Blissful Days After Widowhood - Chapter 487

Aunt Ge was impressed by Chef Xu’s sincerity, remarking on how he insisted on bringing their belongings despite the inconvenience. She quickly poured water for them and asked Uncle Ge to retrieve watermelon from the well, urging everyone to enjoy it.

Though Chef Xu was accustomed to chores, the heat had taken a toll on him. Despite not feeling tired, his plump frame was drenched in sweat from the sun. Unlike the Ge family elders, he sat down, drank water, and caught his breath. “It’s not hard. These things may seem old, but they hold sentimental value. No amount of money can buy the memories they carry.”

The Ge family elders smiled and expressed their gratitude.

Seeing Chef Xu’s empty water bowl, Ge Zhu refilled it. Chef Xu then noticed another person in the room and quickly stood up to salute, “Is this the girl you found? I came in haste and didn’t bring any gifts to congratulate you.”

Ge Zhu smiled and responded, “Master Xu, don’t be polite. Helping my parents bring these items to Beijing is already the best gift.” The reserved cook didn’t linger in the main room, promptly heading to the yard to assist with drying the bedding.

Observing a seemingly strange woman in the house, Gu Yin decided to lend a hand and inquire.

Ge Zhu introduced her, saying, “This is Sister Jiang, a diligent worker I met during my early years in the army. She used to work at Duke Lu’s mansion, but now she’s free. With no other relatives, she only has a son who faced adversity. He suffered severe injuries in his early years, retired, and now works as a farmer in Shuiyun Village. Sister Jiang, feeling not too old, wanted to find a job in the city instead of relying on her son’s family in the village, so as not to burden them.”

Gu Yin appreciated the independence of a woman like Sister Jiang and suggested, “Why bother looking for a place? Join our restaurant; it’s better than heading to the village. Is Sister Jiang willing?”

Aunt Jiang promptly waved her hands and began, “Madam and I…” She then corrected herself, recalling that Ge Zhu was no longer the lady of the Duke, and adjusted her tone, saying, “My sister and I have an age difference of ten years, and given my status, I don’t dare to be your elder sister.”

Gu Yin smiled casually, “Sister Zhu and I are equals; it’s just a matter of addressing. Let’s focus on the work…”

Aunt Jiang displayed hesitation and stammered, “Though I may be of little use, I can cook. I should be grateful for your willingness to give me work, and I dare not refuse. It’s just that I have some issues, and it’s not easy for me to be in front of people, so I can only live up to your kindness.”

Gu Yin inquired naturally, “Are you concerned about potential embarrassment from the people of Duke Lu’s Mansion?”

Aunt Jiang hesitated, seemingly unable to elaborate. Gu Yin, sensing her discomfort, refrained from pressing further.

Later, after Gu Yin, Wu Qingyi, and the others departed, and no one was there, Ge Zhu inquired Aunt Jiang about the issue. Naturally, Aunt Jiang did not withhold any details and explained the task Feng Yu had entrusted her with.

Ge Zhu hesitated but ultimately decided to make a visit to ‘Food of Heaven’ that day.

When Ge Zhu arrived, Gu Yin was giving Chef Xu, Zhen Ban, and Cai Dao a tour of her restaurant. The trio was astonished; they hadn’t anticipated that the new restaurant with thriving business would be of such a scale.

The first and second floors were overseen by Manager Zhou and two chefs, while the third floor was managed by Ge Zhu, Da Sun, Wei Sanniang, and others.

Gu Yin, content with the existing arrangement, assigned Chef Xu and his two disciples to manage the specialty snack store on the fourth floor. Although Chef Xu’s culinary skills were average, his past travels and experiences allowed him to shine in the specialized dining area on the fourth floor.

Observing that the three were fatigued from their journey, Gu Yin briefed them on the situation and instructed Manager Zhou to lead them to the staff dormitory for some rest.

As she was about to return, Ge Zhu approached her. Gu Yin, curious about the reason for Ge Zhu’s presence during her break, received a brief explanation. Ge Zhu added, “The two children handled this on their own, and I’m not sure if you’re aware, so I thought I should inform you. If you already knew, please forgive me for mentioning it.”

Gu Yin was unaware of Aunt Jiang’s situation, so Ge Zhu made a special effort to update her. As expected, Gu Yin expressed gratitude and urged Ge Zhu to return and rest. Subsequently, she got into the carriage with Wu Qingyi, heading back to the house thoughtfully.

In the carriage, Gu Yin’s expression was not as cheerful as it had been earlier in the day; her brows furrowed slightly as she pondered. Wu Qingyi, sensing her contemplation, chose not to disturb her and quietly closed his eyes to rest.

It wasn’t until the carriage came to a halt at the mansion’s gate that Gu Yin apologized, “I am sorry I was distracted. Are you tired?”

Wu Qingyi smiled nonchalantly, exited the carriage first, and extended his hand to help her down. “I’ve been busy with my wife, and my wife has elevated my status. Now that my wife is so rich, if I don’t behave well, wouldn’t I be a scoundrel?” He remarked playfully.

Upon hearing the sincere words Chef Xu had shared with Gu Yin earlier, his demeanor softened, and he smiled. Nodding with feigned arrogance, Gu Yin said, “That’s not it. You, poor brat, did very well today, and Madam is very satisfied.”

Wu Qingyi responded obediently, slightly bending his back, adopting the posture of the most attentive servant. He supported Gu Yin’s hand and escorted her back to the yard.

Having free time for the rest of the day, he continuously hovered around Gu Yin, offering tea and water like the most devoted attendant. Gu Yin insisted he not be too busy, but he embraced the role of the “worshipful husband”.

Throughout the afternoon, Wu Qingyi’s attentive gestures and efforts to please Gu Yin succeeded to the point that her cheeks hurt from laughter.

Despite occasionally displaying a cunning and mysterious side, Wu Qingyi was rarely as humorous as he was that day. Sensing that Gu Yin was in a low mood, he made an effort to bring joy to her.

Later in the evening, Gu Ye returned home. Hearing laughter emanating from Gu Yin’s room, he changed his clothes and inquired, “Why is Mother so happy today?”

Gu Yin gestured towards Wu Qingyi, saying, “It’s not your uncle. Xiao Xu misunderstood, thinking I considered him a scoundrel. He privately advised me not to treat him badly, and he’s been teasing me about it since.”

“Master Xu is quite clumsy,” Gu Ye chuckled. “Mother and Uncle seem to be getting along even better lately.”

At that moment, Wu Qingyi stood up and announced, “I’ll go help her mom prepare the meal.”

After he left, the smile on Gu Ye’s face faded, and he earnestly asked, “What happened today?”

It was evident to him that his uncle wouldn’t have left them alone if there wasn’t something important for his mother to share with him.