“Miss Qiao, well… as compensation, the master has bought those three knolls next to the land and is giving them to you as well. 1 hope you don’t mind.”
The land in Bailu Town isn’t an endless plain. Besides Rooster Mountain, there are occasional knolls and slopes. The parcel of land that Master Jiwei procured is located in the southeast of Anping Village, about ten miles away from the village, beside a river, with three consecutive knolls.
The knolls don’t cover much ground, with all three combined only measuring fifty acres. They are not high either, only a little over a hundred meters. Rather than calling them knolls, they are more like dirt slopes, overgrown with weeds and barren.
Knowing that these slopes are of no significant use, Shopkeeper He coughed softly and made a somewhat timid suggestion. “Actually Miss Qiao, you could plant fruit trees there. Our master is willing to provide apple tree saplings for free.”
‘Nai Zi’ is just the local term for apple.
Qiao Xiaomai thought about it and nodded. “Okay.”
With three more slopes, adding up to fifty acres, it would be good to plant some apples.
Seeing that Qiao Xiaomai agreed without any signs of displeasure on her face, Shopkeeper He felt relieved, laughing cheerfully, “Then hurry up and press your handprint. 1’11 send someone later to show you the land.”
After Qiao Changshun pressed his handprint, Shopkeeper He joked with a smile, “Qiao brother, when Miss Xiaomai gets married, this title deed will have to be part of her dowry.”
Qiao Changshun was stunned briefly but then nodded. “Of course.”
Everything the family had was earned by Qiao Xiaomai. Whatever she wants to take with her when the time comes, she can take.
Hearing this, Qiao Xiaomai rolled her eyes in private.
What business of the shopkeeper is it whether she gets married or not?
However, as Shopkeeper He was still a business partner, Qiao Xiaomai didn’t show scorn like she did with Qiao Changshun previously. She just withdrew her smile, intending to leave immediately with Qiao Changshun and Qiao Dami.
Shopkeeper He quickly stopped her. “Miss Qiao, we need to send someone to guide you to the land!”
“No need.”
“Then the tofu recipe?”
“Start soaking the soybeans. i’ll be back this afternoon.” Qiao Xiaomai spoken as she returned the title deed to the desk. “You can hold onto this.”
Without waiting for Shopkeeper He to say anything else, she swiftly took Qiao Changshun and Qiao Dami and left.
Shopkeeper He was left feeling quite perplexed. Which part of what he said had upset the girl?
Was she not satisfied with the three extra slopes?
Um…
He slapped his forehead and ordered his staff to soak the soybeans. This matter should be taken care of by the master. As shopkeeper, it was not his duty.
Upon leaving Jiwei Residence, Qiao Xiaomai wore a stern face as she boarded the donkey cart. Qiao Changshun observed her expression, deciding to postpone revealing his intention to set her up with Tong Sanlang.
If she ever found out he had already selected a suitable match for her despite her angry expression at Shopkeeper He’s place, well…
Thinking about Qiao Xiaomai’s grim look, Qiao Changshun rubbed his hands together and got on the donkey cart, “Where to?”
“To buy a fish.” Qiao Xiaomai responded coldly.
Tonight they would be able to eat bean sprouts, and she wanted to have poached fish.
Qiao Changshun nodded and drove the donkey cart slowly towards the fish market.
Having bought two plump grass carps, the family of three had nothing else to do in town and decided just go home.
There were a lot of chores waiting at home. After three days of rain, there was no green grass left for the donkey and the firewood was all wet. The chili seeds needed planting, the wheat field needed weeding. For farmers, there was never a truly leisure moment.
Sitting in his establishment, waiting silently for Qiao Xiaomai’s return, Shopkeeper He”…”
His lips twitched.. Ah, had she actually gotten angry?