Ji Xinhe casually tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve, laughing, "Who said I don’t care for it? It’s worth more than a dozen taels of silver."
Shopkeeper Wu clicked his tongue, "That’s why people like Miss Ji are destined to be rich, I don’t even calculate as carefully as you."
Ji Xinhe casually poured herself a cup of grape wine, nonchalantly feeding it to her mouth, "If I’m not meticulous, how would I make money? Who knows what kind of scheme Shopkeeper Wu may be playing."
Shopkeeper Wu roared with laughter, "Who could trick you? I certainly don’t have the guts." He then retreated with his attendants, not overstaying or causing any further disturbance.
Ji Xinhe chuckled, then turned to Duan Lan, "I’ve partnered with Shopkeeper Wu numerous times, so I’m somewhat of a regular customer here at Guilin House. Shopkeeper Wu tends to be quite considerate. If you like grape wine, I can gift you a jar as a token of gratitude for last night."
Duan Lan laughed, "A small effort last night in exchange for a feast and a jar of grape wine, I’m the one who profited."
While talking, he drank all the grape wine in his cup, unable to resist praising, "This really is good wine. I’ve only had the fortune of tasting it once before at the Empress Dowager’s celebration feast in the Palace. I’ve always remembered the taste, and never imagined that I would have the chance to indulge so freely. The fact that you’ve been able to replicate the brewing process is something truly remarkable."
"I’m glad Young Master Duan likes it. I don’t have any other trinkets to offer, only this grape wine is worth showing off," Ji Xinhe laughed.
Duan Lan licked his lips, hesitated for a moment before speaking, "If Miss Ji doesn’t mind, consider me your friend, no need to be so formal. Seeing I’m a few years older than you, I can take the liberty of you calling me Brother Duan."
Ji Xinhe grinned, unfazed by these formalities as she already had a biological elder brother.
"Alright, Brother Duan."
Duan Lan felt a sweetness washing over him, his smile deepened.
"I only have an elder sister, no younger siblings. Today is the first time I’ve been called a brother," Duan Lan grinned.
"I have an elder brother and a younger one. Both my elder brother and my little brother are good to me. Our family managed to get by happily, despite being poor. With loved ones around me, hardships never really seemed difficult. I think such a life is quite good," Ji Xinhe mused, sipping wine, casually talking about everyday life. Duan Lan had an easygoing nature that put others at ease.
In her presence, Duan Lan came off as simple and pure, a contrast that often made Ji Xinhe feel shameful for her guardedness.
Duan Lan quietly watched her. Having had a bit of wine, her fair cheeks were graced by a delicate flush, adding an innocent charm to her beauty. Her deep eyes, usually vigilant, were now bright and starlike, shining with an extraordinary beauty. As she talked of trivial and mundane family matters, she seemed incredibly content, expressing both longing and satisfaction.
He was undoubtedly smitten, unsure if it qualified as love at first sight. Yet he knew, at that very moment, he was deeply immersed.
As Ji Xinhe talked, her eyes gradually dimmed. If not for Mu Houchu’s appearance, what would her life look like now?
Ji Xinhe suddenly turned to him, "Since your family is in the capital, you probably can’t stay in Lian’an Town too long. When do you plan on leaving?"
Duan Lan shifted his gaze to avoid her eyes, licked his lips and collected himself before calmly answering, "No rush."
Not in a hurry, because he’s reluctant.
"Hmm," Ji Xinhe nodded thoughtfully, as if her mind was preoccupied.
"Don’t drink too much, it’ll be hard to get home later." Duan Lan couldn’t help but warn her, as he watched her down one cup of wine after another.
Ji Xinhe forced a smile, "Oh, I wasn’t paying attention; I almost drank too much."
Duan Lan observed her bitter smile, his heart ached slightly. Although he didn’t know what this girl had gone through, he wanted to understand her. What kind of person was she, truly?
After finishing the meal, Ji Xinhe excused herself from Duan Lan, "Brother Duan, if you feel like sightseeing this afternoon, I would have loved to accompany you. Unfortunately, I have a lot of business matters to attend to and don’t have the time. Next time, I’ll definitely show you around."
Duan Lan chuckled, "It’s okay."
Then, he glanced her way, voicing his concern, "You’ve had quite a bit to drink. Can you make it home on your own?"
Ji Xinhe stood, grinning, "You underestimate me. I’m not that feeble yet."
Duan Lan finally relaxed as the two of them walked out together, "That’s good."
As they stepped out of the private dining room, they bumped into Shopkeeper Wu who was just coming in. He greeted them with a smile, "Miss Ji, I actually have some business matters I’d like to discuss with you."
Duan Lan promptly excused himself, "Then I’ll take my leave first."
"Hmm," Ji Xinhe nodded her head.
Once Duan Lan had left, Shopkeeper Wu invited Ji Xinhe back to the private dining room, with a grin as radiant as a chrysanthemum, "I have some great news to share!"
Ji Xinhe found his enthusiasm amusing and asked, "What’s the great news?"
Shopkeeper Wu joyously explained, "This is it: the princess’s wedding celebration was disrupted, right? Our grape wine was not presented at the banquet, which I found regrettable. However, to appease the court officials, the Emperor rewarded all two hundred jin of our grape wine! This means, our wine has become quite a hit in the capital city!"
Ji Xinhe’s eyes sparkled, "Really? That’s excellent news."
Shopkeeper Wu cheerfully chimed in, "The grape wine was distributed among many officials, making it quite the sensation. Our sales have increased tenfold. Guilin House in the capital is crowded every day, people practically trampling each other just to get their hands on our wine. Those among the city’s nobility are offering heaps of gold to secure bottles. Isn’t this a grand opportunity? If you open a winery in the capital, continue to supply Guilin House with one part of your production and sell the rest in your own Qinghe grocery store, you’ll make a killing!"
Ji Xinhe was certainly intrigued by the enticing prospect. It would indeed be a pity to miss out on such a massive business opportunity, especially after the Emperor’s unexpected promotion of their grape wine. If she didn’t strike while the iron was hot, wouldn’t it be like walking past a pile of gold without making a grab for it?
Shopkeeper Wu watched her eagerly, brimming with excitement.
But then she thought of the possibility of encountering Mu Houchu in the capital city.
This thought dimmed Ji Xinhe’s bright eyes. She wasn’t afraid of him, but she hadn’t completely let go and hadn’t decided how to face him when they next met. She feared that she might lose to him once more.
Seeing Ji Xinhe’s hesitation, Shopkeeper Wu grew anxious, "What’s there to hesitate about? This is a great chance to make money! Don’t pass it up!"
Ji Xinhe played with the handkerchief in her sleeve, her heart fluttering with the possibility. To investigate the origin of this handkerchief, she had to return to the capital city. To expand her Qinghe grocery store, she would eventually have to establish it there. Was she to cut off her own path to wealth, to sever her own clue to a clandestine plot, all because of one man?
Ji Xinhe’s eyes hardened, and she gripped the handkerchief tightly, gritting her teeth before saying, "Alright."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
