Chapter 66: Rare Horse 2

Ever since she had Shen Ruyue, she felt much more relaxed.

In the county city.

With the help of the horse, the delivery was very fast. All the goods for the three clients were delivered in two hours.

Chu Third pointed at the cloth shop beside him and said, “Eldest Brother, Second Sister said to bring some fabrics back for her. I’ll go buy some fabrics.”

“I’m going to talk business with the sugar seller. After I’m done, I’ll pick you up.” Chu Xuhua’s palms were sweating slightly and he was a little nervous.

Chu Third nodded. “Alright.”

Chu Xuhua led the horse slowly to the sugar shop. This was the first time he discussed business alone. He was especially worried that he would not mess it up. Previously, his palms were sweating, but now, his forehead was starting to sweat.

Just as he was feeling nervous, a familiar female voice came from behind. “Chu First.”

Chu Xuhua turned around. The person who called him was Fan Jiayao, who had broken off the engagement with him.

Fan Jiayao dressed like a married woman and looked more mature.

He was a little conflicted and did not want to talk to her.

Fan Jiayao looked at the tall horse enviously, but she thought that Chu Xuhua must be working as a deliveryman and the horse definitely did not belong to him.

She walked up to Chu Xuhua and asked with concern, “Chu First, are you not farming anymore?”

Chu Xuhua said coldly, “What do you want to say? I still have something to do.” With that, he pulled the horse and continued walking.

Fan Jiayao reached out to stop Chu Xuhua. She knew that Chu Xuhua liked her.. “Chu First, don’t be so cold. You can’t blame me for breaking off the engagement back then.”

Chu Xuhua glanced at Fan Jiayao. “You’re already married. What’s the point of talking about these things?”

Fan Jiayao said self-righteously, “I know you resent me, but I had no choice back then. Chu First, you can blame me, but I can’t watch you ruin your life like this. You should go home and be a farmer. Don’t be a servant.”

Chu Xuhua’s eyes were filled with shock. Who told her that he had become a servant? n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“I think you’ve misunderstood. I’m not a servant.”

Fan Jiayao thought that Chu Xuhua was denying it out of self-esteem, so she did not expose him. “Chu First, then go home quickly.”

Chu Xuhua was speechless. Why didn’t he realize that Fan Jiayao was so self-righteous before?

“I still have something to do. Move aside.”

Seeing that Chu Xuhua did not listen to her advice, Fan Jiayao said, “Chu First, hurry back to the village. The crops at home need to be watered now. If you don’t take good care of them, they’ll probably dry up.”

“As a villager, it’s most important to take care of the farmland. Don’t waste time on some quick money.”

Chu Xuhua was completely speechless. He did not know what to say.

At this moment, an elegant female voice sounded. “Brother Xuhua.”

Chu Xuhua looked up and saw a beautiful woman walking towards him. The woman was wearing a light yellow gauze dress. She had a graceful figure and a light body. She looked like a young lady from a rich family, making one’s eyes light up.

“Ruyue, why are you here?”

Shen Ruyue walked up to Chu Xuhua with a fragrance on her. “Qingzhi was worried about you and asked me to come over to take a look.”

Actually, Chu Qingzhi wanted to create some opportunities for the two of them to interact and see if they could develop feelings for each other over time.

Shen Ruyue was more capable than Chu Qingzhi had expected. She wanted to keep Shen Ruyue so that she could slack off in the future.

Chu Xuhua touched the horse that was snorting. “I just delivered the goods. I was planning to go to the sugar shop.”

Shen Ruyue smiled. “I’ll go with you.”

Fan Jiayao looked at Shen Ruyue and immediately felt a sense of inferiority. Then, she was very displeased for some reason. “Chu First, who is she?”

Chu Xuhua did not want to have anything to do with Fan Jiayao. “This has nothing to do with you. Ruyue, let’s go.”

How could Fan Jiayao let them go? Her intuition told her that their relationship was not ordinary. “Chu First, tell me, who is she?”

If the person she didn’t want found someone better than her after breaking up, she would definitely feel uncomfortable. She would only be happy to see Chu Xuhua living a miserable life.

