"It’s true, the medicinal tea really did alleviate my migraine..." Yuan Mengzhu also nodded, "All those ladies you gave the tea to have been inquiring about it, but I didn’t agree to anything immediately, as I need your approval... Of course, we can’t just give away the medicinal tea for free..."
"No problem." Yang Ruxin nodded.
"By the way, Mengzhu, how is it going with the proposal to recognize a goddaughter? If you’re not keen, I can certainly bring it up," teased Cai Wenjuan, poking her sister-in-law, "I’ve actually been thinking about this for a while."
"I just wonder if I’m fortunate enough for that?" Initially, Yuan Meng Zhu hadn’t considered this, but now, with her sister-in-law’s suggestion, she was suddenly interested. "This girl has real talent, and just being known as Dao Xuzi’s apprentice is enough to attract countless suitors. If our family backs her, those with ulterior motives will have to think twice. This could be a way of returning the favor." She quickly agreed, but with great humility, "In my life, I’m only blessed with Zeze. If Ruxin would call me ’Godmother,’ then..." Then she turned to Xun Hui, "Sister Xun, would you be willing to part with her?"
Shen Jiashi was even more shocked. She felt restless, wanting to rush home to discuss the matter with Shen Wanyin, as it seemed like previous plans might have to change.
"I..." Xun Hui was even more at a loss. She felt her daughter was in luck—if she agreed, her daughter would become the goddaughter of the county magistrate’s family. But she knew she couldn’t make this decision herself and could only look toward Yang Ruxin.
Yang Ruxin’s brows furrowed slightly. She hadn’t expected the atmosphere to change so suddenly. Weren’t they here to celebrate the shop’s opening? How had the topic suddenly shifted to recognizing a godparent? Just then, she felt someone gently take her hand. She turned to look at Gu Qingheng and saw him nodding slightly.
Was this his way of suggesting that she should agree to recognize Yuan Mengzhu as a godmother?
Yuan Mengzhu’s face showed a hint of embarrassment due to Yang Ruxin’s silence.
"Madam Fang," Yang Ruxin finally spoke up, taking a step forward to take her arm, "I was just a little overwhelmed by the honor. After all, I come from a simple village..."
"Does that mean you agree?" Cai Wenjuan laughed, "Forget this village girl stuff, don’t sell yourself short. And it’s not ’Madam Fang’ anymore, but ’Godmother’."
"No," before Yang Ruxin could open her mouth, Yuan Mengzhu raised her hand to stop her.
Everyone was taken aback.
"We can’t be hasty about recognizing kin. Just calling me ’Godmother’ now would be preemptive, and injustice to Xinxin," Yuan Mengzhu patted Yang Ruxin’s hand, "I need to go back and choose an auspicious day with them—father and son..." Looking at Yang Ruxin, she added, "Once we settle on a date, I’ll send someone to bring you over."
So, just as the group had come in a flurry, they now left in one as well.
Those who were unaware of the situation were completely puzzled, while those who had been in the shop knew exactly what was happening and their view of Yang Ruxin changed. However, everyone present knew better than to linger; they took the pancakes and donuts prepared by Yang Ruxin as their return gifts and left.
The shop quickly quieted down, and everyone let out a sigh of relief.
"Miss Yang," just then, a delicate voice came through, followed by the sight of a woman in a pale yellow dress making her graceful way inside, giving Yang Ruxin a slight nod, "My name is Shen Yilan, I just sent my maid Chun Tao to buy your pancakes and pork-stuffed buns, but I’m feeling a bit parched..."