Chapter 86: Granny Ye

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 Chapter 85: Helping is a Kindness

Chapter 542: Does Qin Ruan know that her man is so jealous?

Qin Ruan furrowed her brows and pondered for a moment before asking Qiao Xi, "Do you know what's going on?"

Qiao Xi was also confused, "I don't know, but there have been more people coming and going from the Hou family today, and the Hou family's secret guards have been appearing frequently."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ruan recalled the Third Young Master's words in the room earlier, saying that she wouldn't encounter Nangong Chang again in the future.

Could it be that the Hou family is planning something against the Nangong family?

It must be said that Qin Ruan's reaction was quite keen.

"Madam, would you like to have dinner now?"

A servant approached, interrupting Qin Ruan's train of thought.

Since her stomach was still empty, Qin Ruan nodded to the servant.

She asked Qiao Xi and Qin Mei, "Have you both eaten?"

Qin Mei replied, "Yes, we've eaten."

Qiao Xi added, "I've eaten too."

"Meow—"

At that moment, Snowball joined in, wanting to be part of the commotion.

Qin Mei's face turned serious, "You just had a fish earlier!"

"Meow, meow!"

Snowball protested against Qin Mei.

Qin Mei touched its round belly and said sternly, "You can't eat anymore. If you get too fat, I won't be able to carry you."

"Meow?"

Snowball's emerald eyes sparkled with skepticism about its feline life.

Can't be carried?

Just how delicate and weak is its litter box servant?

Qin Ruan smiled and turned to go to the dining room with the servant.

Upstairs, in the study...

Hou Yunjiao sat at the desk, flipping through the piled-up documents and files. Standing in front of him was Lin Hao, his expression emotionless.

Just a moment ago, Lin Hao had informed Hou Yunjiao of everything that had happened when Qin Ruan attended the Lu family banquet and Nangong Chang barged into the lounge, leaving out no details.

The Third Young Master, focused on the documents, spoke in a cold and clear voice, "Has the Madam ever visited the Punishment Hall?"

Lin Hao hesitated for a moment and then shook his head, "No, the Madam has no interest in the Punishment Hall."

Hou Yunjiao raised his gaze and glanced at Lin Hao, his eyes carrying an ambiguous meaning.

He could sense the emotional undertone in Lin Hao's words.

It seemed that Lin Hao had objections to his arrangements.

Hou Yunjiao's lips curved slightly, and his voice softened, "Since the Madam is not interested, we can put this matter aside for now. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

"Yes, Third Young Master," Lin Hao replied, lowering his head, his facial expression unreadable.

Hou Yunjiao lowered his head and continued to review the documents.

In a casual tone, he said, "Lin Hao, I know you met the Madam in the Western City. While it's true that you know each other, you can't return to the past. Your identities have changed now. Do you understand what I mean?"

Lin Hao looked up in surprise, his face bewildered.

He seemed to understand, yet also not understand.

The Third Young Master's words sounded like he wanted Lin Hao to keep his distance from Qin Ruan.

But if he didn't want Lin Hao to get close to Qin Ruan, why did he assign him to her side?

Without looking up, Hou Yunjiao could still sense Lin Hao's gaze.

He neatly signed his name on the document and closed it, placing it by his side.

Hou Yunjiao raised his deep gaze, piercing directly into Lin Hao, "Do you know about the Hou family's actions starting from last night?"

As a member of the Hou family's secret guards, Lin Hao naturally wouldn't be deliberately kept in the dark about the Hou family's A-level operations.

Lin Hao nodded, "Yes, I know. It's an A-level operation targeting the Nangong family."

Hou Yunjiao's lips curled up slightly, "Do you know that Nangong Chang has ill intentions towards the Madam?"

Lin Hao pondered for a moment, recalling Nangong Chang's unsettling gaze fixed on Qin Ruan.

He furrowed his brows tightly, "The way he looks at the Madam makes people uncomfortable."

Hou Yunjiao nodded lightly, his tone becoming more serious, "Ruan Ruan is my wife, the future mistress of the Hou family. And speaking emotionally, she is my wife, and I won't allow any man to harbor thoughts about her. Do you understand?"

A faint twitch appeared at the corner of Lin Hao's lips, and the surprised expression on his cold and resolute face was visible.

He breathed a sigh of relief and nodded cautiously, "Yes, Third Young Master."

