Chapter 643: Chapter 580: The Shop is Booming_Part 1 Chapter 643: Chapter 580: The Shop is Booming_Part 1 “Sun Changze!”

With the assistance of Wang Manman, Daohua made her way to the front courtyard, where at the moment, Yan Wenxiu was seated in the living room, conversing with Sun Changze.

Upon seeing Daohua limp in, Yan Wenxiu quickly stepped forward to help her sit down, “Take it slow, don’t sprain your ankle again.”

Daohua said nonchalantly, “I’m being careful.” Noticing Sun Changze’s puzzled look, she explained, “I sprained it a few days ago while gathering herbs.”

Sun Changze laughed, “A sprained ankle needs to be well taken care of, otherwise it’s hard to heal. Miss Yan, you should listen to Master Yan.” Knowing that Daohua was anxious about the foreign things, he then smiled and accepted a bag from the hands of his clan brother behind him.

“I wandered around the market where foreigners often go for several days and found this foreign food. I’m not sure if it is what Miss Yan you were looking for?”

Seeing the contents of the bag, Daohua’s face lit up with joy, and she nodded eagerly, “This is what I was looking for.”

Yan Wenxiu leaned in for a look, “What is this?”

Daohua explained, “I’ve read about it in travel accounts about foreign customs and practices–these are potatoes, which can be used as a staple food and also as a dish.”

Hearing this, Sun Changze immediately laughed, “No wonder I always saw those foreigners eating this.” Looking at the bag, he continued, “The foreigners wanted to keep some for themselves to eat, so I only bought a small bag. I don’t know if it’s enough? If it’s not, I’ll have my people bring more the next time they go north.”

Daohua shook her head, “No need, with what you’ve brought back for planting, I’ll be able to grow countless ones next year.” After having Wang Manman store away the potatoes, she continued to discuss Sun Changze’s experiences in the north with him.

Sun Changze had been following his father between the north and south since he was young. He knew about various famous landscapes, customs, and practices from all around. Not only was Daohua yearning for the outside world he described, but even Yan Wenxiu was mesmerized by his tales.

It wasn’t until evening that Yan Wenxiu invited him to stay for dinner before he took his leave.

That night, when paying respects to the old lady, Yan Wenxiu said to Daohua, “This Sun Changze, though uneducated and somewhat rough around the edges, is quite insightful and has a charismatic personality.”

Daohua laughed, “He’s not just insightful but also very loyal. The last time Yuan Yao and I were kidnapped, he saw what happened and risked his life to save us.” Her tone could hardly conceal her admiration.

Yan Wenxiu laughed, “In the past, my contacts were all orthodox scholars, and I held some prejudices against the illiterate. Having met Sun Changze, I now deeply feel my own ignorance, realizing that even without formal education, one can still be knowledgeable and virtuous. They say that traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books. It seems I should make more friends like Sun Changze in the future.”

He paused for a moment.

“By the way, Yuan Xuan and the others will be coming over on the fourth day of the month.”

Daohua was momentarily taken aback, then replied happily, “Is Yuan Yao also coming?”

Yan Wenxiu nodded, “She’s coming, and Uncle Dong and Aunt Dong will also come.” Seeing Daohua’s surprised face, he explained with a smile, “This is Uncle Dong’s last year serving as the Provincial Governor of Zhongzhou. Before returning to Beijing, he wants to take in more of Zhongzhou’s landscape.”

Hearing this, Daohua’s mood turned somber, “This year Jingwan went to Beijing. I wonder if she will ever come back? Next year Yuan Yao will also leave.”

Yan Wenxiu laughed it off, “Once they are in Beijing, we might also have the chance to go there someday. Even if we can’t, there will always be opportunities to see each other again.”

Daohua nodded listlessly.

…

Beijing.

During the Dragon Boat Festival, every household was preparing festival gifts to maintain relationships with friends and acquaintances, especially the noble families, who were even more meticulous. Some who were concerned about their reputation even imbued their gifts with a sense of competition.

At this juncture, the Four Seasons Fruits and Vegetables Shop suddenly became a hit.

The reason was none other than the shop’s newly arrived batch of early-ripened watermelons of the year.

Early-ripened watermelons were not uncommon in Beijing, but the Four Seasons Fruits and Vegetables Shop made a name for itself so quickly because of two reasons. First, the watermelons sold were genuinely good, juicy, delicious, with an enticing fruity aroma. Just looking at the watermelon halved in front of the shop was enough to make mouths water.

And second, there was its purchase limit policy, which made the dignitaries who wanted to buy watermelons as festival gifts itch with frustration. Some who were used to being overbearing even tried to use their influence to get their way, but the shop’s butler was unfazed, boldly declaring, “Everything our shop sells is produced by Four Seasons Manor on Tangyu Mountain. If anyone wants to cause trouble, they would do well to inquire properly before coming.”