GBP Chapter 305 Shopping
Chapter 305 Shopping
Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow on the study floor.
Choi Ji-ho sat upright in the study, his focused expression seemingly oblivious to everything around him.
He skillfully manipulated the abacus with one hand, the beads clanging crisply, while his other hand held a brush, quickly recording data in the ledger.
The room was extremely quiet, with only the sound of the abacus and the scratching of the pen on the paper.
At this moment, Cui Jiu, carrying tea and snacks, carefully pushed open the door and entered.
"Young master, please rest for a while!" Cui Jiu said softly, his voice full of concern.
These days, he felt very sorry for his son, who was so busy with business.
Choi Ji-ho listened to the advice and got up, stretching his stiff and weak hands and feet. Maintaining one posture for a long time made his body a little sore.
"Cui Jiu, is Miss Shi finished with her work?" he asked while stretching his body.
In this unfamiliar capital city, Shi Wanxia took good care of him, and he always kept that in mind.
Cui Jiu handed the teacup to the young master and quickly replied.
"Replying to your question, young master, not yet!"
He watched as the young master took a sip of tea, then remembered something important and quickly said, "Young master, the master and madam have brought you some silver, books, antiques, calligraphy and paintings, as well as maids and servants. Please make your decision."
Upon hearing this, Cui Zhihao frowned slightly, put down his teacup, and fell into deep thought.
He knew that although these things and people were his parents' good intentions, they were now in a tricky situation.
He couldn't stay at the mansion and cause trouble, since he was temporarily residing there under Miss Shi's protection.
Moreover, Miss Shi is easygoing, confident, and composed, and strongly resists the conventional notion of hierarchy.
I had heard Ms. Shi say before that all people are born equal and there should not be too many distinctions between classes.
If I were to rashly leave these maids and servants in the mansion, it would not only disrupt the existing peace of the mansion, but it might also displease Miss Shi.
With this in mind, Choi Ji-ho had already made up his mind.
"Cui Jiu, go and make arrangements to find a suitable house outside the manor and settle these people there."
"Leave the silver and books, and keep the antiques and paintings safe. We'll deal with them when the opportunity arises," he said methodically.
Cui Jiu nodded in agreement and was about to leave when Cui Zhihao added, "This matter must be handled properly. Don't disturb the people in the manor, and don't cause any trouble for Miss Shi."
"Yes, young master, I will certainly do it well," Cui Jiu replied respectfully, then turned and left the study.
Choi Ji-ho walked to the window, looked at the courtyard outside, and was filled with emotion.
During his time in the capital, he experienced a different way of life and cherished his friendship with Shi Wanxia even more.
He secretly resolved to work hard to run his business, not to let Miss Shi down, and not to cause her any trouble because of his own affairs.
Sunlight bathed him, outlining his resolute features. He took a deep breath, turned back to his desk, and continued his busy work, both for the future and to live up to this precious friendship.
"Brother Cui, I'm coming in!"
Outside the door, Shi Wanxia's clear voice rang out like a silver bell, carrying a touch of liveliness and joy.
Cui Zhihao was organizing accounts in his study when he heard the sound. He quickly got up, straightened his clothes, and hurried to the door.
"Miss Shi, are you done with your work?"
Choi Ji-ho smiled, his eyes filled with concern.
He looked at Shi Wanxia and saw that her face was full of smiles, as bright and dazzling as the summer sun. In an instant, the study seemed to brighten up a bit.
Choi Ji-ho couldn't help but sigh inwardly. What man wouldn't be attracted to such a woman, so genuine and full of energy?
"Brother Cui, I'm done with my work, don't worry!"
Shi Wanxia walked into the study with light steps and her words were full of pride.
She was overjoyed. She had been studying day and night, neglecting sleep and meals, and finally succeeded in fulfilling His Majesty's request and extracting refined salt.
As long as we inform His Majesty of this matter tomorrow, Brother Cui's arranged marriage can be smoothly rejected.
In her heart, Choi Ji-ho was a rare confidant, and she did not want to see him fall into trouble because of an unwilling arranged marriage.
"Then I'll go for a walk with you. You haven't been out in a long time."
Choi Ji-ho suggested, his voice gentle, like a spring breeze, making people feel exceptionally comfortable.
During this time, Shi Wanxia devoted herself to refining salt and hardly ever left the house. He thought he would take her out to relax.
Shi Wanxia's eyes lit up, and she readily agreed: "Great! I was just thinking of going for a stroll in the streets!"
The two walked out of the study side by side and crossed the courtyard. The flowers and plants in the courtyard swayed gently in the breeze, as if they too were happy for their journey.
Once outside the mansion gate, the streets were bustling with activity.
The street is lined with shops selling all kinds of goods, and the sounds of vendors calling out their wares rise and fall.
There are jewelry stores that sell all kinds of exquisite ornaments. Gold and silver hairpins and rings are displayed at the entrance of the stores, shimmering in the sunlight.
There were also pastry shops with fragrant aromas wafting out, and the shop assistants stood at the door, enthusiastically greeting customers.
Shi Wanxia was like a cheerful little bird, flitting among the crowd, looking at this stall for a while and touching that item for a while.
She stopped in front of a sugar figurine stall, staring at the lifelike sugar figures with a face full of curiosity.
"Brother Cui, look how beautiful this sugar figurine is! I loved eating it when I was little," she said with a smile, a hint of childlike innocence in her eyes.
Choi Ji-ho looked at her and laughed too.
He took out a few coins, bought two sugar figurines, and handed one to Shi Wanxia: "Here, have a taste."
Shi Wanxia took the sugar figurine, took a small bite, and the sweet taste spread in her mouth. She squinted her eyes in satisfaction.
The two continued walking and passed a cloth shop.
Shi Wanxia's eyes were drawn to a piece of light blue silk, which was soft in texture and had a warm luster.
"Brother Cui, this fabric is so beautiful. It would make a really nice garment." She gently stroked the silk, her eyes full of delight.
Seeing that she liked it, Cui Zhihao said to the shopkeeper, "Shopkeeper, please wrap up this piece of silk."
Shi Wanxia quickly waved her hand, "No, no, it's too expensive, I'm just looking." Cui Zhihao insisted, "If you like it, that's fine. Consider it my way of thanking you for your help during this time." Shi Wanxia couldn't refuse him, so she blushed and accepted it.
Before we knew it, dusk was falling, and the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the streets in a golden light.
The two walked back slowly, their hands full of goodies.
Along the way, they chatted and laughed, sharing their thoughts and experiences.
Shi Wanxia talked about the interesting stories and difficulties in the process of refining salt, while Cui Zhihao shared some new ideas about business.
Back at her residence, Shi Wanxia was still immersed in the joy of shopping.
She knew there were important things to do tomorrow, but at this moment, being able to spend time with Choi Ji-ho so easily made her feel incredibly comfortable.
Looking at Shi Wanxia's happy face, Cui Zhihao silently hoped that in the future, no matter what they encountered, they could accompany each other and face it together like they did today.