Jealousy, that's all it was!

Going around in such a big circle, as if it were something else entirely.

Lin Hao lowered his head and discreetly rolled his eyes where the Third Time Master couldn't see.

He wondered, does Qin Ruan know that her man is so jealous?

Hou Yunjiao didn't feel like he had such strong jealousy.

He simply didn't like anyone having thoughts about Qin Ruan.

Now that someone

He waved away the various dark thoughts and schemes that had surfaced in his mind.

Some things shouldn't be dwelled upon, because once you start thinking about them, you'll become restless.

Hou Yunjiao let out a gentle sigh and said to Lin Hao, "Hou Zhi has been feeling unwell recently. For now, you'll continue to stay by the Madam's side. Once Hou Zhi recovers, you'll accompany Hou Chuan by my side."

"Yes, Third Young Master!" Lin Hao replied obediently, listening to whatever the man in front of him said.

After all, a jealous man had no reason.

His priority was to save his own life.

Because of Nangong Chang's covetousness towards Qin Ruan, the Hou family intended to eliminate him completely.

If Lin Hao had any thoughts about Qin Ruan, the Hou family would strip him of his skin.

Thinking of that gruesome scene, Lin Hao's body involuntarily trembled.

Hou Yunjiao's eyebrow twitched slightly, "Are you feeling cold?"

"No," Lin Hao hastily shook his head, his will to survive overpowering, unwilling to show any signs of weakness.

Knock, knock...

The study door was knocked on.

Hou Yunjiao raised his chin at Lin Hao, who quickly walked to the door.

The door opened, and Hou Chuan walked in.

He quickly reported, "Third Young Master, we've received news from the Long family. It's been delivered to Elder Master's side."

Hou Yunjiao maintained his calm and elegant demeanor, his voice calm as he asked, "Who delivered it?"

"Honorable Mister Long, Elder Master's father-in-law," Hou Chuan answered.

It referred to the current ruler of the Long family.

Hou Yunjiao leaned back in his seat, his voice remaining composed, "What news did they bring?"

Hou Chuan's tone grew heavier, "Honorable Mister Long is seriously ill and may not be able to fulfill his duties. He hopes the Hou family can promptly nominate the next ruler."

Hou Yunjiao's fingertips lightly moved, rubbing his index finger against his thumb.

His deep gaze turned towards Huo Chuan, "Has Big Brother returned?"

Huo Chuan shook his head, "It's difficult to control the situation at the Nangong side, so Elder Master is personally overseeing it."

"And what about Big Sister-in-law?"

"Mr. Long is critically ill, and the Madam is currently attending to him."

Hou Yunjiao asked again, "Any news from the Lu family?"

Huo Chuan replied, "So far, there's been no news."

The sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet study.

Hou Yunjiao lightly tapped his fingertips on the armrest of the chair, producing a crisp sound.

His brows and eyes were calm, his pale pink lips slightly pursed, and a faint upward curve adorned his mouth, perfectly measured.

His features were profound, and his jawline could be considered flawless.

This kind of Third Young Master undoubtedly possessed a fatal charm.

After a while, Hou Yunjiao's deep voice slowly resounded, "Call Lu Han and instruct his father to rush to the Imperial Cabinet immediately."

His voice was soft but carried the unquestionable authority of someone in power.

Since the Long family had offered such a good opportunity, it was high time for the Lu family to seize it.

Hou Chuan asked, "Shall we send someone to inform the Lu family, or should we make a phone call?"

"Notify them by phone. The Hou family shouldn't directly intervene. Also, let the Lu family know that apart from the Su family within the aristocratic families, all others have given their approval," Hou Yunjiao replied.

"I'll take care of it right away," Hou Chuan nodded and quickly left. 

Chapter 541: Gentle and Intimate Third Young Master Belongs to Ruan Ruan

Qin Ruan patted Hou Yunjiao's back and said, "Third Young Master, I wasn't bullied by Nangong Chang. It's just that this person gives me a bad feeling."

What she didn't say was the way Nangong Chang looked at her.

It was eerie, sinister, and filled with a nauseating gaze.

Hou Yunjiao rubbed his chin against Qin Ruan's head and spoke in a gentle voice, "Don't worry, you won't see this person again very soon."

