Chapter 411: Chapter 398: I don’t believe you at all

“Oh, I must add more. You need to eat as much as me; otherwise, wouldn’t it seem like I eat too much?”

Zhang Qiuying grinned, took Zhuang Qingsui’s bowl, and walked towards the kitchen.

When she came back, she had served as much as she had for herself.

Zhuang Qingsui picked up a mouthful of noodles with his chopsticks and offered it to Zhang Qiuying, “You’re my elder sister, you should eat more than me.”

“Alright, as long as you say so.” Zhang Qiuying smiled, added a clove of sweet garlic to Zhuang Qingsui’s bowl.

The sweet garlic had a slight spiciness from the garlic, but due to the soaking in sugar, it was mostly sweet, crunchy, and refreshing, perfect with steamed noodles.

Zhuang Qingsui really enjoyed it and began to eat heartily.

Zhang Qiuying also picked up her bowl and continued eating.

The children played and laughed, alleviating the previously solemn atmosphere.

The adults stopped talking about the troubling matters. They chatted cheerfully, sharing amusing anecdotes.

After dinner, Zhuang Qingsui, Zhang Qiuying, and Zhang Qiuyue played in the courtyard while Mrs. Cao cleaned the dishes and utensils in the kitchen.

Zhang Xiangrong was carrying the sun-dried firewood into the kitchen.

“I was really worried today.” Mrs. Cao said as she scrubbed the oil off the dishes with a loofah soaked in hot water.

“Worried about what?” Zhang Xiangrong was somewhat confused.

“I was worried that your kind heart would be taken advantage of by your younger brother again.” Mrs. Cao replied.

“Ah, you were worried about that.” Zhang Xiangrong laughed, “In the past, at home, I didn’t want to argue with him. Firstly, arguing was pointless. It just made me, as the elder brother, seem petty. Secondly, as for my own matters, I could handle them.”

“But now we’re working for Miss Zhuang. Your brother’s sneaky behavior will definitely affect her business. We have received so many favors from her, we cannot let our family matters cause trouble for her.”

“Right.” Mrs. Cao laughed.

She knew her husband’s character.

Even though he was sometimes too soft, he would never make a mistake on serious issues. Now that this matter is on his mind, he won’t hesitate in the future, giving their son no chance to exploit the situation.

Mrs. Cao felt relieved and emptied the dishwashing water efficiently.

She started planning how to explain this issue to Zhuang Qingning.

—-

Zhuang Qingning had a very sumptuous lunch at the Ruyi Pavilion.

The variety of dishes was nearly exhaustive, and each dish was perfect in color, aroma, and taste. The delicious-looking dishes made people drool, and the waitstaff at Ruyi Pavilion couldn’t stop swallowing their saliva.

Especially Lian Rong and Ma Tong, they were so moved that they were almost in tears.

Only when Zhuang Qingning was there would they be able to enjoy such delicious dishes. They really needed to thank her properly.

Especially the Stir-fried Crab with Garlic, which was so fresh that people just wished to swallow their tongues.

After dinner, Lian Rong and Ma Tong were deeply satisfied. When Zhuang Qingning was about to leave, they reluctantly saw her off.

“Miss Zhuang, you must come more often in the future.” Lian Rong said.

“Yes, Miss Zhuang.” Ma Tong echoed, “Please make time to spend some time at Ruyi Pavilion.”

Even if you can’t, make some time.

“I remember you said you liked the pickled beans last time, I have made some more. These are the last batch of beans for the season. They will be ready in a few days, and you must remember to come and try them.” Lian Rong continued.

“A few days ago when I went home, our lambs had grown bigger. I plan to bring one here and let Chef Zhang make some lamb soup for everyone. When the time comes, Miss Zhuang, please remember to come and have a bowl.”

Ma Tong laughed, “In autumn and winter, a bowl of hot lamb soup is very nourishing.”

Zhuang Qingning, “…”

This… she was almost like lucky charm for them.

Zhuang Qingning glanced at Zhang Yongchang, but he was pretending to be innocent, scratching his ears, looking as if he had nothing to do with it.

You liar.

Isn’t it because of the impression you made on them that they can’t wait for her to visit more frequently? Whether they have good days or not, they can always enjoy delicious food because of her.

No, it might actually be Chef Zhang’s intention.

This way, even if you do not extend the invitation, others will constantly invite her. For the sake of propriety, she may have to visit more often.

You are cunning, Chef Zhang.

In the face of Zhuang Qingning’s gaze, Zhang Yongchang appeared nonchalant. He said earnestly, “Since Lian Rong and Ma Tong have said so, you should follow suit.”

“Whenever you want to, come around. If you want to eat something, just tell me. Even if I’m busy, I’ll make sure you have a good meal.”

Zhuang Qingning, “…”

Why does it sound like you’re taking advantage of her?

At this point, Zhuang Qingning could only suppress her thoughts of awarding him an Oscar. She silently nodded in agreement.

Satisfied, Zhang Yongchang escorted Zhuang Qingning out of Ruyi Pavilion’s backyard. Before she left, he gave her a handful of tied-up crabs, instructing her to steam them in the evening, so Zhuang Qingsui, who had missed lunch, could taste them.

“Thank you, Uncle Zhang.”

No doubt, Zhang Yongchang treated her and Zhuang Qingsui very well.

After some more conversation, Zhuang Qingning headed towards the tofu shop.

Upon her arrival, Mrs. Cao and Zhang Xiangrong told her about Zhang Xiangrui’s visit, the complicated relationship in the family, Mrs. Liu’s attitude, and even their personal thoughts. They left nothing out.

“Miss Zhuang, I’m really sorry to trouble you with this matter…” Zhang Xiangrong was filled with guilt.

Zhuang Qingning had helped their family several times. To have such an issue arise now, Zhang Xiangrong felt as if he had let Zhuang Qingning down.

“Uncle Xiang Rong, Aunt Cao.”

Zhuang Qingning said, “I understand this matter, but you don’t need to be troubled by it.”

“Running a business, one invariably encounters all sorts of issues and people. Hence, it’s inevitable. Since you both have expressed your feelings, I actually feel reassured.”

“You handle this matter as you see fit. No matter what you two decide, I will fully support you. Aunt Cao, you were absolutely correct. Some people, if they see you are hesitant, might try to take advantage.”