Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 556: Chapter 558: Classmate Second Brother Returns Again

Bai Zepei glanced apologetically at his family. Once again, he had brought back a group of classmates without giving anyone a heads up, inadvertently inconveniencing his family.

Lin Ping’er was welcoming of Bai Zepei’s classmates coming to visit, hoping Zepei would make more friends. But the fact that Du Zhongshu was among them made her feel less inclined.

They had initially agreed not to allow Du Zhongshu in the house, but now that Zepei had brought all his classmates along, it seemed unfair to single Du Zhongshu out. How could they even use the excuse they had agreed upon in front of all these people?

The other issue was narrow-minded Fu Shengqing. The Bai family knew he had a habit of picking fights with Zepei, intentionally or otherwise. While they didn’t exactly welcome him, they had to maintain appearances, much like with Du Zhongshu.

Bai Ruozhu caught the situation at a glance and hastily gave her mother a look. She then smiled and said, ”Second brother has brought his classmates here, let’s quickly find seats in the main hall.”

Qin Kaichang, speaking up this time, handed two paper-wrapped packages to Lin Ping’er. ”Auntie Bai, these are winter melon strips and white melon seeds my mother made at home. They aren’t worth much but we’re approaching the New Year and I thought you might like to taste them,” he said.

Bai Zepei added, ”Brother Qin brought these to the academy for me, and Brother Fu suggested he deliver them to mom personally. Plus, it gives us a chance to reunite before the New Year.”

With embarrassment, Qin Kaichang said, ”That’s why I’m bothering you again.”

Lin Ping’er accepted the gifts with a smile. ”You’re being too polite, hurry and make yourself at home. I appreciate these gifts, and please thank your mother on my behalf.”

The others promptly followed suit and gifted their offerings. Lin Ping’er couldn’t handle them all, and since Bai Ruozhu was holding a child, Fang Guizhi stepped in to help, taking the gifts into the kitchen.

Bai Ruozhu took a closer look at the gifts: Qin Kaichang’s were homemade, while the others were likely purchased last-minute in the city, probably out of fear of appearing empty-handed. Du Zhongshu and Fu Shengqing’s gifts cost the most: Du Zhongshu brought a box of high-quality tea leaves and Fu Shengqing a ginseng root.

Good thing the ginseng wasn’t thick nor very old; otherwise, Ruozhu wouldn’t have dared let her mother accept it.

Observing the situation, Bai Ruozhu surmised what had happened. Probably, after having dinner at the Bai’s once, Qin Kaichang might have felt guilty so decided to bring over some gifts as the New Year approached.

When Qin gave his gifts to Zepei, Fu Shengqing must have been present and probably suggested they all go together and bring gifts. He, being wealthy, bought an expensive ginseng root to show off.

Bai Ruozhu rolled her eyes inwardly. After all, Zepei’s classmates and the saying goes ’no harm in staying away from petty people’. Still, they had to keep up appearances with such people.

While Bai Zepei was engaged in conversation with them in the main hall, Bai Ruozhu asked Fang Guizhi to serve the tea set, intending that her brother would brew the tea. To her surprise, Zepei said, ”We can do that some other day. I feel a bit irritable. I’d like to have the herbal tea my little sister prepares.”

”Yes, that herbal tea is good. I’d like to have the herbal tea too,” added Zhu Kaifu, who was slightly frail.

The others agreed, Fu Shengqing included, with no further complaints. Fang Guizhi collected the tea set and went to learn from Bai Ruozhu.

Hearing this in the kitchen, Bai Ruozhu and Fang Guizhi each prepared a cup of herbal tea for everyone, which Fang Guizhi then served.

Back in the kitchen, Bai Ruozhu busied herself with the meal preparations. When Lin Ping’er came in holding Dengdeng and asking if she needed any additional ingredients, Bai Ruozhu made her leave, saying, ”Mom, don’t worry about it. Be careful not to expose my son to smoke.”

Left without a choice, a bemused Lin Ping’er carried Dengdeng out but didn’t go into the main hall due to her dislike for Du Zhongshu. Instead, she went to Bai Ruozhu’s room to put the child to sleep.

When it was time to eat, Bai Ruozhu and Fang Guizhi served the dishes one by one. This time, Fu Shengqing didn’t pick any faults, nor did he display any disdain. Bai Ruozhu was surprised, wondering if Fu had changed his perspective.

Not holding any grudges against anyone, why bother with past problems, Bai Ruozhu thought.

As she and Guizhi were serving soups and rice, Du Zhongshu, for some reason, slid his fingertips across hers when receiving his share. She was a little upset but didn’t show it. But, glancing at Du Zhongshu, she saw his face flush slightly.

”Miss Bai is truly talented. Zepei, having such a capable sister makes me envious,” Fu Shengqing exclaimed out of the blue. Bai Ruozhu was taken aback, and even Bai Zepei was a little surprised.

Bai Ruozhu couldn’t ignore a guest. Forcing politeness, she replied, ”You flatter me, Master Fu. These are nothing more than home-cooked dishes and hardly worthy of such high praise.”

”I wish I could enjoy them so often. Sadly, I’m not that fortunate,” Fu Shengqing said with a loud laugh, which seemed forced, especially given no one else laughed.

Unfazed, he turned to Bai Zepei and asked, ”I heard about Miss Bai’s circumstances. I wonder if she is considering remarrying?”

At his words, Bai Zepei’s expression cooled, and Bai Ruozhu’s smile fell.

Sensing the awkwardness, Qin Kaichang quickly intervened. ”Brother Fu, you better start eating soon. It’s not as good once it gets cold,” he said.

Bai Zepei couldn’t help but cast a glance at Du Zhongshu, suspecting Fu Shengqing was trying to act as a matchmaker for the pair. Du Zhongshu at this moment was staring at Bai Ruozhu with a somewhat bewildered look.

Bai Ruozhu gracefully bowed to Fu Shengqing and said, ”They say first marriage is for family and remarriage for oneself, but I have no such plans. Moreover, my family can support me just fine without your concern, Master Fu.”

Fu Shengqing’s eyes narrowed and his demeanor turned colder. It took Wang Junzhi’s lighter words to break the tense atmosphere. ”My wife isn’t very skilled in the kitchen. I’d love it if she had a chance to learn from Miss Bai someday.”

Knowing it was just a polite request, Bai Ruozhu graciously accepted. Once she had bowed to all the guests, she said she was going to eat and left them.

Fu Shengqing’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, all the while lost in thought.

Back in the kitchen, Fang Guizhi quietly spat in disgust. ”That Fu Shengqing is so annoying,” she grumbled.

Bai Ruozhu made a shushing gesture at her, then lent an ear to the ongoing conversation in the main hall.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the meal. Since they had no afternoon classes, they shared a few drinks. Fu Shengqing, who lacked tolerance for alcohol, was soon slightly inebriated. He clapped Qin Kaichang on the shoulder and said, ”Kaichang, if you have nowhere to stay over the New Year, you should come over to my place. It’ll be better than serving as a waiter at the restaurant. After all, you are a student at the Beiyu Study Academy... don’t you think serving at a restaurant is a little beneath you?”

Qin Kaichang coughed awkwardly and replied, ”Thank you for your concern, Brother Fu. But I wouldn’t want to impose during the New Year. The restaurant provides board and lodging, allowing me to save some money for everyday expenses the following year. I see it as a blessing.”

Bai Ruozhu recognized the situation: Qin Kaichang was equivalent to a modern-day student working part-time while studying. She found nothing wrong with it. Earning money through one’s own skills was nothing to be ashamed of, she thought.