Rebirth of the Innkeeper's Wife: She's Not to Be Messed With

Chapter 21 Persimmon Products

At that time, Chongyang handed the ice pack to Xu Yan, who took it and carefully pressed it onto her face.

I noticed Xu Yan's actions and reassured her, "Don't worry, it won't affect your future relationships."

Xu Yan glanced at me, then ignored me, focusing intently on reducing the swelling and relieving the pain.

Chongyang stared intently at Xu Yan's movements, wishing he could do it himself. He felt guilty for not expecting that Xu Yan's older brother would be hit.

"Chongyang, have you picked all the persimmons from the tree?" Chongyang stared straight at Xu Yan, making both of them uncomfortable, and a strange smell filled the air.

I almost started to doubt the relationship between these two people!

Chongyang answered in a low voice, but his gaze remained unchanged, "Sister Yuechu, except for a few persimmons left on the tree, they've basically all been picked!"

I glanced at the persimmons Xu Yan hadn't finished on the table and said casually, "Didn't you want to thank the aunties next door for teaching you how to cook? Take the persimmons over first, and we can talk about it when you get back."

"Okay, Sister Yuechu, I'll go now!" Chongyang picked up the persimmons that had been packed at the door and walked steadily toward the next room.

Xu Yan craned her neck to watch Chongyang walk away, then winced and cried out in pain, "Boss lady, your apprentice's skills are so good, he almost sent me to my death."

I pushed the teacup full of tea towards Xu Yan and casually remarked, "Is it really that exaggerated? He's just a kid, he can't be as strong as you're making him out to be." Chongyang probably went easy on him! Otherwise, you might need to see an orthopedic doctor.

Xu Yan clearly hadn't expected me to defend Chongyang so much. Her tea sloshed slightly as she reminded me, "Boss lady, don't underestimate your position as a lowly worker. You're not someone to be underestimated. You might not be able to handle the trouble you cause in the future!"

“Since he’s from my inn, he’ll naturally be different from before. I don’t care what you’ve figured out, just shut your mouth.” I noticed Xu Yan’s unusual behavior, remained silent, and said with a normal expression.

"Since the landlady has said so, Xu Yan is not an ungrateful person."

The sun was high in the afternoon, and the fish in the pond were looking for shade to hide in. The Double Ninth Festival was unbearably hot and humid, so I went back inside to change into a short-sleeved T-shirt and shorts.

I didn't feel the heat and continued to quietly enjoy my tea, while Xu Yan found a shady spot to practice her swordsmanship.

Wearing cool clothes, I felt refreshed and energetic on Double Ninth Festival. I noticed that Brother Xu Yan was so energetic even under the scorching sun. My mind raced and I remembered the basket of persimmons in the kitchen.

The weather is perfect for making persimmon cakes today. Chongyang leisurely walked over to where Xu Yan was practicing swordsmanship and asked with concern, "Brother Xu Yan, your face injury hasn't healed yet. Does your face hurt when you practice swordsmanship?"

After practicing the last move with fluid grace, Xu Yan stopped her sword practice, panting heavily, "This minor injury won't affect anything."

Chongyang lowered her eyes and whispered, "That's good."

Huh! What did you say? Can you say it again? I didn't hear you clearly.

Chongyang waved his hand dismissively, "Nothing." He said without a care, "Brother Xu Yan, do you use your hand strength when you practice swordsmanship? Don't you get tired of practicing swordsmanship day after day, year after year?"

"Practicing hand strength is a basic skill for beginners, and it's worth it for...for physical exercise," Xu Yan said casually, not wanting to reveal too much.

"Since we're both exercising, could you change your training location? I won't force you, just help me peel some persimmons. That way you won't have to find any props to exercise."

Chongyang thought that while helping others, he had also finished his own work! He gave himself a thumbs up for his cleverness.

Xu Yan cursed under her breath, but couldn't refute the reason she had just given herself. She was speechless with bitterness and reluctantly nodded.

Seeing that Brother Xu Yan had agreed, Chongyang skipped and hopped towards the kitchen.

Xu Yan felt a mix of emotions, a bitter taste that was hard to describe. She was supposed to practice swordsmanship, not peel skin! Besides, no one had ever dared to ask her to do any work.

His hand involuntarily gripped the sword hilt tightly, and with a few swishes, the bamboo leaves above the bamboo grove scattered like dancing butterflies.

Seeing this, Huan Yuechu was furious. She gathered her strength in her palm, and the bamboo leaves that were floating everywhere instantly gathered and spun in mid-air.

Suddenly, with a whoosh, Xu Yan was completely engulfed by the swirling bamboo leaves, as if she had disappeared into this green ocean.

I glared at Xu Yan, my voice icy and chilling, "I don't care what your reason is, you better clean this up, or else..."

Xu Yan was stunned by this action and immediately admitted defeat. She hurriedly shook off the bamboo leaves stuck to her body and said aggrievedly, "Do you believe me if I say I didn't do it on purpose?"

I finished the tea in my teacup, slowly put it down, and said with a stern face, "Whether you did it intentionally or unintentionally, my patience is limited."

Xu Yanxin got to work before she even started, cleaning up with lightning speed. She wiped the sweat from her brow and put the tools back in their place.

Since I was free anyway, I went to the kitchen to see if Chongyang needed any help. Seeing how enthusiastic I was, Xu Yan didn't dare to complain at all and immediately followed me around happily.

Chongyang caught a glimpse of me in the kitchen and immediately waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need any help.

"Chongyang, you don't think we're just causing trouble, do you? Besides, wouldn't it be faster if we did it together? Who knows, we might even get to eat some different persimmons today!"

Chongyang was washing persimmons at the moment. He raised his eyes slightly, pursed his lips, and said, "Sister Yuechu, actually I'm not very good at it either." He thought to himself that he didn't want Sister Yuechu's help because he was afraid of losing face.

Seeing Chongyang's uncertain expression, I encouraged him, "It's alright, you already know a lot of methods! Let's try it out."

Seeing how much I trusted him, Chongyang enthusiastically explained the procedure to us.

"First, we need to wash the persimmons thoroughly and then cut them into small pieces. Next, put some of the persimmon pieces into a steamer and steam them until cooked, then make persimmon puree."

Xu Yan raised her hand and said she would be in charge of washing the persimmons, while I would be in charge of cutting them into pieces. Chongyang would be in charge of mashing the steamed persimmons into a puree, then adding sugar and cornstarch and cooking until thickened. Everyone was busy and having a great time.

After successfully making the persimmon jam, Chongyang regained his confidence. "The other part was used to make persimmon wine. Persimmon pieces and sugar were put into a large glass bottle and left to ferment naturally."

When making persimmon cakes, Xu Yan peeled the persimmons, while I placed them in a sunny place to dry.

Soon after, the sweet aroma of persimmons filled the entire courtyard.

We savored the persimmon products we made ourselves and felt the joy of the harvest.

After a busy day, we sat in the courtyard, enjoying the cool breeze and gazing at the starry sky.

The countless stars in the sky do their utmost to combine their tiny rays of light, creating a dazzling night sky.

Just like everyone has their own pursuits, everyone is pursuing what they want deep down.

At this moment, Xu Yan looked at me with a hesitant gaze. I pretended not to notice, but I knew immediately that it was not a good thing. I continued to admire the beautiful starry sky.