Chapter 289: Chapter 276: Being Chased Away

Translator: 549690339 |

“If these could be sold in the capital, the volume will definitely be significant. I was just about to return home early tomorrow morning. I should also discuss this matter with Little Sister Ning and see if we can increase the supply.”

“Is it the mosquito repellent herbal medicine formula prepared by Little Sister Ning?”

When Zhuang Qingning is mentioned, Zhuang Wencheng’s eyes sparkle. “That prescription is really good. I remember Little Sister Ning’s father has traveled to many places and experienced a lot. Maybe it was one of the good things he left behind.”

“Exactly. Little Sister Ning is also a good businesswoman. Working with her in the future will definitely bear us good returns,” said Zhuang Yutian cheerfully. “Uncle, did you just mention that you’re going home tomorrow? I have saved some money and I want to buy some shortbread cakes that mom and dad like from the pastry shop. Could you please deliver them when you return?” said Zhuang Wencheng, “I will deliver them to you tomorrow morning.”

“I have to cook and manage the shop in the morning these days. I may not have time to do so. How about I give you the money and you buy some on my behalf? Just buy the peach cakes from that shop.”

Zhuang Wencheng said this and stuffed the money into Zhuang Yutian’s hand.

“If it were before, I would not refuse. But these days, you should keep it.”

Zhuang Yutian advises, “Your parents are already concerned about you. If you send more things back, I’m afraid they will feel even more distressed. They always ask me how you are every time I return and ask me to bring things to you. If I bring more things back, they’ll feel even more upset.”

“I’m afraid if I bring these cakes back today, your parents will come to the county town tomorrow to see you.”

“Uncle, you don’t understand.” Zhuang Wencheng chuckled, “Exactly because I used to send things back home frequently, my parents have become accustomed to it. Now if I don’t bring something back, they would think that I’m not doing well and worry even more. But if I bring something back, they will feel that I’m just as usual and be more assured.”

“Uncle, don’t you think this makes sense?”

“That does make a bit of sense…”

Zhuang Yutian nodded, “Alright then, I’ll bring the peach cakes back for you. But there’s no need for the money. You should keep it. I will get the peach cakes ready in a while and bring them back tomorrow.”

For Zhuang Wencheng, who is learning a craft in the county town, it’s good to have some money on hand. This would make him feel more secure and make things more convenient.

So, Zhuang Yutian felt that he absolutely couldn’t take the money.

While talking, he stuffed the money back into Zhuang Wencheng’s hand, turned around and left quickly.

Zhuang Wencheng was caught off guard. When he came back to his senses, he could only see Zhuang Yutian’s back disappearing. He was not able to catch up, so he could only laugh and shake his head. For now, he had to keep the money and wait for the opportunity to return it to Zhuang Yutian.

On the way back to the pharmacy, Ge Tonghua and Han Hu were talking. When they saw Zhuang Wencheng return, they stopped speaking.

“Wencheng is back.” Han Hu greeted him cheerfully as usual.

“I’m back.” Zhuang Wencheng responded with a smile, but noticed that Ge Tonghua’s face was unusually somber.

Ge Tonghua had been like this every day recently. He never showed a good face. Zhuang Wencheng knew the cause of his dissatisfaction and had grown used to his cold treatment. He didn’t ask for much, and just smiled and said, “Master, how about eggplant with minced meat for dinner tonight? And a spicy and sour stir-fried lotus root for an appetizer?”

“There’s no hurry for the dinner,” Ge Tonghua put down the prescription in his hand. “Let me ask you first, why did it take you so long to buy the groceries just now?”

“I bumped into my uncle on the road and we chatted for a while, which caused the delay…” Zhuang Wencheng answered truthfully.

“Uncle? I remember you mentioned before, the Zhuang’s cloth shop is run by your uncle. Is he Manager Zhuang?” Ge Tonghua asked again.

“Yes, he is Manager Zhuang.”

“Since you admitted it, it’s easy to discuss then.”

Ge Tonghua stroked his chin, looked at Zhuang Wencheng for a while, sighed, he patted Zhuang Wencheng’s shoulder, “Wencheng, do you remember what I told you when I took you as an apprentice?”

“I remember. Master said that although I am not very talented, I am honest and capable of practicing medicine, so you kept me.”

Zhuang Wencheng clenched his fingers inside his sleeves and looked at Ge Tonghua with his lips pursed.

Ge Tonghua nodded, “Yes, that’s what I said. But now I see I misjudged you back then. You’re really not suitable for the medical profession, nor are you suitable to be my apprentice. In the future, you should find somewhere else to be.”

Zhuang Wencheng froze on the spot.

Ge Tonghua had been cold and stern with him recently, often sighing and shaking his head, which made Zhuang Wencheng feel that something was wrong. Just now, when Ge Tonghua mentioned their apprenticeship years ago, his heart clenched. Now, hearing these words…

As he expected, the previous misunderstanding about the switch of the herbs and the influence of Zhuang Qinghe’s incident had made it impossible for Ge Tonghua to get over this.

Zhuang Wencheng’s nose soured, and the fog in his eyes grew thicker, potentially forming into tears at any moment.

But Zhuang Wencheng still held back.

His lips twitched several times, but in the end, he didn’t say anything.

Yes, what could he say? That it wasn’t his fault and asking Ge Tonghua to give him another chance?

He defended himself when it came to the herb issue, but in the end, Ge Tonghua didn’t listen to a word he said. He simply believed that Zhuang Wencheng was the one who did it and simply refused to admit it.

The same would probably happen if he tried to explain now.

Even if he managed to stay on with all his efforts, he would likely end up in a bad position. Ge Tonghua would no longer teach him any medical skills. Staying in the pharmacy would just mean working for free.

Zhuang Wencheng understood and saw everything clearly. He just felt a bit reluctant thinking about the years he had spent as an apprentice with Ge Tonghua and how their relationship was about to end.

For a moment, Zhuang Wencheng felt as though his heart was a mess. He was incredibly sad.

“Master.” Zhuang Wencheng felt his throat tightening up, and he tried to squeeze out a smile. “Could you allow me to stay here for another ten days?” In these ten days, he would prune the tree in the backyard, take out and wash the cotton quilts for winter, clean the corners of the house, and cook Ge Tonghua’s favorite dishes.

After this, one could consider their master-apprentice relationship completely over.