His voice was as gentle as water, but there was a hint of dangerous coldness lurking in his dark eyes.

"Hmm?" Qin Ruan raised her gaze, her eyes filled with confusion.

Hou Yunjiao concealed the danger in his eyes, and a gentle smile blossomed on his handsome face.

He whispered, "You'll know soon enough."

Qin Ruan nodded, seeming to understand and yet not fully comprehend. She looked at the fading beast-like gleam in the Third Young Master's eyes.

Taking the opportunity to free herself from his embrace, she placed her hand on her stomach once again.

Her body was getting heavier day by day and couldn't withstand any further agitation.

Qin Ruan spoke again, "Third Young Master, I'm hungry."

"Get up, wash up, have breakfast, and come with me after that," Hou Yunjiao said in a soft and gentle voice, with an attitude that brooked no refusal.

Qin Ruan obediently nodded, "Okay."

Hou Yunjiao released his arms that encircled her, and she took the chance to escape from his embrace and stood up.

Seated on the edge of the bed, the Hou Yunjiao watched her retreating figure and a faint smile appeared in his eyes.

Qin Ruan quickly finished her morning routine, changed into comfortable casual clothes, and emerged from the dressing room.

During her preparation, Hou Yunjiao had already changed into a perfectly tailored handmade suit.

Today, he even wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, which was a rare sight.

Most of the time, Hou Yunjiao only wore glasses when he was working in the office.

As Qin Ruan walked out of the room, ready to leave, she accidentally bumped into Hou Yunjiao who adjusted his glasses.

His action of adjusting the glasses carried an indescribable elegance and allure.

The gold-rimmed glasses on his nose concealed the cold and indifferent gleam in his eyes, making him appear more like a gentle and charming noble son.

This kind of Third Young Master looked even more refined and scholarly, exuding a strong scholarly aura.

Seeing Qin Ruan coming out, Hou Yunjiao's face lit up with a smile as if bathed in spring breeze.

He spoke warmly to Qin Ruan, "You go downstairs and have breakfast first. I'll go to the study."

"Alright," Qin Ruan obediently nodded.

The stunning light in her eyes couldn't be contained.

The corner of the Third Young Master's mouth lifted with a wicked smile as he left in a cheerful mood.

Qin Ruan lowered her eyes, snapping out of the Third Young Master's beauty.

She always felt that something was off.

The Third Young Master seemed gentle, but the unintentional aura of killing that emanated from him was easily captured by her.

At this moment, Qin Ruan's stomach played the tune of suspicion.

She no longer tried to guess Huo Yunqiao's thoughts and went downstairs to have breakfast.

No matter what he intended to do, he wouldn't harm her or the child. That was enough.

Qin Ruan went downstairs and saw Qin Mei and Qiao Xi sitting together on the sofa, with a proud white cat squatting in the middle.

Under the gaze of the two, Snowball raised its chin in a haughty manner, exuding an air of superiority as if it disdained their presence.

"What? It hasn't been long since we last met, and you've already started raising a cat? You don't seem like such a caring person," Qiao Xi said, resting his chin on his hand, his eyes fixed on Snowball.

The gleam in his eyes seemed to want to claim Snowball for himself.

Qin Mei lazily leaned against the sofa.

He reached out and stroked the soft fur on Snowball's back, sounding indifferent, "I have a caring heart, but unfortunately, I don't have it for this little thing. It tried to scam me into taking care of it."

Qiao Xi's eyes brightened, "From what you're saying, it seems like you don't want it?"

Qin Mei glanced at Qiao Xi from the corner of his eye.

He could tell that this guy coveted Snowball.

Qin Mei removed his hand that was resting on Snowball, and with a smile that was neither a smile nor a smirk, he said to Qiao Xi, "You want it? Take it with you then."

Without hesitation, Qiao Xi reached out his hand towards Snowball.

But just as his hand was about to touch Snowball, it moved.

Snowball's white, fluffy paw scratched Qiao Xi's hand back.

"Meow!"

After scratching him, Snowball let out a protesting meow.

This was its protest against Qin Mei.

"Hiss! This little thing is quite fierce!"

Qiao Xi, whose hand was scratched, quickly pulled it back.

He frowned and stared at Snowball, a hint of unwillingness in his eyes.

Snowball tilted its head and glared at Qin Mei, clearly recognizing him as its owner.

