novelhk Chapter 214: Generosity to Others
Chapter 214: Generosity to Others
He Hongcheng was instantly disappointed when he heard the word "oil cake".
He remembered that the thing Yongfeng always carried in his arms seemed to be called this name.
That thing looks greasy and hard. Lai Cai wouldn't eat it even if it was thrown to him. Only people like Yongfeng would treat it as a treasure.
But what the lady is making smells different, quite fragrant...
He Hongcheng licked his lips and thought to himself, No way!
I am the son of the county magistrate, how can I lower myself and eat the same thing as a servant!
He was in a dilemma for a long time, but finally he reluctantly refused.
"Thank you, Madam Lao, for taking me in for the night. We'll be heading back to town now."
In the side room, Zhang Maoen was trying hard to save face and ask Gu Damao for a duck down quilt.
Zhang Maoen originally thought that this matter would come to fruition naturally. After all, the two of them had a very pleasant conversation last night, and in his opinion, Gu Damao was not a petty person.
But unexpectedly, as soon as he opened his mouth, he was rejected without hesitation by the other party.
Zhang Maoen had not expected him to answer like this at all, and his eyes widened in surprise.
Gu Damao smiled as if to expect it.
My mother is really good at predicting things!
Last night, after Zhang Maoen went to bed, his mother quietly called him over and told him about the arrangements for the day.
There was no rush for Auntie and Gu Sihe to go to Songjiazhai; they would plan it carefully after she returned from town.
He, Changqing, and Shaoyou stayed at home and needed to discuss the content of the comic book as soon as possible;
What is more urgent is to maintain good relations with the two young masters.
Gu Damao understood: "I know they are both very important. Don't worry, I know what to do."
Lin Qing shook her head mysteriously and said, "Da Mao, you know that maintaining a relationship isn't about giving back and forth and being grateful to each other. What's more important is that someone always takes the lead."
Gu Damao: “Ah?”
"In my opinion, Zhang Maoen will definitely try to get close to you tomorrow. No matter what he asks you for or how good the reward he offers, just refuse it.
"Of course you have to be careful not to reject them outright. After all, we have to play the long game and catch the big fish. The key to starting with the downfall is to give a slap in the face first and then offer a sweet treat."
The confusion in Gu Damao's eyes became more and more intense.
Why did he feel that if he really did what his mother said, he wouldn't be a good person...
However, it was precisely because of Lin Qing's precaution that Gu Damao was able to hold on tight.
Seeing that he had been trying for a long time without any results, Zhang Maoen had no choice but to give up.
"Thank you for taking care of me, Brother Damao. I'll leave this money to you. If you still don't want it, it's obvious that you don't regard me as your confidant."
Gu Damao had no choice but to accept it reluctantly. He turned around, opened the cabinet beside the bed, and took out a bottle of medicated oil.
"Why don't I give it to Brother Song as an apology."
Zhang Maoen was just about to ask what you can give him and was about to refuse without thinking, but when he looked closely, he saw that what Gu Damao handed over was a crystal clear jade bottle.
It was unknown what kind of jade the bottle was carved from. It was so flawless white that it seemed transparent. The bottle was half full of emerald green liquid, which rippled with Gu Damao's movements. It looked like the finest quality jade itself.
Zhang Maoen prided himself on his extensive knowledge, but he had never seen anything like this before. He asked in surprise, "What is this?"
Gu Damao admired Lin Qing's foresight more and more.
"This thing was specially made by the master to refresh the mind. Although she told me not to give it to anyone casually, Brother Song and I hit it off right away, so I'm not afraid of the master's scolding."
Zhang Maoen took it doubtfully, and Gu Damao smiled and said, "You only need to smell it to know that what I say is true."
After unscrewing the bottle cap, a cool and overbearing smell rushes into the nose.
Wow, that’s really amazing!
Zhang Maoen felt his mind clear after just one sniff, as if he had been reborn and had found a treasure.
With this thing, wouldn't he be able to concentrate better on reading his homework at night?
After playing with it in his hand for a while, Zhang Maoen suddenly thought that since he had made up his mind to have a good relationship with Gu Damao, he must not cause conflict between him and Mr. Qiu He.
Even though he couldn't let it go, Zhang Maoen still had to return it to the other party reluctantly.
"I understand Brother Damao's intentions, but this item looks extremely valuable. I can't cause trouble for you out of selfish desire."
Gu Damao was embarrassed to admit that his mother had already given him a large box, so he smiled and said, "You can take it for now. If you need it, I'll go to the master and ask for more."
Zhang Maoen was silent.
According to Gu Damao, Mr. Qiu He seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of such good things.
I originally thought that Mr. Qiu He was only good at writing, but I never expected that he could also make rare and exotic objects with ease.
He really wanted to get to know Mr. Qiu He even more!
He thought he would gain nothing from this trip to Songsi Village, but who would have thought that he would find such a shortcut!
Zhang Maoen became happier the more he thought about it. He thanked Gu Damao with great satisfaction and walked into the yard, fanning himself with a folding fan.
"Hongcheng, since we're leaving, let's leave a token for Madam Gu. That way, whenever she wants to see us or needs help, she can just send someone to deliver the token to the county government office."
He Hongcheng curled his lips and thought to himself, you are the only one who can handle things.
He glanced at the dark green jade pendant on Zhang Maoen's waist, and the anger in his heart grew stronger.
Tsk, how do you know mine is cheaper than yours? Why don’t you keep yours?
Having said that, he still obediently chose the cheapest one from his group of jade pendants, took it off, put it on the stove, and said very domineeringly:
"Yes, that's right, Aunt Lin, if you have anything to say, just let me know!"
Lin Qing thanked him with a smile, patted the noodles in his hands, took a piece of oil paper to roll up three scallion pancakes, and asked Yongfeng to take them away.
Yongfeng almost burst into tears while holding the hot pancake.
What should he do to repay Mrs. Gu?
Seeing that Xing Wenjie was helping to move Gu Ermiao's luggage onto the ox cart outside the door, he came up with a plan and quietly reminded He Hongcheng.
"Sir, we're all going back to town anyway, and the carriage is quite spacious. Why don't you just take Young Master Er Miao to the preserves shop for Madam Gu? That way, you'll be helping Madam Gu and also make a name for yourself with Shopkeeper Qian."
He Hongcheng looked at Yongfeng in surprise and marveled at it.
"I didn't realize you're quite smart, Yongfeng! It seems like you're wasting your talent doing rough labor. Yongkang has returned home anyway, so why don't you come with me to the academy?"
Yongfeng hurriedly kowtowed to thank him for the promotion.
But when he looked up, he saw He Hongcheng turned around and stepped on the horse stool to get into the car, and he was really confused.
Is his opinion wrong?
But the young master clearly praised him just now...
Zhang Maoen patted him on the shoulder and said, "Yongfeng, it's good that you're considering your own son, but it's wrong to be generous to others. Besides, Hongcheng has already left some money for them. If you continue to show your kindness, wouldn't that be lowering your own status?"
Yongfeng still doesn't understand.
After saying goodbye to each other, the two young men got on their carriage and drove away.
They left in a carefree manner, completely unaware of the big trouble the Gu family would be in.