As for Yu Xiangrong, it's even simpler.
Before meeting Jing Zhe, Yu Xiangrong was charming and gentle, like a tranquil lake, where even the wind could not stir a ripple.
After meeting Jing Zhe, her life underwent a dramatic change. She dared to hold her head high, dared to speak out, and began writing Dream of the Red Chamber. When more and more people in Jingzhou City discussed Dream of the Red Chamber, Yu Xiangrong would become especially happy.
This was given to her by Jing Zhe before he left Jingzhou, so she wanted to do it well so that when he returned, she would have the courage to stand in front of him and hold her head high with pride.
Since she had written "Dream of the Red Chamber" and wanted it published in the newspaper, she had to negotiate with the newspaper, which naturally led her to meet Zhu Xinning.
She knew that Zhu Xinning was Jing Zhe's second sister, and for no reason, she felt a natural sense of closeness to her. In addition, Zhu Xinning's gentleness when facing the adorable baby brought the two of them even closer.
So, besides writing Dream of the Red Chamber at home, Yu Xiangrong's activities also included frequently visiting the Da'an Newspaper Office, where she was then taken by Zhu Xinning to Wenxiangju to see how popular her story was.
As they spent more time together, the three women became increasingly familiar with each other. Looking at the bustling crowd downstairs, the conversation above ensued.
"Why…"
She could hear people talking about "President Jing" from downstairs from time to time. Perhaps it was the scene that stirred up her emotions, but Zhu Xinning sighed.
Zhang Xiaoyu looked up at her and said softly, "Lord Zhu, are you missing the young master?"
Zhu Xinning's cheeks flushed slightly, but she nodded without hiding it. Then she looked at Zhang Xiaoyu and said, "Xiaoyu, we've known each other for so long, so please don't call me Zhu Sheren anymore. It sounds too formal. If you don't mind, you can call me Second Sister!"
"No... I don't mind..."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaoyu was taken aback, clearly feeling flattered.
Although she had known Zhu Xinning for a long time, and they had been in contact more frequently and talked more casually in the month after Jing Zhe left, she was, after all, a fifth-rank official in the Imperial Secretariat, and also Jing Zhe's second sister... or rather, more than just his second sister, otherwise how could there be a poem like "Those I love are separated by mountains and seas, but mountains and seas can be leveled"?
Therefore, deep down, Zhang Xiaoyu held Zhu Xinning in awe, and the title of "Second Sister" was something that was unattainable for her.
That's why she was so serious, and then added in a low voice, "Can...I really do it?"
"It's just calling her 'Second Sister,' what's wrong with that?"
Zhu Xinning looked at the shrewd young girl in front of her, who also had such a conflicted moment, and suddenly wanted to laugh.
When Jing Zhe first left Jingzhou, she was in charge of the Da'an Newspaper Office. Naturally, she would come to Wenxiangju to publish the newspaper. That's when she discovered that this pretty and cheerful girl was not only the manager of Zhang Family Winery, but also the manager of Wenxiangju!
To be honest, she wasn't happy at the time. It was one thing for her sisters to take it from her, but she wouldn't stand for outsiders to take it from her!
For the first few days, she faced Zhang Xiaoyu with prejudice and a stern face. But later, when she saw Zhang Xiaoyu devoting all her energy to Wenxiangju, neglecting even her own winery, getting up early and returning late, and sleeping there many times, her heart softened.
As a result, her attitude softened, and she was moved by Zhang Xiaoyu's seriousness and dedication during their time together. As Jing Zhe's absence lasted longer and longer, she had no time to be jealous of anything.
Since Zhe'er dared to entrust such an important business as Wenxiangju to her, it means he trusts her very much. In the future, she will definitely become her sister. What's wrong with calling her Second Sister now?
Zhu Xinning comforted herself inwardly, then looked at Zhang Xiaoyu and smiled faintly, "What, Xiaoyu, you don't want to?"
"Yes, yes!"
Zhang Xiaoyu was a little excited. She waved her hand quickly, her long eyelashes misting with tears, and immediately called out, "Second...Second Sister!"
Although this scene, which could only be achieved in dreams, felt somewhat unreal, Zhang Xiaoyu was completely satisfied.
Zhu Xinning nodded, smiled, and took her hand: "You've been working so hard because my Zhe'er bullied you, so it's only right that you call me Second Sister!"
These words made Zhang Xiaoyu blush deeply, and she instantly became like Yu Xiangrong, stammering, "Second...Second Sister, I...no, Young Master...didn't...didn't bully me..."
At this point, Zhang Xiaoyu sighed, "Xiaoyu would love to be teased by the young master, but he's so busy, how could he possibly have time for me? If he could spare even a tiny bit of time to talk to me, Xiaoyu would be perfectly content..."
After listening to Zhang Xiaoyu's story, Zhu Xinning felt a pang of sympathy for her. She spat and spoke up for her, saying, "Xiaoyu is such a good girl, and this bastard doesn't even appreciate her! No time? He had so much time when he was in Jingzhou—"
She realized halfway through her sentence that back when Jing Zhe was still in Jingzhou, she had kept a close eye on him and even found out about Wang Yingqiu. It seemed that he really didn't have time to flirt with Zhang Xiaoyu anymore, or rather, he didn't dare to.
So she blushed a little and quickly changed her words, saying, "Don't worry, Xiaoyu, when he comes back, I'll tell him all about how hard you've been working these past few days!"
"Um…"
Zhang Xiaoyu nodded and answered softly, her clear eyes bright as water, her heart filled with even greater joy.
At this moment, Yu Xiangrong, who had been sitting at the table watching the two women talk, glanced downstairs and frowned.
"My two elder sisters, look..."
Speaking of which, Yu Xiangrong is the daughter of the Duke of Huguo, and her status is ridiculously high. However, because she is gentle by nature, she even stuttered when she first arrived. The two women naturally became much closer to her, and because of her age, they both called her "little sister".
Upon hearing Yu Xiangrong speak, Zhu Xinning and Zhang Xiaoyu stopped their conversation, walked to the window, and looked out, their faces also filled with astonishment.
"Huh, what's going on?"
Why have all the people left?
"The newspapers will go on sale in a quarter of an hour!"
"Yes, do they all not want to read the newspaper anymore?"
Zhu Xinning and Zhang Xiaoyu talked back and forth, asking and answering questions.
Outside the entrance of Wenxiangju, the crowd that had just been packed tightly together had inexplicably scattered, with some even running out into the street.
In just a short while, half of the people downstairs had left, and the rest were also walking out.
"Second Sister, please wait a moment. Xiaoyu will send someone downstairs to find out what happened!"
Zhu Xinning nodded, her gaze remaining fixed on the ground floor, while Zhang Xiaoyu left after finishing her sentence.
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