Qiao Xi was infuriated that such a beautiful little creature had chosen Qin Mei. His face swelled with anger.

He really liked Snowball. This little thing looked adorable and clean.

Qiao Xi stood up and squatted in front of Snowball, pointing at Qin Mei to entice it. "Little one, this guy doesn't want you anymore. Come with me instead. I'll give you delicious food and fun things every day. It's definitely better than this heartless former owner who easily abandoned you!"

"Meow, meow!!"

Snowball bared its teeth and angrily meowed at Qiao Xi.

Qiao Xi looked up at Qin Mei. "Did you already have this cat?"

Qin Mei's expression was mocking. "I swear on my conscience, I haven't had it for more than a few days."

If possible, he didn't want to have it for even a single day.

Qiao Xi grumbled, "Then how did it end up recognizing you?"

Qin Mei rolled his eyes. "I already told you, this cat scammed me."

"I think it's you who scammed me. You're just going around in circles to tease me!" Qiao Xi didn't believe Qin Mei's nonsense at all.

Cats, apart from dogs, are the animals closest to humans, but they are different from dogs.

Cats are difficult to form a close bond with. They are naturally independent and often appear aloof, unlike dogs that are very clingy.

It takes a long time to familiarize a cat with someone.

The white cat in front of them appeared aloof and proud, and it even seemed spiritually aware.

From its words and actions, Qiao Xi could tell that it only recognized Qin Mei.

This was not a bond that could be formed in a short time.

"Believe it or not, it's up to you!" Qin Mei couldn't be bothered to argue about this.

Snowball scamming him was a fact.

Its temperament being foul was also a fact.

Snowball was angry and currently using its claws to scratch his pants.

In order to prevent his pants from getting torn, Qin Mei reluctantly held Snowball in his arms.

"Alright, alright! Don't be so temperamental. If you damage my pants, I'll end up with my bare bottom."

"Well, that won't happen. The Hou family won't be stingy enough to withhold a pair of pants from Second Brother."

Qin Ruan smiled and walked slowly towards the two of them, her voice ringing out.

As soon as she spoke, Qiao Xi, who had just sat down, instinctively stood up.

He turned around and obediently called out to Qin Ruan, "Sister-in-law!"

His voice was loud, like a primary school student seeing a teacher.

His behavior caught the attention of Qin Mei, who looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Qin Ruan glanced up and down at Qiao Xi. "Didn't you just come back the day before yesterday?"

Qiao Xi also felt that his attitude seemed a bit too strange.

He uncomfortably scratched the back of his head. "Grandfather sent someone to pick me up from Xicheng last night. He said that the capital city is not peaceful recently, so he wants me to stay at home."

"Not peaceful?" Qin Ruan murmured to herself.

Why would the capital city be unrestful recently?

What does this have to do with the early return of Third Master? 

 Chapter 76: Playing Unconventionally

After Yu Fugui agreed, he began to move the baskets.

Wen Xiuyun knew that stir-frying chestnuts was not easy, so she whispered, "Don't overwork yourself. The customers behind are all old acquaintances of mine for many years. A little patience for a day or two is still possible. I've already told them."

Bai Lu nodded with a smile, "Not too tiring. Ah Cheng will also help me when he's free. Our sugar-fried chestnuts have only been on the market for a short time, and there is a keen competitor. We can't afford to lose our reputation. Giving customers a reliable delivery today is better."

Everyone wants to make a little more money in business, and Wu Xiuyun is no exception. She complimented Bai Lu on being sensible.

As they were talking, a knock on the door came from the courtyard.

Yu Fugui was still in the yard, moving the last basket of sugar-fried chestnuts, so who could it be?

The three of them looked outside.

A rosy-faced, slightly plump woman, supporting her big belly with one hand, wiped nonexistent sweat from her forehead. She strolled casually and familiarly walked towards the yard, smiling at Bai Lu.

"Busy?"

Aunt Wu and Yu Fugui, seeing that Bai Lu had a guest to welcome, didn't chat much and left after greeting Bai Lu.

The guest had finally arrived, and Bai Lu naturally wouldn't turn her away, especially when the person was pregnant.

Chen Chunli sat in the chair Bai Lu had just occupied, feeling at ease. She didn't bother with a thank you.