Chu Xuhua’s face turned completely cold. “Fan Jiayao, what right do you have to ask?!”

Fan Jiayao’s expression immediately turned ugly. She could not believe that Chu First, who liked her so much back then, actually shouted at her just now!

She pointed at Shen Ruyue and questioned fiercely, “You shameless woman, did you seduce Chu First?!”

When Shen Ruyue was sent to prison, she was also accused like this. That memory was too humiliating. She did not want to think about it. Now that she was being accused by someone she did not know, it made her feel like she had returned to those humiliating days. Her face immediately turned pale.

Chu Xuhua shielded Shen Ruyue behind him and defended her. “Fan Jiayao, that’s enough. Ruyue has no grudge against you. How can you say such mean words to her?!”

Shen Ruyue slowly raised her beautiful eyes and looked at the tall figure in front of her. She suddenly felt very safe.

After taking a deep breath, she walked to Chu Xuhua’s side.

“Madam, Brother Xuhua and I are both unmarried. It’s normal and legal for us to be together. As for you… you’re already married, but you came to talk to an unmarried man. If word gets to your in-laws, I’m afraid you won’t have a good time. What do you think?”

Her voice was elegant, but it was filled with oppression.

Fan Jiayao suddenly came back to her senses and looked at Shen Ruyue with some fear. She used a curse to hide her guilt. “You’re making things up. You’re vicious!”

Shen Ruyue’s eyes turned sharp. “If you don’t leave, don’t blame me for being rude!”

Fan Jiayao gritted her teeth and glared at Shen Ruyue before running away. She was really afraid that her in-laws would find out that she was talking to Chu Xuhua. If they found out, they would definitely beat her up..

Chapter 67: Pure and Gentle Women’s Clothing Shop

Seeing Fan Jiayao leave, Shen Ruyuc turned around and said to Chu Xuhua, “Brother Xuhua, she has left. Let’s go buy some sugar.”

“Alright.” Chu Xuhun couldn’t shake off the words “Brother Xuhua and I are both unmarried. It’s only normal and legal for us to be together.” He could not help but blush. He hurriedly pulled the reins and walked ahead.

Shen Ruyue caught a glimpse of Chu Xuhua’s blushed face. She lowered her head and smiled. What a shy man.

Qu residence.

Xu Wanrong brought Chu Qingzhi and Chu Qingyue to the Qu residence to look for Sang Wanlu.

The Qu family was considered a big family, but not as big as Xu Wanrong’s family. However, they were also considered a reputable family in the county.

When Sang Wanlu heard from the servant girl that Chu Qingzhi was looking for her, she hurriedly came to the front hall to welcome the guests. “Qingzhi, Qingyue, please sit.”

Sang Wanlu had been waiting for Chu Qingzhi, so she went straight to the point. “Qingzhi, have you drawn all the styles of the clothes?”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “Yes, do you want to take a look?”

Sang Wanlu said expectantly, “Sure.”

Chu Qingzhi opened the box, took out a stack of papers, and handed it to Sang Wanlu. “There’s a style on each piece of paper, and there are a total of a hundred pieces of paper. I’ll add more in the future.”

After Sang Wanlu took the stack of papers, she immediately flipped through it. The style of the clothes was novel, unique, simple, and elegant.

“My second sister also made 20 samples of clothes. You can take a look.”

Sang Wanlu immediately expressed her admiration. Chu Qingyue actually made 20 samples of clothes in such a short time. She was too skillful. “Did you bring them? Let me take a look.”

Chu Qingyue opened the bag and took out two clothes. One was for Sang Wanlu, and the other was for Xu Wanrong. “These are clothes made according to the design. They look especially good.”

The two of them unfolded the clothes, and their eyes immediately revealed surprise. The design was stunning, so the dress made was naturally not much different.

Sang Wanlu was very optimistic about the selling of the dress in her hand.

“This style of dress will definitely be selling very well.”

Xu Wanrong praised, “I think so too.”

Chu Qingzhi asked, “Wanlu, is the shop ready to open?”

Sang Wanlu nodded. “Yes, and I’ve already prepared everything according to what you said. We can open it at any time.”

