Yuan Mengzhu laughed. Even though she knew the compliment was mere flattery, it genuinely made her happy.
"Lucky indeed to have Lady Xinxin," Cai Wenjuan said with a laugh, "She’s truly a bringer of good fortune." Glancing at Xun Hui beside her, she added, "And let’s not forget, it’s Xun Hui who has the knack for raising such fine children..."
"I’ve got to say, the more I’m around Ruxin, the more I like her. She’s just so endearing..." Feng Family’s matriarch nodded in agreement, "I, for one, wish I could bring the girl into our Gu Family sooner."
Beside them, Yang Ruxin frowned slightly. Was Auntie Feng asserting ownership? She couldn’t help but glance at Gu Qingheng next to her, but the man didn’t display much emotion, prompting her to let the matter slide.
However, once Yang Ruxin’s gaze shifted away, the corners of Gu Qingheng’s mouth subtly curled upward.
Shen Jiashi hesitated for a moment. She knew about the grudge between the Shen Family and Yang Ruxin. Shen Wanyin had told her that Baiwei Restaurant’s shopkeeper had been replaced because of her. Ma Zhong, who had been with the Shen Family for years, was now relegated to working on a farmstead. The master was surely holding a grudge since the Divine Sauce had allowed Quanshun Building to outperform Baiwei Restaurant in a mere two months. Although Ma Zhong was at fault, wasn’t that girl too proud? Yet, it seemed it might be difficult to act against her now.
But... as Shen Jiashi’s eyes fell on Gu Qingheng, a cold sneer formed in her heart. She had earlier thought Yang Ruxin had curried favor with Prince Ba, but now it seemed she was merely with a cripple. Considering the Fang Family’s involvement, they probably wouldn’t keep protecting her indefinitely. This suggested there might still be a chance to deal with her in the future.
Yang Ruxin had noticed every expression on Madam Shen’s face. She didn’t think the Shen Family would let her off easily. Ma Zhong had approached her before, but she turned him down again, and he hadn’t pestered her since, which was thanks to Qi Jingyi’s influence. However, since Qi Jingyi spent most of his time in Beijing and couldn’t guard her daily, they must hold some resentment, which would need an outlet, especially as the Divine Sauce grew increasingly popular. The Shen Family wouldn’t be able to resist getting involved.
Thus, Yang Ruxin knew the Shen Family harbored a strong animosity towards her.
Madam Shen’s visit today was merely to probe. Therefore, Yang Ruxin was grateful to Yuan Mengzhu and Cai Wenjuan. After all, local authority trumped distant power. Even if the head of the Shen Family held a high position in Beijing, the small Lianhua Town was under the local jurisdiction of Fang Dehua. If there truly was a legal issue with Baiwei Restaurant, even Shen Chief of Staff would hesitate to shield it openly.
So, for the moment, the Shen Family wouldn’t make any major moves.
Yuan Mengzhu also smiled, "I am grateful for this girl, too. Frankly, I only have one son, and sometimes, I do wish I had a daughter." She then took Xun Hui’s hand, "I genuinely envy you. Having a daughter is like having a little padded jacket close to the heart. Sister Xun, you are indeed blessed."
"Actually, if it weren’t for you, I would’ve considered taking an adopted daughter," Cai Wenjuan laughed heartily, "That way, I could shamelessly ask for Ruxin’s herbal teas... Oh, that reminds me," she suddenly recalled, "the last tea you prepared for me was fantastic. I’m not embarrassed to say I’m a bit heavy and snore at night, which often wakes me. But since drinking that tea for half a month, I’ve felt much better. I came here specifically to ask for more, so you can’t refuse me now..."