Smelling the lingering fragrance of sugar-fried chestnuts in the yard and thinking about her purpose, she casually said, "Just fried the chestnuts?"

"Very fragrant. How does it taste? I heard from Wang Hao that Xiao Cheng took sugar-fried chestnuts to them when he went to work, and everyone said it was delicious..."

Implicitly suggesting that your husband has shared sugar-fried chestnuts with his brothers, so you shouldn't refuse his brother's wife?

Bai Lu casually took a chair and sat down, giving a signature fake smile, "Sugar-fried chestnuts have too much sugar, not suitable for pregnant women. Eating too much can lead to diabetes."

In other words, she wouldn't even give a taste!

Chen Chunli's face didn't look good. She also knew that the rumors outside were true, and Bai Lu was no longer timid and weak.

Her character was no longer easy to manipulate as before.

Chen Chunli glanced at Bai Lu's slightly bulging belly, changed the topic, and chatted casually, "Your figure is really good. You're over six months pregnant, but your belly is still small. Put on a couple more clothes, and it's not noticeable that you're pregnant."

"Unlike me, just three or four months pregnant, my figure has already changed with my belly. The whole person has gained weight, my face has become round, and I find myself ugly when I look in the mirror. I envy you for still having a slim and good-looking figure."

A breeze blew, and Bai Lu calmly adjusted her clothes, gently touching her small belly.

"The doctor said that thin people don't show much until six or seven months. It's hard to tell in the early months. Now that it's cold, wearing a couple more clothes hides the pregnant belly."

Chen Chunli, who was pregnant, had heard from Wang Hao's mother that thin people indeed show their pregnancy later.

But she was impatient and didn't have time to argue with Bai Lu about pregnancy. What concerned her was the sugar-fried chestnuts, "Bai Lu, when I went to buy groceries today, I saw Wang Cuihua riding a bicycle with a big basket of sugar-fried chestnuts on the back seat."

Bai Lu: "Hmm."

Chen Chunli was at a loss with Bai Lu's indifferent response. She had to continue, "I remember Wang Cuihua is from the countryside and doesn't know how to make sugar-fried chestnuts, right?"

Bai Lu smiled faintly, "She doesn't."

"Then who made her sugar-fried chestnuts?"

"I made them."

"Why doesn't she make them herself?"

"She doesn't know how."

"Why don't you teach her?"

"I won't."

Chen Chunli: "..."

"You're doing heavy work while pregnant. Making sugar-fried chestnuts is delicious, but it's undoubtedly labor-intensive. You might as well teach someone else to do it."

"I don't want to teach."

Bai Lu smiled very friendly.

A completely unconventional response.

Chen Chunli was prepared for this and couldn't force Bai Lu to reveal the recipe for sugar-fried chestnuts. With Xiao Cheng, who was ruthless and violent, supporting Bai Lu, she couldn't force Bai Lu to yield.

After some consideration, Chen Chunli could only temporarily step back, sighing with a distressed expression.

"Bai Lu, my child is one month older than yours. It's going to be born in two months, and I haven't prepared anything yet. Wang Hao, that useless waste, has been with your family's Xiao Cheng for so long, hasn't saved any money, and hasn't learned much. He can only earn money after finishing building a house."

"My belly is getting bigger every day, absorbing nutrients quickly, but I have nothing good to feed my child. I look like I've gained a circle, but it's all virtual fat. I don't even know if there will be milk for the child when it's born..."

A widow mourning her deceased husband's hard life.

A wife scolding her husband as a useless waste who can't earn money.

Bai Lu just listened quietly, with opinions going in one ear and out the other.

Chen Chunli was anxious by herself, cutting to the chase, "Wang Cuihua's husband died, and life is tough. Our Wang Hao is also a useless waste, and life is equally difficult."

"We are all Cheng's brothers, half family. Bai Lu, won't you help when you see someone in trouble?"

"I won't." Bai Lu smiled kindly.

Chen Chunli also smiled and said directly, "Wang Cuihua, who is so foolish, can sell sugar-fried chestnuts. We have no reason not to sell. The neighboring town of Qingshui doesn't have sugar-fried chestnuts for sale. I think we can set up a stall there."

Even we have started.

Bai Lu sat back, looking relaxed, "That's good."

Chen Chunli didn't expect it to go so smoothly, a bit beyond her expectations, and her smile grew bigger.