Chu Qingzhi looked at her in admiration. “Then let’s go take a look.”

Sang Wanlu nodded. “Okay.”

In the county city.

Chu Qingzhi’s adoptive mother, Wang Peifang, brought a few servant girls and servants to inspect the shops in the county city. In the end, they arrived at the clothing shop.

After flipping through the accounts, Wang Peifang could not help but sigh. “Why is there only one sold in two days?”

The shopkeeper was also troubled. “Madam, the weather is so hot now. There are very few people coming out to buy things.”

Wang Peifang glanced at the clothing shop opposite. Hers was not the only one that did not do well. Some of the clothing shops had already closed down.

At this moment, a carriage drove over and stopped at the entrance of the shop opposite. Four girls alighted.

Wang Peifang was about to look away, but when she saw one of the girls, she stopped.

The girl she was looking at had an oval face, curved eyebrows, clear and bright eyes, a tall nose, and a small mouth. She was tall, straight, and thin. Her black hair was tied into a simple ponytail. She was wearing simple clothes and had an outstanding aura. Among the few of them, she was the most eye-catching.

Wang Peifang narrowed her eyes slightly. Chu Qingzhi actually became so good-looking after going back to her original family. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Previously, Chu Qingzhi was like a servant girl in front of her, but now, she was like a proud phoenix. She did not seem to be servile at all. Could it be that she was pretending in the past?

Chu Qingzhi felt someone looking at her the moment she got out of the carriage. She turned around and saw her adoptive mother.

Her lips curved into a half-smile.

When Wang Peifang saw that smile, her heart couldn’t help but turn cold. What did Chu Qingzhi mean? What did that smile mean?!

The servant girl went forward and opened the door. “Ladies, please.”

Sang Wanlu gently patted Chu Qingzhi’s arm. “Qingzhi, come take a look. If there is anything you want to change, you can tell me.”

“Okay.” Chu Qingzhi turned around and followed Sang Wanlu into the shop..

Chapter 68: Pure and Gentle Women’s Clothing Shop (2)

Wang Peifang was shocked. Why did Chu Qingzhi enter the shop opposite? What was the relationship between her and the daughter of the richest man in the county?

Xu Wanrong often attended all kinds of gatherings in the county. All the rich people in the county knew her. Many people wanted to get close to the richest family, the Xu family, through marriage.

Chu Qingzhi stood at the entrance of the shop and looked around.

The shop was about 70 to 80 square meters. There was a counter at the entrance, and there were clothes racks inside.

Chu Qingzhi asked Sang Wanlu to renovate the shop into a modern style.

Sang Wanlu was also a business-minded girl. She had renovated the shop well, which was in line with Chu Qingzhi’s thoughts.

Chu Qingzhi brought the bag over. “Second Sister, let’s hang some clothes on the rack and put them outside.”

Chu Qingyue hurriedly replied, “Okay.”

Xu Wanrong and Sang Wanlu also came over to help hang up the clothes.

Xu Wanrong held a sky-blue dress in her hand and couldn’t bear to part with it. “I want this dress.

This dress had a doll collar and a lotus leaf-shaped pattern. The dress was tucked at the waist, and there was a dark blue ribbon around it. There was a bow, making it look especially cute. The hem of the dress was like a princess dress, and there was also a dark blue ribbon embedded at the edge of the dress.

This dress looked beautiful and refreshing.

Sang Wanlu took the dress and looked at it. “Wanrong, I like this dress too.”

Xu Wanrong snatched the dress back. “No, 1 took a fancy to it first.”

Seeing that Xu Wanrong really liked it, Sang Wanlu did not snatch it anymore. “Forget it. As your sister, I’ll let you have it. I’ll choose another one.”

Chu Qingyue smiled faintly. The fact that people wanted the clothes she made made her happy and gave her a sense of accomplishment. The seed of confidence slowly grew up inside her.

The more Xu Wanrong looked at the dress, the more she liked it. “Qingzhi, how much do you plan to sell this dress for?”

