Chapter 52: Isn’t it Normal for Older Brothers to Give Gifts to Younger Sisters?

Hu Zhaodi was at a loss, holding the one-hundred-tael silver note in her hand, unsure whether to accept or refuse it.

Wu Yinghai’s eyes lit up. “Zhaodi, how about we three become sworn siblings?”

“Huh?” Hu Zhaodi was confused. “Aren’t we already considered sworn siblings?”

Wu Yinghai waved his hand. “Not quite. We haven’t performed the proper ceremony—no kowtowing or swearing brotherhood. I’m talking about swearing loyalty under the protection of Guan Gong, becoming brothers and sisters in name, sharing blessings and facing hardships together.”

Hu Zhaodi chuckled. “Big Brother Wu, you and Big Brother Han are already like sworn siblings in my heart. There’s no need for any formal ceremony. As long as we have sincerity, we can be as close as biological siblings, don’t you think?”

Wu Yinghai thought for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right. From now on, you’re my little sister, Zhaodi. As your big brother, it’s only natural to give you a little pocket money, don’t you think?”

With that, he gave a meaningful glance toward the silver note in her hand.

Hu Zhaodi smiled helplessly and shook her head. “Alright, alright, I’ll take it.”

At that moment, Han Dongsheng rushed in, holding a brocade box.

As soon as he saw Hu Zhaodi, he immediately shoved the box into her hands, panting. “Zhaodi, here’s a little gift for you. We’re siblings now, and I haven’t given you a present yet.”

Hu Zhaodi, a little baffled, held the box awkwardly. “Wait, Big Brother Han, what’s going on today? First silver notes, now gifts. What did I do to deserve all this?”

Han Dongsheng was brimming with excitement. “Zhaodi, I’ve said it before—you’re my little sister. As your older brother, giving you a gift is only right, isn’t it?”

Not again.

What was going on with these two today? They seemed to be falling over themselves to please her.

Hu Zhaodi opened the box to find a beautiful red coral necklace inside.

Wu Yinghai, seeing the necklace, couldn’t help but twitch his lips. Han really spent a lot on this.

With a swift motion, Hu Zhaodi closed the box and forced it back into Han Dongsheng’s arms.

“Big Brother Han, this is too much. I can’t accept it. And seriously, what’s going on today? Can you explain this to me?”

Han Dongsheng replied seriously, “Zhaodi, we mean no harm. We really do consider you as our sister. We admire your abilities, and both Wu Big Brother and I are in awe of you. We just hope that you’ll look out for us in the future.”

Hu Zhaodi also wore a serious expression. “Big Brother Han, Big Brother Wu, you’re treating me so well right now. I could never be ungrateful. But there’s no need for gifts. You two giving me silver notes and coral necklaces like this—it’s making things feel a bit awkward.”

Wu Yinghai spoke up. “Zhaodi, you shouldn’t say that. You’re our sister, and we’re giving you these gifts with all our hearts. Isn’t it normal for older brothers to give gifts to younger sisters?”

Han Dongsheng chimed in, “Exactly! Zhaodi, don’t refuse. If one of us ever has a headache or something, we’ll be counting on you!”

Now it clicked for Hu Zhaodi.

These two were clearly eager to get in her good graces because they valued her medical skills.

If she were in their shoes, she’d probably try to befriend someone capable and skilled too.

Hu Zhaodi nodded. “Alright, I’ll shamelessly accept it.”

Wu Yinghai and Han Dongsheng exchanged a victorious glance, their smiles as bright as the sun.

Han Dongsheng said, “It’s getting late, and we’re all hungry. Let’s head to the private room, and we can eat and chat.”

The three of them headed to a private room, where Han Dongsheng immediately instructed the waiter to bring the food.

Old Master Ji was already in the private room, sipping tea, feeling somewhat uneasy as he waited for Hu Zhaodi.

His stomach was nearly growling from hunger, and no matter how long he waited, Hu Zhaodi still hadn’t arrived.

As soon as he entered the room, Han Dongsheng immediately apologized, “Old Master Ji, I’m really sorry. We got caught up in conversation, and you’ve been waiting here hungry.”

Old Master Ji waved his hand, “No trouble, I’m not hungry.”

However, just a moment later, his stomach let out a loud gurgle, and Old Master Ji awkwardly lowered his head.

“It’s already noon. Who wouldn’t be hungry?” Han Dongsheng said with a laugh. “I’ve already arranged for the food to be brought. Let’s eat while we talk.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the waiter arrived with the dishes.

Hu Zhaodi placed the brocade box to her left. Old Master Ji glanced at the box suspiciously but didn’t ask any questions.

The three of them ate and chatted. Old Master Ji buried his head in his meal, not speaking a word.

Suddenly, Han Dongsheng remembered something and asked, “Zhaodi, are you planning to build a house?”

Hu Zhaodi nodded, “Yes, but I’m planning to build a private school first, then build my own house.”

Han Dongsheng nodded thoughtfully, but said nothing more. However, his mind was already working.

After they finished eating, Hu Zhaodi and Old Master Ji bid farewell.

Hu Zhaodi drove the horse-drawn carriage, while Old Master Ji drove the ox-cart.

Han Dongsheng and Wu Yinghai watched them leave until they could no longer see their figures, then returned to the private room.

Wu Yinghai asked, “Brother Han, when you asked Zhaodi about building a house, what were you planning?”

Han Dongsheng replied, “Most houses in the countryside are made of mud bricks, but Zhaodi is our sister. We’ll have to rely on her in the future. Shouldn’t we think of a way to get her a proper house made of bricks and tiles?”

Wu Yinghai agreed, “That’s a good point. How about this—tomorrow we go buy the bricks and tiles, and we’ll take care of the cost ourselves.”

Han Dongsheng nodded. “That’s exactly what I was thinking. Today, I told my father about Zhaodi’s impressive medical skills, and without hesitation, he told me to bring the coral necklace to give her.”

“Forming a connection with a miracle doctor is worth more than a necklace.”

“We all know how skilled the doctors in the county town are. They can handle simple illnesses like headaches, but when it comes to more complicated cases, they’re helpless. My father said I should do whatever it takes to get close to Zhaodi. With her skills, once she gains a reputation, it will be too late to form a connection.”

Wu Yinghai nodded heavily. “That’s right. We only have a bit of money to our names, but if we want to stay relevant to Zhaodi, we need to befriend her while she still needs us.”

“I won’t keep you, then. I have to go get some medicine at the clinic and tell my father about getting to know Zhaodi,” Wu Yinghai said.

“Alright, you go ahead. I need to visit my little uncle,” Han Dongsheng replied.

Wu Yinghai stood up and left for Lin Andang, while Han Dongsheng headed straight for the county office.

Meanwhile, Hu Zhaodi, in high spirits, drove the carriage home with Old Master Ji following behind with the ox-cart, taking their time to return to the village.

As soon as they entered the village, someone noticed Hu Zhaodi driving the carriage back.

Seeing the brown-red high horse and the brand-new carriage, everyone’s eyes were filled with envy.

Before evening, news of Hu Zhaodi buying the horse and carriage spread throughout the entire Dawai Village.

Many people, eager to see the horse and carriage for themselves, flocked to Ji’s house.

Naturally, Hu family heard about this as well. They were seething with anger but dared not go to Ji’s house to take a look.