"Then, how do we split the money earned from selling sugar-fried chestnuts?"

"Excluding the cost of buying chestnuts at two cents, one cent for labor per pound, and a fifty-fifty profit." Bai Lu repeated the words she had told Wang Cuihua.

A few days ago, Chen Chunli also bought chestnuts, but only a few dozen kilograms. Whether she sold them to Bai Lu or not, there was no significant difference.

The cost and labor fees were in Bai Lu's hands, and the net profit had to be split fifty-fifty. She was just a casual worker helping to sell chestnuts, and her salary had to be calculated based on the quantity sold.

If the sugar-fried chestnuts sold less than a widow, wouldn't it be embarrassing?

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 75: Boss Drives People Away

Xiao Cheng's deep eyes were as cold as a frigid pool, his tone devoid of warmth: "If you don't learn to be more sensible, don't come back again."

Wang Cuihua's smile froze.

It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured from head to toe, freezing her entire body. The hand gripping the handlebar of her bicycle was gradually covered in frost.

Ever since she married Xiao Zhongbiao, she knew that Xiao Cheng was the leader of their small group.

Cold and ruthless in character, brutal in actions, he rarely spoke, indifferent to the petty conflicts among women, especially disinterested in matters between women.

Not to mention speaking to her like this, unprecedented, sounding like he was driving her away.

After saying this, he didn't leave immediately, as if intending to drive her away.

Wang Cuihua felt that Xiao Cheng wasn't trying to drive her away, at least not in front of the deceased brother, Xiao Zhongbiao.

Perhaps she arrived too early and disturbed him and Bai... Xiao Wei having breakfast.

"I remembered that there's porridge still cooking on the stove at home. The fire hasn't been turned off yet. It's probably boiling by now. I need to go back and check. I'll come back later to find Bai Lu..."

Wang Cuihua hastily explained and left.

Pushing her brand-new bicycle with a speed that seemed as if ghosts were chasing her from behind.

Xiao Cheng turned to close the door, and a figure with a backpack hurriedly ran over. Squeezing through the half-closed door, not daring to look up at him, he greeted while running away.

"I'm going to school."

The trailing sound faded away with the small footsteps.

As he was about to close the door, footsteps echoed in the courtyard again. Xiao Cheng raised his eyes slightly.

A girl with long hair tied in a low bun, wearing a sky-blue apron, hurriedly came out of the kitchen, holding a spatula. She found the large basket in the corridor and lifted it back.

Soon, the kitchen resounded with the sound of spatulas, sand, and chestnuts colliding. Chestnuts and sand were sifted with a large spoon into different baskets, making a distinctive sound.

The door slowly closed, blocking all sightlines. Xiao Cheng turned around and walked out, his eyes lowered in contemplation.

When Wang Cuihua came to Bai Lu's house again, it was almost noon, and she had purposely finished lunch before coming.

Knocking on the door, a wave of sweet and fragrant smell hit her. Upon entering, the entire courtyard was filled with the aroma, as if she were immersed in a pile of sugar-coated chestnuts.

Sweet but not cloying, with a strong aroma of roasting.

Wang Cuihua couldn't help but salivate just by smelling it. She couldn't resist the temptation to take a taste, satisfying her appetite.

But she remembered the morning incident and resisted.

Bai Lu sat down on the old wooden chair beside the large baskets filled with sugar-coated chestnuts. She swung her tired right arm and massaged her sore left arm.

Seeing Wang Cuihua standing in front of the four large baskets filled with sugar-coated chestnuts, looking left and right, she hesitated for a long time without deciding which basket to choose. It seemed as if choosing the wrong one would lead to a loss.

"You take the leftmost basket. It only has fifty kilograms. The other three baskets each have seventy kilograms. It's your first day, and selling out early means you can go home sooner."

Upon hearing this unfair distribution, Wang Cuihua immediately protested, "Why can't I take seventy kilograms?"

"There are three baskets of seventy kilograms each, and Aunt Wu can't sell that much. Besides, Li Shuixian's cheap sugar-coated chestnuts are competing in the town. Leaving so much for Aunt Wu would be a waste if she can't sell them all."

"I'd rather take a seventy-kilogram basket. Aunt Wu wants two seventy-kilogram baskets and one fifty-kilogram basket. I'll go to Dashizhen next door to sell them. People there haven't tasted sugar-coated chestnuts yet, and business will definitely be good. I'll definitely sell faster than Aunt Wu."

