MTLNOVEL Chapter 1411 - 1411: Strange
Chapter 1411: Strange
Editor: Henyee Translations
Shao Yunduan pondered her attempts to please him and felt that his intuition might be accurate, after all.
Upon hearing Shao Yunduan’s thoughts, Qiao Xuan decided not to dwell on it. She responded with a smile, “No need to overthink it. Since he’s here, let’s welcome him warmly. We can reciprocate with a generous gift when he gets married!”
They had already accepted the gift, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to return it. Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan were aware that a wealthy individual like Zhao Shu wouldn’t be troubled by two hundred thousand silver taels.
He wasn’t hurt by this gift; otherwise, he wouldn’t have accepted it.
Surprisingly, it seemed that Zhao Shu was quite eager to give gifts. The next day and the day after, Aunt Qing visited with gifts, either as valuable as the previous ones or items purchased in the capital.
On the first day, they brought exquisite treats from Jinxiang Restaurant and top-grade swiftlet nests. The second day, they gifted eighteen types of candied fruits and a box of sea cucumbers and abalones.
Qiao Xuan began to feel that their politeness was excessive, and she intended to decline the gifts. However, Aunt Qing, with a friendly smile, insisted that the gifts were of little value and it would be impolite not to accept them. Thus, Qiao Xuan had no choice but to accept.
Shao Yunduan became increasingly convinced that Zhao Shu had a hidden agenda. He decided to wait and see what he had in store.
On the day of Zhao Shu’s visit, Qiao Xuan prepared a lavish meal, including a seafood feast, chicken and turtle casserole, longan duck soup, steamed ham, winter bamboo shoots with buns, and stir-fried pea shoots. While it appeared to be a simple home-cooked meal, she had invested significant effort and used high-quality ingredients. Cooking a pot of premium soup alone required a multitude of delicacies.
Each dish was carefully prepared, whetting the appetite.
It was evident that they had gone to great lengths to make the meal special.
“Madame Shao’s culinary skills are truly exceptional! We’re in for a treat today!” Zhao Shu praised.
Qiao Xuan playfully responded, “I haven’t even tasted it yet, and Young Master Zhao is already singing my praises. Don’t be disappointed!”
Zhao Shu chuckled, “No, no! It looks delicious, so it must be really delicious!”
Qiao Xuan couldn’t help but laugh.
With no outsiders present and a limited number of people, there was no need for formalities. The three of them sat down at the table, and Shao Yunduan, as the host, took the initiative to invite everyone to start the meal.
Zhao Shu was courteous and appreciative, responding appropriately and savoring the meal.
After the meal, they enjoyed tea and chatted in a warm room with a heated brick bed and a large fire basin. The cozy ambiance dispelled the cold chill of early spring.
Zhao Shu appeared distracted, as if he had something to say. Even Qiao Xuan sensed that something was amiss.
Shao Yunduan found it amusing. What was going through this man’s mind? Why was he struggling so much?
If he continued to hesitate like this, he might never find the words to say.
Regardless of the topic, Shao Yunduan wanted to get to the bottom of it. After all, they were business partners, and he and his wife were soon departing for Qingdi. He needed Zhao Shu to oversee their affairs, so there shouldn’t be any reservations.
Although he had connections with the East Palace, Shao Yunduan wasn’t audacious enough to request the Crown Prince’s involvement in their family business. Even if he were to seek assistance from the Crown Prince and it was granted, he would still delegate the management of the business to the palace stewards.