253 Not Each Other’s Type
Zheng Zhixiang was obviously a little jealous. After such a short amount of time, not only did Xie Yunjin’s legs heal, he even managed to purchase such a big house in osmanthus alley.
As for him, he was a squire and was considered wealthy in the rural areas. After years of saving, he finally managed to save some money. Xie Yunjin on the other hand, was penniless yet he managed to buy such a big house?
Zheng Zhixing knew that this place used to belong to Classmate Han. Could it be that Classmate Han gave it to Xie Yunjin for free?
Zheng Zhixing mumbled to Xie Yunjin quietly, “Did Classmate Han give this place to you?”
!!
Xie Yunjin rolled his eyes, “You’re overthinking it.”
Zheng Zhixing’s wife, Zhu Baozhu, felt awkward. She pulled her husband aside and embarrassingly explained to Lu Jiao and Xie Yunjin, “My Zhixing likes to joke. Don’t mind him.”
Lu Jiao nodded and greeted Zhu Baozhu and her daughter, “This is your daughter? She’s beautiful.”
Zhu Baozhu happily asked her daughter to greet Lu Jiao, “Miao Miao, greet your aunt.”
Zheng Miao said in a baby voice, “Aunty.”
Lu Jiao introduced her four sons to Zhu Baozhu. Zhu Baozhu has heard of the quadruplets and was shocked to see them in person. She liked them a lot.
The four little ones were soft and adorable. Zhu Baozhu placed her daughter on the ground and then pulled the four little ones closer to talk to them.
The four boys cutely referred to Zhu Baozhu as their aunt.
The two women took their children and went to the back courtyard. Lu Jiao asked Feng Zhi to stay to greet the other women. If any woman came, she told Feng Zhi to send them to the back courtyard.
After Zheng Zhixing and her family, came Du Yi, Li Wenbin, Jiang Yuansheng, and Luo Xinwu.
However, Li Wenbin didn’t bring his wife and Jiang Yuansheng’s wife had apparently passed away.
Therefore, only Zheng Zhixing, Du Yi, and Luo Xinwu’s wives came.
Zheng Zhixing’s wife was named Zhu Baozhu. She was petite and had a very transparent personality. Though she wasn’t born into a wealthy family, her family was rich in the village and therefore, she was a little spoiled and somewhat naive.
Du Yi’s wife was named Tan Xiaoya. She was from the countryside and was somewhat afraid. Her child was also shy and didn’t speak much.
Wu Xinwu’s wife was named Liu Laidi. She was also from the countryside. Lady Liu was tall and thin, and her skin had a yellow undertone. She seemed to be a little sick.
Lu Jiao suspected she had a medical condition and wanted to feel her pulse. However, given the occasion, Lu Jiao stopped herself.
Still, she asked Lady Liu caringly, “How come you didn’t bring the kids?”
Lady Liu raised an eyebrow, “Our child didn’t move to the city with us. He’s staying with my in-laws in the countryside. I’m only here so I can take care of my husband.”
Lu Jiao nodded and asked her children to take care of their little friends.
There were two children who came today. Zheng Zhixing’s daughter was named Zheng Miao. She was three and her nickname was Miaomiao. Du Yi’s son was called Du Kang. He was four years old and his nickname was Kangkang.
The four little ones showed their new friends their toys and the children started to play together. Zheng Miao began to refer to the boys as her “big brothers”.
The adults started to chat about the Qinghe District. Since Lu Jiao was new here, she asked the ladies lots of questions about this place.
Out of all the wives, Baozhu was the most outgoing and dominated most of the conversation. As for Du Yi and Luo Xinwu’s wives, they rarely spoke and only chimed in once or twice.
“Lady Lu, we live close by, at willow alley. If you ever need help or if you’re bored, you can come and hang out with me. I have nothing to do at home and it gets so stuffy.”
Lu Jiao nodded and smiled. Honestly, she was so busy every day she had no time to hang out.
Zhu Baozhu didn’t know that though and continued, “If you ever want to go shopping, you must tell me!”
“Sure.” Lu Jiao liked Zhu Baozhu’s personality a lot and therefore was happy to chat with her.
As the two of them chatted, Feng Zhi walked in with two kids.
“Ma’am, these two are young master Han’s children. Young master Han said his wife isn’t feeling well today so he came with the children. He was hoping you can help look after them.”
Lu Jiao raised an eyebrow. If Classmate Han’s wife was truly sick, there was no way he would bring the two kids over. Therefore, it was rather obvious that his wife didn’t want to come. What was it? Did she think lowly of them? Or did they do something to offend her?
Lu Jiao silently wondered. Her expression, however, didn’t change as she stared at the children.
“What are your names?”
The two children pouted hard and didn’t seem to want to talk.
Lu Jiao patiently asked again, “How old are you?”
The two children still refused to answer. Lu Jiao was frustrated and asked Feng Zhi to bring the four little ones over.
“These two boys are uncle Han’s sons.”
Lu Jiao estimated one of the boys to be younger than the four little ones and the other to be older. Therefore, she introduced simply.
The four little ones nodded, “Okay, mommy.”
The four little ones ran to the Han boys, “Come play with us. We have lots of toys.”
The two children went with the four boys after getting the First Born’s invitation.
Lu Jiao sighed in relief and heard Zhu Baozhu say, “Those boys are not well-raised. They learned from their mother.”
She then looked at Lu Jiao, “Lady Lu, I am certain you two wouldn’t get along. Her name is Du Lanzhu and she is the daughter of a family who runs the grain and oil industries. She is a single child and therefore, she’s very hard to get along with. She enjoys shopping and I frequently see her out there buying things.”
Based on that description, Lu Jiao knew right away that she was not her type. She was sure Lady Du felt the same and that was why she didn’t even bother to show up.
“Okay, I know now.”
Lu Jiao asked Feng Zhi, “All are the guests here?”
It was rather late and lunch should at least start soon. Feng Zhi stared at Lu Jiao, a little troubled.
Lu Jiao asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Ma’am, we have two uninvited guests. The master had asked me to report to you so you are aware.”
Lu Jiao asked nonchalantly, “Who came without an invite?”
“One of them is master Hu, Hu Shan. The other is master Liang, Liang Ziwen.”
The mention of those two made Zhu Baozhu’s face drop, “Why did they come? They frequently mock and tease my husband at school. The audacity for them to show up here!”
Then, Lady Tan added in an unpleasant voice, “Master Hu is tolerable. That Liang Wenzi is truly a bad apple. He often took advantage of others due to his good relationship with master Hu. He’s a bully.”
Lu Jiao frowned. It appeared that the water here in the city was rather deep.