious that the banknotes had just been exchanged from the money exchange. He placed the banknotes on the stone table in front of Yan Xia.
He bowed and thanked them.
"Sit down, aren't you tired of standing all the time? I'll accept the silver note. After all, even brothers have to keep clear accounts. I'm not a saint, and I won't do anything that will make me pay for nothing. I know you don't want to owe me too much. I helped you this time partly because I consider you a friend, and partly because I was afraid of affecting the reputation of Yan's Pastry Shop. So you don't need to be so formal. From now on, we can get along like before. You don't need to pay the remaining thousand taels. At least I've benefited. After all, I've gotten on the good side of Magistrate Xu's mother, and Magistrate Xu is a famously filial son. Haha, I guess you could say I've turned misfortune into blessing."
Yan Xia put away the silver notes.
He smiled calmly.
Both banknotes were worth one thousand taels.
Two thousand taels in total.
"I have so many words of thanks, I don't know how to express them. In the future, Manager Yan, if there's anything you need me to do, please be sure to tell me, and I will definitely help you without hesitation! As for the money, I will definitely give it to you. A thousand taels is no small sum, please don't refuse, I..."
Deng Qiuzhi was sincere. He put away his smile and spoke seriously, but Yan Xia interrupted him.
"Alright, we're good friends, no need to be so polite. If I need your help, I'll definitely tell you. Do you think I'd keep it to myself? We've known each other for so long, don't you know me? Do you think I'm the kind of person who would suffer a loss? Okay, let's not talk about this anymore. Since Bizhong will be competing early next year, you should get a house ready as soon as possible. Otherwise, where will he stay when he comes back before the New Year? Your little house in the backyard of your shop can't fit a third person."
"From now on, work hard, earn more money, buy a house, and save some money for your nephew's wedding. If he really succeeds in the imperial examination one day, you'll need money for a banquet, right? At least a three-day feast. So don't think about giving me any more money. I said I don't want it, and I don't mean it. I don't need a thousand taels, and you've already given me two thousand. I didn't ask for anything in return when I helped you. I'm not going to talk about it anymore. If you bring it up again, I won't take the two thousand."
Yan Xia pretended to take out a silver note.
Deng Qiuzhi stopped him.
"No, no, no, I won't mention it anymore. Please put the silver note away. Here, I'll offer you tea instead of wine to thank Manager Yan for saving my life."
After pouring tea into his and Yan Xia's cups, Deng Qiuzhi stood up, bent down, held the teacups with both hands, and stretched his arms forward.
"bite--"
The clinking of the cups sounded like wind chimes, crisp and pleasant.
This tea set is made of mutton fat jade.
The expensive ones are unacceptable.
The teapot and teacups are pure white.
If you throw it in the snow, you'll probably have to wait until the snow melts to find it.
"Alright, you've had your tea and I've taken the silver. I have things to do this afternoon, let's talk more tonight. You should go back to the shop first. I don't know how Xinbao has managed the shop while you've been away."
"Alright, then I'll take my leave now. Thank you, Manager Yan. See you tonight."
Deng Qiuzhi put down his cup, finished speaking, and left.
He had just turned around.
The system's voice rang in Yan Xia's mind.
[Target person detected]
Name: Deng Qiuzhi
Age: 36
[Favorability: 100]
[Congratulations, host, you have earned 100 points. The points have been credited to your account.]
Current account points balance: 100
As Yan Xia listened to the mechanical voice and watched Deng Qiuzhi's retreating figure, she curled her lips into a smile and slowly drank the tea in her cup.
Unexpected gains are always delightful!
"Baodong, I'm going out for a walk. I'll be back after dinner, so you don't need to cook for me tonight. You can eat by yourselves."
"Yes, Master. Please take care on your journey. I will have Qian Shan guard the door."
After giving instructions to Bao Dong, Yan Xia left through the back door.
When you walk down the street, you can see many officials patrolling. Occasionally, if they see a man with a sleazy appearance, they will stop him and check his identity.
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