122. Gift Giving, Chief Attendant

Having grown up without ever traveling far from home, she felt a certain longing for the outside world, even if it was just the countryside.

Turning to her, Jiang Min said despondently, "My parents certainly won't agree."

She was the one who usually handled all the household chores; if she went to the countryside for a few days, who would do the work? Her mother, for one, would never allow it.

"As long as you are willing, leave your parents to me," Jing Qingxin said directly.

Jiang Min nodded repeatedly, smiling as she replied, "Yes, okay!"

Jing Qingxin stood up to pack some things. She took out some "Peach Blossom Cakes" and wrapped ten pieces each in three separate sheets of oil paper. She dared not pack more; although she had more in her space, she could only claim that these thirty pieces were meant for the journey home.

Next, Jing Qingxin specifically took out a small brocade pouch containing a red garnet necklace. The red garnet, shaped like a water droplet and accented with gold-edged patterns, looked elegant and simple. The true red hue was also well-suited to Chen Mei’s temperament.

The three packages of "Peach Blossom Cakes" were intended for Teacher Zhao, the Zeng family, and the Jiang family respectively. Since they all shared close and familiar relationships, giving some pastries to foster those bonds was nothing out of the ordinary—it was just the way of human social interaction.

As for the red garnet necklace, Jing Qingxin intended it for Zeng Lin’s wife. After all, Zeng Lin had been the one to step up and help with the household registration matters. Even though Gao Shen had a good relationship with him, one couldn't afford to wear out a favor too thin. Besides, she had a good impression of their family of three.

Thinking of Jiang’s mother, He Xiaohua, and her temperament, Jing Qingxin realized that if she didn't offer a little sweetness, the woman likely wouldn't soften her stance. Such people were the easiest to deal with; it was those who were selfless, deep-thinking, and firm that one had to fear.

Jing Qingxin took out a purple crystal necklace, which was said to improve memory and stabilize emotions, and also carried the connotation of bestowing deep love upon a couple.

Back when she and her best friend Han Zhen were obsessed with crystal jewelry, Jing Qingxin had collected nearly every color, each with its own symbolic meaning. Although purple didn't quite suit He Xiaohua’s disposition, its meaning was relatively appropriate. As for the tea-colored, yellow, and green crystals, she wasn't willing to give those to He Xiaohua, as they were meant to attract wealth and good fortune.

As for the black or white crystals, Jing Qingxin suspected He Xiaohua would lack the taste to appreciate them and might even think the gift was insincere, which would be a waste of the crystals. Most women tended to prefer vibrant colors for jewelry, so to ensure her gift had some perceived value, a purple crystal necklace was the best choice.

The chains were made of sterling silver, which wasn't too flashy.

After packing, Jing Qingxin gathered her things and returned to the main hall with Jiang Min. By this time, the others had finished eating and drinking, and the sky outside had turned completely dark.

"I really have you two to thank tonight! By recognizing such a clever and capable daughter, I, old Zhao, have truly satisfied my cravings!" Teacher Zhao said with a hearty laugh.

"That's right, sister-in-law's cooking is top-notch!" Zeng Lin laughed, giving a thumbs-up to show his full praise and approval.

Chen Mei also smiled and praised, "Indeed, it’s even better than the state-run restaurants! Gao Shen is truly a lucky man!"

Little Zeng Aijun looked at his parents. Although he didn't fully understand, he knew one thing clearly: they were saying the food was delicious. He immediately rushed toward Jing Qingxin as she entered, hugged her leg, and said in a milky voice, "Auntie~, yummy!"

The child’s innocent words made everyone laugh. Even though the expression wasn't complete, it didn't hinder anyone’s understanding.

"You rascal! Such a little glutton~" Seeing her son’s fawning behavior, Chen Mei couldn't help but roll her eyes with a smile.

Jing Qingxin looked at the boy hugging her leg and said softly, "Alright, Auntie has something delicious right here. Let go of my leg, and I’ll give it to you."

Little Zeng Aijun immediately released his chubby hands and trotted happily after Jing Qingxin to the wooden cabinet.

Jing Qingxin placed the oil-paper-wrapped "Peach Blossom Cakes" on the cabinet, took out one piece, and handed it to him. Little Zeng Aijun politely said thank you before happily running back to his mother’s side, looking quite proud.

The other child in the room, Jiang Dongliang, pouted, his eyes fixed on the pastry in Zeng Aijun’s hand. He knew exactly how delicious those cakes were! He had eaten one before the meal and regretted that there weren't more. He could still savor the taste.

He was very unhappy that the woman had only given it to the chubby boy and not him. Jiang Dongliang glared, his face drooping to show his displeasure.

Jing Qingxin didn't pay much attention to it. Had she noticed Jiang Dongliang’s little mood, she would only have chuckled: who told him Zeng Aijun was more likable?

Jing Qingxin handed a package of cakes to Uncle Zhao. Since Zhao Qingwen had been involved in education and literature, everyone was used to calling him "Teacher," but tonight, after the adoption banquet and given the deep friendship between Teacher Zhao and the Zhang Liangping couple, Jing Qingxin followed their lead and called him Uncle Zhao.

"Uncle Zhao, these are 'Peach Blossom Cakes.' Gao Shen and I didn't prepare much for this trip, so please accept this small token to take home." Jing Qingxin said with a smile.

"Alright, I won't stand on ceremony! I hadn't quite tasted enough of these cakes earlier!" Zhao Qingwen accepted them with a smile. He was very satisfied with the daughter that his good friends, the Zhangs, had adopted and was happy for them—perhaps it was a comfort for their old age. Unbidden, thoughts of his own son and daughter-in-law brought a wave of bitterness to his heart.

Jing Qingxin then handed another package to the Jiang family, specifically to He Xiaohua. "Auntie, this package is for your family. Just a small gesture."

Seeing that they had one too, He Xiaohua smiled and said, "Oh, niece, you are too kind!"

Jiang Dongliang, seeing this, immediately snatched the oil-paper package from his mother's hands, opened it, took a bite of a cake, and looked toward the chubby boy, as if triumphantly saying: Look, I have one too!

"Auntie, I wanted to discuss something with you," Jing Qingxin said with a smile.

He Xiaohua frowned slightly before asking, "What is it?"

"Gao Shen and I are holding our wedding banquet in a few days. I’d like Xiao Min to return to Da-Jing Village with us tomorrow to be my bridesmaid," Jing Qingxin said calmly.

"Bridesmaid?" He Xiaohua asked, puzzled. What was that?

Jing Qingxin paused, realizing that "bridesmaid" might not be a common term for weddings in this era. What did they call them back then? She quickly searched her memory for the historical records she had read.

In an instant, Jing Qingxin smiled and replied, "Oh, a bridesmaid is what you call a wedding attendant!"