Chapter 161 - 161: Making Things Clear

Translator: 549690339

No matter if his features are examined individually or collectively, they are utterly perfect, but the most striking part of him are his eyes. Neither too large nor too small, they did not possess the seductive allure of phoenix or peach blossom eyes, but the pupils were black and, under the March sunlight his eyes held her reflection within them.

This pair of eyes were crystal clear; they held no traces of insidiousness.

Added to his tall and straight physique, even coarse hemp clothing couldn’t undermine his distinctive charm.

He really didn’t strike her as someone who would sell formulas illicitly.

However, this was just Qiao Xiaomai’s personal judgment. In this day and age, outward appearances mean little. Often, beneath the facade of humanity, lurk those who would commit monstrous deeds. After all, the heart is hidden behind a wall of flesh, who could really perceive the thoughts of another?

With a slight raise of her eyebrows, Qiao Xiaomai opened her mouth to speak, “It’s just some bean sprouts, Brother Tong, your gift is too generous.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Not at all. The small river fish and snails were caught from the river, the sheep’s milk comes from my own sheep, and while the pig’s heart was bought, they’ll serve it at grandfather’s birthday banquet. So, you could consider this as early practice,” Tong Tiehu explained reasonably.

Qiao Xiaomai curved her lips into a smile that lacked sincerity, “Then, 1 thank you, Brother Tong.”

“No need. However, about your suggestion yesterday, asking my grandfather to help promote your bean sprouts, I’m afraid it won’t work these few days,” Tong Tiehu began.

“Why?” Qiao Xiaomai asked.

Tong Tiehu gestured towards the tofu skin drying in the courtyard, “With this over here, are you sure you still want to sell bean sprouts?”

Hearing this, the smile on Qiao Xiaomai’s face slightly receded.

She hadn’t brought it up yet, so why did Tong Tiehu take the initiative to mention it? What was he suggesting?

Was this merely a candid observation, or was he attempting to blackmail her?

“What do you mean by that, Brother Tong?” she asked.

“I’m just reminding you to concentrate on making tofu skin, lest someone else learns your technique. As for the bean sprouts, just send them to the two restaurants in town; you don’t need to sell them in the village. Shut your doors and focus on making tofu skin.”

Tong Tiehu’s gaze paused momentarily on Qiao Xiaomai’s face. Seeing the smile receded and a trace of wariness flickering in her eyes, he couldn’t help but add, “Making tofu skin is quite simple; easy to learn just by observing. So Miss, you’d better be cautious.”

“As for me, rest assured, I, Tong Tiehu, wouldn’t ever stoop to such an action.”

He may have voiced it this way, but he felt somewhat suffocated.

Yesterday’s bad feeling had not yet fully dissipated, now it was back again.

Did he, Tong Tiehu, look like the kind of despicable person who would sell secrets?

He always considered himself to be a person of integrity.

Qiao Xiaomai’s expression truly hurt him.

Unaware of what Tong Tiehu was thinking, Qiao Xiaomai stared at him for a few moments.

Should she trust Tong Tiehu’s words?

If she didn’t believe him, she had no power to prevent his intended actions anyway.

If she chose to believe him…

Despite all the times Tong Tiehu and his grandfather had helped her, she had never really fully trusted them.

She cast a friendly smile, dimples showing, “I’ve misunderstood you, Brother Tong.”

Since Tong Tiehu was candid, all she could do was respond similarly.

“No worries, I understand. We also conduct business in our family; and are aware of the taboos in this area.” Despite feeling suffocated, Tong Tiehu managed not to reveal it on his face.

“However, it’s my mistake. I owe you an apology. I hope you’ll overlook it.” Qiao Xiaomai’s smile on her face grew sweeter.

“No need,” Tong Tiehu shook his head.

“To make up for that, I’ll make you some dessert,” Qiao Xiaomai offered, her gaze resting on the pot of sheep’s milk..