Chapter 64 - 064 Coming Over to Scrounge a Meal
Chapter 64: Chapter 064: Coming Over to Scrounge a Meal
Chapter 64 -064: Coming Over to Scrounge a Meal
Bai Ruozhu immediately understood Zhang Liliang’s thoughts, she smiled and said: “These things are not rare, there are more delicate ones for sale in the town, if you really want to do business, I guess it’s hard to make a profit.”
Bai Ruozhu had seen these things herself, knowing that there was no profit to be made.
She thought Zhang Liliang probably realized this as well, perhaps he wanted to help the Bai family in a roundabout way.
But Bai Ruozhu didn’t want to take advantage of people, if she took advantage in a one-sided way, the relationship between the two families would eventually spoil.
Zhang Liliang was a smart man, he immediately understood Bai Ruozhu’s meaning, he chuckled awkwardly and said somewhat embarrassedly: “You’re right, I didn’t think things through.”
“You meant well.” Bai Ruozhu was thinking about how she should address Zhang Liliang.
He had just referred to her father as ‘brother’, should she address him as uncle?
She guessed Zhang Liliang was around thirty?
“Actually, we had another idea when we came today, just not sure if Miss Bai agrees.” Zhang Liliang said, rubbing his hands together.
“Oh?
Just say it.” Bai Ruozhu became suspicious, wondering if they were trying to involve her family in their business?
“Our Rongrong’s life was saved by Miss Bai, she owes Miss Bai a great debt of gratitude.
Her mother and I would like her to consider you as her elder sister, so she can remember your kindness as she grows older.” Zhang Liliang said with a chuckle.
Bai Ruozhu also quite liked the obedient girl Rongrong, she laughingly said: “If it’s considering Rongrong as my younger sister, I’d be happy to.
But let’s not mention gratitude or anything, or it will feel too formal.”
Rongrong’s family were all happy to hear this, Bai Yihong and his wife appreciated the sincerity of Zhang family and agreed since they found Rongrong to be very well-behaved.
They decided the upcoming meal would be a celebratory one.
Lin Ping’er sent Bai Zehao to buy some wine and meat, but was stopped by Zhang Liliang, who said: “I brought the wine and meat, don’t trouble yourself.”
Zhang Liliang had previously called these items miscellaneous goods, it seemed now that he was just being modest.
The Bai family wouldn’t insist any further, so Lin Ping’er went to prepare the food.
Rongrong’s mother insisted on helping, and the two women chatted as they worked.
Bai Ruozhu pulled Rongrong to play, while Bai Yihong and Zhang Liliang were engrossed in their conversation, quickly becoming familiar with each other.
When Lin Ping’er was done preparing the food, she called on Bai Ruozhu to cook.
Rongrong’s mother, not wanting Bai Ruozhu to tire herself, offered to help, but Lin Ping’er laughed and held her back.
“I care for this girl too, don’t want her to work too hard, but she’s the best cook in our family, they can’t stomach the food I make.”
Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but laugh, she said, “Mother, you’re exaggerating, it was you who cooked yesterday, wasn’t it?
I saw my brother eat two large bowls of rice.”
Lin Ping’er’s cooking skills had improved recently, and hearing her daughter’s words, her face lit up with pride.
But still, since they had guests over, Bai Ruozhu’s cooking definitely tasted better.
She decided to step back and let her daughter do the cooking.
By noon, Bai Ruozhu had prepared a table full of food.
Lin Ping’er and Rongrong’s mother served the dishes together.
Zhang Liliang sniffed the aroma constantly and couldn’t help but praise, “Miss Bai’s culinary skills are top-notch, they are no less than a big restaurant’s taste!”
Bai Ruozhu smiled and said, “These are all home-style dishes, they can’t compare to a big restaurant, it’s good if Uncle Zhang and Auntie can enjoy it.”
“How could we not?
Just the smell is making me drool.” Zhang Liliang said, laughing heartily.
Seeing the Zhang Family praising his daughter, Bai Yihong felt extremely proud, his expression even more joyful.
He brought out his collection of fine wine and said to Zhang Liliang, “Little brother, let’s drink a few cups today.”
Just as the atmosphere inside was warming up, the gate of the courtyard was knocked, the high-pitched voice of the old lady of the Bai family came from outside, “Son, I heard you have guests, we came to say hello.”
Bai Yihong’s expression changed slightly, he hurriedly glanced at his wife.
They had guests today and couldn’t hide the dishes, it would sound bad to say it aloud.
But if his mother saw such a table full of dishes, he didn’t know what trouble it might cause.
Bai Ruozhu sighed softly.
The Zhang family didn’t know the situation of the Bai family.
Although they meant well in praising her heroic deed of saving a life, it also let the old mansion know that the Zhang family had sent over a cart full of goods, which drew the attention of the people in old mansion.
Zhang Liliang, who had been doing business for many years and knew how to observe people’s words and expressions, noticed the change in the Bai family’s reactions.
He wondered that the person outside must be Bai Yihong’s elder, but guessed they probably didn’t get along well with the Bai family.
Lin Ping’er came to her senses and smiled at the members of the Zhang family, “Our grandmother is here, I’ll go open the door, you just sit.”
After saying this, she scurried off to open the courtyard gate, but as soon as she did, she was instantly met with the old Mrs.
Bai’s unhappy face, who accused her in a yin-yang voice, “You took so long to open the door, don’t tell me you’re not happy to see me.”
Before Lin Ping’er could speak in her defense, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Bai household, Mrs.
Wang, interjected: “Sister-in-law, you’re wrong here.
When our mother heard you had guests, she wanted to come over and help.
How could you not welcome her?”
As there were still guests at home, Lin Ping’er didn’t want to argue with Mrs.
Wang, which would tarnish the reputation of the Bai family.
“Mother, elder sister-in-law, I am always welcoming of you, please come in.” Lin Ping’er said, then headed back to the house.
Bai Ruozhu, who was in the room, heard everything clearly.
She scoffed and thought to herself, if they really wanted to help, they could have come earlier to lend a hand in the kitchen.
We wouldn’t have turned them away from a meal; her family was not stingy.
But they didn’t show up when work was needed, but arrived just in time for the meal.
It would have been better if they had directly said they came to eat, instead, they said they came to help, their skin was really thick to a certain extent.
Old Mrs.
Bai and Mrs.
Wang walked into the main hall, Bai Yihong stood up to offer his mother a seat, and then introduced the two families.
Thankfully, due to the strict family style ingrained by the old patriarch, Old Mrs.
Bai’s conduct in front of guests was appropriate, and she didn’t lose face.
But, the one thing that was a bit unpleasant was that her eyes kept darting towards the food, she was almost cross-eyed.
Everyone in the Bai family noticed her constant shifting gaze.
They thought it was too conspicuous, so they tried to change the subject, and then started the meal.
“Eldest son, call Zehao to join us for the meal as well.” Lin Ping’er said to Bai Zehao, who agreed and went to call him, explaining to the Zhang family with a laugh: “Our Er Lang is preparing for the Rural Examination, so he’s been studying hard lately.”
The Zhang family had heard on the way that the Bai family were an “agricultural and scholarly family”.
Hearing now that their second son was preparing for the Rural Examination, they were even more admiring.
Zhang Liliang even gave a thumbs up and said: “Brother Bai is really amazing, such outstanding children he has brought up.”
Hearing the praise from others about his three children, Bai Yihong’s face was blooming with a smile.
But then Mrs.
Wang suddenly spoke up, “You’re mistaken, everyone knows our second brother never studied.
Er Lang’s achievements today are all because of our old patriarch’s teachings.”