The cost of fabric for the dress was a hundred copper coins, and the labor cost was also a hundred copper coins. There was also the rent of the shop, the salary of the workers, and the time cost. This dress had to be sold for at least three hundred copper coins in order to make the shop profitable. “This dress can’t be less than three hundred copper coins. What do you think is the appropriate price?”

She did not know much about the ancient market. She had to listen to their opinions.

Sang Wanlu glanced at Chu Qingzhi. “Six hundred copper coins.”

Chu Qingzhi nodded in agreement. “This dress style can also be made of better fabric. It will be more beautiful and textured. Of course, the price will also be higher.”

Sang Wanlu understood what Chu Qingzhi meant. “Qingzhi, don’t worry. I understand.”

It’s good to work with smart people… Chu Qingzhi said, “By the way, Wanlu, do you have any gatherings? When you attend a gathering, remember to dress our clothes to display it and increase its popularity.”

“Especially Wanrong. You’re the daughter of the richest man in this county. You naturally have the influence to direct the trend.”

Xu Wanrong said excitedly, “It just so happens that I’m going to attend my grandmother’s birthday tomorrow. I’ll wear this new dress.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled and said, “Ok.”

Sang Wanlu said, “Qingzhi, give the shop a name. I’ll get someone to order a plaque. Once the plaque is hung, we can officially open for business.”

“As for the name…” Chu Qingzhi thought for a moment. “How about Pure and Gentle Women’s Clothing Shop?”

Xu Wanrong smiled and said, “This name sounds good.”

Chu Qingzhi asked Chu Qingyue, “Second Sister, do you like this name?”

Chu Qingyue nodded gently. “Yes.”

Sang Wanlu smiled and said, “I like this name too. Let’s settle on this name.”

Opposite the shop, Wang Peifang had been staring at them. She looked at Chu Qingyue talcing out clothes and revealed a puzzled expression. What were they doing?

Then, she turned her attention to the dresses. These dresses were refreshing and girlish. Even she couldn’t help but like them.

At this point, she realized that they wanted to open a clothing shop. Chu Qingzhi was also involved in this.

She thought to herself that Chu Qingzhi was really ungrateful. Not only did she not give her any ice cream bars, but she also did not give these beautiful dresses to her. If she had known earlier that Chu Qingzhi was such an ingrate, she would not have adopted her back then.

Two 15 or 16-year-old girls walked over from the side of the street. The two of them immediately took a fancy to the dress being displayed outside the shop.

“That dress is so beautiful.”

“Yes, yes, yes. Not only is it beautiful, but the fabric is also not thick. It should be very cool to wear.”

“Will such a beautiful dress be especially expensive?”

“Let’s go and ask. If it’s too expensive, we won’t buy it.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Hence, the four girls who were discussing the opening of the shop heard a voice asking about the price. “Are you selling these dresses? How much are you selling them for?”

Sang Wanlu walked out and sized up the two girls. They looked like people who could afford the dresses. “The price of these five dresses is five hundred copper coins apiece. There are dresses with better fabrics inside. You can come in and choose.”

Five hundred copper coins was not particularly expensive. They could afford it. “Alright, let’s take a look.”

The two girls walked into the shop. There were still fifteen dresses left, but they were enough to dazzle them. “These dresses are so beautiful.”

Sang Wanlu pointed at the five dresses in the first row. “These dresses cost six hundred copper coins each.”

Chu Qingzhi walked over. “If you don’t like these styles, you can customize a style to your preference. There are a hundred styles to choose from. You can also choose fabrics and colors, but customizing a dress will be more expensive.”

Sang Wanlu raised her eyebrows. Qingzhi was so smart.

A young girl was choosing from the ready-made dresses while the other young girl asked, “Can you show me the styles?”

Sang Wanlu smiled and said, “Sure, follow me to the counter..”

Chapter 69: The Imperial College

After looking at the styles, the girl felt that it was even more difficult to choose. “How many days will it take to customize the dress?”

Sang Wanlu waved at Chu Qingyue. “Qingyue, this lady asked how many days it will take to customize a dress.”

Chu Qingyue walked over, her palms sweating from nervousness. “It can be done in a day.”

“So fast.” The girl handed a piece of paper with a light purple dress to Chu Qingyue. “Sis, make me this dress.”

