Chapter 452: Chapter 439: Something’s Wrong

Zhuang Qingning said with a smile, “Uncle village chief, you could discuss with everyone else and see how much wheat seeds every family needs. That way, I can give an estimate to the merchant.”

“If there are relatives in other villages who have a good relationship with us and want wheat seeds, they can also buy from us.”

“However, we must clarify that the supply of wheat seeds is limited. They can’t be available to anyone who asks. Only those who have a good relationship with people in the village or are blood relatives can be considered.”

While the task aims to achieve a large planting area, an unlimited supply could lead to disregard. If people were dubious, it might have a detrimental effect on the task.

Besides, if this rumor spreads, those from other villages who want wheat seeds will think it’s not easy to get them. If they could finally obtain the seeds smoothly, they would be extremely grateful. Isn’t it wonderful to gain some goodwill for the villagers who have fully supported and unconditionally trusted her?

“Okay, don’t worry, I will pass on your words.” Zhuang Jingye’s smile brought out wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. “Just now, I heard them discussing the matter of the wheat seeds and wondered if it could be done. And here you are, bringing the good news. They’ll be overjoyed when I tell them.”

Zhuang Jingye kept talking happily, able to imagine a rich wheat harvest before and after the Dragon Boat Festival next year.

“Miss Ning, I can’t thank you enough.” In his joy, Zhuang Jingye remembered to express his gratitude to Zhuang Qingning.

“Not just me, on behalf of everyone in the village, I thank you.”

“Uncle village chief, you’re too kind. This is my duty.” Zhuang Qingning picked up the sheet of paper from the table with a light smile. “Since the villagers are willing to help me, I am naturally willing to do something for the village.”

Friendship has always been a two-way street.

You give me a steamed bun, I give you a bowl of rice. This mutual favor keeps the relationship lasting.

This is an unchanging truth. Zhuang Jingye understands it, and Zhuang Qingning understands it too.

However, if we talk about this matter…

Zhuang Qingning suddenly asked to borrow money without explaining and did not allow him to ask anything. After every family stated the amount they could lend, she suddenly said she wouldn’t borrow anymore.

Then, she followed up by saying the wheat seed matter was settled.

If these two things were linked, Zhuang Jingye felt it was too coincidental or even suspicious.

An audacious conjecture emerged in Zhuang Jingye’s heart. It transformed into words on his lips but after watching Zhuang Qingning quietly for a while, he finally didn’t say it.

Given the current situation, the benefits Zhuang Qingning has brought to the village are indeed numerous and always one-sided. What the villagers can give back in return is very limited.

For anyone, a grain of kindness brings gratitude, and a grain of ingratitude brings resentment. Over time, the good you do for others can easily be taken for granted. It’s only natural for Zhuang Qingning to test their limits.

The ultimate result is all’s well that ends well.

Since the outcome is terrific, to further investigate the details to match his conjecture seems rather sentimental.

It’s enough to understand in your heart. Some things do not need to be spoken outright.

Zhuang Jingye swallowed the words that had reached his lips and smiled instead. “Miss Ning, what you said is really good, very agreeable.”

“Then I’ll start discussing with each household and get you an estimate as soon as possible.”

“Great.” Zhuang Qingning nodded. “After this autumn rain, it will soon be time to plant wheat. The sooner we confirm the details, the earlier I can arrange for the wheat seeds to be delivered so it won’t delay the planting.”

Having agreed upon this, Zhuang Jingye hurriedly went to inform the households about the wheat seeds, while Zhuang Qingning headed home.

Just as she arrived home and before she had a chance to sit down, a five-toned sound rang out.

[Congratulations to the host for completing the task, ‘Merciful Heart’. The host has received the task reward: a fragrance recipe: ‘Moon Incense’.]

Excellent.

It seems that the matter entrusted to Cheng Ruize had been completed smoothly.

Zhuang Qingning couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows.

During this busy period, there had been quite a few conflicts due to the matter of Zhaojiazhuang. Even though the issue was resolved, she still felt a bit stifled. Especially since there was no progress on various tasks, it inevitably caused frustration.

All the accumulated frustration over the past several days had been resolved today; the results were excellent. Zhuang Qingning couldn’t help feeling invigorated and relaxed.

Now that she had the ‘Moon Incense’ recipe, the task of promoting wheat planting wasn’t challenging, it was just a matter of time.

The only problem that needed to be solved was…

Finding someone to deceive in the charade of an arranged marriage!

Alas, the toughest task always comes last.

Zhuang Qingning’s relaxed and happy mood was tinged with a hint of melancholy.

“Miss Ning, what’s wrong? You look distracted.” Zhang Yongchang looked at Zhuang Qingning’s slightly troubled face and worriedly asked, “Did you encounter any problems?”

“Not really, it’s not too difficult.” As Zhuang Qingning spoke, her eyes briefly scanned over Ma Tong and Lian Rong.

Speaking of which, Ma Tong and Lian Rong seemed to be unmarried and of suitable age. She knew them, and if she asked for help, they would probably agree. With Zhang Yongchang mediating, there should be no problem.

But if this was the case, it wouldn’t bother her. Whether she married later or not, didn’t matter to her.

But for Ma Tong and Lian Rong, helping her with this could be a burden. It could delay their marriage proposals and even if they proposed successfully, rumors could influence their future marital relationship.

This really wasn’t a suitable choice.

Zhuang Qingning discarded this idea, withdrew her gaze, and gave a slight sigh.

Seeing this, Zhang Yongchang furrowed his brows.

From the looks of it, Zhuang Qingning was somewhat unhappy. More so after casting a glance at Ma Tong and Lian Rong.

How can this be?

“You two blockheads, come over here.” Zhang Yongchang slammed his teacup on the table.

“Master, what’s the matter?” Both Lian Rong and Ma Tong hurriedly put down their work and approached, looking at Zhang Yongchang.