Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 172 - 171: Kitchen Manager

Chapter 172: Chapter 171: Kitchen Manager

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Seeing the old lady give instructions to Chen Aman, Chen Afu chuckled to herself. The old lady was really sharp. She understood that those who associate with the good will become good; conversely, those who associate with the bad will become bad too. She knew it was easier to communicate among girls of the same age. This caring grandmother did everything for the welfare of her granddaughter. Even for a granddaughter with no blood relationship with her, though she couldn’t favor her as much as her own grandchildren, she still helped when she could. She would never conceive of selling the girl for underhanded profits.

Compared to this, the old lady’s kindness became even more evident.

Chen Afu chuckled and said, "Aman can bring Grandma over to visit my place whenever she’s free. I’ll be on vacation the day after tomorrow. I won’t return back to work at Tang Garden until the tenth day of the first lunar month. When you visit, I’ll prepare some of Grandma’s favourite dishes."

On hearing this, the old woman’s face crinkles with joy. She and Chen Ye had already picked up from Chen Ming’s words that this granddaughter of theirs, even though she knew who her biological father was, would not chase after riches and privilege. Instead, she chose to stay in this poor house.

However, considering the Zhao family’s treatment of Afu, there was no way she could return to that home. Going back would only result in more hardships.

The old lady laughed, "Good, Grandma knows that Afu is a sentimental good girl. Our family doesn’t have much wealth, but we all help each other. " Lowering her voice slightly, she continued, "Even though your Aunt is somewhat greedy and foolish, and Aju has a bad temper and lacks understanding, they would never do something truly evil or wicked. Life here isn’t glamorous, but it’s peaceful. Your mom and you landed up in our humble home and have suffered some grievances, but we would never let you endure great hardships, we’d never permit that."

Listening to this, Chen Afu was somewhat moved, she grasped the old woman’s sleeve and said, "Thank you, Grandma, I appreciate the shelter this family has provided me. I can’t bear to... "

Chen Aman stood beside them, giggling foolishly, "What is Grandma and Afu sister talking about? Why can’t I understand some of it?"

Her words made both the old woman and Chen Afu laugh.

Once she returned home, Chen Afu went to the kitchen to check on the tub full of garlic sprouts. They had almost grown to a height of twenty centimeters, lush and green, spreading a refreshing scent.

The previous tub of garlic sprouts could no longer be harvested after the third time, so she planted a fresh batch. She had also applied a bit of Yan Poop as a fertilizer, using a very small amount this time, just about the size of an eye booger, she diluted it with water and poured it into the tub.

Although these garlic sprouts did not grow as fast or smell as aromatic as the first batch, they were significantly more fragrant than regular ones. The result that Chen Afu desired was this, slightly fragrant yet not over the top.

She planned to save these precious items for Lunar New Year, to be eaten when the Chu’s grandfather and grandson duo visited. Being the younger of the family who was sheltered by the others, she had to take care of their tastes by all possible means.

Thinking of the two bowls of Yan Poop, she felt tremendously excited. She planned to use these fertilizers in the watermelon field in order to yield melons earlier and earn more money. That piece of land was barren. After Lunar New Year, she’d have Xue Dagui and Chu Xiaoniu lead people to reclaim it. Although the land wasn’t fertile, with the enhancement of the Yan Poop, it’d be hard for it not to turn fertile.

She planned to germinate the watermelon seeds in early February, and plant them at the end of February or early March. Planting them early could harvest two crops. Additionally, the three acres land in Xiangluo Village would also be used to plant watermelons after the winter wheat was harvested.

And then there was the 200-acre rice field. After harvesting rapeseeds in March, rice was to be sown in early April. At that point, she would have Zeng Shuang and Chen Ming go to Laohuai Village in Zhongning County to get the seedlings that she would provide...

Once she had enough money, she’d buy more fields, and sow them with high-quality seeds she had cultivated... Whether doing business or selling designs, her ultimate goal was to buy more fields. She wanted to use her cheat code, the space, to produce excellent seeds for large-scale promotion. Not only would it make her rich, but it would also benefit the people.

Thinking about her future agricultural empire, she was secretly rejoicing.

Dabao saw his mother smiling and walking into the west wing, he asked, "Mom, what has made you so happy?"

Before Chen Afu could respond, Hui Hui jumped in and said, "Mom’s made more silver." This was Dabao’s voice.

Chen Afu was in a good mood today and laughed, "Well, it’s pretty much that, getting ready to make more silver."

Qi Qi added, "Look how silly you are." This was Chen Afu’s voice.

Chen Afu was in a great mood, she chuckled a few times and did not scold Qi Qi.

The next day was the 29th of the last month of the lunar calendar. Chen Afu asked Aunt Mu to prepare herself and Dabao’s brunch - they would return home for lunch. According to Mrs. Wei, Tang Garden would prepare brunch for Marquis Chu and Chu Lingxuan today, so they might arrive at Tang Garden around midday.

Today was the last day of work before the long holiday. After spending half the day playing with the children, Chen Afu led Dabao and Zhui Feng back home instead of having lunch. Qi Qi and Hui Hui, being gluttonous and playful, decided to stay at Tang Garden for free food.

Knowing that her great-grandfather and father were coming back today, Chu Hanyan, even though she was reluctant to part with her Aunt and Dabao, obediently let them leave and did not loiter. She only asked to be walked to the door.

This demand was not too excessive, so Chen Afu, holding Dabao in one hand and little lady in the other, walked towards the door.

Today, Tang Garden was decorated very festively. Red lanterns hung from the trees and corridors, and some places were also adorned with red silk and colorful lights.

As they were exiting Jiao Gate, they saw a team of carriages and horses approaching them from the south. It seemed that Marquis Chu and Chu Lingxuan had returned.

Chen Afu released the small lady’s hand and said, "Your grandfather and daddy are back, you have to behave well."

"Okay." The little lady agreed quite readily.

Seeing her eagerness for praise, Chen Afu complimented the little lady a few more times. Watching her smile contentedly with her lips pursed, Chen Afu then proceeded towards Lu Garden with Dabao.

Returning home, she saw that Lu Garden had also been decorated joyously. Couplets and paper-cuts had been put up on the doors and windows, and red lanterns hung from the entrance and the corridors.

Seeing her home like this, Chen Afu felt heartwarmingly contented.

In the late afternoon, Chen Afu, Mrs. Wang, and Chen Ming had just prepared the gifts for the old lady and the Da room (older generation) for Lunar New Year, when Mrs. Wei rushed in. Her face flushed from running, she said, "Afu, my lord and his grandson, as well as his eldest son, will be coming over for dinner tonight, you should begin preparations."

Three, who the heaven is this third one?

Chen Afu asked, "What would they like to eat? Hotpot?"

Mrs. Wei said, "Hotpot would be too troublesome and take too long to eat. My lord will have to hurry back to the Capital City for the New Year after dinner. So please just prepare a few exquisite dishes to accompany the drinks, and it’d be best if they could start having dinner at evening. My lord also said, you should make more gold wire cakes. These pastries are soft and easy to digest. They are a hit with our lady and the children in the manor."

Listening to this, Chen Afu thought, they really saw her as their kitchen manager rather than a needlework master. She already thought it was strange that they would send gifts for the New Year. They actually saw her as their own kitchen and warehouse!

While thinking this, she had to agree promptly.