Chapter 158 Buying Cloth
Taking advantage of Xiao Ran's busy moment, Fang Shijie casually strolled to the window, his gaze sweeping over the seemingly ordinary village scene outside, and Jiang Ling's newly purchased blue-canopied car not far away. He sighed as if it were nothing more than an unintentional remark:
“Jishui Village is truly a wonderful place, a land of outstanding people and beautiful scenery. I’ve heard that many merchants from Ping’an County have recently been discussing buying land in Jishui Village. Seeing how nice the environment is here, and with Miss Jiang around, I’ve also decided to settle down here.”
His voice was gentle, as if he were just having a casual chat, but his eyes seemed to drift towards Jiang Ling, capturing her most subtle reactions.
Jiang Ling smiled slightly, not caring at all, since she had already bought the land in front of her house anyway.
As for the land in other parts of Jishui Village, she didn't care.
"With Mr. Fang's strength, settling down wherever he wants is just a matter of a word. Jishui Village is indeed a suitable place to live. I would be even happier if Mr. Fang could bring Hongxiu to live with him in the future."
As Jiang Ling spoke, she glanced at Hongxiu, only to see the girl looking down shyly.
She's hopelessly in love.
Given Fang Shijie's current financial resources, if he wanted to redeem her, he would have done so long ago.
Fang Shijie stared at her for a moment, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
At this moment, Xiao Ran had already packed the goods and delivered them.
In addition to the snacks specified by Fang Shijie and Hongxiu, there were also some treats that Jiang Ling specially gifted.
After all, those two bottles of floral water sold for quite a bit of money.
Fang Shijie paid the money readily and then said to Hongxiu with concern, "You have quite a lot of things. Let me take you back to the peony garden first."
Hongxiu naturally agreed with a sweet smile.
She also got up and said reluctantly, "Sister, I'll come see you again when I have time next time."
The two said goodbye and left.
Jiang Ling saw them to the door and watched as Fang Shijie considerately helped Hongxiu into the magnificent carriage. His demeanor was gentle, but there was not a trace of affection in his eyes.
Hongxiu is now completely focused on Fang Shijie's good qualities; she can't see any of this.
Jiang Ling sighed softly, hoping that Hongxiu's infatuation wouldn't end in vain.
After seeing Hongxiu and Fang Shijie off, Xiaoran's literacy lessons will soon begin.
He and several classmates efficiently moved the tables and chairs from the shop to the open space outside and arranged them in a row.
The afternoon sun was just right, and the breeze was gentle; it was more comfortable to have class here than indoors.
Fu Chengze walked over from a distance, carrying what looked like something in his hand, and said to Jiang Ling with a smile:
“Miss Jiang, my mother recently pickled some new sauerkraut and said it’s the perfect time to eat it now. She specially asked me to bring you a jar to try.”
As he spoke, he handed the earthenware jar in his hand to Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling was somewhat surprised and took the pottery jar to examine it.
The pickled cabbage leaves in the jar are lush and green, soaking in clear brine. Even before the lid is opened, a refreshing sour aroma can be faintly smelled out.
"I'm so sorry. Your family is so big, you can keep it for yourself. I can eat whatever I want."
This era is quite different from the 21st century. At this time, the yield of vegetables is low and the variety is limited, especially in late autumn when they are considered precious.
People usually stock up on vegetables in the fall, pickling sauerkraut and salted vegetables to eat in the winter.
Although this place is not in the north, it is very cold in winter, and almost no fresh vegetable leaves grow in the fields.
Therefore, vegetables can be more expensive than meat in winter!
Fu Chengze smiled shyly, "We don't have anything of note at home, just these produce from the fields. I'm glad Miss Jiang doesn't mind."
Since he had already said that, Jiang Ling couldn't refuse any longer and sincerely thanked him.
"Thank you very much then, and please thank the auntie for me as well."
"This pickled cabbage keeps well; it won't spoil even after six months. If Miss Jiang likes it, my mother will pickle some more next time and send them to you."