Chu Qingyue nodded happily. “Okay.”

Sang Wanlu took out a notebook and wrote down the girl’s name. Then, she took out a ruler to measure the girl’s size.

The girl cooperated with the measurement and asked, “Do I have to pay a deposit?”

Sang Wanlu said, “Yes, the deposit will be a hundred copper coins. There are four types of fabrics to choose from. They arc five hundred copper coins, six hundred copper coins, eight hundred copper coins, and one tael. Choose one.”

The girl hesitated for a moment. “I want the kind that costs six hundred copper coins.”

Sang Wanlu took note of the girl’s size and said, “Sure. The customization fee will be 30 copper coins, so it will be 630 copper coins in total.”

The girl could accept it, so she agreed. “Okay.”

The first deal was done just like that

Another girl chose a dress that cost five hundred copper coins. The style was still very good, but the fabric was relatively inferior.

The second deal was done.

Chu Qingyue was extremely excited. She did not expect to sell two dresses so easily.

Chu Qingzhi walked over. “Second Sister, are you happy?”

Chu Qingyue nodded. “Very happy.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled at Chu Qingyue, then turned to Sang Wanlu and said, “Wanlu, let’s go take a look at the tailor’s room.”

Sang Wanlu said, “Follow me.”

There was a door to the right of the shop. Inside was a wide room with a large table and some smaller tables. On the large table were various fabrics, a few rulers, scissors, threads of various colors, a box of embroidery needles, and some tools.

Sang Wanlu said, “Qingyue, from now on, you’ll be in charge of tailoring. The other tailors will listen to you.”

Chu Qingyue was slightly stunned. “Can… can I do it?”

“Second Sister, believe in yourself.” Chu Qingzhi encouraged her. Then, she turned around and asked Sang Wanlu, “Have you hired the tailors?”

Sang Wanlu nodded. “Yes, I’ve recruited three. They’re all girls, no men.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “I knew you could handle everything well.”

Sang Wanlu smiled. “Qingzhi, does Qingyue want to receive the salary? Or does she want a share of the shop instead?”

Chu Qingzhi understood what Sang Wanlu meant. They both received 50% of the profits now. If Chu Qingyue joined in, the ratio would change. “Let’s give her a salary. This way, it’ll be simpler.”

“Okay.” Sang Wanlu thought for a moment and said, “Then Qingyue, I’ll pay you ten taels of silver a month.”

Chu Qingzhi smiled. “Boss Sang, you’re generous.”

Chu Qingyue clenched her fists excitedly. Ten taels was an astronomical figure to her, and this was only the salary of a month.

After discussing some matters in the shop, Chu Qingzhi planned to leave.

“Second Sister, stay in the shop and familiarize yourself with it. In the evening, go and find Eldest Brother and the others. Go home with them. Don’t go back alone. It’s not safe.”

Chu Qingyue understood what Chu Qingzhi meant. “Fifth Sister, I understand.”

Chu Qingzhi walked to the entrance of the shop and waved at them. “I’m leaving.”

They stood at the door and watched her leave.

When Chu Qingzhi walked to the street, she glanced at Wang Peifang, who was secretly looking at her in the shop. In the future, she would let Wang Peifang know what despair was!

Wang Peifang accidentally met Chu Qingzhi’s gaze and immediately felt a chill run down her spine. Then, anger surged in her heart.

A refined middle-aged man in a green robe and a goatee was standing at the entrance of the Imperial College in the capital with his hands behind his back.

He raised his head slightly and looked at the imposing plaque of the Imperial College. A smug smile appeared on his face.

This time, he would make his senior brother admit defeat!

This refined middle-aged man was the dean of Yunfei School!

Just as he was thinking this, a middle-aged man in an official uniform with a square face and a righteous aura walked out of the Imperial College.

He smiled and said with a hint of superiority, “Junior Brother, why are you free to come to my place?”

A meaningful look appeared in the dean’s eyes. “Of course I have something good to show you.”

“Then please, Junior Brother.”

“Senior Brother, please.”

The two of them walked into the Imperial College together, each with their own thoughts.

