Chapter 746: Can’t Change Your Mind

Translator: Henyee Translations | Editor: Henyee Translations

With the shifting dynamics of status between the two families, Wu Yan worriedly said, “Their family is so well-off, do you think they’ll accept you?”

Previously, sister-in-law was concerned that their family wasn’t good enough for him, but after meeting once, she worried if they would even consider him, leaving Jiang Zhaoyong speechless.

Jiang Zhaoyong reassured, “Qingning isn’t like that. Her family is very kind. You’ll see when you visit their village.”

Nodding, Wu Yan agreed, “Alright, we’ll prepare the betrothal gifts according to the list you have. We’ve saved the money you sent home over the years, so arranging the betrothal gifts won’t be an issue.”

Jiang Zhaoyong felt touched, “Thankyou, sister-in-law.”

Wu Yan, always grateful, remembered how generous Jiang Zhaoyong had been with his earnings since becoming the top martial scholar, “What are you thanking me for? We’re family. Now that you’re getting married, your brother and I are very happy. Just make sure to treat Qingning well.”

Jiang Zhaoyong truly liked Chu Qingning, “Even without you saying, I would.”

Pleased, Wu Yan said, “Go get the carriage. Your brother and I will choose a good date, then we’ll officially propose.”

Jiang Zhaoyong agreed, “I’ll do as you say.”

In the Chu Village.

Upon returning home, Chu Qingning expressed her concerns, “Dad, Mom, what do you think of Zhaoyong’s family?”

Li Qingyu found them to be reasonable people, easy to get along with.

Chu Rong noticed something different, mentioning, “Their kids are well- behaved, polite in addressing others and during meals. They seem nice.”

Li Qingyu reasoned, “The children’s manners often reflect their parents’. If the kids are alright, the parents can’t be far off.”

“That’s good.” Chu Qingning felt somewhat reassured, “Dad, Mom, I’ll go change clothes and then prepare some medicines.”

Li Qingyu encouraged her, “Go ahead, don’t delay your work.”

At Yunfei School.

At the back door, Wu Yaqing waved at Song Qingyuan with a smile, “Over here.”

Seeing the cheerful and cute girl, Song Qingyuan, usually a bit serious, couldn’t help but smile and quickened his pace towards Wu Yaqing, “Have you decided where we’re going to eat?”

Wu Yaqing blinked, “I’m inviting you, so you should choose the place.”

Song Qingyuan smiled softly, “As a man, it wouldn’t be gentlemanly to let a lady pay. Let me treat you.”

Wu Yaqing insisted, smiling brightly, “We agreed I’m paying, no changing plans.”

After some thought, Song Qingyuan suggested, “How about we go for fish skin dumplings?”

“Fish skin dumplings?” Wu Yaqing licked her lips, her gesture exuding cuteness, “Are they delicious?”

“You’ll know once you try.”

“Then let’s go.”

Arriving at a small shop with a sign for fish skin dumplings, somewhat old indicating its long history, the shop was bustling, with many people opting for takeout, making it the busiest on the street.

Seeing Wu Yaqing’s interest, Song Qingyuan mentioned, “This shop has been here since Yunfei School was established. The taste is exquisite, and it’s always been very successful.”

“I’ll have to try it then,” Wu Yaqing entered first.

A table just became available, and they sat down, ordered food, and continued chatting, eventually talking about Wu Yaqing’s bookstore.

“Yaqing, what made you decide to open a bookstore there?”

“It’s because it’s rare,” Wu Yaqing said with a smile, then inquired, “Are you worried my business won’t do well?”

Song Qingyuan tactfully said, “I believe that reading is a noble pursuit, and the environment at the back door isn’t very conducive. Opening a bookstore there might affect its perception.”

Wu Yaqing cleared her throat and spoke earnestly, “I think your view is mistaken. Firstly, serious reading is the same anywhere, and secondly, a bookstore is simply a place to sell books, essentially a business like any other, no different.”

She pointed to her head, “The difference is made here, unrelated to the act of reading itself.”

Song Qingyuan found Wu Yaqing’s words somewhat persuasive, and with the arrival of the dumplings, he shifted the topic, “Try the dumplings.”

Wu Yaqingnodded, “Okay.”

After the meal, Song Qingyuan told Wu Yaqing, “Many from the school plan to visit when you open. I wish you success.”

Wu Yaqing smiled playfully, exuding confidence, “You’ll definitely like it.”

Curious about her confidence, Song Qingyuan also expressed interest, “I’ll come too, to support you.”

Wu Yaqing welcomed him, “Great, I’ll be waiting.”

The two parted ways afterwards, one heading back to the shop and the other to the school.

In the Chu Village.

Several young girls ran towards Chu Qingyan’s house, shouting from the yard, “Qingyan, Qingyan…”

Chu Qingyan, who was preparing medicines, ran out in response, “What’s up?”

Chu Xiaofeng gestured for her to come down, “Can you come here?”

“Just a moment,” Chu Qingyan turned and dashed downstairs, then halfway, she ran back, leaping from the balcony straight down.

This scene stunned the group of friends.

Chu Qingyan dusted off her hands, proudly asking, “How was that? Did I look like a little swallow?”

Chu Xiaofeng looked at her admiringly, “Did you learn martial arts like your fifth sister?”

“Yes, I’ve learned to ‘fly’ awhile ago. I just wanted to show you,” Chu Qingyan always loved to show off and had been waiting for a chance to impress her friends.

“That’s so cool, I wish we could be as skilled as you.”

“Qingyan, can you teach us?”

“Qingyan, we want to fly too.”

Chu Qingyan apologetically said, “I can’t teach, and martial arts require a formal apprenticeship. But maybe when I’m better, I can take you flying. How’s that?”

Without a better option, they all agreed.

Chu Qingyan quickly changed the subject, “So, what did you come for?”

Chu Xiaofeng asked, “Do you have any medicine that makes people whiter?”

Chu Qingyan was puzzled, “What do you mean?”

Chu Xiaofeng explained, “The landlord’s daughter in the next village is very dark-skinned. She promised a reward of one hundred copper coins to anyone who can make her skin whiter. We immediately thought of you.”

“To become whiter?” Chu Qingyan shook her head, “I don’t know how to make such a medicine, but I can ask my fifth sister.”

Chu Xiaofeng urged, “Then ask her quickly. The landlord’s daughter is wealthy, and if you can make it, you could earn a lot.”

Chu Qingyan pondered, “You have a point. I’ll ask her when she returns.”

Chu Xiaofeng reminded her, “Hurry, we need to go back to work.”

Chu Qingyan thanked them, “Thanks a lot.”

“It’s no trouble, we’re off.” The group of young girls quickly dispersed.