Chapter 63 - 063 Zhang Family’s Gratitude Gift
Chapter 63: Chapter 063: Zhang Family’s Gratitude Gift
Chapter 63 -063: Zhang Family’s Gratitude Gift
The visitors were Rongrong and her parents, who Bai Ruozhu had met the previous day.
The whole family was now dressed in semi-new clothes, which made them look much more imposing.
Zhang Liliang was pushing a small cart full of goods, with Rongrong sitting in one corner.
Her face was clean, revealing a lively and lovely small face.
She was wearing a small red robe, looking like a chubby, cute dress-up doll.
Rongrong’s mother was walking beside the cart, holding a gong in her hand and a small drum tied around her waist.
She was continuously striking the gong and the drum.
Zhang Liliang, with his powerful voice, called out as he pushed the cart: “Thank you, villagers, for leading me to the Bai Family, so that I could thank our great benefactors from the Zhang Family.”
The moment Bai Ruozhu opened the door, the entire Zhang family saw her.
Little Rongrong swiftly jumped off the small cart and ran towards Bai Ruozhu, excitedly asking: “Sister Bai, are you feeling better?”
Bai Ruozhu was stunned by the sight of the family.
After a few seconds, she finally understood that they were here to praise her for her bravery, somewhat like presenting a banner of appreciation in modern times.
But, isn’t this making a bit too much fuss?
“I’m fine.
How did you find this place?” Bai Ruozhu asked while stroking Rongrong’s head.
She particularly adored the way Rongrong wore her hair in double buns.
It was so cute!
But unfortunately, she was expecting a boy and didn’t have a chance to style her daughter’s hair in various beautiful ways or to wear matching outfits with a daughter.
Ah, what a pity.
“My parents were worried and wanted to come and see if you are better.” Rongrong looked at Bai Ruozhu’s stomach with curiosity and asked, “Sister Bai, is there a little brother in your belly?”
It is said that children have a strong intuition about these things, so many pregnant women would ask the children who were yet to replace their milk teeth whether they are expecting a brother or a sister.
It was said to be quite accurate.
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but laugh.
This little girl was surprisingly accurate.
“I suppose so,” Bai Ruozhu replied with a smile.
At this point, the Bai family members had heard the commotion and rushed over.
Zhang Liliang stopped the cart at the entrance of the Bai family’s house, and together with his wife and Rongrong, the family of three knelt down in front of Bai Ruozhu.
As someone with modern sensibilities, Bai Ruozhu wasn’t used to others kneeling before her.
She quickly called to her parents: “Father, Mother, help them up and let’s talk inside.
They shouldn’t be kneeling like this.”
Bai Yihong and Lin Ping’er helped the husband and wife from the Zhang family to their feet, while Bai Ruozhu took Rongrong’s hand.
Rongrong readily got up, but the Zhang couple insisted on staying on their knees.
Zhang Liliang said gravely, “Our family needs to kowtow three times to our benefactor.
Otherwise, we would find no peace in our hearts.”
Bai Ruozhu appreciated their gratitude but found it a headache to deal with their stubborn adherence to tradition.
She thought for a moment and then said, “Please, no kowtowing.
You both are older than me.
I really can’t accept such respect.
Yesterday, I asked you not to kneel, but you did not listen, and it gave me a stomachache.
I can’t go through that again today.”
Upon hearing this, the Zhang couple looked at each other and decided not to insist any longer.
With the help of Bai Yihong and his wife, they stood up.
“Brother Zhang, let’s go inside to talk.” Bai Yihong extended a hand to help Zhang Liliang, cordially inviting him in.
Zhang Liliang immediately nodded and said, “Okay, okay.” However, he then turned to the crowd of onlookers and bowed in thanks, respectfully saying: “Thank you, fellow villagers, for showing me the way.
I, Zhang Liliang, thank you all once again!”
Many in the crowd were warm-hearted and responded with smiles, saying: “No need to thank us.” They also commented that Zhang Liliang was polite and knew how to pay back kindness with gratitude.
After thanking the crowd, Zhang Liliang pushed his cart into the yard of the Bai family.
“Older Brother Bai, my only child is Rongrong.
Even though she’s a girl, she is still my life.
That day, my wife and I were busy with our business and our heads were in a daze.
Our child was kidnapped.
If it weren’t for your family, we would not be able to live in peace for the rest of our lives,” Zhang Liliang said, his eyes reddening.
He cast a distressed glance at his daughter, clearly a father who dearly loved his child.
Zhang Liliang’s wife was silent but followed by wiping the corners of her eyes.
“Looking back now, no amount of silver can compare with the importance of having a peaceful family,” Zhang Liliang said with a sigh.
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but agree.
In her past life, she had often heard of wealthy families neglecting their children because they were too busy with business, leading the children to grow up without experiencing familial warmth.
She had thought, in such cases, what was the point of earning all that money?
Fortunately, the Zhang couple had come to realize this sooner rather than later.
Zhang Liliang continued, “These items are gifts for our benefactor to nourish her body.
I don’t have much, just these sundries.
I hope the Bai Family will not mind.”
Bai Yihong quickly glanced at Bai Ruozhu.
Since these gifts were for her, it was up to her to decide whether to accept them.
Bai Ruozhu quickly shook her head and said, “You’re not well-off either, doing business is tough.
There’s no need to give such extravagant gifts.
If I were to accept gifts as a reward for helping people, then that would truly be a sin.”
At this point, Rongrong’s mother, who had been silent all along, spoke up, “Miss Bai, we know you’re not looking for a reward, but we feel obligated to give something.
Otherwise, we won’t have any peace.”
“Yes, this is just a token of our gratitude.
It’s not worth much silver.
Please do not refuse it, otherwise…
otherwise, we’ll leave the cart at your doorstep and not take it away,” Zhang Liliang said somewhat impatiently.
He even came up with an admittedly crafty plan.
Bai Ruozhu saw the Zhang family’s insistence and had to agree.
She thought to herself that she would find an opportunity to give Rongrong some gifts in return, to reciprocate their kindness without them spending too much.
The faces of the Zhang couple showed their delight when Bai Ruozhu nodded in agreement.
At that moment, Lin Ping’er brought out some tea.
“Please, have a seat and drink some tea to quench your thirst.
We’ll have a simple meal later.
You can try Ruozhu’s cooking.”
The Zhang couple quickly expressed their thanks.
They had left home early in the morning, pushing a cart all the way, and were indeed somewhat thirsty.
The three of them, without any pretense, picked up the teacups and started drinking.
Upon taking her first sip, Rongrong’s eyes curved up in delight, and she exclaimed gleefully, “So sweet, it’s delicious!”
Bai Ruozhu, smiling, stroked Rongrong’s head and said, “I’m glad you like it.
I’ll give you more to take home later.”
She had made a concoction of schisandra berry syrup which was sweet and sour, quite a treat in itself.
She figured children would definitely like it.
“What kind of tea is this?
It has a unique taste.” Zhang Liliang’s eyes lit up.
Being a businessman who traveled frequently, he had a keen eye for business opportunities.
Laughing, Bai Ruozhu answered, “I made some schisandra berry syrup myself.
It’s not really tea.
Besides, I also made some flower tea which is suitable for women.”
“Miss Bai, you sure are inventive.
May I take a look if it’s not too much trouble?” Zhang Liliang couldn’t resist asking.