Yunfei School was the number one private school, and the Imperial College was the number one public school. Be it the teachers or the facilities of the school, they were all top-notch. It was the place that all the students in the world yearned to enter the most.

The two schools had always been competing openly and secretly. On the surface, they were sworn enemies, but in private, no one knew that the two of them were close brothers.

This time, the dean of Yunfei School, Mu Chongli, had specially come to the capital to look for his senior brother, Cao Changkun, with the intention to show off. The first thing he wanted to show off was the puzzle “circle” that ordinary people could not solve. The second was the two poems by Chu Xuyuan and Chu Xuyao.

Yunfei School tought hisotry, but it also taught poems, books, lyrics, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

However, the Imperial College mainly nurtured political talents for the imperial court. They were much inferior in terms of poetry, books, lyrics, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Hence, they were always mocked by the students of Yunfei School in this aspect.

Cao Changkun brought Mu Chongli to his office. It was spacious and bright, with beautiful potted plants. There were also famous calligraphy paintings and antique vases. It looked like the study of a high-ranking official.

Mu Chongli walked into the office and said sarcastically, “Senior Brother, are you a teacher or a merchant? Why is your office full of these vulgar things?”

Cao Changkun was not to be outdone. “Junior Brother, I understand that it’s difficult to see these good things in your poor village. I know you’re jealous. How about this? You can choose whatever you like to take back home.”

Mu Chongli said matter-of-factly, “Alright, since you’re so generous, I won’t stand on ceremony. When I leave, I’ll pack everything up. It just so happens that my school lacks funds. I’ll be able to sell these for a lot more money.”

Cao Zhangkun’s expression stiffened. “Junior Brother, you have always been lofty. Why do you want these vulgar things?”

Mu Chongli glanced at Cao Changkun. “It’s for free. Only a fool will refuse to take it.”

Cao Changkun was speechless.

Then wouldn’t he, the person who asked him to take it, be a bigger fool?!

Chapter 70: Puer Tea

The two of them sat by the tea table by the window. Outside the window, there was a cluster of green bamboo, adding a bit of coolness to the hot summer day.

Cao Changkun personally made tea and served Mu Chongli. Although the two of them were competing and mocking each other, they were still considered confidants.

Cao Changkun poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of Mu Chongli. The fragrance of the tea was refreshing.

He poured himself another cup. “This is Dragon Well tea gifted to me by one of my students. Try it.”

Mu Chongli took a small sip. He gradually relaxed, but that didn’t stop him from being sarcastic. “Dragon Well tea is indeed not bad, but it’s still inferior to the Puer Tea that my student gave me.”

The harvesting time of the Puer Tea was two to three days before and after the Qingming Festival. At this time, the tea tree had just sprouted and needed the tea farmers to work overtime to pick the leaves in the next few days.

A catty of Puer Tea needed ten people to pick for a day. Moreover, the harvesting time of Puer Tea only lasted for two to three days.

As for the Dragon Well tea, the harvesting was longer.

The output of these two teas was not much, and they were rare high-grade teas. However, the output of Puer Tea was even scarcer than Dragon Well tea, so the former was more precious than the latter.

Cao Changkun was speechless.

“Then why didn’t you bring some Puer Tea over for me to try?”

Mu Chongli glanced at Cao Changkun. “You never lacked good things, so I thought you wouldn’t like it.”

Cao Changkun could not help but laugh. “Junior Brother, you are really stingy.”

Mu Chongli took another sip of tea. The taste was lingering and fragrant. It was good tea. “I can’t compare to you. You can give away everything in this room just like that. You’re rich!”

Cao Changkun changed the topic. “Junior Brother, you said that you want to show me something good. I wonder what it is?”

Mu Chongli mysteriously took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and handed it to Cao Changkun. He raised his chin and looked smug. “Take a look for yourself.”

Cao Changkun took the paper and quickly read the words on it.

After reading it, his eyes widened in shock. “This, this…”

Mu Chongli asked excitedly, “How is it? Is this answer fabulous?”

Mu Chongli and Cao Changkun were classmates of the late emperor. They had the same teacher. Five years ago, their teacher passed away before handing the question about the “circle” to the three of them. He asked them to figure out the answer and then burn it in front of his grave.