Today was the third day of opening up a new market for sugar-coated chestnuts. Bai Lu didn't want to talk about unlucky things related to money.

She calmly said, "Aunt Wu takes one seventy-kilogram basket, and you take one fifty-kilogram basket. The remaining two seventy-kilogram baskets belong to Yu Fugui. He already has a large number of pre-orders in the city."

The two seventy-kilogram baskets were still not enough.

Aunt Wu's order quantity was not only this small, and after Bai Lu finished her lunch, she had to continue picking pomelos and working hard.

Otherwise, Aunt Wu would run out of stock in the afternoon.

During the Qingming Festival, Wen Xiuyun and Yu Fugui separately accumulated hundreds of kilograms of orders. It must be said that the purchasing power of customers accumulated over more than ten years was powerful.

Wang Cuihua felt that Bai Lu was favoring Aunt Wu and Yu Fugui and not letting her earn big money on the first day.

Regardless, she ignored it, picked up a seventy-kilogram basket of sugar-coated chestnuts, and ran outside without saying a word.

Usually weak and pitiful, needing help with everything, when it came to grabbing things, she ran faster than the young men.

She also made a solemn promise,

"Bai Lu, rest assured, I will definitely sell faster than Aunt Wu. With only seventy kilograms of sugar-coated chestnuts, I can earn all the money back before the sun sets!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she was already riding her bicycle, with a large basket on the back seat, flying away.

Bai Lu didn't bother to chase after her, got up and went to the firewood room to continue bringing out chestnuts to roast.

Yesterday, when Xiao Cheng went to the countryside to exchange for chestnuts, she and Xiao Wei had cleared out the firewood room and cleaned it up.

It was used to store the chestnuts brought back by Xiao Cheng and would serve as a dedicated space for chestnuts in the future.

Xiao Cheng brought back six carts of chestnuts, filling the firewood room to the brim. A glance revealed a small brown mountain.

Bai Lu squatted on the ground, holding a large iron shovel the size of a faceplate, and shoveled chestnuts into a bamboo basket, one by one.

At this moment, she missed the powerful big brother who had cooked seventy kilograms of sugar-coated chestnuts for her early in the morning, and had only left after being interrupted by a knock on the door.

Because of the surge in the quantity of goods supplied, the large pot that the original homeowner had left unused in the corner of the firewood room had been cleaned by her. Two pots were used simultaneously.

Not only did Xiao Cheng have astonishing arm strength, but he could also manage two pots of chestnuts, allocating the most suitable intervals for flipping them. From start to finish, not a single pot was burnt.

The chestnuts that came out of the pot

 made the kids next door cry with longing.

Unlike her, who had a mishap when trying two pots for the first time.

Those sugar-coated...charcoal chestnuts were so burnt that they couldn't be scraped off the wall.

Fortunately, Bai Lu knew her own level. She didn't fry much for the first time, and the old mother hen in the backyard was also considerate, not picky with food, helping her finish all the charcoal chestnuts.

Otherwise, wasting food was a heinous crime that she couldn't forgive herself for... The grandparents and grandmothers living in the countryside were still filling their stomachs with chestnuts for three meals a day.

How many people still couldn't eat...

"Bai Lu."

The courtyard door wasn't closed, just slightly ajar. Aunt Wu lightly knocked three times, greeted, and entered.

Yu Fugui followed closely behind.

Seeing the three large baskets of sugar-coated chestnuts still emitting a hint of hot, sweet aroma in the courtyard, both of them revealed happy expressions.

This time, Bai Lu only fried two pots of ten kilograms each, and she temporarily didn't have the strength to flip two pots of twenty-five kilograms. She needed to take it slow.

She moved the twenty kilograms of chestnuts she had just divided into the winnowing basket and poured them into the fifty-kilogram large basket.

"Aunt Wu, Uncle Fugui, please take these sugar-coated chestnuts to fulfill the orders. All three baskets are seventy kilograms each. I'll fry some more in the afternoon."

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 Chapter 84: The Most Wonderful Thing in the World

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 Chapter 83: Kneeling Apology!

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 Chapter 84: Granny Ye Arrives

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 Chapter 83: The Tail

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