Chapter 24: I Like Everything You Make

Bai Shu thought for a moment before fabricating a story, “Of course not, don’t look at the many shops that Third Young Master is managing now, but those are all just miscellaneous tasks. The most important business of the Qi family is still in Qi Laoye’s hands, and in the future, it will be handed over to Eldest Young Master.” 

Hecang Xiang flattered her, “Wow, Third Young Master is so impressive! When we arrive at Donghu Town, why don’t we visit your family’s place for a few days? Since Qi Eldest Young Master loves you so much, he’ll definitely treat us well.” 

Bai Shu’s face turned pale, and she stuttered, “He’s about to go out of town on business and might not have time to entertain you.” 

Hecang Xiang teased her, “Ah, Sister Shu, you’re stuttering just like me!” 

Bai Shu was speechless. 

He Shun intervened, “There’s a broken temple up ahead, let’s rest there for a bit.” He didn’t want the atmosphere to become too tense, after all, Bai Shu was the village head’s daughter. 

He feared that the two sharp-tongued girls would continue to argue, so he decided to intervene. 

It was almost noon, and the group stopped the ox cart, entering the broken temple to rest and eat some food to fill their stomachs, as they still had an afternoon of travel ahead. 

The temple was in a state of disrepair, with no door to block the wind and rain. However, it was quiet and cool, providing some respite from the midday sun. 

The group cleared a space inside, removing dry leaves, twigs, and stones, and laid out some cushions and mats on the ground. They then brought out the food they had prepared at home. 

Ah Xun unwrapped the pancakes, and Hemiao opened the jar of pickled vegetables. The pancakes were golden yellow and crispy, and the pickled vegetables were made with mustard greens, finely chopped and flavorful, with white sesame seeds added as a garnish. 

Hecang Xiang said, “Wow, Miao, you made pancakes! They look so delicious!” She also opened the package of food prepared by her mother, “I’ll trade with you, we can eat each other’s food.” 

Hemiao agreed, “Of course, we can share and try different flavors.” 

She handed Hecang Xiang a pancake and gave one to He Shun as well. 

Ah Xun asked, “Do you want to try my aunt’s fried radish balls? They’re also very tasty.” 

The man shook his head, “I want to eat the pancakes you made.” 

Hemiao’s face turned red, and she didn’t say anything else, eating the radish balls instead. 

Hecang Xiang laughed and focused on eating, not saying much else. 

Bai Shu took the opportunity to interject, “Miao, Xiang Xiang, and Uncle He, would you like to try the pastries I made?” 

She brought out a delicate wooden box adorned with flowers, revealing a pile of neatly arranged pastries inside. 

“Ah Xun, try some, I made these myself, and Qi Eldest Young Master loves them. You’re all from rich families, so you’ll definitely enjoy this flavor.” 

Ah Xun ignored her, focusing on eating the pancakes and pickled vegetables, and coldly replied, “No need, I don’t like sweet foods.” 

Bai Shu’s face fell, and her smile disappeared. 

Hemiao whispered to Ah Xun, “I didn’t know you didn’t like sweets. I always add red sugar to your porridge, why didn’t you tell me?” 

Ah Xun replied, “Miao, I like everything you make.” 

Hemiao’s face turned red again, and she had already been teased twice by Ah Xun during this meal! 

Bai Shu was taken aback, and she forced a smile, “Miao, I know you love sweets, would you like to try some of my pastries?” 

Hemiao declined, “No need, Sister Shu, it was hard work making those pastries. You can eat them yourself. I do like sweets, but I also like my aunt’s fried radish balls and the fruit she made, so I’ll eat those instead.” 

Bai Shu was at a loss, and she offered the pastries to Hecang Xiang, “Xiang Xiang, you’re not picky, would you like to try some of my pastries?” 

Hecang Xiang glared at her and said bluntly, “I may not be picky, but I don’t like eating what you make!” 

After being rejected by three people, Bai Shu’s eyes turned red, and she spoke with a sobbing tone, “Miao, Xiang Xiang, did I say something wrong earlier? I didn’t mean to offend you… Ah Xun, I just wanted to remind Miao to be careful…” 

He Shun intervened, “It’s okay, Shu’er, no one is blaming you. Let’s not be too sensitive.” 

Bai Shu’s face was still red, but she managed to composed herself, “Uncle He, please try some of my pastries. If they’re good, I’ll make some for you next time I return to the village.” 

Hecang Xiang quietly grumbled, and if He Shun hadn’t intervened, she would have liked to expose Bai Shu’s true nature. 

After finishing their meal, the water they had brought earlier was all gone. 

Earlier, they had passed by a small stream not far from the temple, but it would take about a quarter of an hour to walk back and forth. 

Ah Xun suggested that everyone rest for a bit longer while he went to fetch some water from the stream. 

Bai Shu soon followed, saying she needed to use the restroom.