The late emperor passed away three years ago. Before he died, he still could not figure out the answer, so he handed the question to the current emperor.

It had been five years. The three of them had asked countless people, but no one could answer it. It was only when Chu Qingzhi appeared that this question was solved.

Cao Changkun said in disbelief, “Fabulous, absolutely fabulous. When our teacher finds out that this question is solved, he can rest in peace.”

Mu Chongli sighed. “Me too. This question has troubled me for five years. Look, my hair has turned white in the past five years.”

At this moment, the two of them finally reached a rare agreement.

Cao Changkun was extremely curious. “Junior Brother, who solved it?”

Mu Chongli kept him in suspense. “Don’t be anxious. Look at the two poems on the back first.”

Cao Zhangkun had given it a glance just now. Now that he heard his junior brother’s words, he re-read the poems. The more he read it, the more interested he became. The more he read, the more profound the poems got. They were good poems!

He said enviously, “Junior Brother, it seems that your school has produced many talents!”

The outstanding and dazzling girl appeared in Mu Chongli’s mind. He waved his hand. “She’s not from my school.”

Cao Changkun asked, “Then who is she?”

Mu Congli didn’t want his senior brother to poach Chu Qingzhi before him. “I’ll tell you in the future. Let’s enter the palace.”

Cao Changkun nagged. “Junior Brother, don’t change the topic. Tell me quickly.”

Mu Chongli snatched the paper back and walked out. “I’m not telling you. I’m leaving.”

Cao Changkun hurriedly caught up and said, “Junior Brother, you’re getting more and more shameless!”

Mu Chongli quickened his pace. “Whatever you say.”

Cao Changkun was speechless.

Shuiyun County.

In just a short period of time, the ice cream bar had already become popular in three counties. From 8o-year-olds to three-year-olds, they were all deeply captivated by it.

Especially Shuiyun County… This was also the county closest to Chu Village.

At noon, Fuyuan Restaurant put up a notice. “Today, we will offer a special treat. We will give groups of more than 10 people who come to our restaurant to eat a set of 12 zodiac ice cream bars for free. There are only 100 sets. First come, first served.”

This notice immediately attracted the attention of some people. When they asked around, they found out that it was true. The news spread quickly. Soon, more than half of the county knew.

The strategy of hunger marketing worked. Tables were quickly booked.

Shopkeeper Zhou was smiling as he calculated the profit for today.

He had made a killing.

Seeing that Shopkeeper Zhou was so happy, the shop assistant couldn’t help but ask, “Shopkeeper, the ice cream bars are given to the customers to eat for free. Moreover, it costs five hundred copper coins for every set. Why are you so happy?”

Shopkeeper Zhou glanced at the shop assistant. “That’s why I’m the shopkeeper and you are the shop assistant. Without offering the ice cream bars for free, do you think our tables will all be booked?”

The shop assistant scratched his head, still unable to understand. “But shopkeeper, can you be sure that they will all come to our restaurant?”

Shopkeeper Zhou said confidently, “Let me tell you, don’t underestimate people’s curiosity about new things. They will definitely come.”

He pointed at the account book. “In just a short while, there are already more than thirty tables booked. By noon, it will definitely exceed a hundred.”

The shop assistant glanced at the list of names and asked shamelessly, “Shopkeeper, you earned so much money. Can you give us a bonus?”

Shopkeeper Zhou looked up at the shop assistant. “Alright, I’ll increase your salary at the end of the month.”

The shop assistant was overjoyed. “Thank you, shopkeeper. Thank you, shopkeeper.”

Chu Xiaotang and the other three girls finished their job in the afternoon. After Shen Ruyue checked it, they could leave.

Chu Lanzhen hesitated for a moment and asked Shen Ruyue softly, “Sister Ruyue, where is Sister Qingzhi?”

Shen Ruyue locked the box and said, “She’s in the wasteland. She’s busy building a house.”

Chu Lanzhen thanked her. “Thank you, Sister Ruyue. I have something to say to

Sister Qingzhi.”

Shen Ruyue nodded. “Then go quickly..