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The middle-aged man gave Su Qingqing a polite nod as a greeting.
Su Qingqing smiled back, “Hello, Shopkeeper. My name is Su Qingqing.”
“No need for such formality, Miss Su. Since you’re acquainted with the young miss, just call me Uncle Ming.”
The young lady had previously told him to take care of someone named Su Qingqing, saying she might regularly bring wild game to the restaurant. Judging by the girl in front of him, she must be the one. Though dressed plainly, her demeanor was calm, her speech polite and composed, without a trace of servility. She seemed like a fine girl.
With that in mind, Uncle Ming’s tone grew warmer. “If you ever need to sell game, just bring it to Zuixian Restaurant.”
Su Qingqing gave him a respectful bow and replied sincerely, “Thank you, Uncle Ming. In that case, I’ll follow your kind suggestion. If you don’t mind, you may call me Qingqing, just like Sister Li does.”
Calling someone “Uncle Ming” instead of “Shopkeeper” sounded much closer and friendlier. Likewise, allowing someone to call her by her given name was the first step toward mutual trust and goodwill.
Uncle Ming stroked his goatee thoughtfully. If even the young miss called her Qingqing, how could he possibly object?
Besides, the girl was indeed bright and straightforward, not at all pretentious. Using first names helped build rapport, and he didn’t mind that at all.
“Alright, alright, enough with the formalities,” Jiang Li chimed in, feigning exasperation. “You two will get familiar soon enough. No need to be so polite now.” She felt oddly neglected watching them get along so well already.
The server, standing awkwardly nearby: …So that girl with the sack wasn’t a beggar? And in less than a cup of tea’s time, she’s already on “Uncle Ming, Qingqing” terms with the boss?
Also, the pretty woman in white turned out to be the owner of Zuixian Restaurant—and she had a close relationship with the sack-carrying girl?!
He gave Su Qingqing a pitiful look: If you weren’t a beggar, why’d you go running around with a burlap sack? Dressed like that, it’s no wonder people misunderstand!
Su Qingqing caught the server’s resentful glance and scratched her nose, unsure what it meant. She was never one for playing the “read my eyes” game.
Uncle Ming frowned. “What are you staring at? Don’t you have work to do? Do you want to get fired?” He gave the server a firm slap on the back of the head.
The poor server gave Su Qingqing an even more tragic look: I got scolded and smacked—all because of you.
Blushing slightly, he glanced at Jiang Li before scurrying off.
Su Qingqing: …Bro, wait, what’s your problem?
Finally, Lan’er, who had been practically invisible this whole time, spoke up. “Miss, we really should return to the estate. Tomorrow is Master’s 50th birthday, and there’s still so much to do.”
She shot Su Qingqing an apologetic glance. She hadn’t meant to interrupt the reunion, but with no mistress managing the household, the young miss had to oversee everything. What could she do?
Truly, an anxious servant when the master is calm… or more accurately, the maid’s anxious when the lady isn’t.
Jiang Li glared at Lan’er, then turned to Su Qingqing. “Qingqing, I won’t keep chatting. I’ve got a lot to handle back home. Let’s meet again another time.” She sighed. Time with friends was always too short.
She had grown up with Lan’er and never treated her like a mere servant—they were both master and best friends.
As for being a merchant’s daughter, she didn’t care much for strict manners. That’s just who she was.
Her ladylike attire was purely strategic—best used to dazzle handsome men.
“Oh, right!” Jiang Li turned back from the door. “Qingqing, my father’s 50th birthday is tomorrow. If you’re free, come visit me at the Jiang estate!”
Su Qingqing smiled and nodded, “Sure! If I’m free, I’ll definitely come.”
“Great, it’s a date!” Jiang Li said cheerfully before dashing off with Lan’er.
Su Qingqing rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Hm… Sister Li was becoming more and more interesting—not at all like the quiet, graceful ladies she’d imagined ancient women to be.
When they first met, she saw Jiang Li wearing white robes and dressed like a noble lady. She had assumed she’d be one of those prim, proper, demure types. But in reality, she was lively and full of spirit.
Hmm… I like it. She’s totally my type!
Uncle Ming shook his head fondly as he watched his young miss disappear. The master would probably sigh if he saw her now.
He’d raised her since she was small, and the master always hoped to mold her into a refined, graceful lady. But Jiang Li had always been a spirited child. She only pretended to be ladylike around strangers.
But in Uncle Ming’s eyes, her carefree, happy self was the best version of her.
Snapping back to the moment, Uncle Ming turned to Su Qingqing. “Miss Su—uh, I mean, Qingqing—you mentioned selling game. Where is it?” He was still adjusting to calling her by name.
Su Qingqing handed over the sack containing the wild chickens and rabbits.
All four animals were nicely plump. Uncle Ming paid her 200 copper coins—more than the going market rate.
After completing the transaction, Su Qingqing left Zuixian Restaurant and headed toward the fabric shop in town.
As soon as she stepped outside, a cutesy, childlike voice echoed in her mind, “Qingqing, you’re amazing! Another 200 coins earned today! Keep it up!”
It was a self-aware system. Though 200 coins wasn’t much and didn’t help it recover at all, it was considerate. It didn’t want to dampen Qingqing’s morale—if she lost hope, they’d both be doomed.
Su Qingqing rolled her eyes. She ignored the voice. It always popped up to show off whenever she made money. If she didn’t engage, it would quiet down soon enough.
At the clothing shop, Su Qingqing browsed around and picked out two sets of rough cotton dresses for herself—spending 600 copper coins.
Then she picked out two finer cotton outfits for her little brother, costing two taels of silver. He had a delicate constitution, so he deserved better-quality clothing.
As for herself, she had to do manual labor daily—no need for anything fancy.
The shop also sold silk garments, but they were too expensive. For now, she could only afford a couple of good sets for her and her brother.
After purchasing clothes, she asked around several shops—but none sold ready-made bedding.
Su Qingqing looked up at the sky, speechless…
Life in ancient times really wasn’t easy.