Chapter 130 - 130: The Tong Family Has a Big Secret
Tong Tiehu glanced at him, snorted, “He’s all grown up, and I still have to coddle him? Go read your books, stay out of these trivial matters.”
“I’ll go and bring back my second brother,” suggested Tong Sanlang, wanting to head towards the door.
“Your parents will definitely bring him back tomorrow, you don’t need to worry,” Tong Tiehu relaxed his tone, “If you don’t want to study, then go prepare that bean sprout dish, taste Xiaomai’s new recipe.”
“Also, when you go to the Qiao’s tomorrow, mention that we would like Xiaomai to cater for the banquet next month.”
The matter was set with Qiao Xiaomai, but informing her through Qiao Dami seemed too informal, Tong Sanlang was required to personally relay the message.
Tong Sanlang paused in his step, “Alright.”
Madam Qian, who had been silent all along, couldn’t help but voice her thoughts, “You really want that girl to cook? She’s never been in charge of a kitchen.” There’s also her mother who has a bad reputation, this is a joyous occasion for a sixtieth birthday, why spoil the mood with bad influences?
“The food she cooks tastes good. Her mother used to be in charge, but she has always been assisting, she should be familiar with everything required, so it’s settled,” Tong Tiehu waved his large hand dismissively, pointing to Madam Qian, “You go rest, Sanlang will take care of dinner.”
This unpredictable factor of Qiao Xiaomai, who knows what she will bring, it’s best to get closer to her.
Madam Qian, used to Tong Tiehu’s unilateral decisions, grumbled a bit and went to rest.
Only Tong Tiehu and Tong Sanlang were left in the courtyard.
Tong Tiehu headed towards the kitchen, “I’ll start the fire.”
Tong Sanlang followed, “What would you like to eat, Grandpa?”
“That bean sprout dish; 1 want to taste this new recipe.”
“Dami said that she sells these bean sprouts for a penny per jin.”
Tong Sanlang washed his hands and started cleaning the bean sprouts.
Tong Tiehu took a seat by the stove, stuffed some stalks into the stove, lit a flame, and said, “The recipe for this bean sprout dish is likely simple.”
“I believe she has other ways to make money.”
“There’s no rush, we just need to keep an eye on her since she’s residing in our Anping Village.”
Tong Sanlang was quiet for a moment, “I think she… means no harm, right?”
“We can’t lower our guard, especially on our territory, we cannot afford any mistakes.”
“She has that strange divine power, if she did something behind closed doors, we wouldn’t have a clue.”
Tong Tiehu fell silent this time, and after a while, he sighed, “If only we knew this earlier, we would have allocated that piece of land to someone else.”
“Should we consider relocating in secrecy?” Tong Sanlang suggested.
“Where to? Forget about it, we shouldn’t startle the snake in the grass.” Tong Tiehu shook his head.
Tong Sanlang fell silent again.
“Dami and Qiao Changshun are trustworthy, try to get to know them better,” suggested Tong Tiehu.
Qiao Xiaomai’s ability and background were unknown, and what could happen was even more uncertain.
Apart from being vigilant, he really had no better solution.
“Alright,” Tong Sanlang replied.
The topic concluded, and Tong Sanlang started to talk about other things, with Tong Tiehu occasionally responding.
The next day, after breakfast, Tong Sanlang went to Qiao Xiaomai’s house.
Knocking on the door, it was promptly opened.
“Oh, it’s Brother Tong, come in!”
Qiao Dami opened the door and, upon seeing Tong Sanlang, excitedly took his hand and led him into the courtyard, “Brother Tong, we are just having a meal, you should come and taste the food my sister cooked; it’s delicious!”
Tong Sanlang curved his lips into a smile, “Alright.”
Qiao Xiaomai stood at the kitchen door, looking at the handsome young man before her, forcing a smile onto her face, “Brother Sanlang is here.”
“Yes, my grandfather is celebrating his sixtieth birthday banquet next month, and he would like to invite you to cook. 1 am here today to discuss the menu with you,” Tong Sanlang stated his intentions succinctly.
Just coming to notify her wouldn’t allow him to get closer.
Under the guise of discussing the menu, he could justify staying longer..