"Okay, then I'll have to try it properly," Jiang Ling replied with a smile. This heavy jar would last her a long time.
Seeing that she accepted the gift, Fu Chengze turned around and went to teach the children.
After school in the evening, Xiao Ran stayed behind to watch the shop.
While the pickled cabbage was still fresh, Jiang Ling cooked pickled cabbage and pork rib noodles for dinner.
She took the ribs out of the refrigerator and washed and chopped the sauerkraut.
The unique aroma of pickled cabbage wafts out with each slicing motion of the knife, whetting one's appetite.
Blanch the pork ribs first to remove any unpleasant smell, then simmer them together with the pickled cabbage in a pot.
Before long, the soup gradually turned milky white, with a tangy and fragrant aroma that whetted the appetite.
Once the noodles are cooked, put them in a bowl, pour a generous spoonful of sauerkraut and pork rib soup over them, and then top with tender, stewed pork ribs and sauerkraut.
The soup is hot and flavorful, the pickled cabbage is refreshing, and the pork ribs are fragrant but not greasy.
I must say, this kind of pickled cabbage made from pure, natural, and pollution-free green vegetables is really delicious.
For the first time ever, Jiang Ling ate two large bowls of food, even finishing the soup.
She felt a little awkward having dinner alone with Xiaoran that night.
I wonder how Xiaoyi is doing at the temple?
After waking up, Jiang Ling didn't rush to open the door. Instead, she turned around, walked to the back of the warehouse, and opened the iron gate.
The sun is blazing, it's summer here, and the temperature is gradually rising.
Jiang Ling took out her phone and dialed the number that Boss Li had given her last time.
"Hello, Manager Liu, my name is Jiang Ling. I was introduced by Boss Li."
"Hello Mr. Jiang! Old Li just called me! What type of fabric do you need? Our factory has all kinds of cotton, canvas and denim fabrics in various specifications, and they are all cost-effective!" Manager Liu replied with a smile on the other end of the line, his tone exceptionally enthusiastic.
"I want thicker pure cotton fabric or durable canvas, mainly to make some autumn and winter clothes and bedding."
"That's easy! We have several thickened pure cotton greige fabrics and workwear canvases that are perfect. How much do you need? If it's a large quantity, the price is negotiable."
"The quantity must be quite large. I'd like to check out the actual stock first, is that alright?"
"Of course! The factory is located in the suburban industrial park. When is a convenient time for you?"
"I'm free now, and I'll be there in about an hour."
"Okay! I'll send you the location! Call me when you arrive!"
Manager Liu sent me an address: Chengxin Textile Factory.
Jiang Ling glanced around; it wasn't far. She grabbed a bite to eat outside while she had some free time before taking a taxi there.
An hour later, Jiang Ling arrived at Chengxin Textile Factory, located in the suburbs.
The factory area is quite large, and the roar of machines is constant.
Manager Liu, a capable middle-aged man, was already waiting at the door and warmly led her into the warehouse.
In the huge warehouse, rolls of fabrics of various materials and colors were piled up like mountains, and the air was filled with a faint smell of cotton and dye.
"Mr. Jiang, look, this batch is thickened pure cotton fabric. It has a high density and a thick feel. It's very suitable for making autumn and winter underwear, linings, or thick quilts. It has good warmth retention."
Manager Liu pointed to a row of gray-blue rolls of cloth and explained,
"This batch is workwear canvas, which is wear-resistant, dirt-resistant, and very sturdy. It can be used to make jackets, work pants, backpacks, or sturdy duvet covers, but it feels a bit stiff."
Jiang Ling carefully felt the texture of the fabric, then looked at the width and weight on the label, quickly calculating in her mind.
Although these fabrics were not as exquisite and soft as those available on the market, they were solid in texture, and their warmth and durability far surpassed those of ordinary linen and coarse cotton cloth in ancient times, which was exactly what she needed.
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