"Next time you come, don’t bring anything with you. I really don’t lack for anything," Du Chang said, his face creasing into a smile as he saw the Xu siblings arrive.
"Master, I know you don’t lack for anything, but this is just a small token from us. You mustn’t look down on it," Xu Nian’an said humbly and respectfully. Du Chang was highly skilled in medicine, and Xu Nian’an truly admired him. At first, he merely wanted to avoid being helpless in case of family illnesses, but after seeing quite a few patients, Xu Nian’an began to think about using his medical skills to reduce the suffering of more people.
"Very well, very well," Du Chang said with a chuckle. "I won’t look down on it. Ling Dong, take this away for me."
Turning his head towards Ling Dong at his side, Du Chang instructed him to cook, only then did he turn to Xu Nianhua and say, "Girl, you look so beautiful in that red dress."
The bright red color made Xu Nianhua’s skin appear white as jade, her eyes sparkling and seemingly capable of speaking.
No matter how Du Chang looked at her, he was extremely pleased with Xu Nianhua. He felt that both her appearance and conduct were particularly well suited for Pei Yicheng.
After giving her the New Year’s money, Du Chang began thinking about how to create an opportunity for Xu Nianhua and Pei Yicheng to be alone when someone came to see him for treatment.
"Nian’an, help carry these things. We’re going," Du Chang said without any further explanation as he dragged Xu Nian’an outside. He then said, "Girl, stay here and have lunch at home. You absolutely must not leave."
In the living room, only Xu Nianhua and Pei Yicheng were left.
"How is your trip to Xi Province coming along?" Xu Nianhua asked with concern.
Feeling the concern in her eyes, he pressed his lips together and replied, "Everything’s arranged. I’ll be leaving after the Lantern Festival."
"The sun is nice outside. Why don’t we go to the backyard to soak up some sun?" Pei Yicheng suggested, as he wheeled his chair towards the backyard. It was a warm time for the sun, and with some snacks, it felt very pleasant.
Xu Nianhua voluntarily took over the task of pushing Pei Yicheng’s wheelchair. Ling Dong came out of the kitchen, skilfully cut up some fruits, brought out some pastries, and then went back to work in the kitchen.
The previously lush persimmon tree had become bare after the winter; spring growth had not yet begun.
In the autumn, when the persimmons ripened, Pei Yicheng and Du Chang had sent plenty to the Xu family. The persimmons were small but incredibly sweet and delicious.
"Grandpa Du’s persimmon tree is growing really well. Next year it’s sure to bear lots of fruit," Xu Nianhua said, swallowing saliva at the thought of the sweet persimmons.
"Don’t worry, I’ll send the persimmons to Ningbei next year."
Looking at her swallowing saliva, Pei Yicheng found her incredibly cute. Her eyes, eagerly fixed on the persimmon tree, seemed to be filled with light. He offered her an orange, saying, "This orange is also very sweet."
Xu Nianhua didn’t refuse. While peeling the orange, she chatted with him about the future development direction of the food factory and the furniture factory matters.
"Uncle Xu setting up a furniture factory is an excellent idea," Pei Yicheng praised.
No matter how empty the Xu Family’s house seemed now, living in an old home with barely anything to their name, the children of the Xu Family were each outstanding in their own right. Both Xu Qinghe and Ji Ying were making great efforts.
Ji Ying managed the food factory very efficiently, and Xu Qinghe’s craftsmanship, which Pei Yicheng had seen personally, was exquisite. The cabinets at his home were made by Xu Qinghe. They were meticulously crafted, filled with his personal touch, and very practical.
In time, he was sure that this furniture factory Xu Qinghe had set up would be profitable and gain the approval of many more people.